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UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS

CAIE A2 LEVEL
PHYSICS
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
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CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

Conduct the experiment for 5-6 values of the

1. Planning independent variable.
Repeat the experiment 3 times for each value of the
independent variable.
1.1. Defining the Problem (3 marks) Calculate the average for each set of three repetitions
to minimize uncertainty (1 mark).
Identify: Formulate a linear relationship algebraically.
The independent variable in the experiment (1 mark) Select appropriate quantities for each axis to create a
The dependent variable in the experiment (1 mark) linear graph (1 Mark).
The quantities to be controlled – kept constant (1
mark) Relationship Graph Gradient y-intercept
The independent variable is the one you modify to y = mx + c y against x m c
observe its effect on the dependent variable.
The quantity to be kept constant can vary, but choose y = axn lg y against lg x n lg a
the one that directly influences the variable being y = aekx ln y against x k ln a
measured in a physical sense.
Explain why it is important to keep a variable constant The graph should depict a straight line if the given
using scientific terminology relationship is true (1 Mark).
The line should pass through the origin if the linear
1.2. Methods of Data Collection (4/5 equation lacks a constant term (c).
The line shouldn't pass through the origin if the linear
marks) equation includes a constant term (c).
To calculate the variables given in the equation:
Draw a labeled diagram (1 mark) to describe the Utilize the linear equation formed.
arrangement of the apparatus for the experiment on the Use the equation ( y = mx + c ) as a template to
diagram itself. equate the values in the equation to the slope (m)
Describe how to set up the apparatus shown in the and y-intercept (c).
labeled diagram. Formulate equations to find the variable(s), ensuring
Describe the method to be used to vary the independent the variable to be found in the subject (1 Mark).
variable (1 mark) and state what instrument is used to
measure it (1 mark) whilst referring to the errors that can
occur while measuring it and how you could prevent it (if
1.4. Safety Considerations (1 Mark)
possible).
Describe the method and state the instrument used to
measure the dependent variable (1 mark).
Describe the method to keep the control variables
mentioned before constant (1 mark).
Including the above points, describe how the experiment
will be carried out (procedure).
Include 4 points of additional detail (4 marks) regarding
the method of collection, improvement in accuracy, and
detail on the instrument usage.
In some cases, there might not be proper instruments
available for measurement (e.g., resistance), so explain
how you will use a voltmeter and ammeter in the circuit
and then use ( R = VI ) to measure the resistance.
​

1.3. Method of Analysis (2 Marks)

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CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

Bourdon gauge: measuring pressure of a gas or liquid

2. Apparatus & Additional 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

voltage/current supplied in a circuit or can be used to
Signal generator: can be used to produce a keep current constant
sound/voltage/current and can vary frequency settings
on device

LDR: resistance decreases with increasing light intensity

Micrometer: can be used to measure small distances

Vernier calipers: can be used to measure small
distances
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 Photocell: sensors that allow you to detect light –
Diffraction grating: can be used to measure wavelength generate an e.m.f when light is incident
of a monochromatic light source

Additional Details:
Measuring amplitude and period using a c.r.o
Adjust time-base and y -gain to achieve a suitable
waveform
Calculate amplitude by finding height in terms of
boxes on grid of waveform and multiplying by y -gain
Calculate period by counting boxes of grid occupied
by a full waveform and multiply by time-base setting

2.2. Pressure Experiments Additional Details:

Use a protective resistor to reduce current
Apparatus: Switch off currents when not in use so that wires/coil do
not overheat
U-Tube (manometer): measures pressure difference
Use microammeter and galvanometer for small voltages
between two fluids
and currents
When using ammeter and voltmeter to measure
resistance, a power supply is required
Type of current to use:
Large current to create a large magnetic field
Large current to produce measurable e.m.f./voltage
Small current to reduce heating effect

2.4. Magnetic Field Experiments

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Hall probe: used to measure magnetic fields
CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS Keep Hall probe at right angles (perpendicular) to
magnetic field by fixing to rule
Calibrate Hall probe in a known magnetic field
Measuring velocity using light gate: Actual error: recorded to only 1 significant figure
Repeat experiment with Hall probe reversed and average
Measure distance between light gates Number of decimal places for a calculated quantity is
In magnetic experiments, avoid external alternating
Connect light gates to time loggers equal to number of decimal places in actual error.
magnetic fields
Calculate time of fall by using data from loggers –
time difference between when the first and second 3.3.
2.5. Graphs
Falling Bodies & Oscillations
beam are broken
For experiments with light weights or wind, close Experiments
Firstly, plot the best value of each variable on the graph
windows & switch off air conditioning to avoid draughts Next, add and subtract the error and plot this above and
For measuring time period of oscillations, find time for below the best value.
10 oscillations and then divide Join the three points together to form the error bar
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
In an experiment with object being dropped, make sure
object released with no/constant velocity. Can use
electromagnets or a spring-loaded device
For falling objects, use a guide to keep motion in correct
direction

3. Analysis
3.1. Treatment of Uncertainties Line of best fit: should pass through most ‘best’ values
and must be passing through each error bar
For a quantity x = (2.0 ± 0.1) mm Worst acceptable line: the shallowest or steepest
possible line that passes through or close to every error
Absolute uncertainty = Δx = ±0.1mm bar e.g. lowest value and highest value (label the line)
Fractional uncertainty = Δx x = 0.05
​

Join the top of the topmost point's error bar and the
Percentage uncertainty = Δx x × 100% = 5%
​

bottom of the bottommost error bar and the line should

Logarithmic uncertainties: e.g. uncertainty in ln x touch every error bar
Natural logarithm of best value of x is ln 2.0 = 0.693
Natural logarithm of max value of x is ln 2.1 = 0.742
Difference between values is 0.742 − 0.693 = 0.049 Determining error in gradient and y-intercept:

∴ ln (2.0 ± 0.1) = 0.69 ± 0.05 After plotting both lines, calculate the gradient of each
line by forming a triangle with a hypotenuse of length
Combining errors: greater than half the graph. Leave all construction lines
When values added or subtracted, add absolute Calculate the gradient of the line of best fit and subtract
error from the worst fit to find error in gradient.
If p = 2x+y or p = 2x−y , then Δp = 2Δx+Δy If broken axis used, form equation of both lines and find
3 3 3
​ ​ ​

When values multiplied or divided, add % errors the y -intercept

When values are powered (e.g. squared), multiply If normal axis used, read off value from the graph
percentage error with power Subtract the two y -intercepts to find the error
3Δy
If r = 2xy 3 or r = 2x
y3
, then Δr
​
Δx
r = x + y
​ ​ ​

Finding constants in given relationship:

3.2. Treatment of Significant Figures
Using values calculated i.e. gradient and y -intercept,
equate coefficients of the equation of the line with
relationship to find constants.

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CAIE A2 Level
Physics

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These notes have been created by Abdullah Aamir for the 2025-2027 syllabus.
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