Alot of the questions on physics examination papers are set in a context that might be taken from the physics laborator y, or from everyday life. Sometimes the question starts with a hint of the physics that is being tested, for example by asking for a law or definition. However this is not always the case and then the challenge for students is deciding on the physics ideas and principles involved. It might seem a rather obvious point to make, but if you are sitting a test on an A2 unit, try to think about the physics that you studied for that unit rather than for an AS unit. For example, think about momentum, which is taught in the A2 units. Some events, however, such as a boat moving backwards as a person jumps off it on to land, can be answered in terms of Newton’s third law, which is studied at AS. But questions are often easier to answer in terms of conservation of momentum. Although full marks can be gained for answers based on Newton’s third law, these may be more difficult to produce and you might make errors.
Some questions are also used to assess quality of written communication. Here it is really important to spend a few moments thinking about what is required and writing a few key points before you actually start your answer. Challenge your first thoughts about the physics of the situation and read the question carefully to make sure you answer the question that is being asked and not a similar one that you have practised.
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