HESI A2 Physics Section: Do You Need It and How to Study
By Maria Santos, M.Ed. Β· Updated March 24, 2026
Physics is rarely required by nursing programs, but if yours does, focus on Newton's Laws of Motion, basic kinematics (velocity and acceleration), and simple thermodynamics. Most schools skip this section entirely.
The HESI A2 Physics section catches many students off guard β most don't even know it exists until they check their school's requirements. This guide tells you whether you actually need it, what's on it, and the fastest path to a passing score.
Do You Actually Need the Physics Section?
The short answer: probably not, but check. The HESI A2 is modular β each nursing school selects which sections applicants must complete. Most ADN and BSN programs require:
Unless you are applying to a very specific, highly competitive BSN or Radiology program, almost no nursing schools require the HESI Physics section. I've had pre-nursing students waste two months pulling their hair out over kinematics equations, only to realize their ADN program only tested A&P and Math. Verify your exact requirements with admissions before you look at a single physics formula.
- Math
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Anatomy & Physiology
Physics is most commonly required by:
- Competitive BSN programs at research universities
- Accelerated BSN programs
- Some health science programs (radiology, physical therapy, etc.)
- Schools that use the HESI for general science admissions
What's on the HESI A2 Physics Section?
The section has 25 multiple-choice questions with a 25-minute time limit. Here's what to expect:
1. Motion and Kinematics
- Speed, velocity, and acceleration: Calculating each using v = d/t and a = Ξv/t
- Distance vs. displacement: Understanding the difference (scalar vs. vector)
- Interpreting motion graphs (position-time, velocity-time)
2. Newton's Laws of Motion
- First Law (Inertia): An object stays at rest or in motion unless acted on by a force
- Second Law (F = ma): Force equals mass times acceleration
- Third Law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction
- Applying Newton's laws to everyday scenarios (pushing boxes, car acceleration, etc.)
3. Energy and Work
- Kinetic energy: KE = Β½mvΒ² (energy of motion)
- Potential energy: PE = mgh (stored energy due to position)
- Work: W = F Γ d (force applied over a distance)
- Power: P = W/t (rate of doing work)
- Conservation of energy β energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed
4. Waves and Sound
- Properties of waves: wavelength, frequency, amplitude, speed
- Wave equation: v = fΞ»
- Sound vs. light waves (mechanical vs. electromagnetic)
- The Doppler effect
5. Light and Optics
- Reflection and refraction
- Concave vs. convex lenses and mirrors
- The electromagnetic spectrum (radio β microwave β infrared β visible β UV β X-ray β gamma)
6. Electricity Basics
- Ohm's Law: V = IR (voltage = current Γ resistance)
- Conductors vs. insulators
- Series vs. parallel circuits (basic understanding)
- Static electricity and charge
7. Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation
- Temperature scales: Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin
- Specific heat and thermal equilibrium
Essential Formulas to Know
| Concept | Formula | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | v = d / t | Distance divided by time |
| Acceleration | a = Ξv / t | Change in velocity over time |
| Force | F = m Γ a | Mass times acceleration |
| Work | W = F Γ d | Force applied over distance |
| Power | P = W / t | Work done per unit time |
| Kinetic Energy | KE = Β½mvΒ² | Energy of motion |
| Potential Energy | PE = mgh | Stored gravitational energy |
| Ohm's Law | V = I Γ R | Voltage = current Γ resistance |
How to Study: The 2-Week Plan
Most students can prepare for HESI Physics in about two weeks with focused daily study:
- Week 1: Learn or review the seven topic areas above. Spend 30β45 minutes per day, one topic per day. Use YouTube videos for visual concepts (Khan Academy's physics playlist is excellent).
- Week 2: Practice problems and formula application. Focus on plugging values into formulas, unit conversions, and solving word problems. Take at least two timed 25-question practice quizzes.