The Top Physicist Interview Questions to Prepare For

Interviewing for a physics-related job or graduate program? You’ll need to brush up on your physics knowledge and prepare to answer some common physics interview questions, Knowing what topics and concepts to study can help you feel much more confident when sitting across from the interviewer

In this article we’ll look at some of the most frequently asked physics interview questions along with tips for how to best prepare your answers. Read on to get the inside scoop on how to ace your next physics interview!

Why Physics Questions Matter in Interviews

Physics interviews aren’t just about testing your raw science knowledge from textbooks. In addition to checking your grasp of key theories and concepts, physics interviewers want to get a sense of how you think through problems, how you apply your knowledge, and how you communicate complex scientific ideas.

They’re looking for applicants who are passionate about physics, up-to-date on the latest discoveries and technology, and able to explain complicated topics in a clear, understandable way. Strong answers require being able to draw connections between different areas of physics and real-world examples

To put it another way, physics interview questions show how good you are at physics and how good you could be as a scientist, researcher, or teacher. Preparing quality answers, even to questions on fundamental topics, is time well spent.

6 Common Physics Interview Questions

While physics interviews vary based on the specific job or program, here are some of the physics questions that come up most frequently:

1. Explain the meaning and significance of quantum physics.

The study of how matter and energy behave at the subatomic level is called quantum physics, which is also called quantum mechanics or quantum theory. It includes ideas like wave-particle duality, which says that subatomic particles can behave like both particles and waves.

People who are interviewing you might ask you to explain ideas like quantum superposition or Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. You will need to talk about how quantum physics expanded on and questioned classical Newtonian physics, leading to discoveries like quantum tunneling and quantum entanglement. Stress how quantum theory has made it possible for revolutionary technologies like the MRI, laser, and transistor to exist.

2. Describe thermal conductivity.

Thermal conductivity refers to a material’s ability to conduct heat. Metals tend to have high thermal conductivity, meaning they quickly transfer heat energy through the material. Insulators like plastic, wood, and rubber have low thermal conductivity.

In your answer, you could relate thermal conductivity to atomic structure and how free electrons transport thermal energy. Draw connections to the thermal conductivity coefficient and the heat equation. Give examples of how we apply knowledge of a material’s thermal conductivity in real-world applications and technologies.

3. Explain Newton’s laws of motion.

Newton’s three laws of motion describe the relationships between forces and the motion of objects. The first law says that objects remain at rest or stay in motion unless acted on by an external force. The second law gives the calculation for force equaling mass times acceleration. The third law expresses the idea that every force results in an equal and opposite reaction force.

Your answer should demonstrate a solid grasp of each law and how they build upon each other. Use examples to illustrate the concepts. You might even relate Newton’s laws to more recent physics like relativity theory and quantum mechanics.

4. What is an alloy?

An alloy is a material composed of two or more metals or metals combined with other elements. Adding alloying elements modifies the properties of the base metal, often making it harder, stronger, more resistant to corrosion, or giving it other desirable qualities.

In your answer, provide examples of common alloys like steel, brass, bronze, and sterling silver. Discuss how engineers can design alloys with specific properties for different applications and technologies. Show your general understanding of materials science concepts.

5. What do you understand by the term dark matter?

Dark matter refers to the hypothetical form of matter believed to make up around 85% of the universe’s total mass. Unlike ordinary visible matter, dark matter does not absorb, reflect, or emit light. Astronomers have not directly observed dark matter, but they infer its existence based on gravitational effects on stars and galaxies.

In your response, you might outline the evidence for dark matter and discuss different theories about what it could be made of, such as WIMPs. Convey your level of familiarity with cosmology concepts and the continuing mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

6. Describe a photon’s properties.

Photons are particles representing discrete packets of light and other electromagnetic radiation. As the carrier of the electromagnetic force, photons have zero mass but travel at the speed of light. Photons carry energy and momentum based on their wavelength or frequency.

In your answer, you could relate photons to Planck’s law and the concept of wave-particle duality. Discuss how photons interact with matter through absorption, emission, scattering, and more. Outline how our understandings of the photon have developed over time.

Tips for Preparing Physics Answers

• Review key theories and formulas. Refresh yourself on essential physics laws, principles, equations, and definitions so these basic building blocks are ready to call upon.

• Read up on new advances. Check physics journals and publications to familiarize yourself with the latest discoveries and emerging research in your field. This shows your interest and passion.

• Practice explaining concepts. Explain physics ideas out loud to a friend or in front of a mirror. Strive for clear, simple language a non-physicist could grasp.

• Use vivid examples. Illustrate your points with thought-provoking examples, analogies, diagrams, and stories to aid understanding and help concepts stick.

• Connect topics together. Demonstrate your ability to synthesize relationships between different areas of physics and real-world applications.

• Ask practice questions. Rehearse answers to commonly asked physics interview questions so you aren’t caught off guard.

With diligent preparation and practice, you’ll feel ready to tackle any physics question that comes your way! Use these tips to polish answers that showcase your skills and physics acumen.

Questions about Research and Experiments

If you’re applying for research-focused positions, you can expect more technical questions probing your hands-on physics knowledge and laboratory experiences. Be prepared to answer questions like:

• Walk me through your undergraduate physics research project. What hypothesis did you test and what methods did you use?

• Describe an experiment or measurement technique you are highly familiar with. What physics principles did it demonstrate?

• What laboratory skills and experience do you have with X equipment (e.g. electron microscopes, particle accelerators, lasers)?

• What physics topics or research areas most interest you? Why?

• Which of our current research projects appeals to you the most and why?

• What ideas do you have for physics experiments or areas to investigate?

For research interview questions, don’t just recite the abstract of a paper you contributed to. Share the motivation behind the research, your specific role, the nuts and bolts of the experimental setup and process, the data collection and analysis, results, and conclusions. Use vivid details to convey your thought process and highlight your skills.

Physics Education Interview Questions

Physics graduates applying for teaching positions should be ready for education-focused questions like:

• How would you teach a challenging physics concept like quantum entanglement to high school students?

• What active learning strategies do you incorporate into physics lessons?

• How do you leverage technology in the classroom to aid physics instruction?

• How do you make physics engaging and relatable for students who may be intimidated by it?

• How would you help students apply classroom physics concepts to real-world situations?

• What methods do you use to gauge student comprehension in physics?

For education interviews, emphasize your passion for teaching physics, your commitment to student learning, and hands-on examples of effective teaching strategies you’ve used. Share ideas for overcoming common student misconceptions and struggles with physics.

Questions About You and Your Goals

Physics interviews, especially for graduate school admission, will also probe your general background, interests, and goals with questions like:

• Why do you want to study physics? When did you first become interested in it?

• Who are your favorite physicists and what draws you to their work?

• How do you envision using your physics degree? What are your career goals?

• What unique experiences, viewpoints, or skills would you bring to our program?

• What specific research projects or opportunities interest you in our department?

• Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

Here, interviewers want to understand what motivates you and how earning this degree will further your aims. Be genuine, speak with enthusiasm, and tie your interests to the specific program or position. Let your passion for physics shine through.

Practicing Aloud Is Key

The best way to prepare for a physics interview is to practice answering likely questions aloud. The act of producing detailed explanations out loud will sharpen your knowledge and help polish your verbal communication skills.

Practice explaining physics concepts clearly, striving to teach it to a listener without a physics background. Work on tying principles together into a coherent narrative, not just presenting disjointed facts.

Record your practice answers on video so you can review your body language, tone, and speaking pace. Refine your explanations over time. With enough rehearsal answering physics