Question 1
If and , what is the value of ?
OAT format: tests, questions and timing
The OAT is 230 multiple-choice questions in four timed tests, in this order: the Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning. An optional 30-minute break comes after Reading Comprehension.
| Survey of the Natural Sciences | 100 questions in 90 minutes: Biology 40, General Chemistry 30, Organic Chemistry 30 |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 50 questions in 60 minutes, three passages |
| Optional break | 30 minutes, after Reading Comprehension |
| Physics | 40 questions in 50 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 questions in 45 minutes, on-screen calculator |
Survey of the Natural Sciences
Biology (40 questions) covers cell and molecular biology, the diversity of life, the structure and function of body systems, genetics, and evolution and ecology. General Chemistry (30) runs from stoichiometry, gases and solutions to equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, redox, atomic structure, periodic properties, nuclear reactions and the laboratory. Organic Chemistry (30) covers mechanisms, synthesis, acid-base chemistry, the properties of molecules including spectroscopy and lab technique, and structural evaluation. The three share one 90-minute clock.
Physics
- Units and vectors, and motion in a line.
- Statics and dynamics: forces in balance and in motion.
- Rotational motion, energy and momentum.
- Simple harmonic motion, waves and fluid statics.
- Thermodynamics and thermal energy.
- Electrostatics and D.C. circuits.
- Optics: mirrors, lenses and light.
Reading and Quantitative Reasoning
Reading Comprehension has three passages on scientific topics; you do not need to know the topic beforehand. Quantitative Reasoning covers algebra, data analysis and sufficiency, quantitative comparison, probability and statistics, and applied word problems.
The on-screen calculator is in Quantitative Reasoning only, so physics arithmetic is done by hand.
Try 2 questions
Question 2
(R)-2-Bromobutane is treated with sodium cyanide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). What is the major product?
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Questions people ask
How many questions are on the OAT?
230: 100 in the Survey of the Natural Sciences, 50 in Reading Comprehension, 40 in Physics and 40 in Quantitative Reasoning.
How long is the OAT?
The four tests take 4 hours 5 minutes, with an optional 30-minute break after Reading Comprehension.
Is there a calculator on the OAT?
Yes, an on-screen calculator in Quantitative Reasoning only. Physics has no calculator.
Does the OAT test physics?
Yes. Physics is its own test: 40 questions in 50 minutes.