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Igcse Physics Conventions

The document outlines conventions for presenting data in IGCSE Physics, including rules for tables and graphs, such as labeling axes with physical quantities and units, and plotting independent and dependent variables correctly. It also provides a step-by-step guide for solving physics problems, emphasizing the importance of diagrams, identifying known and unknown variables, and selecting appropriate formulas. Additionally, it summarizes the interpretation of distance-time and speed-time graphs, detailing how to analyze gradients and areas under the curves.

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18 views33 pages

Igcse Physics Conventions

The document outlines conventions for presenting data in IGCSE Physics, including rules for tables and graphs, such as labeling axes with physical quantities and units, and plotting independent and dependent variables correctly. It also provides a step-by-step guide for solving physics problems, emphasizing the importance of diagrams, identifying known and unknown variables, and selecting appropriate formulas. Additionally, it summarizes the interpretation of distance-time and speed-time graphs, detailing how to analyze gradients and areas under the curves.

Uploaded by

ycool4.6.12
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Presentation of data

Drawing graphs

IGCSE Physics- conventions


For separating the quantity and
the unit in tables, graphs and
charts,
For separating the
quantity and the
unit in tables, graphs
and charts,

The solidus (/) is to be


used
For example, time /s for
time in seconds.
a) Tables
Tables

Each column of a table


should be headed with
the physical quantity and
the appropriate
unit,For example, time /s.
Tables

Each column of a table The column headings of


should be headed with the table can then be
the physical quantity and directly transferred to the
the appropriate axes of a constructed
unit,For example, time /s. graph.
(b) Graphs
(b) Graphs

Rule 1
• Unless instructed otherwise, the
independent variable should be
plotted on the x-axis (horizontal
axis) and the dependent variable
plotted on the y-axis (vertical
axis).
(b) Graphs

Rule 2
Each axis should be
labelled with the physical
quantity and the
appropriate unit.
For example time /s.
(b) Graphs

Rule 3
Unless instructed otherwise, the scales
for the axes should allow more than half
of the graph grid to be used in both
directions, and be based on sensible
ratios,
For example, 2cm on the graph grid
representing 1, 2 or 5 units of the
variable.
(b) Graphs

Rule 4
The graph is the whole
diagrammatic presentation,
including the best-fit line
when appropriate. It may
have one or more sets of data
plotted on it.
(b) Graphs

Rule 5
Points on the graph should be clearly
marked as crosses (×) or encircled dots
(.)
Large ‘dots’ are penalised. Each data
point should be plotted to an accuracy
of better to one half of each of the
smallest squares on the grid.
(b) Graphs

Rule 6
• A best-fit line (trend line) should be a
single, thin, smooth straight-line or curve.
• The line does not need to coincide
exactly with any of the points; where there
is scatter evident in the data, Examiners
would expect a roughly even distribution of
points either side of the line over its entire
length.
• Points that are clearly anomalous should
be ignored when drawing the best-fit line.
(b) Graphs

Rule 7
The gradient of a straight line
should be taken using a triangle
whose hypotenuse extends over
at least half of the length of the
best-fit line, and this triangle
should be marked on the graph.
(c) Bar
charts
Bar graphs are drawn when one of the variables is not
numerical.
(d) Numerical results
Conventions

( signs, symbols, terminology and


nomenclature)
Syllabuses and question papers conform with generally accepted
international practice.
Decimal markers: In accordance with
current ASE convention, decimal
markers in examination papers will be a
Pointe single dot on the line. Candidates are
expected to follow this convention in

r1 their answers.

45.89
0.0098
• Numbers :Numbers from 1000 to
9999 will be printed without
commas or spaces. Numbers greater
than or equal to 10 000 will be
Pointer 2 printed without commas. A space
will be left between each group of
three whole numbers,
• For example, 4 256 789.
How to solve any
Physics problem
Step 1: Calm down

It is just a problem, not the end of the


world!
• Step 2: Read through the
problem once.
If it is a long problem, read and understand it in parts till you
get even a slight understanding of what is going on.
Step 3:
Draw a diagram
It cannot be emphasized enough how much
easier a problem will be once it is drawn out.
Ideally, a free body diagram is what you will
draw, but even drawing how you imagine the
wording of the problem inside your head (like a
chart maybe) will make solving this problem
easier.
There are often marks awarded for drawing a
correct diagram.
Once you are done with this, try to bring this
drawing into motion like a movie if you can.
Step 4:
List down anything that
is given to you to the
side under a category
labeled "known".

e.g. you are given two


velocities. Label the
first V1 and set it
equal to the value
given. Label the
other value V2 and set
it equal to the value
provided for it.
Step 5: Look for the unknown variables.

Ask yourself, 'What am


List these to the side
I solving for?' and
as well under a
'What are the
category labeled
unknown variables in
"unknown".
this problem?'
Step 6: List formula that
you think might be
applicable to this problem.

If you are able to look up


equations you do not
remember exactly and think
might be applicable to the
problem, do so and write
them down.
Step 7: Pick the right formula

At times there may be different for example: - v = u + at can be


formulas for the same set of applied only when the acceleration
variables and you may be confused is constant. So in a question if the
as to which one to use. Hence when acceleration is not constant, you will
you memorize the formula, also know you are not supposed to use
remember the conditions in which this equation here. This may also
they hold good ( conditions under help to increase the subject
which that formula can be applied). understanding in general.
Step 8:
Solve the equations.

Take your formula and try to solve


for one variable at a time.
Solve for each variable that is listed
under the "unknown" category.
Try to solve for variables that you
can determine easily first
Present your answer with
appropriate unit

Put a box, circle, or underline


your answer to make your
work neat.
How to approach any Physics
problem
Step 1: Read through the problem once.

Step 2:Draw a diagram if necessary

Step 3: List down anything that is given to you to the side under a category labeled "known".

Step 4 : Look for the unknown variables.

Step 5: List formula that you think might be applicable to this problem.

Step 6: Pick the right formula

Step 7: Solve the equations.

Step 8:Present your answer with appropriate unit


Physics with Manju
SUMMARY
Distance-time graph
• The gradient is the Velocity
• Negative gradient is returning back to the starting point
• A horizontal line means it is stationary
• A curved line means that the velocity is changing and
it is accelerating
Speed-time graph
• The gradient is the acceleration
• Negative gradient is deceleration
• If the speed is zero, it is at rest
• A horizontal line means constant speed
• The area under the line is the distance traveled
• A curved line means that the acceleration is changing.

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