Revision points

Although this table refers to points from the Intermediate 2 Physics paper they are exactly the same points that can arise for N5 & H so take note! Get some of these points on your revision timetable for Physics.

Advice to centres for preparation of future candidates
• Candidates should be encouraged to take more care in reading questions thoroughly and ensuring that the instructions in questions are followed precisely.
• Candidates should be aware that they may need to state or derive expressions which are not listed in the Data Booklet; for example, the component of weight of an object down a slope.
• Candidates should be encouraged to present their numerical analyses in a clear and structured way – markers need to be able to follow the logic in their answers.
• Most candidates require more practice at taking account of the vector nature of velocity and impulse in numerical calculations. A wrong sign used for these in a substitution is wrong physics.
• Where a question asks candidates to “show” that a certain value is correct, they should write down any relevant formula followed by correct substitutions and calculations in a clear and structured way.
• The number of marks allocated to each part of a question should be used by candidates as a guide to the extent of calculation or explanation required.
• There is a need for candidates to work on developing a deeper understanding of Physics at Higher level beyond having the ability to answer numerically based questions.
• Most candidates need more practice in writing descriptions and explanations. They need to be more careful in the precision of the language used in their descriptions and explanations. For example, saying that an increase in temperature causes “molecules to collide more” means very little. A more precise description would be “molecules collide with the container walls harder and more frequently”.
• Candidates should be encouraged to study the content statements for the course. They must be able to give definitions of terms such as potential difference, irradiance etc.
• Candidates should label the origin and axes on sketch graphs.
• When a candidate makes two (or more) attempts for the same part of a question, they must score through the part(s) which they do not wish to be considered by the marker.
• Candidates should practise using all the prefixes listed in the content statements for the course.
• Candidates need to practise transferring knowledge from one Unit of the course to another; for example, the charge on a proton met in the Unit on Radiations and Matter may be used in a question based on the Unit on Electricity and Electronics.
• Many candidates need to develop a better understanding of how to quote “an appropriate number of significant figures” in final answers.
Advice to centres for preparation of future candidates (int 2)
Apart from the specific topics outlined under the heading “Areas which candidates found demanding” it is recommended that the following receive attention:
Units and prefixes
Scientific notation
Explanations of Physics phenomena – in general, descriptive questions were very much less well done than numerical questions. For example, many candidates could correctly calculate potential and kinetic energy but could give no sensible explanation as to why one was bigger than the other.
It is recommended that attention should be given to drawing conclusions in Problem Solving situations.

Author: Mrs Physics

Hopefully a one stop shop for all of your National 5 Physics Requirements

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