Physics and Chemistry
Physics and Chemistry MCQs Practice: A Strategy for 40 Questions Each
Physics and Chemistry are 40 MCQs each in a 150-question paper. Get a weekly plan, numerical practice tips and time strategy for both subjects. Try it now.
·4 min read·Usman Ubaid
Overview
Physics and Chemistry each make up 40 questions, or 26.7% of a 150-question paper. Together that is 80 questions, more than half the paper. They are often grouped as the "hard subjects," but they are hard in very different ways, and a single study method will not suit both.
This guide breaks down how to practice each one, how to balance them across a week, and how to manage time between them inside the paper. Test both subjects under timed conditions at /nums.
Understanding the difference between the two subjects
| Feature | Physics | Chemistry |
|---|---|---|
| Main skill | Reasoning and formula application | Recall plus calculation |
| Time per question | Longer | Mixed: quick recall, slower numericals |
| Biggest risk | Misusing a formula or unit | Forgetting exceptions and reactions |
| Best practice | Daily numericals | Short frequent revision plus calculations |
The Physics practice plan
1. Learn the concept before the formula
A formula without understanding is easy to misapply. Ask what each variable means and what happens when you change it.
2. Keep a one-page formula sheet per chapter
List every formula with units and conditions of use. Review it daily for a few minutes.
3. Solve numericals every day
Even 10 to 15 problems daily builds speed. Start untimed, then add a timer.
4. Control your units
Many wrong answers come from mixed units. Convert everything at the start.
5. Estimate before you calculate
Guess the rough size of the answer first. This catches silly errors and helps eliminate options.
6. Draw the situation
A quick diagram clarifies directions, forces and relationships in most mechanics and electricity problems.
The Chemistry practice plan
Organic chemistry
Learn reaction types and mechanisms instead of isolated reactions. Draw them repeatedly until you can reproduce them without help.
Inorganic chemistry
Use tables for trends, properties and exceptions. Revise in short, frequent sessions, since this section depends on memory.
Physical chemistry
Practice calculations on moles, equilibrium and solutions with full step-by-step working until the method feels automatic.
Balancing both in one week
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Mon | Physics concept plus 15 numericals |
| Tue | Chemistry memory topics plus 20 MCQs |
| Wed | Physics numericals under a timer |
| Thu | Chemistry numericals plus reaction revision |
| Fri | Mixed set: 20 Physics and 20 Chemistry MCQs |
| Sat | Review mistakes, update formula and reaction sheets |
| Sun | Rest or light review |
Time strategy inside the paper
Physics numericals usually take longer than Chemistry recall questions. Answer the straightforward Chemistry MCQs quickly and use the saved time for Physics. If a numerical looks like it needs more than two minutes, mark it and return in your second pass. The three-pass approach is explained in our full length mock test guide.
Common mistakes
- Memorizing formulas without practicing their application
- Skipping organic chemistry because it feels difficult
- Ignoring units and significant figures
- Practicing only easy questions to feel good
- Never revisiting problems you got wrong
Track each subject separately
After every test, record accuracy and time for Physics and Chemistry individually. A strong Chemistry score can hide a weak Physics score inside your total. Separate tracking shows you where to focus. Use the seven-step approach in how to analyze mock test results to make sense of the numbers.
Practice format and exam guidance
The 150-MCQ paper on our /nums section is a practice format designed for training. Always check your official exam notice for the real paper pattern, marking scheme and timing.
The current NUMS mock on DIFF. uses a 180-minute timer and interleaves subjects. Shorter timing examples in this guide are optional training targets. Check the official exam notice for your exam’s requirements.
FAQ
Common questions
Which is harder, Physics or Chemistry?
It depends on the student. Physics is reasoning-heavy and Chemistry is memory-heavy in many areas, so judge by your own results.
How many numericals should I practice daily?
Ten to twenty with a full review is a solid starting point.
Should I study both on the same day?
Yes. Alternating helps you practice switching between subjects, which you must do in a full paper.
How do I memorize organic reactions?
Group them by reaction type, draw them from memory, and revise on a spaced schedule.
How long should 40 Physics questions take?
A common target is 45 to 50 minutes in a 150-question paper, but adjust to your own pace and your real exam timing.