PREFACE

The Modern systems of education , such as the Cambridge and Edexcel Board require a comprehensive understanding of certain basics that aren't usually discussed in the Board books. This booklet is a compilation of the key diagrams, general formulae and other helpful data for O level physics students around the world. It serves as a guide to the vital components of the O level exam, be it the Edexcel or cambridge board. I hope that students of matriculation, canadian and american systems might find this guide relevant to their syllabus too. It is recommended, that after going through the initial chapters , the tips for the examination are also studied carefully to give essential advice to students who are about to appear for their board exams . The illustrations in this book will help the students in :

• Memorizing diagrams more effectively• Using proper units for the respective physical quantities• Understanding the fundamental features of formulas

Alhamdulillah , I have worked really hard on this book and I am happy to see the finished piece. It's been a pleasure working on this remarkable branch of science. Physics is a passion for me. It intrigues me and inspires me to understand it more , digging deeper and deeper each time. I also manage the website physics4u.webs.com . You will find all further assistance to physics for A levels and Fsc on physics4u .

Dedicated to my Mother and Father.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Syllabus

Chapter 2 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Physical quantities and units

Chapter 3 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Formulae

Chapter 4 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Diagrams

Chapter 5 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Exam Tips

CHAPTER 1: Syllabus

Section A: Motion and Force :

1. Force : Definition and types2. Momentum3. Moment4. Astronomy

Section B : Electricity :

1. Mains Electricity2. Static Electricity3. Resistance , Current and Voltage

Section C : Waves :

1. Introduction to Waves and its types2. Uses3. Light waves4. Lenses5. Sound

Section D : Energy :

1. Uses of Energy2. Work and Power3. Generating and Transferring Energy

Section E : Solid, Liquid and Gases :

1. Gas Laws and general overview of the states of matter2. Density and Pressure

Section F : Magnetism :

1. Properties of magnets 2. Application of magnets in various inventions3. Uses of magnetic appliances

Section G : Radioactivity :

1. Causes , sources and types of radioactivity.2. Half Life3. Uses of radioactivity

Section H : Design of Experiment

*Any type of topic from above is included in design of experiments to demonstrate the practicality of a lesson

CHAPTER 2 : Physical quantities and units

Physical quantity Units

Length Millimeter(mm)Centimeter(cm)

Meter(m)Kilometer(Km)

Mass Milligram(mg)Gram(g)

Kilogram(Kg)

Time second(s)

Temperature Degrees Celsius(°C)

Current Ampere(A)

Acceleration Meters per second squared (m/s^2)

Area Centimeters square(cm^2)Meters square (m^2)

Density Kilograms per meter cube (kg/m^3)

Grams per meter cube

(g/m^3)

Electric Charge Coulomb (C)

Electric Current Ampere (A)

Energy/Work Joule(J)Kilojoules(KJ)

Megajoules(MJ)

Frequency Hertz(Hz)Kilohertz(KHz)

Force Newton(N)

Gravitational field strength Newton per Kilogram(N/Kg)

Moment of a force Newton meter(Nm)

Momentum Kilogram meters per second (Kg m/s )

Voltage Volt (V)

Power Watt(W)Kilowatt(KW)

Megawatt(MW)

Pressure Pascal(Pa)

Radioactivity Becquerel(Bq)

Resistance Ohm(Ώ)

Velocity Meters per second(m/s)

Kilometer per hour

Volume Centimeter Cube(cm^3)Meter Cube(m^3)

Milliliter(ml)Liter(l)

CHAPTER 3 : Formulae

1.V(average) = Distance/Time

2.Acceleration= (Final velocity-Initial Velocity)/time

3. Distance=Initial velocity(time) + 1/2(acceleration)(time)^2

4. 2(acceleration)(distance)=(Final velocity)^2 – (Initial velocity)^2

5.Final Velocity=Initial velocity + acceleration(time)

6. Force= Change in momentum/time ,where :Change in momentum = Mass( Final velocity-Initial velocity)

7.Weight= mass(gravitational field strength)

8.Momentum= mass(velocity)

9. Momentum before collision =momentum before collision

10. Orbital Speed = (2π(Radius))/Time

11. Moment=Force(Perpendicular distance)

12. Energy Transferred =Voltage(Current)(Time)

13. Power=Voltage(Current)

14. Voltage=Current(Resistance)

15. Current=Charge/Time

16. Wave Speed= Frequency(Wavelength)

17. Frequency=1/Time Interval

18. Refractive Index = Sin i/sin r

19. Refractive Index = 1/sin c

20. n1*sin i=n2*sin r

21. Efficiency =Useful energy output / Total Energy Input

22. Work= Force * Distance moved

23. Power =Work /Time

24. Gravitational potential energy= Mass(Gravitational field strength)(Height)

25. Kinetic Energy = ½ mass (velocity)^2

26. Density=mass/volume

27. Pressure=Force/Area

28. Pressure=Density*Gravitational field strength*height

29. P1/T1=P2/T2

30. P1*V1=P2*V2

31. V1/T1=V2/T2

32. Kelvin Temperature=273+Degrees Celsius Temperature

33. Number of atoms=( ½ )^n * N where n= no. of half lives N= Original number of atomsn=Total years/Half Life

CHAPTER 4 : DiagramsThe diagrams in this chapter cover almost all the topics of the Edexcel course , however the cambridge students will find almost all of them useful too. The trick to tackling all these figures is to go over them slowly ans see where , what and how each of the labels fit into the diagram. If you can understand that then you won't need to take a lot of time to have each of them on your fingertips.

Space, motion and grouping of particles

Kinematics Graphs

Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass

Forces on a body

Energy

Geothermal power plant

Gas Laws

Brownian motion

A Comparison of Longitudinal and Transverse waves

A Transverse wave in a slinky spring

A longitudinal wave

A transverse wave in two different types of mediums

Diffraction through a point

Analog signal

Dispersion through a raindrop

Latent heats contrasted in a graph

The Electromagnetic Spectrum in order of increasing frequency

The shape of charge deposition on different shaped objects

The cross section of a photocopier machine

The cross section of an Inkjet printer

Connection of an ammeter in a circuit

AC current graph

DC current graph

Contrast between forward and reversed biased in a graph

Ohms Law Graph

Graph showing the decrease and consistency of current as voltage increases due to increase of temperature of the filament

Total internal reflection in an optical fiber

Critical Angle shown in light refracting at an angle of 90 °

Effect of changing mediums on a light wave going in and out of a glass block with respect to angles to the normal

Electrical Symbols used in Electrical circuits

CHAPTER 5 : Exam TipsSpeaking from the point of view of a student who has gone through the ordinary level phase , I believe the right mindset is the initial step toward success. You need to believe that you can achieve the grade if you are confident in your preparation. After this, only studying well before giving the exam is required. It's okay to get the jitters just before the exam but a week before you should be confident you are prepared for the subject questions. Its like giving an invitation to failure if you start with scratch five days just before the exam. The last ten days before the exam should only be for you to revise and relax your mind so that you are satisfied with what preparation you have.

As a student of O levels who has experimented with almost all ways of efficient studying , I believe that the oriented mind and practice of the recent past papers are the only requirement for the preparation of the board exam. I have seen all my peers tense a month or week before the exam with no idea where to start with their preparation of the physics subject. In the final days before the exam it is every students desire to study only the productive notes of their syllabus to make every bit of study count. There are many last minute steps all students can take to ensure they study effectively . It's advisable to check out the examiner reports for a comprehensive guide on tackling the exam questions with the required keywords and format in view of the board examiner. An easiest way is to study each and every part of the notes once and then start solving the sample papers . Afterwards the answers should be carefully checked. After the marks are noted the student should attempt another paper and get a better score on the second try. This should be repeated again and again until the student has achieved the maximum grade on the practice tests. These methods are so effective as they train one's mind to express all their ideas of physics with respect to the question keeping in mind relevance , the style of expression and the language of their expression.

To ensure your clarity of the concepts try and do whole sample papers in a sitting. Just pay the most attention to each and every detail this once and do your best. Be very relaxed and always take a twenty minute break after a 1 hour study . Be very careful in revision . You don't want to be over confident enough to forget some topics or too stressed to study a topic in the last minute so as to forget it completely. After you have done revising , just have a lot of rest and nutrition before the exam. During the exam have all apparatus at hand. You should also carry a snack or drink with you. Management of time should be done economically. Always have 5-3 minutes at the end to review your work and just relax to regain your composure. Be confident in your answers and maintain a good presentation of your work. If you are stuck in a question move on and review it later on. After the exam , just keep calm. You don't need to worry. Now its time for the examiners work.

Here are a handful of tips given by the Edexcel board:-

1. Create a revision timetable with sensible work slots and breaks and then show it to your parents to get their agreement. Keep to this timetable! Then when your parent finds you 'not working', provided you are following your agreed timetable, no-one is going to hassle you. Parents only hassle and worry when they are not sure what you are doing, or if you do not seem to have a plan. Organise yourself well and it will help you to fulfil your potential.

2. Know where your exams are and when they start, how long they are, what equipment you are allowed to take in (for example calculators) and what you are not allowed to take in (mobiles, notes, etc).

3. Make sure you have one weekend day when you don't do revision or think about exams - you'll come back to it refreshed.

4. Tell your family about your revision time - and ask them for help if you need it - it may help make them feel useful to you!

5. Keep bullet points on crib cards highlighting main subject theories. Use

these for quick revision and for reading during 'dead' times – for example, when you’re waiting for a bus. Use mnemonics - using initials of a word helps your memory.

6. Some people revise well by listening, so you could try ‘talking’ your revision and recording it onto your iPod or onto tapes. Listen to these while lying in bed, while traveling in a car, or walking to the shops. This also takes the guilt out of being out and about rather than in front of your books!

7. Ensure you eat and sleep properly. Now is not the time to diet or stay up all night. Have an early night before each exam.

8. Prepare items needed for the exam the evening before. Make sure you have the correct equipment needed for your exam (calculators, rulers, etc). Your exam invigilator should remind you of what you are and aren’t allowed before the exam starts. Taking unauthorized equipment in can get you disqualified from the exam.

9. Look after yourself during the exam period (a good routine and healthy eating!). Be sure to cut down on your weekend/evening job; most employers know that you need to commit time to the exams and revision, but often try to get you to do extra hours anyway!

10. On the morning of the exam, have a good breakfast, stay calm and allow plenty of time to get to the exam. Remember that you can only do your best and even if you don't do as well as you'd hoped, your parents still love you just as much!

• There is no escaping it; thorough and careful revision is the best way to prepare for aphysics examination.• Make your revision productive by making it interesting and fun. Make notes, revisioncards or mind maps. Revision should be an active process, i.e. you should be ‘doing

things’, not just sitting and reading a book.• Do not try to learn it all in one go! Take regular breaks and review what you havelearnt regularly.• Learning equations is essential; put them on small pieces of paper and stick them onyour mirror so you will see them every morning, then revise with a friend so you cantest each other.• Try explaining the physics of a topic to a friend – as if you were a teacher!• Working through past paper questions is then the best way to complete your revision.This helps you to know the type and style of questions to expect in the examination.• Try timed questions so you can learn to answer quickly.• Make sure you get your answers checked so you know you are doing the right things!SpellingThe spelling of technical terms is important, so make sure your writing is legible as wellas spelt correctly. Some words are very similar, such as reflection and refraction. If theexaminer cannot tell which one you have written, then you will lose the mark. Make a listof technical terms and definitions in each section of the syllabus, checking the spellingscarefully.General TipsIn O Level Physics examinations you have to be able to complete a variety of tasks;always read the question carefully to make sure you have understood what you areexpected to do.In descriptive answers, you should:• check the number of marks available and make sure you give

sufficient points.• plan your answer first so that you don’t repeat yourself or contradict yourself.• read your answer through carefully afterwards to check you have not missed outimportant words.• use sketches and diagrams wherever you can to help your explanation.• add labels when referring to a diagram, e.g. point X, so that you can refer to iteasily in your explanation. This can save many words and much confusion.In numerical answers, you should:• quote any formulae you are going to use.• show clearly all the steps in your working.• check the units are consistent, e.g. if the distance is given in km and the speed inm/s, then you must convert the km to m.• be careful when you are converting minutes and seconds: 1 minute 30 seconds isnot 1.3 minutes and 150 seconds is not 1.5 minutes. These are commonmistakes, so always double check any conversion of units of time.• state the answer clearly at the end.• give your answer as a decimal to an appropriate number of significant figuresunless specifically asked to give the answer as a fraction.• check that you have given the unit on your final answer.• look at your final answer and see if it is reasonable. If you have the cost of usingan electrical appliance such as a kettle used for six minutes as more than a fewcents, then check the powers of ten in your calculation.Plotting graphs can be tested in Papers 2, 3 or 4. When drawing graphs, you should:• remember to label the axes with both quantity (e.g. distance or d) and unit (e.g.meters or m). Then write it as distance / meters or even just d / m.

• make sure the axes are the correct way round. You are usually told, for example,to plot distance on the x-axis, so make sure you know that x is the horizontal axis!• make the scales go up in sensible amounts, i.e. not 0, 3, 6… or 0, 7, 14 … but 0,5, 10 … or 0, 2, 4 ….• make sure that the plotted points fill at least half the graph paper. (This meansyou cannot double the scale and still plot all the points on the graph.)• check if you have been told to start the scales from the origin. If not, then thinkcarefully about where to start the axes.• use a sharp pencil to plot the points and draw the line.• plot the points carefully. It is best to use small neat crosses. Every point will bechecked by the marker, and you will lose the mark if any are wrongly plotted.• draw either a straight line or a smooth curve. In physics we never join the dots!• remember that a best fit line (curve or straight) should have some points bothabove and below the line.When taking readings from a graph, you should:• draw a large triangle when measuring the gradient of a line. It must be at leasthalf the length of the line. Examiner’s tip – draw a triangle the full size of thegraph!• always use points on the line, not your plotted points, when calculating thegradient.• draw a tangent to find the gradient of a curve. Make sure it is at the right place onthe curve. Again, use a large triangle.• make sure you read the scales correctly when reading a value from a

graph. Itmay be that they are in mA rather than A or km rather than m.When describing the shape of a graph, remember that:• directly proportional means a straight line through the origin. In this case,doubling one quantity will cause the other to double.• if the straight line does not go through the origin, then it is just called a lineargraph.• if doubling one quantity causes the other to halve, then they are inverselyproportional.• if increasing one quantity causes the other to decrease, it is called an inverserelationship.Paper 1 Tips: Multiple ChoiceWhen reading the question, you should:• read the question carefully, e.g. if a question refers to a cooling liquid, then it willsolidify, not boil. If you know you tend to jump to a quick conclusion, cover up theanswers while you read the stem of the question.• not rush through the questions. Some will be very quick to answer, others takemore time.• check whether a positive or negative answer is being asked for, i.e. does thequestion say “which of the following is or is not …?” For example, when looking atray diagrams it is easy to just spot a correct diagram when you are asked for anincorrect diagram.• underline or circle important information in the stem of the question.• never leave a question unanswered; marks are not deducted for incorrectanswers.

• try to eliminate some of the possible answers if you are not sure of the answer.• write out your working to numerical questions clearly (on the question paper, nearthe question) so you can check it later.• be aware of the topics which occur frequently, such as potential difference andpotential dividers. The theory here just has to be learnt!When taking readings from a diagram, you should:• check you are using the correct distance, e.g. in moments questions, rememberyou need to use the perpendicular distance from the force to the axis of rotation.• draw on the diagram to help you understand what is happening, e.g. in a travelingwave moving to the right, draw in the new wave outline after a short time, or indeciding the direction of the magnetic field at a point near a bar magnet, draw inthe shape of the field.Choosing the right response:• When several answers seem correct, re-read the stem of the question. You mustchoose the answer that is not only a correct statement, but also answers thequestion, e.g. swapping the live and neutral wires in a plug is a fault, but will notcause the fuse to blow. The live wire touching the metal case of a kettle is a faultwhich will cause the fuse to blow!Choosing the right equation:• Many equations are very similar, e.g. E = mc2 (energy equivalence of mass) and E= ½ m v2 (kinetic energy of a moving object) so make sure you know when to useeach one.

Paper 2 Tips: Structured Questions• Read the stem of the question to check which topic in physics is being tested. Thenread all the parts of the question. It is often tempting to write too much in the first partof the question and then realize you have answered parts two and three as well.• Only answer the question asked. Don’t be tempted to give more detail than isrequired. This wastes time and gains you no extra marks!• If you are asked for two points (e.g. name two materials that are magnetic ….) thendon’t give three. If you give three and the second is incorrect, you will only get onemark out of two.• Your answer should fit the space available. If it doesn’t, you are writing too much!The number of lines given is a clue as to how much to write. Think about the size ofyour writing: if it is too big, it will not fit in the space; if it is too small, then the examinerwill not be able to read it. Practice writing a size that is in between the extremes!• If the question asks you to describe the movement of electrons, then not mentioningelectrons and only referring to the movement of charged particles in the answercannot gain full marks. Failure to give sufficient detail is a common cause of lostmarks• If describing the motion of molecules in a liquid then linking the temperature to theaverage kinetic energy of the molecules is important. Molecules of a gas exert apressure on the walls of a container by colliding with the walls. To increase the pressure, they must collide at a greater rate, i.e. more

frequently or with a higherspeed. Take care to explain this clearly and without contradiction!• Electrical circuits are common questions. Make sure you know where to putammeters and voltmeters in a circuit. Then, if you need to vary the current, makesure you include a variable resistor or use a variable power supply.

And here's the guidance Cambridge Board give :-

1. Study skillsWhere to studyCreating good conditions to study in can help you make the most of the time you spend revising. Here are some suggestions:

•Find a quiet place to study and make sure you are sitting comfortably•Make sure your desk is well lit•Keep background noise to a minimum•Avoid studying in an area where there will be distractions (like television!)•Have everything you need to do your revision to hand before you startHow to studyThere is no ‘right way’ to revise, as long as the method you choose enables you to gain a solid grasp of key facts and consolidate your knowledge. Some students are happy to read their classroom notes from start to finish, others prefer to simplify the information as much as possible, turning everything into skeleton notes, diagrams or mnemonics. In practice, most students find that mixing techniques suits the varied nature of the subjects being revised, and provides essential variety when studying.

•Turn your notes into revision tools;•write ideas and facts on to cards to use as ‘prompts’•create memory aids such as diagrams or mnemonics (e.g. initial letters to make a word you need to remember or SMART objectives: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Realistic; Targets). These will help you remember key facts•write key facts/notes out and display these around the house where you will see them

•record yourself reading notes to listen to•Study with a friend and test each other’s knowledge, but remember you are meeting to revise rather than to chat!•Work through past question papers – and use a watch to time them so that you can practice timing your answers.•Choose study and revision guides sensibly. It’s not hard to find help with revision – as well as established published revision guides, there are hundreds of websites offering help and advice. The problem is not how to find such help, but how to judge which is the best source for your needs. Save valuable time and get recommendations from your teachers•Remember course notes are also a valuable source of extra help•Keep yourself more alert by changing revision methods during a session. For instance, try switching from note taking to memorizing; from reading to asking someone to test you•Attend any revision classes that your teachers may be running at school and get their advice on revision methods•Look after yourself – Sometimes revision can become a competition – who stayed up latest, who worked longest, who’s worrying the most. But the more tired you are the less efficiently you’ll work. You need to rest as well as study, eat well, drink lots of water and make sure you pace yourself. Don’t rush, and equally don’t over-revise by doing too much too soon2. Revision plan (click here for an example)The top tip for successful revision is to make a plan; otherwise it is easy to waste your precious revision time. We recommend that you start your revision at least six weeks before your exams begin. It is helpful to look at your exam dates and work backwards to the first date you intend to start revising.

•List all your exam subjects and the amount of time you think you will need for each one. It is unlikely that the amounts will be equal. Many people find it advisable to allocate more time to the subject or topics they find the most difficult•Draw up a revision plan for each week•Fill in any regular commitments you have first and the dates of your examinations

•Use Revision Checklists or Syllabuses for each subject as a starting point. Look at what you need to know and try to identify any gaps in your knowledge. (A good way of doing this is to look at the results of past papers or tests you have worked through)•Divide your time for each subject into topics based on the units in the revision checklist or syllabus, and make sure you allow enough time for each one•Plan your time carefully, assigning more time to subjects and topics you find difficult•Revise often; try and do a little every day•Plan in time off, including time for activities which can be done out in the fresh air. Take a 5 or 10 minute break every hour and do some stretching exercises, go for a short walk or make a drink•You may find it helpful to change from one subject to another at ‘break’ time, for example doing one or two sessions of maths and then changing to Geography, or alternating a favorite subject with a more difficult one. It helps to build in some variety•Write up your plan and display it somewhere visible•Adjust your timetable if necessary and try to focus on your weakest topics and subjects•Don’t panic; think about what you can achieve, not what you can’t. Positive thinking is important!3. Last-minute revision tipsAlthough time may be short, you can still make a difference to your grade. Try and prioritize; do what you can.

•Use your revision tools (prompts, diagrams etc) to check final facts•Keep calm and consolidate your existing knowledge rather than trying to learn new topics•Don’t stay up all night revising; being overtired will not help you to do your best4. Dealing with exam nervesIt is natural to feel nervous before an examination. The more prepared you feel, the easier it will be to conquer your fears.

•Create a revision plan to help you feel in control of the process

•Plan your work carefully around the topics you need to focus on. Being aware of gaps in your knowledge can create nerves, but having a plan of how you will fill these will make you feel better.•Find out what is involved in the exam:•where and when it will take place•how much time is allowed•how many questions you need to answer•Think positive•Keep the exam in context – even if you do badly, there will be other options open to you•Allow yourself some fun-time each day to relax•Eat sensibly – your brain cells need energy to function well. Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Dehydration makes you tired and reduces concentration5. Exam tips – sitting the examBe prepared; find out what is involved in each of the examinations that you are going to sit. Organize yourself the night before and get plenty of sleep.

•Check you have the correct equipment with you before you leave the house (pens pencils, ruler, scientific calculator, etc)•Do take a watch or clock so that you can time your answers•Leave for the exam in plenty of time•Look through the paper first and mark difficult questions/initial thoughts•Select the questions that will best enable you to demonstrate your knowledge to the examiner•Look at the marks available and read the questions carefully, following instructions given in the paper (e.g. to show all workings, word limits etc)•Use the information provided on the paper (the answer’s often nearly all there)•Pace yourself and allow enough time to answer all the required questions•Write as neatly as possible to help the examiner to mark your work. Marking untidy writing is difficult•For longer answers, take a few minutes before you begin to produce a structured plan of what you are going to include in each section

•Allow yourself ten minutes at the end to read through your answers and correct any mistakes•Cross out anything you do not want the examiner to read (e.g. an earlier answer to a question)6. Exam tips – after the examIt is easy to fall in to the trap of wondering how well you performed and to discuss this with your fellow students. Your time would be better spent looking ahead to your next examination.

•Don’t panic – you won’t be the only student who is anxious about their answers•Don’t compare your answers with those of other students – this can create negative feelings•Have some fresh air and food and take time to relax before you start revising•Don’t rush to your textbooks to check your answers – there is no point at this stage•Focus on the next exam and how you might improve your exam technique•Have a quick look at your revision plan. Do you need to adjust it?•Think positive!

Please note that these tricks can be very decisive in your final grade. Never ignore good advice and always look for ways you can improve your result in the finals .

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Steve Woolley, Brian Arnold, Penny Johnson: Edexcel IGCSE Physics Student Book , India , 2010

“EXAMINER PHYSICS for O level Physics 5054” , http://papers.xtremepapers.com/Edexcel/Ordinary

%20Level/Physics/Resources/physic%205054%20examiner%20tips.pdf , (collected 5/12/12)

“Exam Tips from students“ , http://www.edexcel.com/iwantto/Pages/tips-students.aspx , (collected 4/12/12)

“Revision Tips” , http://www.cambridgestudents.org.uk/examtime/revisiontips/ , (collected

4/11/12)