Topic You Should Be Able To: Checklist Comments

Topic You should be able to: Checklist Comments
Action and use of circuit • describe the resistor colour code.

components • explain how the resistor colour code can easily be used to
label very large and very small resistances.
• explain why widely different values of resistance are
needed in different types of circuit.
• explain why we need to use resistors with very different
power ratings.
• describe the action of a thermistor.
• explain the use of a thermistor as an input sensor.
• describe the action of a light-dependent resistor.
• explain the use of a light-dependent resistor as an input sensor.
• describe the action of a variable potential divider
(potentiometer).
• describe the action of a capacitor as a charge store.
• explain how a capacitor is used in time delay circuits.
• describe the action of a reed switch.
• describe the action of a reed relay.
• explain how reed relays are used in switching circuits.
• describe circuits operating as
light-sensitive switches,
temperature operated alarms
(they may use a reed relay or other circuits).
25. Electronic systems (Note this topic is optional. Questions are always set as alternatives.)
Cambridge O Level Physics 5054
Switching and logic • describe the action of an npn transistor as an electrically

circuits operated switch.
Section 4: What you need to know

• explain the use of an npn transistor in switching circuits.
• state in words and in truth table form, the action of the
following logic gates,
AND,
OR,
NAND,
NOR
NOT (inverter).
• state the symbols for the logic gates listed above .
39
40


Bistable and astable • describe the use of a bistable circuit.
circuits • know that bistable circuits exhibit the property of memory.
• describe the use of an astable circuit (pulse generator).
• describe how the frequency of an astable circuit is related to
the values of the resistive and capacitative components.
THEME 6 Atomic Physics
26. Radioactivity
Detection of • describe the detection of
radioactivity alpha-particles,
beta-particles,
gamma-rays.
Characteristics of the • explain what is meant by radioactive decay.
three types of emission • for each radioactive emission, state:
the nature,
their relative ionising effect,
their relative penetrating power.
• state and explain the random emission of radioactivity in
direction and time.
• describe the deflection of radioactive emissions in
electric fields,
magnetic fields.
Nuclear reactions • explain what is meant by fusion.
• explain what is meant by fission.
• describe with the aid of a block diagram one type of fission
reactor for use in a power station.
• describe star formation and explain how energy is produced
by fusion.
Half-life • explain what is meant by half-life.
• do calculations based on half-life using
information in tables,
decay curves.
Uses of radioactive • describe how radioactive materials are;
isotopes including safety handled,
precautions used,
stored in a safe way.
• explain how the choice of a radioactive material for a
particular use depends on
the type of radiation emitted,
the half-life.
• describe the origins and effect of background radiation.
• describe the dating of objects by the use of 14C.
27. The nuclear atom

Atomic model • describe the structure of the atom in terms of nucleus and
electrons.
• describe how the Geiger-Marsden alpha-particle scattering
experiment provides evidence for the nuclear atom.
Nucleus • describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons
and neutrons.
• define the terms
proton number (atomic number), Z,
nucleon number (mass number), A.
• explain the term nuclide.
• use the nuclide notation AZ X in equations where radioactive
decay causes the nucleus to change.
• define the term isotope.

• explain, using nuclide notation, how one element may have

a number of isotopes.
41
Appendices
Appendices
Symbols, units and definitions of physical quantities

You should be able to state the symbols for the following physical quantities and, where indicated, state the
units in which they are measured.
You should be able to define those items indicated by an asterisk (*)
Quantity Symbol Unit

length l, h ... km, m, cm, mm
area A m2, cm2
volume V m3, cm3
weight W N*
mass m, M kg, g, mg
time t h, min, s, ms
density* ρ g/cm3, kg/m3

speed* u, v km/h, m/s, cm/s
acceleration a m/s2
acceleration of free fall g

force* F, P… N
moment of force* Nm
work done W, E J*, kWh*
energy E J
power* P W*
pressure* p, P Pa*, N/m2
atmospheric pressure use of millibar

temperature θ,t,T °C
heat capacity C J/°C
specific heat capacity* c J/(kg°C), J/(g°C)
latent heat L J
specific latent heat* l J/kg, J/g

frequency* f Hz
wavelength* λ m, cm
focal length f m, cm
angle of incidence i degree (°)
Cambridge O Level Physics 5054 43

Appendices
Quantity Symbol Unit

angles of reflection, refraction r degree (°)
critical angle c degree (°)
potential difference */ voltage V V*, mV
current* I A, mA
charge C, A s
e.m.f.* E V
resistance R Ω
Command words and phrases used in physics papers

We use command words to help you to write down the answer examiners are looking for. This table
explains what each of these words or phrases means and will help you to understand the kind of answer
you should write. The list is in alphabetical order. You should bear in mind that the meaning of a term may
vary slightly according to how the question is worded.
Calculate A numerical answer is needed. Show your working, especially when there are two or
more steps in a calculation.
Deduce This may be used in two ways:
• You find the answer by working out the patterns in the information given to you
and drawing logical conclusions from them. You may need to use information
from tables and graphs and do calculations e.g. deduce what will happen to the
velocity of the vehicle if ….
• You have to refer to a Law or scientific theory or give a reason for your answer
e.g. use your knowledge of the kinetic theory to deduce what will happen
when ……
Define A formal statement of a quantity is required. You can sometimes give a defining
equation, e.g. speed = d/t, as long as you state what the symbols are that you use in
your equation, in the example given d = distance, t = time.
Describe Try to set out a logical sequence that allows the reader to follow the main points
about something. You may use labelled diagrams if you find it easier; e.g. describe a
rotating-coil generator
You may also be asked to describe
• observations; e.g. describe the ways in which a force may change the motion of
a body
• how to do particular experiments; e.g. describe an experiment to determine
resistance using a voltmeter and an ammeter.
Determine You are expected to use a formula or method that you know to calculate a quantity;
e.g. determine graphically the resultant of two vectors.
Discuss You must write down points for and against an argument;
e.g. discuss the supply of energy with a nuclear power station.
44 Cambridge O Level Physics 5054

Appendices
Estimate Give an approximate value for a quantity based on reasons and data. You may need
to make some approximations; e.g. estimate the volume of a test tube.
Explain You must give reasons for your answer or refer to a particular theory.
List Write down a number of separate points. Where the number of points is stated in
the question, you should not write more than this number.
Measure You are expected to find a quantity by using a measuring instrument; e.g. length by
using a ruler, or angle by using a protractor.
Outline State the main points briefly e.g. outline a method of magnetising an iron bar
Predict This can be used in two ways:
• You find the answer by working out the patterns in the information provided
and drawing logical conclusions from this. You may need to use information
from tables and graphs and do calculations; e.g. predict what will happen to the
direction of the resultant force if ….
• It may also mean stating what might happen next e.g. predict what effect an
increase in temperature will have on the resistance.
Sketch When drawing graphs, this means that you draw the approximate shape and/or
position of the graph. You need to make sure that important details, such as the line
passing through the origin or finishing at a certain point, are drawn accurately.
When drawing apparatus or other diagrams, a simple line drawing is all that is
needed, but make sure that the proportions are correct and the most important
details are shown. Always label diagrams.
State You should give a short answer without going into any detail or explanation.
Suggest This may be used in two ways:

• There may be more than one correct answer. e.g. suggest a precaution to
improve the accuracy of the experiment
• You are being asked to apply your general knowledge of physics or reasoning
skills to a topic area that is not directly on the syllabus e.g. applying ideas about
moments to the stability of a vehicle.
What is meant You should define something and also make a more detailed comment about it, e.g.
by/What do you what do you understand by the term total internal reflection.
understand by
Cambridge O Level Physics 5054 45

Complete 2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
The language in exam papers

You must read exam questions carefully, and answer
only what they ask.
You will get no marks for writing a really good answer
to the wrong question!
Here are some terms used in exam papers, and their
meanings, with examples.
Space has been left on each page so you can print and
annotate them in whatever way you find useful.
© OUP: this may be reproduced for class use solely for the purchaser’s institute
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
1 Define … means give the precise meaning of a word,

phrase, or physical quantity.
Example: Define the term isotopes.
Answer: An isotope is a different version of the
same element. It has the same number
of protons, but a different number of
neutrons in the nucleus.
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
2 State what you understand by/What is meant by … is similar

to Define.
Example: State what is meant by the term weight.
Answer: Weight is the gravitational force upon an object.
It is calculated as the product of its mass and the
gravitational field strength.
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
3 State … means give a specific name, value, or other brief

answer without explanation or calculation. State and Name
are very similar instructions.
Example: State the name given to the random motion of
dust particles when bombarded by air molecules.
Answer: Brownian motion
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
4 List … means give a sequence of names or other brief answers

with no explanation.
Example: List the ferromagnetic elements.
Answer: Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel (Ni).
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
5 Explain … means give a detailed account of causes, reasons,

or mechanisms.
Example: Explain why smoke particles undergo small random
movements when viewed under a microscope.
Answer: Fast moving air molecules are randomly colliding
with the smoke particles, exerting forces on the
particles which cause them to move.
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
6 Describe … means give a detailed account. You could include

a diagram if that is appropriate.
Example: Describe the nature of an image produced by a
plane mirror.
Answer: The image is virtual, upright, located behind the
mirror at the same distance from the mirror surface
as the object is to the mirror, and laterally inverted.
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
7 Describe and explain … means give a detailed account,

including causes, reasons, or mechanisms.
Example: Describe and explain what happens when an iron nail
comes close to a magnet.
Answer: The iron nail will be attracted to the magnet and, in
the absence of any other forces, the nail will become
attached to the magnet. The magnet induces
magnetism in the iron nail. The induced pole nearest
the magnet will have the opposite pole at the end of
the magnet. The attraction between unlike poles holds
the nail to the magnet.
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
8 Suggest … means propose a hypothesis or other possible

answer.
Example: An IGCSE student obtains a value of 6500 J/(kg °C)
for the specific heat capacity of water, using an
electrical method. Suggest a reason why her value
is too high compared with the accepted value of
4186 J/(kg °C).
Answer: Some of the heat, assumed to be transferred to
the water, was lost to the environment.
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
9 Calculate … means find a numerical answer, showing the

relevant stages in your working (unless you are instructed not
to do so). The question will provide the data you need to
complete the calculation.
Example: Calculate the extension of a spring, with a spring
constant of 100 N/m, when 0.5 kg is attached to it.
Assume that g = 10 N/kg.
Answer: Using Hooke’s Law:
F = kx
x = F = mg = 0.5 × 10 = 0.05 m = 5 cm
k k 100
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
10 Find … means ‘work out’. You usually have to do a calculation.

Example: Find the resistance of three lamps, each with a
resistance of 9 Ω when they are connected in parallel.
Answer: 3 Ω
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(R = R + R + R = 9 + 9 + 9 = 3 , so RT = 3 Ω)
T 1 2 3
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
11 Determine … same as Find. It means to find the only possible

answer.
Example: Determine the distance covered by a car that
accelerates uniformly from rest to 12 m/s in 10 s.
Answer: 60 m
(Distance covered is the area under a speed-time graph.
D = 1 × b × h = 0.5 × 10 × 12)
2
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
12 Estimate … means find an approximate value for an unknown

quantity. You may need to do a rough calculation. You should
use the term about, approximately, or roughly, in your answer.
Example: The table below shows how the activity of a
radioactive sample changes with time.
Estimate the half-life of the sample.
time / hours activity / counts per second
0 520
4 352
8 255
12 169
16 132
Answer: Approximately 8 hours.

Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
13 Sketch … means draw freehand. Your sketch can be quite rough,

but make sure you show the key points correctly.
Example: Sketch the variation of the output current of an AC
generator with time.
Answer:
Current, I / A
Time/s
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
14 Outline … means give a brief account or summary.

Example: Outline an experiment to determine the resistance
of a lamp.
Answer: Connect a cell, an ammeter, and cell in series using
insulated wires.
Connect voltmeter across the lamp.
Record the current through the lamp and the
potential difference across the lamp.
The resistance of the lamp is given by the potential
difference across the lamp divided by the current
through the lamp.
Complete
2
2
Physics
for Cambridge IGCSE
15 Deduce … means to reach a conclusion from the information given.

You should include a sentence to support your answer where you explain
your reasoning, or refer to a principle or law that you have learnt.
Example: Deduce the background radiation from the data in the
table below.
Time (mins) Count rate/counts per second
0 38
10 26
20 18
30 16
40 10
50 8
60 8
Answer: 8 counts/sec. The count rate stops falling in the last two data
points, so this is the level of background radiation.

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Topic You should be able to: Checklist Comments

Action and use of circuit • describe the resistor colour code.

Switching and logic • describe the action of an npn transistor as an electrically

Section 4: What you need to know

Section 4: What you need to know

Topic You should be able to: Checklist Comments

THEME 6 Atomic Physics

27. The nuclear atom

• define the term isotope.

Section 4: What you need to know

Symbols, units and definitions of physical quantities

You should be able to define those items indicated by an asterisk (*)

Quantity Symbol Unit

area A m2, cm2

volume V m3, cm3

density* ρ g/cm3, kg/m3

acceleration of free fall g

pressure* p, P Pa*, N/m2

atmospheric pressure use of millibar

heat capacity C J/°C

specific heat capacity* c J/(kg°C), J/(g°C)

specific latent heat* l J/kg, J/g

angle of incidence i degree (°)

Cambridge O Level Physics 5054 43

Quantity Symbol Unit

critical angle c degree (°)

potential difference */ voltage V V*, mV

Command words and phrases used in physics papers

44 Cambridge O Level Physics 5054

Suggest This may be used in two ways:

Cambridge O Level Physics 5054 45

The language in exam papers

1 Define … means give the precise meaning of a word,

2 State what you understand by/What is meant by … is similar

3 State … means give a specific name, value, or other brief

4 List … means give a sequence of names or other brief answers

5 Explain … means give a detailed account of causes, reasons,

6 Describe … means give a detailed account. You could include

7 Describe and explain … means give a detailed account,

8 Suggest … means propose a hypothesis or other possible

9 Calculate … means find a numerical answer, showing the

10 Find … means ‘work out’. You usually have to do a calculation.

11 Determine … same as Find. It means to find the only possible

12 Estimate … means find an approximate value for an unknown

Answer: Approximately 8 hours.

13 Sketch … means draw freehand. Your sketch can be quite rough,

14 Outline … means give a brief account or summary.

15 Deduce … means to reach a conclusion from the information given.

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potential difference / voltage V V, mV