ZNOTES.

ORG

UPDATED TO 2019-21 SYLLABUS

CAIE A2 LEVEL
PHYSICS
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE PRACTICAL SYLLABUS
Prepared for Ammar Rizwan for personal use only.
CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

Select appropriate quantities for each axis to create a

linear graph (1 Mark).
1. Planning
Relationship Graph Gradient y-intercept
1.1. Defining the Problem (3 marks) y = mx + c y against x m c
y = ax n lg y against lg x n lg a
Identify: kx
y = ae ln y against x k ln a
The independent variable in the experiment (1 mark)
The dependent variable in the experiment (1 mark)
The graph should depict a straight line if the given
The quantities to be controlled – kept constant (1
relationship is true (1 Mark).
mark)
The line should pass through the origin if the linear
The independent variable is the one you modify to
equation lacks a constant term (c).
observe its effect on the dependent variable.
The quantity to be kept constant can vary, but choose the The line shouldn't pass through the origin if the linear
equation includes a constant term (c).
one that directly influences the variable being measured
To calculate the variables given in the equation:
in a physical sense.
Utilize the linear equation formed.
Explain why it is important to keep a variable constant
Use the equation ( y = mx + c ) as a template to equate
using scientific terminology
the values in the equation to the slope (m) and y-
intercept (c).
1.2. Methods of Data Collection (4/5 Formulate equations to find the variable(s), ensuring
marks) the variable to be found in the subject (1 Mark).

Draw a labeled diagram (1 mark) to describe the 1.4. Safety Considerations (1 Mark)
arrangement of the apparatus for the experiment on the
diagram itself. Assess the risk of the experiment
Describe how to set up the apparatus shown in the Describe precautions that be taken to keep risks to a
labeled diagram. minimum for errors in the experiment and your own
Describe the method to be used to vary the independent safety as well. (1 Mark)
variable (1 mark) and state what instrument is used to Try to write as many as possible (if you have time) as you
measure it (1 mark) whilst referring to the errors that can never know which one could be found in the marking
occur while measuring it and how you could prevent it (if scheme
possible). Examples of Safety Considerations:
Describe the method and state the instrument used to Risk Assessment:
measure the dependent variable (1 mark). Light: Avoid direct eye exposure; use goggles.
Describe the method to keep the control variables Electricity: Risk of electrocution; wear insulated
mentioned before constant (1 mark). gloves.
Including the above points, describe how the experiment Heat: Risk of burns; wear gloves and use holders
will be carried out (procedure). for hot objects.
Include 4 points of additional detail (4 marks) regarding Heavy Objects: Risk of injury from falling objects;
the method of collection, improvement in accuracy, and use sand buckets and gloves.
detail on the instrument usage. Sound: Conduct in a quiet room to prevent noise
In some cases, there might not be proper instruments interference.
available for measurement (e.g., resistance), so explain Lightroom: Conduct in a dark room to prevent
how you will use a voltmeter and ammeter in the circuit external light interference.
and then use ( R = VI ) to measure the resistance.
​
Measurement: Take 3-4 readings and average for
accuracy.
1.3. Method of Analysis (2 Marks) Stability: Ensure apparatus stability, especially with
added weights.
Conduct the experiment for 5-6 values of the independent Radioactive Substances: Store in lead containers.
variable. Horizontal Surface: Use a spirit leveler.
Repeat the experiment 3 times for each value of the Current Protection: Use protective resistors to
independent variable. reduce current.
Calculate the average for each set of three repetitions Safety Shutdown: Switch off currents when not in
to minimize uncertainty (1 mark). use to prevent overheating.
Formulate a linear relationship algebraically. Hall Probe: Keep at right angles to the magnetic
field; calibrate beforehand.

WWW.ZNOTES.ORG Copyright © 2024 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is authorised
for personal use only by Ammar Rizwan at Alpha college on 31/08/24.
CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

Magnetic Fields: Avoid external magnetic field U-Tube (manometer): measures pressure difference
interference. between two fluids
Wind Experiments: Close windows, and turn off
fans and AC.
Oscillation Time Period: Conduct 10 oscillations
and divide to find the period.
Fiducial Markers: Use for oscillation
measurements.
Fast Motions: Record with a video camera and
playback in slow motion.
Object Drop Experiment: Ensure the object is
released from rest.

2. Apparatus & Additional Bourdon gauge: measuring pressure of a gas or liquid

Pump: can be used to alter pressure in a container
Details
2.3. Electrical Experiments
2.1. General Experiments
Apparatus:
Apparatus:
Variable resistor (rheostat): can be used to alter
Signal generator: can be used to produce a voltage/current supplied in a circuit or can be used to
sound/voltage/current and can vary frequency settings on keep current constant
device

LDR: resistance decreases with increasing light intensity

Micrometer: can be used to measure small distances

Photocell: sensors that allow you to detect light – generate
Vernier calipers: can be used to measure small distances
an e.m.f when light is incident
Set square: used to make sure apparatus perpendicular
Magnets: can be used with metal objects in experiment
Balance: can be used to weigh a mass
Burette: accurately measuring volume of liquid
Diffraction grating: can be used to measure wavelength of
a monochromatic light source Additional Details:

Use a protective resistor to reduce current

Switch off currents when not in use so that wires/coil do
Additional Details: not overheat
Use microammeter and galvanometer for small voltages
Measuring amplitude and period using a c.r.o
and currents
Adjust time-base and y -gain to achieve a suitable
When using ammeter and voltmeter to measure
waveform
resistance, a power supply is required
Calculate amplitude by finding height in terms of
Type of current to use:
boxes on grid of waveform and multiplying by y -gain
Large current to create a large magnetic field
Calculate period by counting boxes of grid occupied by
Large current to produce measurable e.m.f./voltage
a full waveform and multiply by time-base setting
Small current to reduce heating effect

2.2. Pressure Experiments 2.4. Magnetic Field Experiments

Apparatus: Hall probe: used to measure magnetic fields

WWW.ZNOTES.ORG Copyright © 2024 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is authorised
for personal use only by Ammar Rizwan at Alpha college on 31/08/24.
CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

Keep Hall probe at right angles (perpendicular) to When values are powered (e.g. squared), multiply
magnetic field by fixing to rule percentage error with power
2x Δr Δx 3Δy
Calibrate Hall probe in a known magnetic field If r = 2xy3 or r = y 3 , then r
​ ​ = x ​ + y ​

Repeat experiment with Hall probe reversed and average

In magnetic experiments, avoid external alternating
magnetic fields
3.2. Treatment of Significant Figures
Actual error: recorded to only 1 significant figure
2.5. Falling Bodies & Oscillations Number of decimal places for a calculated quantity is
Experiments equal to number of decimal places in actual error.

Measuring velocity using light gate: 3.3. Graphs

Measure distance between light gates
Connect light gates to time loggers Firstly, plot the best value of each variable on the graph
Calculate time of fall by using data from loggers – time Next, add and subtract the error and plot this above and
difference between when the first and second beam below the best value.
are broken Join the three points together to form the error bar
For experiments with light weights or wind, close windows
& switch off air conditioning to avoid draughts
For measuring time period of oscillations, find time for 10
oscillations and then divide
Use fiducial markers to time oscillating objects
To measure quantities in an experiment with fast motions,
record experiment with a video camera and playback in
slow motion
Line of best fit: should pass through most ‘best’ values and
In an experiment with object being dropped, make sure
must be passing through each error bar
object released with no/constant velocity. Can use
Worst acceptable line: the shallowest or steepest possible
electromagnets or a spring-loaded device
line that passes through or close to every error bar e.g.
For falling objects, use a guide to keep motion in correct
lowest value and highest value (label the line)
direction
Join the top of the topmost point's error bar and the
bottom of the bottommost error bar and the line should
3. Analysis touch every error bar

3.1. Treatment of Uncertainties Determining error in gradient and y -intercept:

For a quantity x = (2.0 ± 0.1 ) mm After plotting both lines, calculate the gradient of each
line by forming a triangle with a hypotenuse of length
Absolute uncertainty = Δx = ±0.1mm greater than half the graph. Leave all construction lines
Δx
Fractional uncertainty = x = 0.05
​
Calculate the gradient of the line of best fit and subtract
Percentage uncertainty = Δx from the worst fit to find error in gradient.
x × 100% = 5%
​

Logarithmic uncertainties: e.g. uncertainty in ln x If broken axis used, form equation of both lines and find
the y -intercept
Natural logarithm of best value of x is ln 2.0 = 0.693
If normal axis used, read off value from the graph
Natural logarithm of max value of x is ln 2.1 = 0.742
Subtract the two y -intercepts to find the error
Difference between values is 0.742 − 0.693 = 0.049

∴ ln (2.0 ± 0.1 ) = 0.69 ± 0.05 Finding constants in given relationship:

Combining errors: Using values calculated i.e. gradient and y -intercept,

When values added or subtracted, add absolute error equate coefficients of the equation of the line with
2x+y 2x−y 2Δx+Δy
If p = 3 or p = 3 , then Δp =
​ ​

3 ​

relationship to find constants.

When values multiplied or divided, add % errors

WWW.ZNOTES.ORG Copyright © 2024 ZNotes Education & Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document is authorised
for personal use only by Ammar Rizwan at Alpha college on 31/08/24.
CAIE A2 LEVEL
Physics

© ZNotes Education Ltd. & ZNotes Foundation 2024. All rights reserved.
This version was created by Ammar Rizwan on 31/08/24 for strictly personal use only.
These notes have been created by ZNotes Team for the 2019-21 syllabus
The document contains images and excerpts of text from educational resources available on the internet and
printed books. If you are the owner of such media, test or visual, utilized in this document and do not accept its
usage then we urge you to contact us and we would immediately replace said media.
No part of this document may be copied or re-uploaded to another website. Under no conditions may this
document be distributed under the name of false author(s) or sold for financial gain.
“ZNotes” and the ZNotes logo are trademarks of ZNotes Education Limited (registration UK00003478331).