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Can the ones who take PHYSICS P62 give us some info.

C

chocolate brown ooooh

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oh...ok good luck...here are some tips

GENERAL RULES FOR DOING PHYSICS EXAM PAPERS
  1. Read all of the parts of a question before answering it.
  2. Pay attention to the number of marks on offer (eg for 3 marks, you must say at least three things).
  3. 1 mark questions saying 'State' or 'Recall' require short, simple answers.
  4. Learn all definitions and formulas word-for-word.
  5. Give enough detail in your answers. State the obvious eg a force is a push or a pull.
  6. Show that you can use Physics vocabulary whenever you can.
  7. Note the action words in the question (and answer accordingly): State; Explain; Complete; Describe; Use (the graph); Suggest; Evaluate
  8. Part questions are usually on a single topic eg the answer to part (a) feeds into (b).
  9. Stay aware of the time (1 mark per minute). If you get stuck, move on and return if you have time at the end.
  10. Don't be afraid to physically act out the electromagnetism hand rules in the exam.
  11. Never leave a question blank. If nothing else, write down relevant formulas or definitions.
  12. As you finish a question, quickly re-read your answer to make sure it makes sense.
  13. Don't leave early. Check and re-check your answers.
  14. After the exam, don't waste time discussing your answers. Look ahead to the next paper.

Calculations: always show your working: there are many marks for this even if the answer is wrong.
These are the stages: Formula - Rearrange - Information - Substitute - Calculate - Answer - Unit
Underline: Show your final answer clearly highlighting or underlining.
Significant figures: There are marks for getting this right. Every answer should be given to the correct number of sf (the same sf as the numbers given in the question). eg 5.2*9.8 = 51 (2 sf). It is a good idea to state the sf to show that you know about it.
Equations: if you are asked to write one down, use words not just symbols.
Rounding: if you are asked to show a quantity is 'approximately equal to' a given value, show the rounding step: eg 8.7A (rounded to 9A).
Prefixes: convert units such as kN (kilo-newtons) and mA (milli-amperes) by multiplying or dividing by 1000.
Assumptions: many formulas can only be used with particular assumptions eg a fixed mass of gas or temperature is kept constant etc.
Common-sense: consider whether numerical answers make sense eg a person of mass 5.0 or 500 kg is not likely.

Graphs are often marked for the following features:
  • Size (more than 50% of the graph paper)
  • Axis (label quantity and unit; numbers evenly spaced)
  • Plotting (usually 2 marks for accuracy of points). Mark points with small dots.
  • Line of best fit (don't join the dots; don't force it through the origin; only draw a straight line if it looks straight; and if it is straight, use a ruler).
  • Anomalies can be identified as points far from the line of best fit.

Calculating gradient: actually draw the rise-run triangle (make it large). Use measurements of the triangle for the calculation, NOT values from the coordinates. A gradient has a unit.

Proportional quantities: state that a relationship is proportional or linear if A = kB, but not if A = kB + C or if A = kB2. Example: "kinetic energy increases with velocity, but the KE-v graph is non-linear (KE is prop. to v squared)".

Questions about experimental skills
Method: describe all the steps in the right order.
Quantities: give the number and unit (in a table, unit is in the heading).
Repeat readings. The reasons for this are:
  • make the result more reliable (gives the same result each time);
  • to find a mean value;
  • to spot anomalies.
Scales: read them with your eye level with the reading (avoid parallax error).
Zero error: make sure the ruler or meter starts at zero.
Apparatus: learn the names eg measuring cylinder; ray box; ticker-timer; air-track; stand and clamp etc

Examples of Safety precautions
Weights must not fall on toes.
Hot objects must be carried with insulating handles.
Fasten clamp stands to the bench.
Protect eyes from stretched wires; liquids; flying objects.
Lab-coats protect skin and clothes from chemicals and hot materials.
Electricity supplies should be low voltage.
Mop up water if it is spilled.
Radioactive materials must be stored inside lead containers and handled with forceps.
Avoid damage to apparatus (don't exceed limits for elasticity/ current/ temperature/ force etc).

Variables
Independent variable is the one which you choose to change. You can make decisions about the range and number of values. It should be the leftmost column in a table and the horizontal axis on a graph.
Dependent variable is the one which you measure. This is the variable you average when there are repetitions.
Controlled variables are the ones you keep constant to ensure a fair test.

Evaluating conclusions
Precision - this means how many significant figures are used in a measurement. (eg 0.25s has a precision of 0.01s). It can be useful to estimate the precision as a percentage of the reading (eg here it is 4%)
Accuracy - this means how close to the true value the result is.
Reliability - whether a result can be repeated.

Improvements
Reaction time - this can adversely affect measurements of time (add 0.1s). To reduce it, use electronic timing or measurelonger times.
For oscillations, measure several and divide to find time period which will reduce effect of reaction time.
To improve precision you can use a scale with smaller divisions.
Repeat measurement (consider if it is appropriate in each situation).
Does the question require improvement in the method (same apparatus used differently) or equipment (same method, different instruments)?

Explanations
When explaining, give reasons.
Use labelled diagrams if it helps you to explain something.
Mention all of the relevant physics vocabulary.
When explaining a quantity, consider the relevant formulas: eg pressure depends force exerted on an area.
In questions about kinetic theory, talk about particles.

Diagrams
Use a ruler and pencil. Don't rush. Draw large and clearly.
For magnetic fields, the lines must show the direction, form complete loops and NEVER cross nor touch.
In light diagrams, draw the normal and arrows on the rays. Light travels into the eye.
In electric circuits, show conventional current.
 
C

chocolate brown ooooh

Messages
58
Reaction score
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28
more........this is ESPECIALLY FOR PAPER 6
And you'll do fine for paper 6 learn all the 5 topics experiments precautions.

Physics laboratory safety precautions / rules:

* Live wires should not be touched.

* Hot Objects should not be touched with barren hands instead of that gloves should be used the most common process is heating of water in thermodynamic experiments.
* Circuit connections should be checked and approved by the teacher and then only the circuit should be switched ON.
* While changing components of the circuit the power should be switched so that one should not experience electric shocks.
* Safety spectacles, gloves and other safety components should be used while handling experiments.
* While handling a mercury thermometer one should take of the mercury spills.
* No other laboratory instruments should be touched or handled which is not involved in the course of experiments.
micrometer : can measure the thickness of any small thing to 0.01 mm
vernier : can measure the inner and outer wall of anything to 1.05mm
Control Variables
Precautions
Units ( eg.. voltage is V etc. ) cause the units hold 1 mark of the question
Statements & justification
The rest are calculations and measurements
To produce more accurate or reliable results:
• Repeat experiment, to calculate average reading.
• Avoiding parallax error, look perpendicular to the ruler.
• If accuracy in measurement was asked, check for zero error.
Improvements that could be done to the experiment (temp. cooling):
• Same initial temperature.
• Same volume of water.
• Same shape of beaker.
• Beakers of same surface.
• Same room temperature.
• Stirring the water in the beakers.
• Same time intervals.
• Same surface area. (Unless given different containers)
• Adding water or cooling effect at regular intervals.
Heat loss could be reduced by:
• Insulation of beaker.
• Covering beaker with a lid.
For 2 values to be directly proportional,
• The graph of the values must be a straight line from the origin.
• As value 1 increase, value 2 increases.

For images produced from lenses on screens, precautions taken:
• Use of a darkened room for the experiment.
• Avoiding parallax error in measurement, and look perpendicular to the ruler.
• Object and lens at the same height from bench.
• Object/lens/screen is perpendicular to the bench.
To draw an image created from lens:
• Inverted from the original object.
• Sides are multiplied by the magnification.
*If values have difference by 0.1 or 0.01, that is the limit of experimental accuracy, so answers are about the same.
For spring extension experiment, variables that should be constant in the experiment:
• Number of coils.
• Diameter of spring.
• Selection of loads.
• Mass of spring.
micrometer : can measure the thickness of any small thing to 0.01 mm
vernier : can measure the inner and outer wall of anything to 1.05mm
Control Variables
Precautions
Units ( eg.. voltage is V etc. ) cause the units hold 1 mark of the question
Statements & justification
The rest are calculations and measurements
To produce more accurate or reliable results:
• Repeat experiment, to calculate average reading.
• Avoiding parallax error, look perpendicular to the ruler.
• If accuracy in measurement was asked, check for zero error.
Improvements that could be done to the experiment (temp. cooling):
• Same initial temperature.
• Same volume of water.
• Same shape of beaker.
• Beakers of same surface.
• Same room temperature.
• Stirring the water in the beakers.
• Same time intervals.
• Same surface area. (Unless given different containers)
• Adding water or cooling effect at regular intervals.
Heat loss could be reduced by:
• Insulation of beaker.
• Covering beaker with a lid.
For 2 values to be directly proportional,
• The graph of the values must be a straight line from the origin.
• As value 1 increase, value 2 increases.
For images produced from lenses on screens, precautions taken:
• Use of a darkened room for the experiment.
• Avoiding parallax error in measurement, and look perpendicular to the ruler.
• Object and lens at the same height from bench.
• Object/lens/screen is perpendicular to the bench.
To draw an image created from lens:
• Inverted from the original object.
• Sides are multiplied by the magnification.
*If values have difference by 0.1 or 0.01, that is the limit of experimental accuracy, so answers are about the same.
For spring extension experiment, variables that should be constant in the experiment:
• Number of coils.
• Diameter of spring.
• Selection of loads.
• Mass of spring.
for improving the accuracy of the results (for experiments):
Minimizing heating effect of a current:
• Lower current
• Increase voltage
• Add a lamp
• Increase resistance of a resistor
To increase accuracy of ray diagrams
• View bases of pins since pins may not be vertical
• Keep pins further apart
• Use more pins
• Avoid parallax, explain action and reason
• Repeats and average
Adjustments made to experiments will be made to increase accuracy
Improvement made to experiments about heating effect and insulation
• Lids
• Repeats
• Stirring
• Record max. Temperature
• Add insulation
• Keep constant room temperature
• Avoid heat loss
How to check if a rule is vertical:
• Protractor
• Use of set square
• Plumb line
• Spirit Level
Precautions taken in experiments about formation of images by a lens
• Use a darkened area
• Meter ruler on bench or clamped
• Object and lens same height on bench
• Mark on lens holder to show center of lens
• Take more readings
• Avoid parallax error, explain action and reason
• Lens\screen perpendicular to bench
Variables in experiments about springs and stretching effect:
• Number of coils
• Length of spring
• Diameter\thickness of spring or wire
• Range of loads
• Length of wire
• Coil spring
Sources of error in calculating circumference by string method:
• Parallax
• Diagonal winding
• Thickness of string
Improvement made to calculating circumference by string method
• Avoid parallax error
• Repeats and average
• Thinner string
• Parallel winding of springs
It's not the BEST list in the world, but hopefully it will help...
Control Variables
Precautions
Units ( eg.. voltage is V etc. ) cause the units hold 1 mark of the question
 
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