Assessment of physics specification The Edexcel specification for AS physics is assessed by four written tests: Test PHY1 PHY

2 PHY3/01 PHY3/02 Type and purpose About 8 structured questions on Unitl About 8 structured questions on Unit 2 1 structured question on your chosen topic 2 practical questions Duration lh 15min lh 15min 45 min lh30min

Test PHY1 only examines material in Unit 1. Test PHY2 mainly examines the content of Unit 2 but some questions might refer to physical principles contained in Unit 1. Test PHY3/01 consists of four structured questions, one relating to each of the four topics in Unit 3. You only have to answer one of these. Test PHY3/02 is based on the content of Units 1 and 2. It examines practical laboratory skills: planning; implementing; analysing evidence and drawing conclusions; evaluating evidence and procedures. One of the questions may involve drawing a graph and part of either question may require you to use your experience of practical datalogging techniques. In addition to the above tests, the Edexcel specification for Advanced GCE physics is assessed by four more written tests: Test PHY4 PHY5/01 PHY5/02 PHY6 Type and purpose About 8 structured questions on Unit 4 About 6 structured questions on Unit 5 3 practical questions 4 synoptic questions Duration lh20min lh lh30min 2h

Test PHY4 mainly examines the content of Unit 4. It assumes that Units 1 and 2 have been studied but does not examine their content again in detail. Test PHY5/01 assumes that Units 1,2 and 4 have been studied. Much of the content of Unit 5 builds on the previous units and this is reflected in the questions, although all are set in the context of Unit 5. Test PHY5/02 is based on material from Units 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the specification and is designed to build on the practical laboratory skills already tested in PHY3/02. At least one of the questions involves drawing a graph, which may involve the use of logarithms, and part of any question may require you to use your experience of practical datalogging techniques. Test PHY6 examines your accumulated understanding of the whole Advanced GCE specification. This test is answered in a separate answer book. Question 1 involves the analysis of a passage adapted from a scientific or technological book or journal. Question 2 tests your understanding and applications of the principles drawn together in Unit 6. Questions 3 and 4 examine material from the rest of the specification (Units 1,2,4 and 5) and each of these questions will require an understanding of principles from more than one Unit.
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Study skills Revision is a personal activity. What works best for you may not be so effective for someone else. However there are some golden rules. 1. Revise little but often. 2. Revise actively - do not sit and stare at your notes or this book. Write down important points or use a highlighter to mark important passages in your notes. 3. Work out answers to the questions and then check them with the given answers. 4. Help each other. Explaining a point of physics to another student is a good way of clarifying your own understanding. Test each other by asking simple questions, such as formulae, units and experimental descriptions. Here are some suggestions to help you study and prepare for your Unit test papers: Daily tasks After each lesson check that your notes are complete. Try spending 10 to 15 minutes looking through them. If there is something that you do not understand: Read the relevant part in this book or your textbook and, if necessary, add to your notes so that they will be clear when you read them again. Discuss the problem with another student. If you still have difficulty, ask your teacher as soon as you can. The more you contribute to solving each problem, the deeper and longer lasting your understanding will be. Weekly tasks Look through your notes. Highlight important parts. Read through the relevant parts of your text book and make your own notes when needed. Highlight important points. Complete any homework assignments ON TIME if you want them marked!! End of section tasks When your teacher has completed a section of work, you should revise that material thoroughly. To do this, Work through your notes alongside a copy of that part of the Edexcel specification. Summarise your notes to the bare essentials. Work through the relevant material from your text book. Discuss any difficulties with other students. Attempt all the questions for each section done.

Preparing for the Unit Tests (Examinations) If you have followed the previous advice, you will find it easier to prepare for the assessment tests. Bear in mind that Unit Tests 1 and 4 take place on the same day, as do Units 2 and 5. You will also be taking tests in other subjects, so you should aim to start you final revision at least four weeks in advance. Try spending about 30 minutes revising one subject. Then switch from physics to another subject. Take regular breaks. Revise actively with pen, highlighter and paper. When you have folly revised the material in a Unit, attempt all questions you are given on that Unit. Make sure that you get all corrections down after having marked the paper and use this for future reference. Work out where you went wrong. If you obtained low marks for a particular section, go back to your notes and textbooks and look over that section before having another attempt. Spreading revision this way over the whole course will reduce stress and will guarantee a better grade than you would obtain by leaving it all up to a mad dash at the end. Physics is a subject in which knowledge is built up gradually. The more thoroughly toy work in the earlier stages, the easier and more enjoyable you will find the study of physics. The day of the Unit Test If you have followed the advice given here, you should feel confident that you will be able to do your best. Some people find it helpful to spend a little time looking over some physics before going into the test, others prefer to keep their minds clear for the task ahead. Check that you have: Two or more blue or black pens and several pencils. Your calculator - if the batteries are old replace them beforehand. A watch - try putting it on the desk in front of you. A ruler. Tackling the question paper Work steadily through the paper starting at question 1. This may sound common sense, but make sure you do it. The questions in the seven Tests associated with Units 1-5 are answered in the spaces provided on the question paper itself. If you need more room for your answer, look for space at the bottom of the page at the end of the question or after the last question. Use the amount of space given for each answer as a guide to how much you should write. If a question has three lines for the answer, do not write an essay. Work out the essential points that need to be made, and check them against the number of marks to be awarded. Do not repeat the question in the answer. Pace yourself so that you neither run out of time, nor have a lot of time left at the end. If you get stuck on a question, do not waste time. Make a note of the question number and come back to it later if you have time. You are not allowed to use correction fluid, so do not bring it. If you have made a mistake, put one line through it neatly. If you then realise that it was right in the first place, write, 'IGNORE CROSSING OUT and the examiner will mark it.
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Terms used in the Tests It is important that you understand what the examiners want. Some of the terms that are often used are given explained below: Calculate: a numerical answer is obviously required! Show your working out and set your work out clearly. Don't forget the units. Comment: make sure what you write is relevant. Judge amount of detail required from marks/space. Complete: add to (circuit) diagrams and/or tables. Define: you can define quantities by their equations but remember to explain any symbols used. Describe: give the main points as precisely as possible. Labelled diagrams can help and are essential when describing experiments. Explain: give some reasoning or refer to theory. A labelled diagram will often improve your answer. Judge amount of detail required from marks/space. Plot: use scales on graph paper and be precise. Show data points either as a cross or a dot surrounded by a small circle. Show that: show all your working and give your answer to one or more s.f. than the approximate value stated in the question. It is very likely that the stated value will be needed in a calculation later in the same question. So even if you can't do this part, you can still attempt the next! Sketch: use labelled axes but only add axes values if told to do so. Sketch roughly but carefully. State: a brief sentence giving the required facts. No explanation is required. Suggest: there is often no single correct answer. Credit is often given for good physics reasoning. Use the graph: usually this involves finding either the gradient or the area. Remember that both of these quantities are likely to have units. Remember that examiners are looking as often as possible to give marks, not to take them away.

ERRORS AND CALCULA TIONS

The easiest equations are the ones that involve only one, well-known, equation. The equation tells you exactly what to do, such as add, subtract etc.
Example 1

Calculate (a) the voltage across a 5Q resistance that has a current of 2A running through it, (b) the heat produced in this resistance per second and (c) the current that would flow if the resistance were changed to 6Q Method a) The relation between current I, potential difference (voltage) V and resistance R is V = I x R, i.e. V = IR. Putting the given values of I and R into this formula for V, we get V = 2 x 5. Therefore v = 10, but you must not forget the UNITS. The unit for potential difference is the volt (V), so that the answer is 10 volt (10V). b) The heat produced per second = V x I = 10 x 2 = 20 and the unit is joule per second or watt. So the answer is 20W. c) Here we obtain a formula for I by rewriting the equation V = IR as I = V/R. this gives 1 = 10/6= 1.67A, which is close enough to 1.7Amperes. Often what is found difficult is what the question is asking for. Sometimes it is like reading a sentence in a foreign language. The difficulty often lies in the fact the question is long, so you forget what the first line says by the time you reach the last line. The best thing to do here is to translate the question either into a labelled diagram or an equation, or even both. Diagrams usually take very little time and allow lots of information to be displayed quickly.
Example 2

A uniform horizontal rod AB, which is 1.4m long and mass 30kg, is supported by two vertical wires attached at 0.20m from A and 0.20m from B. If loads of 10kg and 40kg are hanging from the rod at distances 0.40m and 1.0m from A, what are the forces provided by the supporting wires?

1 kg has been taken as ION. Method Because the rod is uniform, its weight of 300N acts downwards at its middle. Since no movement is occurring, the clockwise moments about Pi must be equal to the anticlockwise moments about P. The clockwise moment is 100 x 0.20 plus 300 x 0.50 plus 400 x 0.80, which equal 20 + 150 + 320 or 490. The anticlockwise moment is F2 x 1.00.
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Equating clockwise and anticlockwise moments we get F2 = 490N. Note that we took moments about Pi where one of the unknown forces, Fi was acting. This has the advantage that it keeps Fi out of the equation so that we only have 1 unknown, F2. To find Fi we could repeat the above method for point P2. However, since all other forces are known we could the fact that Fi + F2 must we equal to the total downwards forces. F1 + F2 = 100 + 300+ 400 = 800N F1 + 490 = 800 F1 = 310N Reading the question The first reading of a question may only give an impression of what the question is asking for? It may tell you whether the question is about lenses or electricity etc. A reasonably clear picture of the situation is immediately created in your mind, but reading through again is highly recommended. Always make sure that you are fully aware of what the question is asking before you make an attempt at answering the question. Often you will find that the questions themselves include diagrams. There may be no need to draw an extra diagram, or it may be found useful to draw a similar one and add extra labels such as values f current, length, temperature etc. Errors and mistakes In physics we reserve the term 'errors' for inaccuracies that occur when a quantity is measured or when calculations are made using measurements of limited accuracy. For slips we might make during calculations, we can use the word 'mistakes'. Both errors and mistakes can lead to wrong answers. Errors of measurements When we count a number of items, the answer is a whole number and can be measured faultlessly. When a quantity is measured there is always some uncertainty left as to its value, depending on the measuring instrument and the skill with which it is used. So, any answer written down is subject to some error. Systematic and random errors If the measuring technique gives answers, which are constantly smaller or bigger than they should be, then we have a systematic error. Repeating the measurements and averaging the answers does not remove the error. Using a thermometer with a scale that has moved could produce this kind of error. Random errors have equal probability of giving higher or lower answers. Averaging a sufficient number of answers will make these errors negligible. Careless reading of a scale could produce errors of this kind. Number of significant figures When we write 2.43cm it is assumed that the measurement shows the answer to be closer to 2.43 than 2.42 or 2.44. We can write 2.43 0.005cm. The 2.43 consists of 'three significant figures'. Similarly 2.00 implies a greater accuracy than 2cm. If lcm was measured with a ruler, then divided by 3 using a calculator, we would get 0.333333cm, but not all the would be significant. A ruler cannot be so accurate. Not more than two figures would be justified (0.33). A value like 1200m would be better written as 1.2km or 1.2 x 103 if the accuracy justifies 2, not 4, significant figures.

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Maximum possible error For many measurements the maximum possible error can be easily estimated. A ruler marked off in millimetres should give an answer correct to within lmm. The percentage error, for say 25mm lmm is (l/25) x 100 or 4%.

This shows that the percentage error in w (let's call it %w) equals the sum of the percentage errors in x and y. Thus %w = %x + %y This is the same as for w = x / y For w = x + y, w = x + y This is the same as for w = x - y It should be noted that when the quantities add or subtract, their actual errors add, not percentage.

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Example 3 The density p of a metal cube is given by p = mass / volume and is calculated from the following data: Mass m= 12.2 0.1g Cube side 1 = 2.1 0.05cm What is the maximum possible error in p (a) as a percentage of p and (b) absolute? Method The maximum percentage error in volume is given by %V = 3%1 = 3 x 0,05 100% = 7.1% 2.1 Using the same equation %p = (%m + %V) = ((0.1/ 12.2) x 100 + 7.1)% -(0.82 + 7.1) = 7.92 = 8% The absolute possible error is 8% of p, which is (8 /100) x (12.2 / 2.13) = 0.08 x 1.32 = 0.106 gem"3 We write this as 0.1 gem"3, so that p = 1.3 0.1 gem"3. If we have powers, such as r3, the percentage uncertainty is 3 x percentage uncertainty in r. Example 5 If r= 1.36 0.01m, find r3. Method % error in r = 0.01/1.36 x 100 = 0.00735 % error in r3 = 0.0735 x 3 = 0.022% 0.022 x r3 = 0.022 x 2.515 = 0.055 m3 So r3 = 2.515 0.055 m3

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A rough guide to possible error For a rough guide we can say that the percentage error of the answer cannot be less than that of the least accurate answer we have. Common sense!! Also if the value is given to two significant figures, the answer cannot be given to more than two significant figures. However, during calculation, the number of significant figures must be kept larger, so as to keep the accuracy for the final answer. Subtraction of similar values When two similar values are subtracted, the answer is small, but the error does not become small. Mistakes and rough checks Always check your answer to ensure that it is to the right order. E.g. if you are finding the diameter of an atom, and it comes out be 10i0m, you know that this answer is not correct, hopefully!! Uncertainties - Some simple rules to finish off Only work out uncertainties if and when a question asks you to do so. For a single measurement, take the smallest division on the instrument as the error. E.g. a ruler measuring in mm would give an error of lmm. For a spread of readings, e.g. 1.25, 1.29,1.28,1.26, take half the spread of the readings, e.g. Vi of 0.04 = 0.02 as the error. So the average value is 1.27 0.02, giving percentage uncertainty 1.6%. For measurements with a timer where there is human error due to starting and stopping the watch, always take lots of readings.

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THE AS PRACTICAL TEST This test examines your practical laboratory skills such as how you plan and perform an experiment and how you analyse results and draw conclusions. It is based on the contents of Units 1 and 2. The test consists of two questions each lasting 40 minutes, although the apparatus can only be used for 35 minutes of this. You then have 10 minutes writing up time at the end of the exam, to make the total time up to 90 minutes. Each question is worth 24 marks. Question 1 consists of a number of short practical exercises mainly involving setting up and using apparatus and recording observations. Question 2 concentrates on planning and evaluation. Neither of the questions involves the use of datalogging equipment although you may be asked to explain how to set up and use such a device. (June 2004). The following section gives advice on how to maximise your AS practical test mark, together with a sample question of each type. Where possible, you should also practice these questions using the apparatus, which is listed in the question. Advice on tackling the AS practical test General Make sure that you know how to use all the standard apparatus met with in Units 1 and 2 such as Vernier callipers, micrometers, analogue and digital electrical meters. If you work on class practicals in pairs, take it in turns to set up and use the apparatus. Treat each of your class practicals as a test to develop good habits throughout the course. Ask your teacher to arrange for you to attempt a number of practice questions under test conditions. Remember that the examiner is not in the room watching you; so if what you do is important, write it down. Although the examiner is not there, the supervisor has to record certain measurements on the front of your test paper so that the examiner can compare your values with these and award marks accordingly. These are added after you have finished the test. Pay attention to significant figures - practical tests are the only ones where too many or too few are penalised - as a general rule, it is best to keep to 2 or 3 s.f. Method The question tells you what to do so don't write out a general method. Concentrate on what you must do to achieve results but still only describe this if asked to do so. Remember to use diagrams to help with any descriptions. Diagrams should be drawn carefully using a straight edge and labelled. When labelling distances, make sure the labels accurately show the correct end-points. If apparatus has to be vertical then align it with a door or window frame. If apparatus has to be horizontal then check that each end is the same height above the bench. Measurements Make sure you follow all instructions carefully. Always check such instruments as vernier callipers and micrometers for zero errors and tell the examiner that you have done so. Take measurements to the smallest division of the instrument used; e.g. 0.1mm with vernier callipers. Always give the correct units for all your measurements. Avoid parallax errors by having the eye positioned adjacent to the reading Show all your measurements that you have to take; avoid doing sums in your head and just writing down the answer; for example, when finding the mass of water in a container.
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Repeat readings should be taken and must be written down even if they are identical. Tabulate any series of corresponding readings and include the units in the table headings. Leave apparatus set up so that further results can be taken if shown to be needed; for example, by graph. Graphs Always use sensible scales that are easy to follow and easy to follow - don't use steps of 3,6,7,9 etc. Scales must allow all points to be plotted and the plotted points must occupy at least half of the grid Label both axes with both quantities and units Plot points accurately in pencil using crosses. Your plotting will be checked, especially those furthest from the line. Fill in any large gaps by taking further measurements. Practice drawing best-fit straight lines and curves well before you sit the exam. A long (30cm) clear plastic ruler is essential for judging best-fit straight. Recheck points that are furthest from your line and adjust if found to be incorrect. Calculations These may involve the gradient m or the intercept c of any straight line graph that you have plotted. Use as large a triangle as possible when calculating a gradient. The gradient at a point on a curve is found by drawing a tangent to the curve at that point. Remember that most gradients have units, those of y divided by those of x. A line sloping down from left to right has a negative gradient. The units of the intercept are the same as those of y. Give all calculated answers to the same number of significant figures as your measurements.

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