HESI Physics Test Overview

The Physics section of the HESI A2 exam is the least commonly required section on the entire exam. Most nursing programs do not require it, and even among allied health programs it is relatively rare. It tends to appear most often in technically oriented programs such as radiologic technology, nuclear medicine, sonography, and other imaging disciplines — fields where physics concepts have direct professional relevance. Before investing any preparation time in this section, confirm carefully with your specific programs whether Physics is actually required. For the majority of HESI test-takers, it will not be. That said, for those who do need it, here is a thorough overview of what to expect.

Purpose and Context

Physics explains the physical forces and principles that govern the natural world — and by extension, many of the technologies and procedures used in healthcare. Understanding concepts like energy, electricity, and the behavior of waves and radiation is particularly relevant in fields that involve imaging equipment, radiation therapy, and diagnostic technology. The HESI Physics section ensures that students entering these technically demanding programs have the foundational physical science knowledge needed to engage with their coursework.

Test Format

The Physics section typically consists of 25 questions allotted in approximately 25 minutes. It is computer-based and entirely multiple choice. As with the other science sections, the low question count means each item carries significant weight. The section covers a broad range of physics concepts at an introductory level — comparable to a high school or entry-level college physics course.

Topics and Skills Assessed

Scientific Notation and Measurement Physics relies heavily on very large and very small numbers, making scientific notation an essential tool. You should be comfortable converting between standard and scientific notation and understanding the metric system and its prefixes. Basic concepts of measurement, significant figures, and units are also relevant here.

Motion and Mechanics This is one of the foundational areas of introductory physics. You should understand the concepts of distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration, and how they relate to one another. Newton’s three laws of motion are central to this topic — the law of inertia, the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (F = ma), and the principle of action and reaction. Basic kinematics — describing the motion of objects mathematically — may also appear.

Forces and Gravity Building on Newton’s laws, questions in this area cover the concept of force, how forces interact, and the role of gravity. You should understand gravitational force, free fall, and the factors that determine the strength of gravitational attraction between objects. Friction — both static and kinetic — and how it affects motion is also a component of this topic.

Energy, Work, and Power You should understand the definitions of work (force applied over a distance), energy, and power (the rate at which work is done). The two primary forms of mechanical energy — kinetic energy and potential energy — and the law of conservation of energy are important concepts. Questions may ask you to calculate or compare these quantities in straightforward scenarios.

Momentum and Impulse Momentum — the product of an object’s mass and velocity — and the concept of impulse appear in this section. You should understand the law of conservation of momentum and how it applies to collisions. The distinction between elastic and inelastic collisions may also be tested.

Waves and Sound This topic covers the basic properties of waves — amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave speed — and the relationship between them. You should understand the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves, and sound as an example of a longitudinal wave. Concepts like reflection, refraction, and the Doppler effect may appear, the latter being particularly relevant in sonography programs.

Light and Optics Questions here cover the behavior of light, including reflection, refraction, and the electromagnetic spectrum. You should understand how lenses and mirrors work at a basic level, and be familiar with the visible light spectrum and how it relates to the broader range of electromagnetic radiation. The concept of the speed of light and how light interacts with different materials is also relevant.

Electricity and Magnetism This is one of the more clinically and technically relevant topics on the Physics section. You should understand basic concepts of electric charge, current, voltage, and resistance, and how they relate to one another through Ohm’s Law (V = IR). Series and parallel circuits, and how current and voltage behave differently in each, are commonly tested. Basic concepts of magnetism and the relationship between electricity and magnetic fields may also appear.

Atomic and Nuclear Physics Some questions address the structure of the atom from a physics perspective — including the behavior of electrons and the concept of energy levels. Radioactivity, types of radiation (alpha, beta, and gamma), and the concept of half-life overlap with the Chemistry section and are particularly relevant for students in radiation-related programs. Basic concepts of nuclear fission and fusion may also appear at a conceptual level.

Thermodynamics and Heat This topic covers the nature of heat and temperature, the mechanisms of heat transfer — conduction, convection, and radiation — and the basic laws of thermodynamics. You should understand the relationship between heat and energy, and how thermal energy moves between objects and systems.

Scoring

The Physics section is scored on the same 0–100% scale as all other HESI A2 sections, with most programs requiring a minimum of 75%. The 25-question format makes every correct answer especially impactful, and the breadth of topics covered means that well-rounded preparation is more valuable than deep focus on any single area.

How It Compares to Other Sections

Physics is widely considered the most challenging section on the HESI A2, particularly for students who have never taken a formal physics course. The concepts are more abstract than those in Biology or A&P, and many questions require mathematical reasoning in addition to conceptual understanding. That said, the HESI Physics section is introductory in scope — it does not involve advanced calculus or highly complex problem-solving — and students who approach it with focused preparation and a willingness to engage with the underlying concepts can perform well.

Preparation Tips

Take stock of your physics background first. If you have never taken a physics course, budget significantly more preparation time for this section than you would for others. A brief introductory physics course or a comprehensive online resource may be worth working through before turning to HESI-specific materials.

Master the foundational formulas. Unlike some other HESI sections where conceptual understanding alone is sufficient, Physics questions often require you to apply equations. Prioritize key formulas — F = ma, V = IR, kinetic energy, and wave speed relationships — and practice using them in straightforward problem scenarios.

Focus on Newton’s laws and energy concepts. These topics form the backbone of introductory physics and are among the most heavily represented on the exam. A strong grasp of mechanics will carry you through a significant portion of the test.

Connect physics to healthcare technology. Wherever possible, link physics concepts to their real-world applications in healthcare — how ultrasound uses wave properties, how electrical circuits relate to medical equipment, how radiation concepts apply to imaging. These connections deepen understanding and make abstract concepts more memorable.

Use the official Elsevier HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review. This guide provides the most exam-accurate practice questions available and is the most targeted preparation resource for this section.

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Overall, the HESI Physics section is the most specialized and least commonly required part of the HESI A2. For the small number of students who do need it, early and consistent preparation — grounded in genuine conceptual understanding and supported by formula practice — is the surest path to a strong score.