Secondary school physics examination techniques that are self explanatory. They are meant to assist a candidate for any high school physics know how to present answer in examinations.

1. PHYSICS
EXAMINATION
TECHNIQUES
By Omosa Elijah
Email: omosae@yahoo.com

2. IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS
• Kenya envisions being
industrialized by year 2020
and vision 2030
• There is need to improve in
math, technology and science
(physics) for rapid
industrialization

3. IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS contd.
• interest in and performance
in science subjects especially
physics is low
• Colleges and employers
attach a lot of importance to
physics
• Helps one acquire problem-
solving and decision-making
skills

4. KNOW YOUR SUBJECT/EXAMINATION
• Paper 1: 2 hrs; 80 mks- heat and
mechanics
• Paper 2: 2 hrs;80 mks - electricity
and magnetism, waves and modern
physics.
• Paper 3: 21/2 hours; 40 marks
NB: Paper 3 contributes about 20%
of the total marks. TO SCORE B- <
one must score D+ < in P3

5. HOW TO STUDY PHYSICS
(a)READING AND REVISION
• Have a well laid down
schedule for revising
• Try to have access to the
past papers for examinations
• Try discussing questions with
others to test your
understanding

6. (b) BEFORE THE EXAMINATION
• Brush through your short notes
• Have enough sleep the day before
examination
• Pack the materials needed for the
examination before sleeping
• Wake up early enough to allow you
reach the examination room 30
minutes to the start of exam

7. (c) DURING THE EXAMINATION
• Write your name and index neatly
• Read through the instructions, then
all questions get to understand them
• Before answering read and re-read
questions-avoid contradictions!!
• Start with the questions that you
understand best
NB: Keep an eye on time-1 min to
one mark!!

8. (d) IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE
i) Instructions- read and re-read to make
sure that you understand the examiner’s
needs. Understand the key words or steps
to be followed
ii) Care in reading instruments- when
reading instruments be careful with the
accuracy, units and in cases where we
have multi-scale instruments e.g.. for
electricity be sure which one to read!!

9. (d) IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE
iii) Data presentation
• Record the data as soon as it is made so
as to avoid forgetting
• Tabulate data neatly in the format the
examiner wants it.
• Be careful of the accuracy of the
instruments used
• In the final answer give an answer in the
number of d.p.’s advised or practically
obtainable using the instruments used
in experiment unless stated.

10. (d) IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE
iv) Know how the following instruments work:
• Metre rule
• Vernier calipers
• Micrometer screw gauge
• Mass balances
• Spring balance
• Stopwatch
• Thermometer
• An ammeter
• A voltmeter
• A CRO among others

11. TERMS COMMONLY USED WITH EXAMS
a) Compare
Give differences and similarities btn A and B
b) Contrast
Give differences btn A and B
b) Define
Give a formal statement e.g.. define an ampere
c) Describe
State in words or sometimes with aid of diagrams
The main points in a topic or structure or process
e.g.. describe a lab. Experiment to determine the
focal length of a convex lens. Normally number of
necessary steps equal the allocated marks

12. TERMS COMMONLY USED WITH EXAMS
e) State and explain
Give a brief description normally of an expected
result and give the hidden science behind it e.g..
state and explain the effect increasing the
resistance of a wire on the heat dissipated
f) Discuss
To investigate by argument, giving reasons for and
against
g) Distinguish
To discriminate btn A and B by giving differences
e.g.. distinguish between conductors and
semiconductors

13. TERMS COMMONLY USED WITH EXAMS
h) Draw a diagram/graph/apparatus
Making simple but neat drawings, but not
artistic drawings e.g. draw a graph of y
against x.
i) Evaluate
Judge worth of something or find the
numerical value
j) Explain
Make clear and intelligible- bring out what
does not seem obvious be understood
k) Give
Give/name/list factors or facts

14. TERMS COMMONLY USED WITH EXAMS
l) Identify
Show that you have recognized an item or a
process e.g.. identify the radioactive
radiation
m) Predict/infer/deduce
Apply logic to information or given
question, not memorization to answer
n) State
Give brief information without supporting
arguments e.g.. statement of
laws/principles

15. TERMS COMMONLY USED WITH EXAMS
o) Suggest
Means no one answer is treated as
correct-it means use of learnt information
in solving a real life situation/problem
p) Verify/show
To present in an organized manner so as
to convince, normally by use of
equations or experiment that the
statement holds true e.g.. show that
Archimedes principle leads to the law
of floatation.

16. Typical Example of state & explain
• Fig. 2 represents a flaming non-drip candle.
State and explain how the candle’s stability
changes as it burns. (2mks)
Stability increases√ centre of gravity lowers √
Becomes stable x centre of gravity decreases x

17. A typical example of exam question: Describe an
experiment to determine the focal length of a
converging lens.
Solution
• Arrange the lens, candle/light source, metre
rule and screen as shown in diagram 1 √
-experiment set-up
u v
candle lens screen

18. •Adjust the position of the screen so that
a sharply focused image √ of the candle
is seen on the screen-adjustments done
•Measure and record the object
distance, u and the image distance, v √.-
readings taken/recorded
•Repeat the above process √ by
adjusting the distance u a few more
times each time recording the
corresponding values of u and v-repeat
of experiment

19. • Obtain the corresponding values of
1/u and 1/v-processing of results
• Plot a graph of 1/v against 1/u-use
made of results. Alternatives to this
procedure exist
• The intercepts of 1/u and 1/v on the
horizontal and vertical axes
respectively give 1/f, where f is the
focal length. –prediction of
results/physical constant
determination

20. Example of calculation: Determine the
pressure due to sea water of density 1030
at a depth of 20 m below the water surface.
Solution
P = hρg√ 1mk- formula
= (20)(1030)(10) √ 1mk- substitution
= 20600Pa √ 1mk- numerical value
or 20600Nm-2
and correct unit

21. Way of loosing/gaining marks-
calculations
ρ = m √ d = m √ D = m x
V V V
= 20 √ = 20 √ = 20 √ √
4 4 4
= 5g/cm3
√ = 5g/cm3
√ =5g/cm3
√

22. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
a) THE ARITHMETIC OF MATHEMATICAL EQUATIONS
I) Addition and Subtraction
Make x the subject in y = 2x + 4
Solution
y – 4 = 2x + 4 - 4
Therefore x = y – 4
2
e.g.. v = u – gt, make g the subject

23. II) Multiplication/Division Rule
Make x the subject in 2x = y – 4
Solution
2x = y – 4
2 2
Therefore x = y – 4
2
• e.g.. v = u – gt, make t the subject
t = v – u
g
ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

24. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
III) Cross multiplication Rule
P = R or K = l1
Q S L l2
IV) The ‘Do unto others’ Rule
Ek = Ep
½mv2
= mgh
v2
= 2gh
therefore v = √2gh

25. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
b) GRAPHS:
Hints on Drawing graphs
I) Title- short but clear. What to
plot on vertical axis and
horizontal axis- it is important to
show quantity and unit, unit (not
a must)
II) Axes- quantity and unit is a must.
Do not interchange the axes

26. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
V.A
Dep var.
plotted here
V.A Independent variable plotted here H.A
II) Axes-
quantity and unit must be written herequantity and unit must be written here
quantityandunitmustbewrittenhere

27. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
III) Scale
• simple and uniform scale – use
steps that are equal and easy to
plot and read; avoid numbers like
1 sq. represents 3, 7, 11 e.tc.
• Choose a scale so that the
plotted points should also cover
btn ½ to ¾ of the graph paper
page

28. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Use a dot with a circle round it or a cross or x place
so that the point/intersection is within one small
square. The plot should remain even after drawing
line/curve
(a)

29. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(b)

30. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(c)

31. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(d)

32. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Use of graphs to obtain physical constants(e)

33. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(f) Example of straight line graph

34. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(g) Example of smooth curve (graph)

35. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(h) Example of non-linear law graph

36. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(i) Non-linear to linear law conversion :
Using powers

37. ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
(i) Non-linear to linear law conversion :
Using logarithms

38. Graphs Summary
Some important things to remember
when drawing graphs.
1. Give your graph a title
2. Chose a sensible scale for both axes
3. Try and draw a graph that will fill the
graph paper
4. Label the axes
5. Put units on both axes
6. Plot the points correctly

39. Graphs Continued
7. Mark the points clearly + or
8. Draw a smooth best fit line through the
points. This is often called a trend line. It
shows the general trend but you do not
have to join up all the points – in fact you
should not do this unless they actually fit the
trend line.
9. Recognise any anomalous points (ones
that are way off the general trend).
10. Draw the line clearly and finely

40. Force (Newtons)
Extension (metres)

41. Other General Considerations
• Forces must be drawn as straight
lines with arrows indicating their
directions
• Real rays of light must be drawn as
straight lines with arrows indicating
their directions. The virtual as dotted
lines without arrows on them

42. Other General Considerations
contd.
• Numerical values should be
accompanied with correct units,
otherwise…
• Units named after people should
be written not to start with capital
letters
• Use constants given by examiner

43. Other General Considerations contd.
• In calculations, do not round off
too early, give answer to the
number of decimal places
required by the examiner or as
the measuring instruments used
can practically read
• Transfer of marks exists only
from a section to another

44. Other General Considerations contd.
• For micrometer screw gauge and
vernier calipers, show how you read
the main/sleeve scale the
vernier/thimble then add to get
reading!
• Master the graphical methods well
• Understand the key words in every
question

45. END

46. The BesT in Your 2013 exams
and life afTer school

47. Thank you for listening to me