Thanks to Mr Duffy for the above work.
Category: Revision
Perfect Answers to Revise
Check out this list of nearly 200 perfect answers from common questions taken from SG, Int 1, Int 2 and N5 Marking instructions. Why not work with some friend and make up some flashcards and see who can get most right in a given time.
| Question | Response |
|---|---|
| State the purpose of the fuse fitted in the plug of an appliance. | stops too large a current OR prevents wiring overheating OR protect wiring (from damage) |
| Explain in terms of electron flow what is meant by alternating current. | direction of electron (flow) (continually) changing back and forth/to and fro |
| What happens to the power when the when R added in parallel? | (power dissipated is) greater/increased/higher (combined/parallel/total) resistance less voltage across motor is greater/increased OR current (in motor) is greater/increased |
| Using the kinetic model, explain what happens to the pressure of the air inside the pump as its volume decreases. | (individual) particles collide with container/walls more frequently (than before) (overall) force (on walls) is greater pressure increases |
| Suggest how the accuracy of the frequency determined by the student could be improved. | measure the time for more waves to pass OR count the number of waves in a longer period of time OR repeat (the measurement) and average |
| State what is meant by an activity of 80 kBq. | 80 000 (nuclei) decay(s) per unit time |
| Explain how a single reaction can lead to the continuous generation of energy. | neutrons can go on to cause further (fission) reactions/split more (uranium) nuclei causing a chain reaction/this process repeats |
| Use of NUCLEAR RADIATION | any suitable use (eg treating cancer/tracers/ sterilisation/smoke detectors/ measuring thickness of paper) |
| Describe how the upward force exerted by the weightlifter on the barbell compares to the weight of the barbell. | (The forces are) equal (in size) and opposite (in direction). |
| State a suitable detector of visible light | photographic film |
| State the speed of the radio waves. | 3.00 ´ 10 8 ms -1 |
| State what is meant by the term gamma rays. | High frequency (or short wavelength) electromagnetic radiation |
| The radioactive source must be stored in a lead-lined container. Explain why a lead-lined container should be used. | Lead can absorb (some of) the gamma rays |
| State the annual effective dose limit for the radiation worker. | 20 mSv |
| Explain why the phone receives a signal at X but not at Y. | The waves from the transmitter will diffract over the hill to reach X but will not diffract enough to reach Y |
| Using the kinetic model, explain the increase in the pressure of the gas in the syringe as its volume decreases. | As volume decreases, the particles of gas will strike the piston of the syringe more often Since P= F/A , this results in an increased pressure |
| Explain how the graph confirms that Xis directly proportional to Y. | The line of best fit is a straight line which passes through the origin |
| Explain how this [ LDR Mosfet ] circuit works | Light level increases, LDR resistance decreases LDR resistance decreases, voltage across R increases Voltage across R increases, MOSFET switches the motor on |
| State how the frequency of microwave radiation compares to the frequency of infrared radiation. | (Microwave radiation has a) smaller (frequency than infra-red radiation) |
| State whether the orbital period of the ISS in its highest orbit will be less than, the same as, or greater than the orbital period calculated in part (d) (i). | (Orbital period will be) greater |
| Explain, in terms of forces, how the parachutes reduce the speed of the Module. | Upward force is increased (by parachutes) producing an unbalanced force upwards |
| Explain why these Modules burn up on re-entry into the atmosphere. | Force of friction is created on the surface of the modules causes heat to be produced |
| Explain why in hilly regions you can receive radio but not TV signals | Radio waves are longer in wavelentgh than TV waves and longer waves diffract more than waves with a shorter wavelength |
| State the speed of microwave signals in air | 3 x 10⁸ m/s or 300,000,000m/s |
| What is meant by the term geostationary | Orbits at 36000km above the equator OR same period as earth |
| State a reason for a commercial motor using field coils instead of permenant magnets | Motor has a smaller mass OR field can be controlled OR can be used in AC/DC OR can be switched off |
| State a reason for a commercial motor using a multi section commuter instead of a single commuter | Motor is more powerful OR turns more smoothly |
| A student has an eye defect. An object close to the students eye appears focoused but a distant object appears blurred. What name is given to this eye defect? | Myopia or short sight |
| State what is meant by thr term ionisation | When an atom gains negative charge OR when an atom loses negative charge. OR when an atoms gains electrons OR when at atom loses electrons |
| State the unit of equivalent dose | sieverts/Sv OR mSv |
| Suggest a suitable output that will illuminate the warning display (on a car) | LED |
| Explain in terms of forces, why seatbelts are used in cars | The driver will continue to travel at a constant speed until the seatbelt applies an unbalanced force to stop the driver |
| The temperature outside the car is measured with an electronic thermometer and displayed on a screen. What input device could be used in the electronic thermometer?_x000D_ | OR gate |
| State what is meant by gravitational field strength | Weight per unit mass |
| Which radiation in the EM spectrum has the shortest wavelength | Gamma |
| State one detector of radio waves | Thermograms OR electronic thermometer |
| Describe how signals are transmitted along optical fibres. | (Light travels through the glassfibre.) Rays of light are(totally internally) reflected (inside the fibre) OR: “TIR” |
| State one advantage of using optical fibres rather than copper wires for transmitting signals. | Carry more information OR better signal quality |
| Explain why the mains switch must be connected to the live cable from the mains supply. | To switch off all circuits OR To isolate the consumer unit fuses and domestic circuits from the mains supply |
| State another difference between the ring circuit and the lighting_x000D_ circuit. | The lighting circuit uses thinner cable |
| State one advantage of using a ring circuit as a preferred method of wiring in parallel. | Two routes for current to flow/less (half) current in each branch OR Thinner cable/cheaper 1 Accept: Easier to add more sockets Less heating Less voltage drop DO NOT accept: Safer (unless qualified by “less current”) Less cable Any comparison with series circuit Less current per ring All sockets get 230 V |
| State one advantage of using a circuit breaker instead of a fuse. | Reusable/faster response time/ easily reset 1 Accept: Easier to tell if on or off ‘Trips’ at a smaller overload Fuse needs to be replaced Switches off “immediately” DO NOT accept: Cheaper |
| State one further safety precaution that should be taken by the teacher when handling the radioactive sources. | Use forceps/don’t point at eyes/ wear gloves etc |
| Describe one medical use of radiation where the radiation is used to destroy cells. | Instrument sterilisation/treatment of_x000D_ cancer |
| Explain how this circuit operates to activate the motor in the dryer when the light level falls below a certain value. | R of LDR increases (½) V across LDR increases_x000D_ (above 0·7V) (½)_x000D_ Transistor switches ON (½)_x000D_ Relay coil is energised_x000D_ (which closes the relay switch_x000D_ and activates the motor) (½) |
| Name a suitable output device that could be used in the alarm box to produce an audio output. | When one of the inputs_x000D_ (to gate X) is logic 0/OFF/_x000D_ LOW (½)_x000D_ The output (from gate X) is_x000D_ logic 0/OFF/LOW_x000D_ (½) |
| Explain, in terms of Newton’s Third Law, how the rocket engines propel the rocket upwards. | Engine/exhaust gases pushed down_x000D_ (A on B); gases push rocket up_x000D_ (B on A)_x000D_ |
| Explain why larger aircraft require a longer runway to land safely. | Aircraft has increased mass 1_x000D_ so has reduced deceleration 1_x000D_ OR_x000D_ Aircraft has increased kinetic energy 1_x000D_ w E = Fd (so if F is constant d is greater) 1 |
| Explain why these Modules burn up on re-entry into the atmosphere. | Force of friction is created on the_x000D_ surface of the modules 1_x000D_ causes heat to be produced 1 |
| Explain, in terms of forces, how the parachutes reduce the speed of the Module. | Upward force is increased (by_x000D_ parachutes) 1_x000D_ producing an unbalanced force_x000D_ upwards |
| Explain, in terms of its horizontal velocity and weight, how the ISS remains in orbit around the Earth. | The horizontal velocity of the ISS is_x000D_ large enough to ensure that it does_x000D_ not get closer to the Earth’s_x000D_ surface (or equivalent statement) 1_x000D_ The weight of the ISS is large_x000D_ enough to ensure that it does not_x000D_ move further away from the Earth’s_x000D_ surface (or equivalent statement) 1 |
| State how the frequency of microwave radiation compares to the frequency_x000D_ of infrared radiation. | (Microwave radiation has a) smaller_x000D_ (frequency than infra-red radiation) |
| The MOSFET switches on when the voltage across variable resistor R reaches 2·4 V. Explain how this circuit works to close the blind. | Light level increases, LDR_x000D_ resistance decreases 1_x000D_ LDR resistance decreases, voltage_x000D_ across R increases 1_x000D_ Voltage across R increases,_x000D_ MOSFET switches the motor on 1 |
| Explain why the actual time taken to make the ice will be longer than the time calculated in part (c) (i). | Heat will be taken in from the_x000D_ surroundings 1_x000D_ so the system will have additional_x000D_ heat to remove 1 |
| Using the kinetic model, explain the increase in the pressure of the gas in the syringe as its volume decreases. | As volume decreases, the particles_x000D_ of gas will strike the piston of the_x000D_ syringe more often 1_x000D_ Since P= F/A , this results in an_x000D_ increased pressure 1 |
| When carrying out the experiment, the student clamped the syringe rather than holding it in their hand._x000D_ Explain why this is better experimental practice. | Using a clamp will prevent heat_x000D_ from the student’s hand increasing_x000D_ the temperature of the gas in the_x000D_ syringe 1_x000D_ If the temperature of the gas in the_x000D_ syringe is not constant, the_x000D_ experiment would not be valid 1 |
| A second student suggests that replacing the short tubing between the syringe and the pressure sensor with one of longer length would improve the experiment._x000D_ Explain why this student’s suggestion is incorrect. | The suggestion is incorrect because_x000D_ the volume of air in the tubing is_x000D_ not being read from the scale on_x000D_ the syringe 1_x000D_ A longer length of tubing would_x000D_ increase the (systematic)_x000D_ uncertainty in the experiment 1 |
| The climber also carries a mobile phone. The climber notices that the phone receives a signal at X but not at Y._x000D_ Explain why the phone receives a signal at X but not at Y. | The waves from the transmitter will_x000D_ diffract over the hill to reach X 1_x000D_ but will not diffract enough to_x000D_ reach Y 1 |
| Explain why this method (half-life) could not be used to estimate the age of a tree that died 100 years ago. | The activity (of a sample from the tree)_x000D_ would not have reduced significantly/_x000D_ measurably in 100 years |
| Answer | Question |
| (As orbit is circular) direction changes / or unbalanced force exists so velocity changes . | Although the satellite travelled at a constant speed in a circular orbit, it accelerated continuously. Explain this statement._x000D_ |
| Car continues at a constant speed during this time. AB represents driver’s reaction time OR the forces are balanced (orequivalent). | Describe and explain the motion of the car between A and B. |
| Less than. Some heat is lost to surroundings. | Is the actual temperature change of the ball greater than, the same as or less than the value calculated in part (a)(ii)? You must explain your answer. |
| Answer= 3.42 This is greater than the 3W or labelled power rating (so it overheats). | During this experiment, the resistor becomes very hot and gives off smoke. Explain why this happens |
| No. In parallel the voltage is still the same/6V across each resistor so its power is the same | The student states that two of these resistors would not have overheated if they were connected together in parallel with the battery._x000D_ Is the student correct? explain your answer_x000D_ |
| As the temperature increases the resistance of thermistor RT decreases. What happens to the voltage across RT as the temperature increases? | Voltage falls/decreases |
| The temperature of RT now decreases. Will the lamp stay on or go off? You must explain your answer. | Temperature decreases, resistance increases, voltage drop increases to be >2.4V. Circuit switches on. |
| A student standing beside the apparatus observes the beeps and flashes happening at exactly the same time. Another student 88 m away does not observe them happening at the same time. | The speed of sound is less than the speed of light. |
| Optical fibres are used to carry internet data using infra-red radiation. Is the wavelength of infra-red radiation greater than, the same as, or less than the wavelength of visible light? | Greater |
| The diagram shows the path of the infra-red ray as it passes through a section of the fibre, name the effect shown. | Total Internal Reflection |
| More amplitude recieved at the microphone | Explain why using the curved reflector makes the sound detected by the_x000D_ microphone louder. |
| Short sightedness | The spy needs spectacles to see distant objects clearly._x000D_ What is the name given to this eye defect? |
| What type of lens is needed to correct this defect (short sightedness? | convcave |
| weapons, rocks, atmosphere | State two factors which can affect the background radiation level. |
| A type of electromagnetic radiation / wave/ ray. | The source emits gamma rays. State what is meant by a gamma ray. |
| The moderator slows neutrons. | In a nuclear reactor, state the purpose of:_x000D_ the moderator |
| The containment vessel prevents/reduces release of_x000D_ radiations OR radioactive gases OR radioactive substances etc. | the containment vessel. |
| Fission or Chain reaction. | What type of nuclear reaction takes place in a nuclear power station’ s reactor? |
| The accepted value for the density of air at this temperature is 1·29 kg m–3. Explain why the technician’s answer is different from the accepted value. | Not all the air will be evacuated from jar OR It is impossible to get a perfect vacuum OR Some air has leaked back in |
| Use the kinetic model to explain this change in pressure after removing air with the syringe. | Particles collide with walls of jar. Number of collisions on walls of jar is less frequent. Average force (on walls) decreases. Pressure on walls of jar decreases |
| Explain why the reading on the voltmeter has decreased | (Total) resistance decreases (circuit) current increases, lost volts increases |
| Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 200 µF. | 200 µC of charge increases voltage across plates by 1 volt OR 200 µC per volt OR One volt across the plates of the capacitor causes 200 µC of charge to be stored |
| The distance between the two foils is now increased and the experiment repeated. Explain why this gives a more accurate result for the acceleration due to gravity. | Percentage fractional uncertainty in measuring distance will be smaller OR percentage fractional fractional uncertainty in measuring time will be smaller |
| Explain why the output voltage Vo does not increase above 13 V. | output cannot be greater than approx 85% of the supply voltage OR saturation of the amplifier has been reached |
| Explain why the kinetic energy of the electrons is zero below the frequency f₀ | Photons with frequency below f₀ “because f₀ is threshold do not have enough energy to release electrons OR Photons with frequency below f₀ have energy smaller than work function |
| gamma radiation can penetrate the body OR as beta radiation cannot penetrate the body | Explain why Iodine-123 should be used as a tracer to diagnose problems in the thyroid gland. |
| (As temp increases,) input voltage to transistor increases (½) (above 0·7V) switching transistor on (½) Current in the (relay) coil (producing magnetic field). (½) (Relay) switch closes / activates, (½) (completing the bell circuit/ operating the bell). | Explain how the circuit operates to sound the bell when the temperature of the thermocouple reaches a certain value. |
| Energy is lost as sound OR heat (within the transformer coils/core.) | State one reason why transformers are not 100% efficient. |
| It moves with constant speed in the horizontal direction (1) while accelerating due to the force of gravity in the vertical direction (1) | The ISS orbits at a height of approximately 360 km above the Earth. Explain why the ISS stays in orbit around the Earth. |
| direction of electron (flow) (continually) changing back and forth/to and fro | The blender is connected to an alternating current (a.c.) supply. Explain in terms of electron flow what is meant by alternating current. |
| (power dissipated is) greater/increased/higher (1) (combined/parallel/total) resistance less (1) voltage across motor is greater/increased OR current (in motor) is greater/increased (1) | State the effect that closing switch S2 has on the power dissipated in the motor. Justify your answer. |
| (individual) particles collide with container/walls more frequently (than before) (1) (overall) force (on walls) is greater (1) pressure increases (1) | Using the kinetic model, explain what happens to the pressure of the air inside the pump as its volume decreases. |
| The rocket engine in a spacecraft burns fuel producing exhaust gases. Identify the Newton pair of forces | The spacecraft (or equivalent) pushes the exhaust gases (backward). The gases push the spacecraft (or equivalent ) ( forward.) |
| State the energy transformation in the filament lamp. | Electrical ---> light + heat |
| Filament lamps and LEDs are examples of output devices. Name one other output device. | Any suitable – heater, motor, (loud)speaker, relay, etc. |
| Explain in terms of electron flow what is meant by alternating current (a.c.). | The flow of electrons constantly changes direction |
| Explain why the guitar string induces an a.c. voltage. | The string changes direction (in the magnetic field.) |
| Name the effect used to transmit light through a glass optical fibre. | Total internal reflection |
| The worker wears a badge containing photographic film. Explain how this can indicate if the worker has been exposed to radiation. | Photographic film will) fog / darken (when exposed to radiation). |
| X-rays can cause ionisation. Explain what is meant by ionisation. | When an atom gains / loses (orbiting) electrons. |
| Use the kinetic model to explain what happens to the pressure of the gas as its temperature decreases. | as temperature decreases the particles slow down/lose Ek . strike the sides of the container less often. each collision less forceful/hard. pressure decreases. Reference must be clearly about the force of the individual particle collisions eg “the particles move more slowly and so strike the walls less often, meaning the force is less and so the pressure is less” |
| Using the terms electrons, holes and photons, explain how light is produced at the p-n junction of the LED. | (When the LED is forward biased) holes and electrons (re)combine (at the junction ) (of the LED) and photons (of light) are produced/emitted. |
| Explain why a spectrum is produced in the glass prism. | Different frequencies / colours are refracted through different angles OR different frequencies / colours have different refractive indices |
| State what is meant by the resultant of a number of forces. | A single force which will have the same effect as all the other forces |
| The parascender releases the rope and initially rises higher. Explain, in terms of the forces acting, why the parascender rises. | The vertical component of the force exerted by the parasail is greater than the weight of the parascender. |
| Explain what happens to the density of the trapped air when its temperature is increased. | remains the same neither the mass nor the volume have changed |
| Capacitors have an insulator between their plates. Explain why there is a current in the circuit during the charging process. | Electrons flow in all the wires because they are repelled from negative terminal of power supply to bottom/one plate of the capacitor and they are attracted off the top/other plate towards positive terminal of power supply |
| At the end of the run, the engine is switched off and parachutes attached to the car slow it down. Explain how the parachutes slow down the car. | Parachute creates friction (which acts in opposite direction to motion) |
| Explain the difference between conductors and insulators. | Conductors allow charges to move and insulators do not |
| Explain what a.c. and d.c. mean in terms of current. | a.c. − Current changes direction continuously (1) d.c. − Current is in one direction |
| Is the wavelength of the ultrasound in the tissue longer, shorter or the same as it is in air? Explain your answer. | Longer (1) frequency same but velocity greater |
| Which radioactive source should be used? You must explain your answer | Source X: (1) beta is required (owing to the range/some of it would be absorbed by the paper) (½) with a long half-life |
| Explain the function of the moderator | slows neutrons |
| In practice the acceleration is not constant. Give a reason for this. | Other forces will act on the plane, mass decrease |
| State the speed of ultrasonic waves in air | 340 m/s |
| What happens to the lost kinetic energy? | Turns into heat energy |
| State what is meant by the term voltage. | (The voltage of a supply is a measure of) the energy given to the charges in a circuit. |
| State how this affects the speed of the motor compared to Circuit 1. Explain your answer | The motor speed will reduce. The (combined) resistance (of the circuit) is now higher/current is lower. Voltage across motor is less Motor has less power |
| What is the purpose of component X in the circuit? | To act as a switch |
| What is the purpose of the variable resistor R in this circuit? | The variable resistor is to set the light level at which the transistor will switch on or to set the level at which the buzzer will sound |
| Light waves are transverse waves. Sound waves are longitudinal waves. Describe each type of wave in terms of vibrations. | With transverse waves the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel. With longitudinal waves the vibrations are in the same direction of travel. |
| State what is meant by a radiation weighting factor. | A measure of the biological effect of a radiation. |
| Disposal of some types of radioactive waste from nuclear reactors is particularly difficult. Give a reason for this difficulty. | Stays (highly) radioactive for a (very) long time |
| Another student carries out the same experiment using a flask of larger volume. Explain why this is a better design for the experiment | A flask of larger volume is better because this increases the mass and volume of air and used in the experiment. This should result in a smaller percentage error in the measurements of both mass and volume of the gas. This will in turn reduce the percentage error in the calculated density of air. |
| Use the kinetic model to explain what happens to the pressure of trapped air if its volume increases. | Pressure is caused by the gas particles exerting a force on the walls of the container. When the volume of the container decreases there is an increase in the collision rate, meaning that more force is exerted on the container walls. This increases the pressure as pressure is a measure of force per unit area (P = F/A). |
| What change could be made to this circuit to ensure that the same capacitor stores more energy | Increasing the supply voltage would increase the energy storing capacity of the capacitor. This is because the final voltage, across the fully charged capacitor, would be higher. |
| In a laser the light is produced by stimulated emission of radiation. Explain the term 'stimulated emission' by making reference to the energy levels in atoms | A high voltage or other energy source can be used to pump electrons up into higher energy states. For example, an electron can be pumped up to energy level (E2) and then fall into the metastable state E1, creating what is called an inverted population. A passing photon, having an energy equal to the energy gap E1 to E0 can encourage/stimulate an electron to drop from energy state E1 to E0 with the production of a photon in phase, with the same frequency and travelling parallel to the stimulating photon. Thereafter, photons produced by stimulated emission can cause further stimulated emission. This is the basis for stimulated emission and amplification. |
| The distance between the screen and the laser is now doubled. State how the radius of the spot now compares with the one shown in the diagram. You must justify your answer | The laser beam is non divergent. It does not spread out. This means the radius of the spot is a constant. |
| Two 15kg masses, X and Y, shaped as shown, are dropped through the same distance on two identical uncovered concrete pipes. When the masses hit the pipes, the masses are brought to rest in the same time. Which mass causes more damage to a pipe? Explain your answer in terms of pressure | Block X will cause more damage because the force, although the same for each block, is exerted over a smaller area. This results in more pressure applied to the pipe. Pressure = Force/Area |
| In the circuit above, the 20 ohm resistor is now replaced with a 10 ohm resistor. The intensity of light is unchanged. The following measurements re obtained.S closed =0.011V. S open= 0.508V. Explain why the reading on the voltmeter, when S is closed is smaller than the corresponding reading in part (b) | Decreasing the value of the load resistor will increase the current in the circuit. This will increase the "lost" volts (Vlost=Ir). Voltmeter reading = emf-Vlost This explains the lower reading on the voltmeter when the switch is closed. |
| Explain why, as angle x is unchanged, it is important to keep the lightmeter at a constant distance from point X for each measurement of intensity. | By keeping the light meter a constant distance from X you are justified in stating that any change in the recorded intensity is a result of changing q. If the distance was altered a change in intensity could be the result of a diverging beam. |
| Explain what is meant by photoelectric emission from a metal. | Photoelectric emission is the term used to describe the process by which an electron bound in an atom can absorb enough energy from a single photon to escape, or be emitted, from the atom. |
| Explain why the actual temperature rise of the disc is less than calculated in (b) (i). | energy is lost to the surrounding air |
| State which, if any, of the resistors will overheat | 30 ohm resistor will overheat |
| The 9V d.c. supply is replaced by a 9V a.c. supply. What effect, if any, would this have on your answers to part (b) (ii)? | none |
| What energy change takes place in the microphone | Sound energy to Electrical energy |
| The amplifier processes the signal from the microphone. What effect does the amplifier have on the signal’s (i) frequency; (ii) amplitude? | (i) None (ii) Greater |
| Explain what is meant by the term “critical angle”. | If light inside the prism strikes the surface at an angle greater than the critical angle it will be totally internally reflected. |
| Explain how this circuit works to close the blind. | The resistance of LDR drops (with light level rise) V across R rises until MOSFET switches on the motor |
| What is the purpose of the variable resistor R? | to set the light level at which the blind closes. |
| State whether or not the blinds will close when the light level is | Since V< 2·4 V transistor will not switch on so blinds do not shut. |
| Why does each LED need a resistor in series? | to limit current in/voltage across the LED |
| What type of lens should be used? | Converging/convex |
| How would the shape of this lens have to be altered to give it a longer focal length? | Make thinner/or less curved |
| Name the eye defect which this type of lens could correct | Long sight |
| The radioactive source and detector are moved along the weld. How would the count rate change when the detector moves over an air pocket? Explain your answer. | Count rate increases Air is more easily penetrated/less metal to be penetrated |
| Which of the radiations alpha, beta or gamma must be used? Explain your answer. | Gamma penetrates best/other two would not penetrate steel |
| X-rays are sometimes used to detect air pockets.How does the wavelength of X-rays compare with gamma rays? | x-rays longer/gamma shorter |
| What is meant by the term “half-life”? | time taken for half of the radioactive atoms to decay or activity to decrease by half |
| Describe two precautions taken by the scientists to reduce the equivalentdose they receive while using radioactive sources | Any 2 of shielding/limiting time of exposure/ increasing distance |
| The risk of biological harm from radiation exposure depends on theabsorbed dose and the type of radiation. Which other factor affectsthe risk of biological harm? | Tissue type |
| Speed at Q is greater, Mass of car is greater, Deceleration is less Since a = F/m (and F is constant) Can gain full marks by calculation | Test repeated, same car but with passegers. Speed at P still 30 m s–1. Same braking force. How does the speed of the car at Q compare? |
| What effect, if any, does this decrease in temperature have on the density of the oxygen in the cylinder? | No change both mass and volume remain constant |
| Fewer molecules/atoms/particles inside canister so fewer collisions/hits with walls per second | Temp of oxygen inside cylinder remains constant. Explain, in terms of particles, why pressure of the gas inside the cylinder decreases. |
| When in use, internal resistance of each cell gradually increases. What effect, does this have on the power output of the heating element? | Power output is less ½ Current is less RIP 2 = R (load) is constant |
| State what is meant by the term capacitance. | Quantity of charge stored per volt |
| Yellow LED is lit _x000D_ Because it is forward biased | Which LED(s) is/are lit at this value of output voltage?_x000D_ Justify your answer. |
| State what is meant by an activity of 12 kBq. | 12000 decays per second |
| 0·03 µSv | State the average equivalent dose received by the hand on each occasion. 0.030 μGy |
| State whether the speed of ultrasound in brass is less than, equal to or greater than the speed of ultrasound in steel | The speed of ultrasound is brass is less than it is in steel (1) AND it takes a longer time to travel the same distance (1) |
| State what happens to the speed of the light as it enters a diamond | It decreases/slows down |
| State what is meant by the term half-life | Time taken for activity to decrease by half OR time taken for half of the nuclei to decay |
| State what is meant by a gamma ray | An EM wave/a high frequency electromagnetic wave |
| Describe the energy change that takes place as the marble (is dropped) and hits the sand | kinetic energy to heat and sound energy |
| Define the term acceleration. | Acceleration is the change of velocity (not speed) in unit time |
| Explain how the satellite can be accelerating when it is travelling at a constant speed. | Direction of satellite is (continually) changing |
| Gamma radiation is an example of radiation which causes ionisation. Explain what is meant by the term ionisation. | Ionisation is when an atom gains or loses electrons |
| The accepted value for the specific heat capacity of water is quoted in the table in the Data Sheet. Explain the difference between the accepted value and the value obtained in the experiment. | Measured value of ܧ୦ too large OR Δ T too small |
| How could the experiment be improved to reduce this difference? | Insulate beaker |
| Which power supply should be used to operate the transformer? | ac OR mains OR one on left |
| What is the purpose of a transformer? | Transformers are used to change* the magnitude † (size ok) of an (alternatin g) volta ge OR current |
| What is the purpose of resistor R? | To reduce current in LED |
| State the energy change in a solar cell | Light → electric (al) Not ‘electricity’ |
| Identify radiations P and Q. | P – Ultraviolet OR UV,Q – Microwaves |
| State what happens to the frequency of electromagnetic radiation as the wavelength increases. | Decrease/reduces/goes down/lessens |
| Carbon-14 emits beta particles. What is a beta particle? | An electron |
| A radioactive source emits alpha particles. What is an alpha particle? | A helium nucleus OR equivalent eg 2p + 2n |
| How does the ionisation density of alpha particles compare with that of beta particles? | Greater Stronger -0 More powerful -0 |
| One of the lamps now develops a fault and stops working. State the effect this has on the other lamp. You must justify your answer. | The other lamp: remains lit, stays on, is the same brightness, gets brighter, is not affected. Justification: The current still has a path through the other lamp. (1) OR The current in the other lamp is the same (only acceptable if other lamp stays same brightness) (1) |
| Explain how the circuit operates to switch on the heater when the temperature falls below a certain value. | (As Rth increases,) Vth increases (1) (When Vth = 2·0 V or V reaches switching voltage,) MOSFET/transistor turns on (1) Relay switches on (the heater). (1) |
| The resistance of the variable resistor R is now increased. What effect does this have on the temperature at which the heater is switched on? You must justify your answer. | Temperature decreases (1) Resistance of thermistor must be greater / increase (1) to switch on MOSFET / transistor (1) |
| X-rays can cause ionisation. Explain what is meant by ionisation | When an atom gains / loses / gains or loses electrons. |
| The pilot and passengers are weighed before they board the helicopter. Explain the reason for this. | To check that the maximum takeoff weight is not exceeded. |
| The student launches the rocket a second time. For this launch, the student adds a greater volume of water than before. The same initial upward thrust acts on the rocket but it fails to reach the same height. Explain why the rocket fails to reach the same height. | more water will increase weight/mass (1) unbalanced force decreases (1) acceleration is less (1) |
| 3 x 10⁸ m/s | |
Flashcards
Try these and thanks to Mr Williams, hope he doesn’t mind. I’ve made some adjustments. Not sure they’re complete, but can’t you do that!
I recommend you printing them out 8 to a page!
Learn these Experiment
Thanks to S Gray, Drummond Community High School, for putting together this book of experiments that you should have covered in your N5 Physics lessons. Any of these could be discussed in your exam as a question.
Practice Questions
Thanks to the wonderful Physics teacher who provided these.
| Dynamics & Space | Electricity & Energy | Waves & Radiation |
|---|---|---|
| Notes ver 1.2 doc | Notes ver 3.1 | Notes ver 2.1 |
| Problems 1.2 doc | Problems 3.0 doc | Problems 3.1 doc |
| Problems 1.2 pdf | Problems 3.0 pdf | Problems ver 3.1 pdf |
| Answer File ver 1.4 | Answer File ver 3.0 | Answer File ver 3.1 |
Protected: Revision Answers
Revision Questions
Thanks to those in North Ayrshire who provided these excellent questions for you to get your teeth into. I’ll post the answers as password protected to protect those students and staff who are given these for homework! They’re in the old order, so you’ll have to search through for the right section.
ENJOY!
| Units | Summary Notes | Problems |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamics & Space | Summary Notes D&S | Questions D&S pdf Problems D&S doc |
| Electricity & Energy | Summary Notes E&E | Questions E&E pdf Problems E&E doc |
| Waves & Radiation | Summary Notes W&R | Questions W&R pdf Problems W&R doc |
Quantity Symbol, Unit and Unit Symbol
I’ve put together, with Mrs Mac’s help, a document with quantity, symbol, unit and unit symbol so that you know the meaning of the terms in the Relationships Sheet. It is in EXCEL so that you can sort it by course, quantity or symbol.
Quantity, Symbol, Units the excel sheet
Quantity, Symbol, Units N5 a pdf sheet sorted by course and then alphabetical by quantity.
Quantity, Symbol, Unit, Unit Symbol N5-AH
| N | H | A | Physical Quantity | sym | Unit | Unit Abb. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | absorbed dose | D | gray | Gy | ||
| 5 | absorbed dose rate | H (dot) | gray per second gray per hour gray per year | Gys-1 Gyh -1 Gyy-1 | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | acceleration | a | metre per second per second | m s-2 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | acceleration due to gravity | g | metre per second per second | m s-2 |
| 5 | activity | A | becquerel | Bq | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | amplitude | A | metre | m |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | angle | θ | degree | ° |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | area | A | square metre | m2 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | average speed | v (bar) | metre per second | m s-1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | average velocity | v (bar) | metre per second | m s-1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | change of speed | ∆v | metre per second | m s-1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | change of velocity | ∆v | metre per second | m s-1 |
| 5 | count rate | - | counts per second (counts per minute) | - | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | current | I | ampere | A |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | displacement | s | metre | m |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | distance | d | metre, light year | m , ly |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | distance, depth, height | d or h | metre | m |
| 5 | effective dose | H | sievert | Sv | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | electric charge | Q | coulomb | C |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | electric charge | Q or q | coulomb | C |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | electric current | I | ampere | A |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | energy | E | joule | J |
| 5 | equivalent dose | H | sievert | Sv | ||
| 5 | equivalent dose rate | H (dot) | sievert per second sievert per hour sievert per year | Svs -1 Svh-1 Svy -1 | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | final velocity | v | metre per second | m s-1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | force | F | newton | N |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | force, tension, upthrust, thrust | F | newton | N |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | frequency | f | hertz | Hz |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | gravitational field strength | g | newton per kilogram | N kg-1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | gravitational potential energy | Ep | joule | J |
| 5 | half-life | t1/2 | second (minute, hour, day, year) | s | ||
| 5 | 6 | heat energy | Eh | joule | J | |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | height, depth | h | metre | m |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | initial speed | u | metre per second | m/s |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | initial velocity | u | metre per second | m s-1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | kinetic energy | Ek | joule | J |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | length | l | metre | m |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | mass | m | kilogram | kg |
| 5 | number of nuclei decaying | N | - | - | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | period | T | second | s |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | potential difference | V | volt | V |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | potential energy | Ep | joule | J |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | power | P | watt | W |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | pressure | P or p | pascal | Pa |
| 5 | radiation weighting factor | wR | - | - | ||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | radius | r | metre | m |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | resistance | R | ohm | Ω |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | specific heat capacity | c | joule per kilogram per degree Celsius | Jkg-1 °C -1 |
| 5 | 6 | specific latent heat | l | joule per kilogram | Jkg -1 | |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | speed of light in a vacuum | c | metre per second | m s -1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | speed, final speed | v | metre per second | ms -1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | speed, velocity, final velocity | v | metre per second | m s-1 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | supply voltage | Vs | volt | V |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | temperature | T | degree Celsius | °C |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | temperature | T | kelvin | K |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | time | t | second | s |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | total resistance | R | ohm | Ω |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | voltage | V | volt | V |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | voltage, potential difference | V | volt | V |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | volume | V | cubic metre | m3 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | weight | W | newton | N |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | work done | W or EW | joule | J |
| 7 | angle | θ | radian | rad | ||
| 7 | angular acceleration | a | radian per second per second | rad s-2 | ||
| 7 | angular displacement | θ | radian | rad | ||
| 7 | angular frequency | ω | radian per second | rad s-1 | ||
| 7 | angular momentum | L | kilogram metre squared per second | kg m2 s -1 | ||
| 7 | angular velocity, final angular velocity | ω | radian per second | rad s-1 | ||
| 7 | apparent brightness | b | Watts per square metre | Wm-2 | ||
| 7 | back emf | e | volt | V | ||
| 6 | 7 | capacitance | C | farad | F | |
| 7 | capacitive reactance | Xc | ohm | W | ||
| 6 | critical angle | θc | degree | ° | ||
| density | ρ | kilogram per cubic metre | kg m-3 | |||
| 7 | displacement | s or x or y | metre | m | ||
| efficiency | η | - | - | |||
| 6 | 7 | electric field strength | E | newton per coulomb volts per metre | N C -1 Vm -1 |
|
| 7 | electrical potential | V | volt | V | ||
| 6 | 7 | electromotive force (e.m.f) | E or ε | volt | V | |
| 6 | energy level | E 1 , E 2 , etc | joule | J | ||
| feedback resistance | Rf | ohm | Ω | |||
| focal length of a lens | f | metre | m | |||
| 6 | frequency of source | fs | hertz | Hz | ||
| 6 | 7 | fringe separation | ∆x | metre | m | |
| 6 | 7 | grating to screen distance | D | metre | m | |
| 7 | gravitational potential | U or V | joule per kilogram | J kg-1 | ||
| half-value thickness | T1/2 | metre | m | |||
| 6 | 7 | impulse | (∆p) | newton second kilogram metre per second | Ns kgms-1 |
|
| 7 | induced e.m.f. | E or ε | volt | V | ||
| 7 | inductor reactance | XL | ohm | W | ||
| 7 | initial angular velocity | ω o | radian per second | rad s-1 | ||
| input energy | E i | joule | J | |||
| input power | Pi | watt | W | |||
| input voltage | V 1 or V2 | volt | V | |||
| input voltage | V i | volt | V | |||
| 6 | internal resistance | r | ohm | Ω | ||
| 6 | 7 | irradiance | I | watt per square metre | W m-1 | |
| 7 | luminoscity | L | Watt | W | ||
| 7 | magnetic induction | B | tesla | T | ||
| 7 | moment of inertia | I | kilogram metre squared | kg m2 | ||
| 6 | 7 | momentum | p | kilogram metre per second | kg m s-1 | |
| 6 | number of photons per second per cross sectional area | N | - | - | ||
| number of turns on primary coil | n p | - | - | |||
| number of turns on secondary coil | n s | - | - | |||
| 6 | observed wavelength | λ observed | metre | m | ||
| output energy | E o | joule | J | |||
| output power | P o | watt | W | |||
| output voltage | V o | volt | V | |||
| 6 | peak current | Ipeak | ampere | A | ||
| 6 | peak voltage | V peak | volt | V | ||
| 7 | phase angle | Φ | radian | rad | ||
| 6 | 7 | Planck’s constant | h | joule second | Js | |
| 7 | polarising angle (Brewster’s angle) | i p | degree | ̊ | ||
| power (of a lens) | P | dioptre | D | |||
| power gain | Pgain | - | - | |||
| 7 | Power per unit area | Watts per square metre | Wm-2 | |||
| primary current | I p | ampere | A | |||
| primary voltage | Vp | volt | V | |||
| 7 | radial acceleration | ar | metre per second per second | m s-2 | ||
| 6 | redshift | z | - | - | ||
| 6 | 7 | refractive index | n | - | - | |
| 6 | relativistic length | l' | metre | m | ||
| 6 | relativistic time | t' | second | s | ||
| rest mass | mo | kilogram | kg | |||
| 6 | rest wavelength | λrest | metre | m | ||
| 6 | root mean square current | I rms | ampere | A | ||
| 6 | root mean square voltage | Vrms | volt | V | ||
| 7 | rotational kinetic energy | Erot | joule | J | ||
| 7 | schwarzchild radius | rSchwarzchild | metre | m | ||
| secondary current | Is | ampere | A | |||
| secondary voltage | Vs | volt | V | |||
| 7 | self-inductance | L | henry | H | ||
| 6 | 7 | slit separation | d | metre | m | |
| 7 | tangential acceleration | at | metre per second per second | m s-2 | ||
| 6 | threshold frequency | fo | hertz | Hz | ||
| 7 | time constant | t | second | s | ||
| 7 | torque | Τ | newton metre | Nm | ||
| 7 | uncertainty in Energy | ∆E | joule | J | ||
| 7 | uncertainty in momentum | ∆px | kilogram metre per second | kgms-1 | ||
| 7 | uncertainty in position | ∆x | metre | m | ||
| 7 | uncertainty in time | ∆t | second | s | ||
| 6 | velocity of observer | vo | metre per second | m s-1 | ||
| 6 | velocity of source | vs | metre per second | m s-1 | ||
| voltage gain | - | - | - | |||
| voltage gain | Ao or V gain | - | - | |||
| 5 | 6 | 7 | wavelength | λ | metre | m |
| 6 | work function | W | joule | J |
Revision for..
Revision Plan – 2018/9
A revision planner for you to use. 
Revision-plan 2018 19
Someone has pinched my line!
and I had this idea at Science on Stage!
For those doing the UASP -Electricity and Energy
- Revise the type of energy and conversion
- Gravitational potential
- Kinetic
- Work done
- Heat
- Electrical
- Practical electrical and electronic circuits
- Ohm’s law
- Electrical practical circuits
- Electrical power
- Specific Heat Capacity
- Pressure
- Gas Laws
- Kinetic Theory
Try the following questions
Specimen Paper:
Section 1: q6, 10, 11, 12, 13,14,15,16,17, Section 2: Q5, 6, 7, 8
National 5 2017
Section 1: Q1-7, 19, Section 2: Q1,2,3,
National 5 2016
Section 1: Q1-7 Section 2: Q1,2,3,4,5
National 5: 2015
Section 1: Q1-6 Section 2: Q1,2,3,4
National 5: 2014
Section 1: Q1-7 Section 2: Q1,2,3
Learn the formula for
Ew=QV, Ew=Fd, Ep=mgh, Ek=½mv2, E=Pt, Ee=ItV, EH=mcΔT, EH = ml, P=F/A, Q=It, R in series, R in parallel, V1 =R1/Rt ´Vs, V=IR, P=IV, P=I2R, P=V2/R, pV/T(K)=constant
Make flashcards of
- The Kinetic theory
- Gas Laws
- Rules for series and parallel
- Circuit Symbols
- Rules for charges attracting and repelling
- Definitions of
- Pressure
- Temperature and average speed and kinetic energy
- Electric Fields
- Conservation of Energy
- Specific Heat Capacity
- Specific Latent Heat
- Power
- Current
Learn the units for all the electricity quantities, properties of matter and energy quantities.
I’ll add to this during the week as I have time
If you are doing a PROPERTIES OF MATTER TEST
Look over some OLD Higher papers for the Pressure and Gas Laws as well as the relevant past papers above. I’ll look out the papers with question numbers as soon as I can.
If you’re doing the Waves and Radiation UASP I’ll get some revision plans up soon
Old/ traditional higher……
H 2015 Q7 and 24
H 2014 Q7 and 24
H 2013 Q7 and 24 not part c
H2012 Q7 and 24
H 2011 Q7 and 24
H 2010 Q7 and 23 b
H 2009 Q7 and 23 a,c
H 2008 Q7 and 23
These can be found on the higher part of the website.
Updated July 18
10 week Revision Plan
This is a ten week revision plan, put together by Mr A Riddell from “up North”. It will give you some ideas on how to break up the daunting task of revision
Interpreting graphs
A few folk have worried that they can’t interpret graphs, so I’ve gone through some SG Credit Papers and written a few questions. You can answer the past paper questions. I’ll upload the answers when I’ve done them!
Interpreting Graphs word
SG past paper questions and answers
Tips!
Here I will post a few tips and hints to remember when answering SQA N5 Papers. Hopefully they’ll be quick, snappy and memorable. You’ve got the whole of the Scottish Physics Teachers’ Community Wisdom Below!
Tips to Aid Memory
- Neutrons don’t carry/have (net) charge so aren’t accelerated/guided/ deflected by magnetic fields.
- I.S.S. (current in series the same). I.P.A (current in parallel adds), USA (voltage in series adds), UPS (voltage in parallel same) OK you need to think of a U as a V but most of you write like that anyway!
- Voltage dividers- think Kendal Mint cake!
- Learn your 7 point plan!
- Transistors act as a SWITCH.
Preparing for the Exam
- Check out the past paper marking instructions for do’s and don’ts- its full of them in that second column!
- Read the Course Reports, they give common mistakes that lots of students made and then you avoid these.
- Make up flashcards, or cue cards and leave them where you go most often, (e.g. biscuit tin, phone, computer, loo). Don’t let yourself have a treat until you’ve set yourself so many questions to get right.
- Check through your compendium that you’ve covered ALL the content and understand it BEFORE you get to the exam and find out you’ve missed something out. (Believe me as someone who missed 5 questions from her 50 questions she needed to learn for her German exam and these were the 5 that came up- it is really upsetting!)
- If you learn nothing else- learn units and symbols. BUT PLEASE learn more than units and symbols. I think this tip is meant to inspire you that these are so important and can get you a long way!
- Learn your prefixes!
During the Exam
-
- Obviously you know- no secs in Physics, just stick to unit symbols and save all the problems of spelling.
- Remember: SIG FIG, your final answer should be rounded up to the same number of significant figures as the LEAST significant measurement.
- Make sure you see the words “end of question paper”. Don’t assume you’ve got to the end and there are no questions on the very last page!
- Actually there are NO questions on the question paper anyway. All have command words, so learn these and what they mean. I’ll add the link in later.
- “Show” questions – means show correct formula, working and numerical answer stated as given in the question. Your final statement should be what you’ve been asked to find.
- Don’t leave anything blank! If you really don’t know, give it a go – you never know.
- The questions in the exam sections (MC and then extended answers) are in approximately the same order as the Relationships Sheet.
- LIST: given numbers with the correct symbols before doing a calculation. Or as we say IESSUU (information, Equation, Substitution, Solution, Units and Underline)
- Start by writing down what the question has asked you to find. E.g. “Eh = ?”. Then write down the other quantities given. Only then choose a formula.
- Substitute then rearrange.
- Read all of the question, especially that bit you skipped over at the start.
- Don’t forget units! It’s now worth at least 33% of a calculation!
- Use common sense regarding “real life” things i.e. cars are unlikely to be going at 245 ms-1, a tennis player isn’t going to be serving the ball from 5m up etc etc
- Sometimes multiple choice questions can be logic-ed through without any knowledge of physics. Physics and common sense are often the same thing.
- If you can’t do part a) but could do part b) if you only knew part a), then make up an answer for part a) and put it in part a of the question and use that in part b).
- This will do for now more to come as they arise……
Some practice notes from Mr Dawson from Wallace Hall Academy.
N5 Revision Pupil Questions pdf version
N5 Revision Pupil Questions word version
Learning Outcome Answers
These aren’t complete and I can’t promise there are no mistakes but I’ve got quite a way through
LO Q N5_2017_6 The Questions- as far as I’ve got.
LO waves 3 ANSWERS_4 word
Good Advice
This is a great little document from the Science Faculty at LA- whom I have just discovered pinched it from Mr Bowled Over formerly of the Physics Dept. It applies to all your subjects.
Revision Guidelines
- Take responsibility for your own learning, and make sure that you give yourself every chance of success.
- Analyse your prelim and identify Areas for Improvement
- Use past papers along with the SQA website – see “marking instructions”, your teacher will show you how.
- Attend after-school Supported Study regularly (check with staff in advance as changes may have to be made to accommodate staff meetings.)
- Consult teachers at interval/lunchtime, perhaps to get help with homework or to borrow other resources, of which we have many.
- Refer to Syllabus/Content Statements/Arrangements Document/“Need to Know” sheets.
- Practise with “Basic Knowledge” or “Learning Outcome” Question Booklets.
- Make/obtain and use Flash Cards.
- Try mind-mapping/spider diagrams.
- Generate own short notes/Summarise
- Familiarise with equations on the Relationships Sheet and the Data Sheet on the exam paper and add your own notes to these.
- Learn mnemonics suggested by your teacher or create new ones to help you remember chunks of information. (ROYGBIV – Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain, RMIVUXG but don’t overdo it)
- Practice using revision materials on here.
- Write and record mp3 files and then listen to these as often as you listen to your music.
- Use Flash Learning.
- Plan weekly Revision timetable.
- Post-it notes in your room/house (better ask first!)
- Enlist a ‘victim’ to test your knowledge at home.
- Teaching is the most effective method of learning – teach the dog or a teddy (he won’t fall asleep).
Remember to revise at the first opportunity after any lesson, asking yourself;
- What were the main learning objectives of the lesson?
- Do I understand these?
- What can I do to improve?
Also, plan your revision and do not put things off to tomorrow when you could fix them today.
Keep a note of areas you are finding challenging and bring them with you to after school classes for targeted help and support.
Hope you find this useful and thanks to the Chemists and Mr Bowles.
Revision Calendar
It is important that you realise that this year will go really quickly. As a part of your life it seems a long time, but trust me, it will go quicker than you can possibly imagine. That is why it is important to realise how little time you have to cover the whole course and revise it.
For people in D&G I’ve made a D&G Calendar. For other Regions you’ll just need to adjust your holiday dates. From the first Monday you return to school there will be only 146 teaching days until Study Leave. Now if you think that you only get 4 periods a week, on 3 days per week that is about a maximum of 88 times I’ll see you over the year. You can start ticking them off if you dislike me that much. Take off all those days when you will be having trips, meetings, be at Sporting Events, doing prelims; and the time to complete the course begins to look less plausible! We also have to fit in an Assignment.
I would therefore ask any student studying any subject not to waste any time in class and get as organised as possible. That means get into class, get out your stuff, and get going straight away. If there is a distraction then review your work, answer questions etc. Don’t waste a second!
Revision plan
Click on the link above (Revision plan). This takes you to an EXCEL spreadsheet. I can add a pdf file if some of you can’t open this. Revision isn’t just about LEARNING the work. What will take more of your time are the other bits!
The steps to revising are:
-
CHECK YOU HAVE ALL THE NOTES, CONTENT AND WORK YOU NEED
-
UNDERSTAND THE WORK, DOES IT MAKE SENSE?
-
LEARN THE WORK.
You can and should be doing step one throughout the course. The better prepared you are as you go along the less time at the end of the course you will need for revision. Likewise with step 2. If you make sure you’ve fully understood each part of the work, then even if you’ve forgotten it, it should be easier to understand and grasp the second time around. If you pass on it and hope it will go away as you move through the course you’ll begin to have a fear of this section of the course and it will be harder to understand.
So how do you use the Revision Plan?
- This can be used for just one subject but I think it puts it into perspective when you put all your calendar in one place. There are probably apps that will do the same thing, but I’m not there yet!
- Mark in the dates and times of Exams (whether prelims or final exams). I’ve put in the Physics Exam Date for you and a counter has been added to the N5 Home Page. I’d check this often just to remind you how far we are through the course.
- Shade in the dates and times of commitments, such as parties, trips away, days off (birthdays when you’ll have all those presents to open) etc.
- Make a list of topics to cover for each subject; the Physics one is done for you. But remember revision is about CHECKING, UNDERSTANDING and LEARNING so all three of those have to be allocated time.
- Calculate how many hours you have available and how much time you will allocate to each subject and each topic within that subject.
- Decide on the order in which to tackle your subjects. Don’t tackle the easy subjects first as you’ll never get on to the harder ones! It is best to start revising the hard subjects and topics as these will take you more time to understand and learn
- Draft your revision timetable.
- Leave one or two revision slots free each week for extra revision or difficult topics.
- BE SURE TO LEAVE YOURSELF SOME TIME FOR REST AND FUN ACTIVITIES including being healthy.
- Don’t spend so long producing a beautiful revision timetable so that there is not enough time to revise.
I’ll see if the Physics Jewel can make one up!