This document provides guidance on answering subjective physics questions in the SPM paper 2 exam. It discusses the following: 1) The 3 sections of the exam - Section A has 8 questions worth 60 marks to be answered in 90 minutes. Section B has 2 questions worth 20 marks each to be answered in 30 minutes. Section C has 2 questions worth 20 marks each also to be answered in 30 minutes. 2) Types of questions in each section - Section A focuses on knowledge, understanding and application. Section B involves conceptualizing. Section C requires problem solving or decision making. 3) Strategies for answering questions effectively such as reading the question multiple times and highlighting key words, answering questions

2. ANSWER STRATEGY PHYSICS QUESTIONS PAPER 2
Subjective Questions (2 Hours 30 Minutes)
SECTION A
 Section A of paper 2 consists of 8 questions. You will have to
answer all the 8 questions in this section.
 The total in Section A is 60 marks
 You are advised to spend 90 minutes on this section. Spending
more than 90 minutes on this section will result in having insufficient
time to answer questions in Sections B and C.
 Before attempting to answer questions, read the questions at least
twice and highlight the key words provided so that you will not go out of
point.

3.  Do not force yourself to answer Questions 1 first if you are not too
sure of the answers. Answer questions that you are most sure of first
 Answer all the 8 questions within the 90 minutes allocated.
 A section that is allocated only 1 mark will require a short
answer. On the other hand, a section that is allocated 3 marks will
require you to state 3 properties or characteristic associated with
the particular section.
 Write down all the steps in the spaces provided in the questions
paper, including the formula used.

4. SECTION B
 Section B consists of two questions. You need to answer only ONE
question from this section.
 The marks allocated for this section is 20 marks.
 You are advised to spend 30 minutes on this section.
 The questions from section B are normally preceded by a diagram
that shows a certain state or situation that is related to a specific
Physics concept.
 You are normally asked to state the characteristics shown in the
diagram and also to state the Physics principles involved.

5.  Study the marks allocated to each section or sub-section in the
questions. The marks allocated in each section may be as high as 10
marks.
 In such cases, make sure that you have at least 10 points or
properties related to the section as each point is normally allocated
1 mark.

6. SECTION C
 Sections C consists of two questions. You need to answer ONE
question only from this section.
 The marks allocated for this section is 20 marks.
 You are advised to spend 30 minutes on this section.
 The questions from Section C are normally preceded by a table that is
related to a specific Physics concept,

7.  Study the marks allocated to each section or sub-section in the
questions. The marks allocated in each section may be as high as 10 marks.
In such cases, make sure that you have at least 10 points or properties
related to the section as each point is normally allocated 1 mark.
 The questions in this section normally require you to state a certain
principle or to explain certain properties or characteristics based on the
information given.

8. TYPES OF QUESTIONS IN PAPER 2 SPM PHYSICS
Question No.1 - No.4
(Knowledge, Understanding and Application)
Questions No.5, No.6 and No.9/No.10
(Conceptualizing)
Questions No. 7 and No.9/No.10
(Problem Solving)
Questions No. 8 and No.11/No.12
(Making Decision)

9. Question No.1 - No.4
(Knowledge, Understanding and Application)
 Understand the tasks
 Refer to the marks stated- 1 point for 1 mark
 Answer in simple words but meaningful related to physics concept
 Use correct terminology

10.  Understanding and qualitative application
- explain step by step [imaging the marker does not know the physics]
 Calculation:
- Choose & write the relevant formula
- Substitute the values correctly
- Answer with correct unit

11. Example 1 – Q2
1. Diagram 2 shows a water tank that
supplies water to a block of flats. The
water flows to each unit of the flat due
to water pressure.

12. (a) What is meant by pressure?
Force per unit area // Force ÷ Area // F/A, where; F is force, A is
area
[1 mark]
(b) A water tank with a height of 3.0 m is fully filled with water. Calculate
the pressure at the base of the water tank.
[Density of water = 1000 kg m-3]
P = hg
= 1000 x 9.8 x 3
= 29400 N m-2 // 2.94 x 104 N m-2 / Pa / kgms-2m-2 / kgm-1s-2
[2 marks]

13. (c) Based in Diagrams 2, compare the water pressure at P and Q. Explain
your answer.
Pressure at Q is higher // Pressure at P is lower // Q > P // Q is
higher // Q is more // Q is bigger // Q is more than P
Depth at Q is higher // Depth at P is lower // hQ > hP // HQ > HP /
Q is deeper // Pressure increases as the depth increases
[2 marks]

14. Example 2 – Q3A SPM 2007
(a) Name the heat energy, Q1, which is absorbed from R to S.
Latent heat // Specific latent heat (of fusion)
[1 mark]
(b) State one reason why the temperature at R and S is the same even
though heat is supplied.
The heat needed to break the bonds between molecules //
molecules move further apart // to change solid to liquid // to
change physical form // kinetic energy doesn’t change
[1 mark]

15. (c) Calculate the het energy, Q2, which is absorbed from S to T.
[The specific heat capacity of water, C=4200 J kg-10C-1]
Q = mcθ
= 1.0 x 4200 x 100
= 420 000 J // 4.2 x 105 J // 420 kJ
[2 marks]

16. Questions No.5, No.6 and No.9 or No.10
(Conceptualizing)
 Every items starting with stimulus (situation).
 Stimulus or situation can be in diagram, table, chart or graph.
 Understand the tasks:
- Comparison :State the similarities and differences (if there is any)
- Differences: State characteristics that are different
- Similarities : State the same characteristics
 Relationship: directly proportional/ inversely proportional/ When …….
increases, ……… Increases/decreased.
 Name the law/principle/concept involved.

17. Example 1 – Q5A SPM 2006
1. Diagram 5.1 shows the situation of a sheet of paper before and when air
is blown.
Diagram 5.2 shows the situation of the canopy before the lorry moves and
when the lorry moves at high speed.

18. (a)What is meant by speed?
The rate of change of distance with time / v=s/t ; s = distance, t = time
[1 mark]
(b) Based in diagram 5.1 and diagram 5.2:
(i) State two similarities for the situation in Diagram 5.1 and Diagram
5.2.
- No air movement, the paper and the canopy will not lift up/at
rest/not moves
- Paper and canopy lift up when the air moves.
[2 marks]
(ii) Compare the air pressure above and below the paper when air is
blown.
- Air pressure above the paper is lower/air pressure below is higher
[1 mark]

19. (iii) Relate the speed of the air to the pressure of the air.
High speed, low pressure / inversely proportional
[1 mark]
(iv) Name the principle involved in 5(b)(iii).
Bernoulli’s
[1 mark]

20. Example 1- Q6 SPM 2009
(a) Observe diagram 6.1 and diagram 6.2
(i) Compare the depths of the water in region X and region Y.
X is deeper / bigger / higher / X > Y / Y < X
[1 mark]

21. (ii) Compare the wavelengths of the waves in region X and region Y.
X is longer / X > Y / Y < X
[1 mark]
(iii) Relate the depth of water to the wave length of the waves.
The deeper the water, the longer the wavelength / wavelength is
directly proportional to the depth of the water / h  
[1 mark]
(iv) Name the wave phenomenon involved
Refraction / Refract
[1 mark]

22. (v) Explain why the wave front of sea water will follow the shape of the
shore when it approaches the shore.
- The depth of the water decreasing / move in shallow area
- The velocity is decreasing / wavelength is decreasing / 
decreasing
- Refraction occurs / bending / change direction /diagram
By using a diagram
[3 marks]

23. Example 2 – Q1B SPM 2011
Diagram 9.1 Diagram 9.2
1. Using Diagram 9.1 and Diagram 9.2, compare the thickness, the focal length and
power of the lens. Relate the thickness of the lens with the focal length to make a
deduction regarding the relationship between thickness of the lens and the power of
lens.
- Lens in diagram 9.1 is thinner
- Focal length in diagram 9.1 is longer
- Power of lens in diagram 9.1 is lower
- The thinner the lens the longer the focal length
- The thinner the lens the lower the power
[5 marks]

24. Example 3 – Q1B SPM 2009
2. Diagram 9.1 shows the effect of pressure on a sandy beach when a man
sits on a chair. Diagram 9.2 shows the same man sitting on the same
chair after a piece of plank is placed under the chair.
(a) What is the meaning of pressure?
Force per unit area / P = F/A ; where F = force, A = area
[1 mark]

25. (b) Observe diagram 9.1 and diagram 9.2. Compare the depth of sinking,
the load and the area of contact with the sandy beach.
Relate the depth of sinking with the pressure exerted by the chair to
make a deduction on the relationship between the pressure and the
area of contact in this situation.
- Depth of sinking in 9.1 is deeper than in diagram 9.2
- The weight of the man in diagram 9.2 and 9.1 is equal
- Area contact in diagram 9.2 is larger than 9.1
- The depth of sinking I increases, pressure increases / d  P /
hP
- As the area of contact increases, the pressure exerted decreases /
P  1/A
[5 marks]

26. Questions No. 7 and No.9 or No.10
(Problem Solving)
Structured Question
1. Very sure of the concept / understand the working principle of
apparatus and its function.
2. Understand the questions / follow the instructions given.
3. State the methods and reasons / explanations.

27. Essay type question:
1. Open type question
1. Understand the problem given
2. State the method/suggestion/design/modification to solve the problems
3. State the explanation for the each method /suggestion/ design
4. Answer in table form for suggested modifications. e.g
Modifications Explanation

28. 2. Guided type Question
(usually working principle of apparatus)
1. Follow the instruction in the question.
2. Answer can be in the form of diagram or essay.
3. State the method/ways and reasons.
Common mistakes:
1. Suggestion of problem solving does not based on relevant physical concept
2. Give wrong/irrelevant explanation/reason
3. Give redundant/overlap suggestion/method

29. Example 5: Q9B SPM 2008
1. Diagram 9.3 shows a pole vaulter performing a jump.
Using appropriate physics concepts, explain the use of suitable
equipment and techniques to improve his performance.
Your answer should include the following aspects:
(i) Vaulter’s attire
(ii) Vaulter’s movement
(iii) Pole used
(iv) Safety
[10 marks]

30. Modifications Explanation
Tight and light attire / spiked Less air friction / increases
1 1
shoes the speed
To increases kinetic energy /
Sprint / Increases speed 1 1
momentum
Easily bend / easily carried /
More elstic / light / bends
1 increase the potential elastic 1
easily
energy
Strong pole 1 Not easily broken 1
Increases collision time /
Use thicker mattress 1 1
reduce impulsive force

31. Example 2 – Q9B SPM 2007
2. Diagram 9.6 shows a sailboat.
Your are required to gives some suggestions to design a sailboat which
can travel faster. Using the knowledge on motion, force and the properties
of materials, explain the suggestions based on the following aspects:
(i) the surface of the board
(ii) the shape of the board
(iii) material used for the board
(iv) material used for the sail
(v) the size of the sail
[10 marks]

32. Modifications Explanation
Reduce (water) friction / resistance /
Smooth // coat with wax 1 1
drag
Streamline shape / torpedo /
Reduce water friction / drag /
aerodynamic / sharp end / diagram 1 1
resistance
Rej: oval
Low density // strong material //
tough // Fiber glass // carbon Easy to float // Not easy to break //
composite 1 Slides faster // Increases the speed 1
Rej: // Light // With stand // Small mass
Hard/Rubber/Glass/Fiber/Composite
To avoid the sail absorbed water //
Water proof // Low density material //
Nylon // Tough // Strong // Canvas 1 becomes heavier // Not easy to tear 1
off // Small mass // Lighter // Can
// Synthetic
withstand strong wind without damage
Wide // Big // Large 1 Trap more wind // Bigger force 1

33. Example 3: Q9B SPM 2006
3. You are given two convex lenses, P and Q, with focal lengths 40 cm
and 5 cm respectively. Both the lenses are used to build a simple
astronomical telescope at normal adjustment.
Using the two lenses, explain how you are going to build the simple
astronomical telescope.
[6 marks]

34. (ii) Suggest modification that needs to be done on the telescope to
produce clearer and bigger images.
[4 marks]
- Increases the diameter of the objective lens 1
- More light enter the lens 1
- Increases the focal length 1
- Increase the magnification 1

35. Questions No. 8 and No.11/No.12
(Making Decision)
Structured:
1. Guided decision making
2. Follow the instructions in the questions
3. Justify your answer with reasons
fo
fe

36. Example 1 – Q8 SPM 2009
1. An eye piece of focal length, fe = 5 cm, and an objective lens are used to
build a simple atronomical telescope. The objective lens is chose from
Table 1.
Lens Focal length of lens, Magnification M = Diameter of the objective
f0 (cm) F0 / F e (cm) lens (cm)
P 10 2 2.5
Q 10 2 5.0
R 40 8 2.5
S 40 8 5.0

37. (i) Complete table 1 by writing down the value of m for every lens.
2, 2, 8, 8
[2 marks]
(ii) Choose the two lenses that produce the largest image.
R, S
[1 mark]
(iii) Give one reason for the answer in (ii)
Largest/Big/Bigger magnification
[1 mark]
(iv) Chose the two lenses that produce the brightest image
Q, S
[1 mark]

38. (v) Give one reason for the answer in (iv)
Largest diameter
[1 marks]
(vi) Based on the answer in (ii) and (iv), choose the most suitable lens as
the objective lens.
S
[1 mark]

39. Essay:
To answer this question “ explain the suitability of each characteristics
and determine the most suitable …. .”, identify 4 different
characteristics from the given diagrams or table.
The answer in a table form.
Characteristic Reason
[ ] is chosen. Reason : It has …...

40. 1. Question will state the characteristics in the form of diagram or table.
Study the characteristics carefully
2. Choose the suitable characteristics according to the need of the
question. Use the word low or high
3. Make a ranking based on chosen characteristics
4. Make a justification
5. State the reason
Common mistakes
1. Elaborate all characteristics
2. Rewrite the value of characteristic given without stating low or high
3. Does not state all characteristics/ reasons after making a justification

41. Example – Q11C SPM 2008
1. Diagram 11.1 shows a light signal travelling through an optical fibre made
of glass.
(a) The optical fibre in Diagram above can be used in telecommunications
and medicine. You are asked to investigate the characteristics of
optical fibres for use in these fields as shown in Table 11.

43. Explain the suitability of each feature of optical fibre in Table 11 for use in
telecommunications and medicine. Determine the most suitable optical fibre that is
capable of carrying the largest number of signals simultaneously.
Give reasons for your choice.
[10 marks]
Characteristics Explanation
Use a bundle of fine parallel optical fibre 1 Can receive more information 1
Choose η1 > η2 1 Total internal reflection can occur 1
Must be high flexibility 1 So that it can follow the curve path 1
Purity of inner core must be very high 1 So that the signal can travel without losing
information // information easy to send 1
R is choose 1
Because it use a bundle of fine parallel optical fibre, η1 > η2 , high flexibility and very high purity
of inner core 1

44. Example 3 – Q12C SPM 2009
(a) Your are asked to investigate the design and the characteristics of five filament
lamps shown in diagram 12.
Explain suitability of each characteristic of the lamps and determine the lamp
which can produce the brightest light. Give reason for your choice.
[10 marks]

46. Characteristics Explanation
Coil 1 High resistance / more heat 1
Thin 1 More resistance / more heat 1
Tungsten 1 High melting point / High
resistance / Not melt easily 1
Low pressure 1 The bulb will not burst / explode /
brake 1
R 1
Coiled, thin wire, tungsten, nitrogen at low pressure 1

47. (b) Diagram 12.3 shows an energy saving bulb. When it is connected to a
240 V power supply, the bulb produces 10 joules per second of light
energy.
Calculate
(i) the current flows through the bulb
(ii) the heat energy lost in 1 second from the bulb
(iii) the efficiency of the bulb
[5 marks ]
(i) 11/240 1
0.046 A / 0.05 A 1
(ii) 11-10 = 1 J 1
(iii) [10/11] x 100 1
90.91  / 90.909  / 90.9090 1