CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

ORDINARY LEVEL PHYSICS

Code 580

1. Introduction

Science education should reflect the changing needs of students and the growing significance of science for
strategic development in an emerging economy. The Ordinary level Syllabus is designed to incorporate the
following components:
• science for the enquiring mind, or pure science, to include the principles, procedures and concepts of
the subject as well as its cultural and historical aspects;
• the applications of science and its interface with technology;
• Science which is concerned with issues (social and economic) of concern to citizens.
The three components are integrated within the syllabus, with the first component having about 80%
weighting. The remaining 20% is allocated to the other two components in the ratio 3:1.

The syllabus is suitable for a three-year course of physics lasting about 204 hours, following introductory
courses in science and Mathematics. It is hoped that the course will be taught in the spirit of investigation, that
is, they should be practically and experimentally based. It is expected that the candidates will be involved in
practical work complimented by demonstrations whenever possible. This will entail the schools making some
of their own equipment and candidates carrying out school based projects.

2. Aim and Assessment Objectives of the Syllabus.

2.1 Aims
The general aim of education is to contribute towards the development of all aspects of the individual. The
three-year course of physics is presented within this general aim, with a particular emphasis on the preparation
of students for the requirements of further education or training, for employment and for their role as
participative, enterprising citizens. The course aims to provide continuity with and progression from the course
programme in the lower levels (Form I to Form2).

The course programme, in contributing to a high quality education, emphasises the importance of:
• a spirit of inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, self-reliance, initiative and enterprise,
• preparation for further education, for adult and working life,
• life-long learning.
2.2 Assessment Objectives (AO)
The syllabus will be assessed under the headings: knowledge, comprehension, and higher abilities. All
material within the syllabus is examinable. Candidates will be expected to have an understanding of the

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 CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

applications listed in the syllabus. However, details of any application not listed in the syllabus will be given
in the question.
The assessment objectives of the syllabus are:
2.2.1. AO1 Knowledge, which includes the ability to recall
• basic physical principles, scientific terminology,
• facts, laws, definitions, concepts, theories;
• conventions, symbols, units;

2.2.2 AO2Comprehension, which includes the ability to:

• express a mathematical law in verbal terms,
• use a known formula to calculate a physical quantity,
• describe an experimental technique,
• read information from a graph,
• extract appropriate data from a table,
• make straightforward deductions from extracted data,
• express experimental results in graphical form,
• explain the physics principles behind the design of apparatus with which the student is familiar,
• explain simple phenomena in terms of the laws of physics.
2.2.3. AO3 Higher Abilities, which include the ability to:
• solve problems (verbally, mathematically and graphically) and drawing conclusions (theoretical and
practical)
• explain simple effects with which the student is unfamiliar,
• solve numerical problems involving two or more stages, where the laws involved are not immediately
obvious,
• interpret graphs involving, for example, measurement of slope of a straight line or a curve,
• drawing theoretical conclusions from non-standard graphical results,
• relate scientific concepts to issues in everyday life.

3. Examination Structure
3.1 Weighting of Assessment Objectives

Assessment Objectives Weighting of Assessment Objectives

Knowledge 30 %
Comprehension 40 %
Higher Abilities 30 % (of which 20 % is Application and 10% Analysis)
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 CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

3.2 Scheme of Assessment

Paper Mode of Weighting Number of questions Level of Duration

assessment difficulty
1 MCQs 40 % 50 questions: 15 Knowledge, 20 * 60% 1 ½ hours
Comprehension, 15 (10 Application ** 30%
and 5 Analysis) Higher abilities *** 10%
2 Essay 50 % Section 1: 6 compulsory short * 50% 1 hour
questions (40 marks) ** 40% 1 ½ hours
Section 2: 3 pairs of alternative *** 10%
questions (60 marks)
3 SBA 10% A project based on two or more
topics provided yearly by the GCE
Board 50%
Assessments : through project 50%
manual
Internal and external evaluation

4. Cross Curricula Demands of the Subject

Mathematical Requirements. Candidates should be able to:
1. add, subtract, multiply and divide;
2. use averages, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios and reciprocals;
3. recognise and use standard notation;
4. use direct and inverse proportion;
5. manipulate positive, whole number indices;
6. draw and interpret charts and graphs from given data,
7. select suitable scales and axes for graphs;
8. use the relationship between length, surface area and volume and their units on metric scales;
9. use usual mathematical instruments (ruler, compasses, protractor, set square);
10. understand the meaning of angle, curve, circle, radius, diameter, square, parallelogram, rectangle and
diagonal;
11. solve equations of the form y = mx + c for any one term when the other three are known;
12. be conversant with the trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent);
13. Apply Pythagoras’s Theorem.
14. Use calculators.

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 CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

5. Syllabus Content

A. MECHANICS

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

1.0 FORCES
1.1 Physical • The magnitude of Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
quantities physical quantity is
written as the Show an understanding that physical quantities
product of the consist of a numerical magnitude and a unit.
number and the unit
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
1.2 Vectors and • Distinction between a) Define vectors and scalars quantities
Scalars vector and scalar b) Name examples of vector and scalar quantities
quantities. c) Do appropriate calculations (addition, subtraction,
resolution of vectors in a plane only)
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
1.3 Types and • Contact and non- a) Define each force.
characteristic contact forces. b) Know the importance of each force in everyday
s of forces life.
c) Calculate W = mg.
d) Differentiate between weight and mass.
e) Appreciate that drag increases with speed.
f) Draw free-body diagrams
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
1.4 Newton’s • Statement of the three a) State each law.
laws.
laws of b) Describe a demonstration of each law.
• Force and momentum,
Motion definitions and units. c) Apply the knowledge of each law to explain real
Vector nature of forces life situations, e.g. in seat belts, rocket travel,
to be stressed.
sports, air-bags, etc.
• F = ma as a special case
of Newton’s second d) Do calculations on F = ma, and momentum.
law.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
1.5 Moments • Moment of force; a) Define moments and couples.
Couple.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

b) Describe simple experiments with a number of
weights.
c) Do appropriate calculations involving co-planar
parallel forces only.
• Conditions for d) Name and describe everyday situations where
equilibrium. torques and couples and used, e.g. opening a tap,
handle bars on bicycles, moving coil
galvanometers, simple motors.
e) State conditions for static and dynamic
equilibrium.
2.0 MOTION
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
2.1 Linear • Units of mass, length a) State units of mass, length and time.
Motion and time (definition of b) Describe simple experiments for measuring of
units not required). velocity and acceleration.
• Distance, c) Apply knowledge of concepts in everyday
Displacement, speed, situations like sports and moving objects.
velocity, acceleration: d) Use distance-time and velocity-time graphs.
definitions and units. e) Describe experiments to measure acceleration of
• Equations of motion free fall, g.
(Derivation not f) Do appropriate calculations using the equations of
required). motion.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
2.2 • Linear momentum. a) Define linear momentum.
b) Do simple calculations using p = mv.
Conservation Principle of c) State the principle of conservation of linear
of Linear conservation of Linear momentum.
Momentum momentum d) Describe experiments to demonstrate principle of
conservation of linear momentum.
e) Describe real-life situations where the principle
applies, e.g. collisions, explosions, acceleration of
space crafts, water jets, etc.
f) Do appropriate calculations (problems involving
change of mass need not be considered).

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

3.0 ENERGY
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
3.1 Forms of • What is Energy a) Define energy.
Energy • Forms of energy. b) Name forms of energy.
• PE = mgh and c) State different sources of energy.
1 2 d) Distinguish between renewable and non-
KE = mv
2 renewable energy sources.
• Elastic potential energy e) Describe energy conversions in stretching of
(qualitative treatment springs, rubber bands and threads.
only). f) Do appropriate calculations.
• Conversions from one g) State the principle of conservation of
form of energy to energy.
another. Principle of
conservation of energy.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
3.2 Work • What is Work? a) Define work and state its units.
b) Do simple calculations involving force and
displacement (in the same direction only).
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
3.3 • Simple machines; a) Define machines.
Machines Lever; Pulley; Inclined b) State advantages of using machines.
plane. c)Define MA, VR, and Efficiency.
• Mechanical Advantage d) Explain why a machine is not 100% efficient.
(MA), Velocity Ratio e) Describe simple experiments using each machine.
(VR) and efficiency. f) Do appropriate calculations.
𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 g) Describe the use of various machines at building
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 = 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡
sites.
× 100
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
3.4. Power • Power. a) Define power and state its units.
• Units of power. b) Estimate the average power developed by e.g. a
person running upstairs person repeatedly lifting
weights, etc.

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 CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

c) Appreciate the power ratings of devices e.g. light
bulbs, motors, etc.
d) Do appropriate calculations.
4.0 PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
4.1 Density • Density and its units. a) Define density and state its units.
b) Appreciate the use of materials of different
densities in engineering works.
c) Describe experiments to measure the density of
regular and irregular objects using any
appropriate method.
d) Do appropriate calculations.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
4.2 Pressure • Pressure and its units. a) Define pressure and state its units.
• Pressure in liquids and b) Understand the effects of force and area on
gases. pressure.
• Pressure difference c) Describe experiments to demonstration
expressed as atmospheric pressure e.g. the collapsing-can
p = gh experiment.
d) Appreciate the relationship between pressure and
weather.
e) Understand the influence of length and density of
liquid column on pressure.
f) Appreciate the transmission of pressure in fluids.
g) Do calculations using the relationship, p = gh
4.3. Hooke’s Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
Law • Stretching of springs a) State Hooke’s law.
rubber bands and b) Describe situations in which the law applies.
threads.

MECHANICS: Experiments
1. Measurement of velocity and acceleration e.g. that of a student doing the 100 m relay race on a level
terrain.
2. To show that aF.
3. Measurement of g by any direct method.
4. Verification of the principle of conservation of momentum.
5. Investigation of the laws of equilibrium for a set of co-planar forces.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

B. HEAT

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

5.0 TEMPERATURE
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
5.1 Concept of Heat • Concept of heat. a) Define heat and state its units.
b) Define temperature and state its units.
and • Temperature and its
Temperature c) Apply different temperature scales (Celsius
units.
and Kelvin)
• Scales of temperature.
d) Convert temperatures from Celsius to
Kelvin and vice-versa.
Candidates will be assessed on:
5.2 Thermometric • Liquid length (or a) The thermometric property of a substance.
Properties volume) in a glass b) The length of a liquid in glass varies with
thermometers only. temperature.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
5.3. Thermometers • Construction and use of a) Appreciate the need for calibrated
liquid-in-glass thermometers to measure temperature.
thermometers. b) Read-off the numerical values of the fixed
points in the Celsius scale of temperature.
c) Calibrate a thermometer using the fixed
points.
d) Calculate an unknown temperature from
the length of the liquid column.
e) Appreciate the differences between a
clinical and a normal laboratory
thermometer.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
5.4 Heat Capacity; • Heat capacity and a) Define heat capacity and specific heat
Specific Heat specific heat capacity capacity.
Capacity. solid and liquid. b) State units of each term.
c) Distinguish between heat capacity and
specific heat capacity.
d) Appreciate use of materials with high and
low heat capacities.
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 CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

e) Do calculations using Q = mc.
f) Describe experiments to measure the
specific heat capacity of a metal or liquid
and state any assumptions made.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
5.5 Latent Heat; • Usesof latent heat and a) Define latent heat and specific latent heat.
Specific Latent specific latent heat b) State the units of each term.
Heat (qualitative treatment c) Distinguish between latent heat and
only). specific latent heat.
d) Appreciate the cooling effect due to loss of
latent heat.
e) Compare the energy content of specific
latent heat with that of specific heat
capacity of the same material.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
5.6 Heat Transfer • Conduction; a) Define conduction, convection and
Convection; Radiation radiation.
b) Describe experiments to show the
conductivity of different materials.
c) Thermal expansion.
d) Explain the principle of the bimetallic strip.
e) Appreciate the bulk movement of particles
of the fluid in convection.
f) Explain the phenomena of land and sea
breezes in terms of convection.
g) Appreciate the effects of surface area,
surface nature and temperature on the rate
of radiation.
h) Name devices that convert radiant energy
into other forms of energy.

HEAT: Experiments
1. Calibration of a thermometer using the laboratory mercury thermometer as a standard.
2. Measurement of specific heat capacity, e.g. of water or a metal by a mechanical or electrical method.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

C. ELECTRICITY

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

6.0 ELECTRICITY
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
a) Recall that two types of charge (positive and
6.1 Charges • Types of charge.
negative) exist.
• Electrification by b) Understand that electric charges are separated
when certain materials are rubbed against one
contact; friction. another.
• Conductors and c) Explain that polythene becomes negatively
charged when rubbed with cloth.
insulators. d) Recall that Perspex/cellulose acetate becomes
• Unit of charge positively charged when rubbed with cloth.
e) Explain the charging of objects in terms of
(coulomb). properties of negatively charged electrons which
• Electrification by move and bound positively charged particles.
f) Compare the relative conductive or insulative
induction. properties of a wide range of materials.
• The leaf g) Define the coulomb.
h) Describe how equal and opposite charges can be
electroscope. induced on a conducting body.
• Force between i) Appreciate two charged objects which repel each
other are similarly charged but that a charged
charges. object attracts objects which carry zero net charge
as well as those which carry an opposite charge.
j) Describe experimentally how to distinguish
between positively charged, negatively charged
and uncharged bodies.
k) Appreciate the uses of a charged leaf electroscope
in identification of types of charge, present of
charge bodies and distribution of charge and
potential on a conductor (structure and method of
charging of electroscope not required).
l) Understand that the force between charged objects
is stronger when the charged objects are close and
when the charged objects arefar apart. (Qualitative
treatment of Coulomb’s law.)
m) Explain everyday observations of static electricity
e.g. dust on television screens, static charges on
dry clothes.
n) Explain industrial hazards due to static electricity,
such as in fuelling aircrafts; in flour mills, electric
sparks and prevention of such hazards.
o) Understand the role charge place in lightening and
their prevention.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
6.2 Electric Current • Electric current a) Define electric current.
• e.m.f. b) Recall that a current in a metal wire consists of a
• Sources of flow of electrons.
e.m.f. and c) Associate a current of 1 ampere with a flow of
electric current charge of 1 coulomb per second.

• Conduction in d) Recall and use the relationship Q = It in simple

metals. calculations.
e) Understand that the volt is a joule per coulomb.
f) Understand what is electromotive force (e.m.f)
g) Recall sources of e.m.f. like the mains, simple
cells, dry batteries, lead-acid accumulators, car
batteries, thermocouples.
h) Understand what potential difference is.
i) Distinguish between the transfer of chemical or
mechanical energy per unit charge to electrical
energy in cells and generators (their e.m.f.), and
the transfer of electrical energy per unit charge to
internal energy or other forms of energy (potential
difference).
j) State and use the relationship W = QV in energy
transfer calculations involving individual devices
in a closed circuit.
k) Recall and use the relationship P = IV in energy
transfer calculations involving individual devices
in a closed circuit.
• Resistance a) Define resistance and state its units.
• Effects of b) Recall and use Ohm’s law in simple calculations.
electric current c) Appreciate the effects of length and cross-sectional
• Domestic circuits area on the resistance of a given conductor.

• High Tension d) Understand that resistance may vary with

Transmission temperature.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

e) Use values of current, potential difference and
resistance in simple problems.
f) Be familiar with series and parallel arrangements
of resistors.
g) Calculate the combined resistance of two or more
resistors in series.
h) Calculate the combined resistance of two resistors
in parallel.
i) Calculate the combined resistance of three or four
resistors placed in series and parallel in a single
circuit.
j) Understand the effects of d.c. and a.c. in wires,
filament lamps and (non-inductive) coils.
k) Appreciate the heating effect of an electric current.
l) Explain the advantage of transmitting electrical
energy at high voltage.
m) Calculate power dissipation in simple cases.
n) Calculate energy consumption in simple cases,
including energies quoted in kilowatt-hours at
home.
o) Select fuses of appropriate values for various
electrical appliances.
p) Appreciate the need for good electrical contact in
house wiring circuits.
q) Appreciate the need for good earthing in house
wiring.
r) Compare linear and ring circuits in house wiring
(diagram of circuits not required).
s) Appreciate the need for safety precautions in
electrical installations.
t) Calculate simple cost of electrical consumption at
home.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

7.0 ELECTROMAGNETISM
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
7.1 Magnets • Types of a) State differences between magnetic properties of
magnets iron and steel.
• Magnetic b) Appreciate that magnetic poles exist in pairs.
properties of a c) Recall that magnets repel and attract other
dipole magnet. magnets, and also attract magnetic substances.
d) List the uses of magnets.
• Field lines Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
7.2 Magnetic Fields • Magnetic flux a) Describe experiments to identify the poles of a
pattern magnetic dipole.
• Properties of b) Understand the terms: magnetic field line, or
field lines magnetic line of force and magnetic flux pattern.
c) Draw magnetic flux pattern.
d) Know how to use permanent magnets to produce
desired magnetic flux pattern over a small region.
e) Understand how the Earth’s magnetic field is used
in navigation (i.e. using magnetic compasses).
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
7.3 Current in a • Magnetic effects a) Identify that magnetic field are produce when
current flows in a conductor.
Magnetic Field of a steady b) Appreciate the magnetic effect of an electric
current. current.
• Force on current- c) Sketch and understand magnetic flux patterns for
a straight wire, a flat circular coil and a solenoid,
carrying each carrying a current and for a strong
conductor in a permanent dipole magnet.
magnetic field. d) Appreciate that there is a force on a current-
carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field as
long as the conductor is not parallel to the field.
e) Appreciate that there is a force on a charged
particle when it moves in a magnetic field as
long as its motion is not parallel to the field.
f) Recall that the force on a current-carrying
conductor in a magnetic field increases with the
strength of the field and with the current.

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 CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
7.4 Electromagnetic • Electromagnetic a) Understand that magnetism is induced in some
Induction induction. materials when they are placed in a magnetic field.
Faraday’s law. b) Describe the construction of electromagnets.
• Lenz’s law. c) State the uses of electromagnets.
d) Sketch and recognise the magnetic flux patterns
for a straight wire, carrying a current perpendicular
to the plane of a uniform field.
e) List the factors that affect induced current in
conductor placed in a changing magnetic field.
a) Describe experiments to demonstrate that induced
current increases when the rate of change of
magnetic field lines increases.
b) Understand that a changing magnetic flux through
7.5 Alternating a circuit causes an e.m.f. to be induced in the
Current • Variation of circuit.
voltage and c) Appreciate electromagnetic induction as an energy
current with transfer process.
time. d) Be familiar with the structure and functioning of

• Concept of the transformer.

mutual induction e) Appreciate the factors which affect the efficiency

and self of a transformer.

induction. f) Relate the turn ratio of an ideal transformer to the

• Structure and ratio of the input and output voltages.

principle of g) Differentiate between direct current and alternating

operation of a current.

transformer.

ELECTRICITY: Experiments
1. Verification of Joule’s law (as  I2).
2. To investigate the variation of current (I ) with pd (V ) for:
(a) metallic conductor
(b) filament bulb
(c) copper sulphate solution with copper electrodes
(d) Semiconductor diode.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

D. MODERN PHYSICS
Topic Notes Attainment Targets
8.0 MODERN
PHYSICS
. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
8.1. The • The electron as the a) Identify an electron as one of the basic components
Electron indivisible quantity of an atom.
of charge. b) Recognise that an electron carries the basic quantity
• Reference to mass of charge, Q=Ne.
Electronics and location in the c) Distinguish between a conductor, a semiconductor
atom. and an insulator in terms of charge flow.
• Semiconductors. d) Distinguish a pure (intrinsic) semiconductor from an

• Semiconductor extrinsic semiconductor.

devices. e) Distinguish an n-type from an p-type s/c

f) State the function of rectification using diodes e.g.
in a radio sets.
8.2 The • Structure of the a) Appreciate the Bohr Model of the atom.
Nucleus atom. b) Recall the relative sizes of atoms and nuclei.
• Structure of the c) Recall the relative masses and charges of electrons
nucleus. and nucleons.
• Radioactivity. d) Appreciate that the nucleus is made up of protons
Concept of half-life. and neutrons.
Isotopes. e) Be familiar with the nucleon number/proton number
A
Radioisotopes. notation for an atom, e.g. Z X
• Nuclear energy. f) Make calculations involving the changes in nucleon
Principles of fission number and proton number resulting from the
and fusion. Mass- emission of given radioactive particles.
energy conservation g) Understand that some nucleus emit particles such as
in nuclear reactions. α, β, and γ.
• Ionising radiation h) Recall the nature of alpha particles, beta particles,
and health hazards. and gamma radiations.
i) Identify α, β, and γ radiations from their penetration,
ionisation ability and deflection in magnetic and
electric fields.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

j) Understand the use of GM tubes to detect the
radiations. (Structure of the GM tube will not be
tested.)
k) Understand the use of diffusion cloud chambers to
detect the radiations. (Structure of the cloud
chamber will not be tested.)
l) Explain the meaning of half-life.
m) Appreciate the random nature of radioactive decay.
n) Appreciate the concept of background radiation.
o) Allow for background radiation in handling count
rates.
p) Be aware of safety precautions concerned with the
handling of radioactive materials, including half-life
of radioactive materials.
q) Appreciate the neutron: proton ratio as a guide to
the stability of a nucleus.
r) Describe the uses of radioisotopes in medical
imaging, medical therapy, food preservation,
agriculture, carbon dating, smoke detectors,
industry, etc. and appreciate how these uses relate to
their properties.
s) Differentiate between fission and fusion.
t) Interpret nuclear reactions.
u) Appreciate the general health hazards involved in
the use of ionising radiations, e.g. X-rays, nuclear
radiations.
v) Appreciate that the effect of ionising radiations on
humans depends on the type of radiation, the
activity of the source, and the type of tissue
irradiated.
9.0 WAVES
9.1 Properties of Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
Waves • Longitudinal and a) Show an understanding of how waves are produced.
transverse waves. b) Display understand of waves as a form of energy.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

Frequency; c) Be familiar with wave pulses and continuous waves
Amplitude; produced on springs/slinkies and in ripple tanks and
Wavelength; with their energy transfer properties.
Velocity. d) Interpret graphs of displacement against time for
• The wave equation, both wave pulses and sinusoidal continuous waves.
c=fλ. e) Define speed, frequency, wavelength and amplitude
of a wave.
f) Appreciate graphs of displacement against distance
for both wave pulses and (sinusoidal) continuous
waves.
g) Recall the relationship c = f for both mechanical
and electromagnetic waves.
h) Use the relationship c = f for both mechanical and
electromagnetic waves.
i) Differentiate between waves that are transverse and
those that are longitudinal.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
9.2 Wave • Reflection; a) Describe wave motion in strings, ropes, springs
Phenomena Refraction; and ripple tanks.
Diffraction; b) Recall and use the equation 𝑣 = 𝑓𝜆.
Interference. c) Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal
• Stationary waves. waves and give suitable examples.
Relationship d) Define the phenomena of reflection, refraction,
between inter-node diffraction, and interference.
distance and e) Use water waves to show reflection at a plane
wavelength. surface, refraction due to change of speed, and
• Diffraction effects. diffraction produced by wide and narrow gaps.
f) Production of stationary waves.
g) Harmonic and overtones.
9.3Vibrations Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
and Sound • Wave nature of a) Describe the longitudinal nature of sound waves.
Sound: Reflection, b) State the approximate range of audible
refraction, frequencies.

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

diffraction, c) Show an understanding that a medium is required
interference. in order to transmit a sound wave.
• Speed of sound in d) Describe an experiment to determine the speed of
various media. sound in air.
• Characteristics of e) Relate the loudness and pitch of sound waves to
notes. Amplitude amplitude and frequency respectively.
and loudness, f) Describe how the reflection of sound may produce
frequency and pitch, an echo.
quality and g) State the order of magnitude of the speed of sound
overtones.Frequency in air, liquid and solid.
limits of audibility. h) Construct a simple musical instrument e.g. flute
• Vibrations in and guitar.
strings. Stationary
waves in strings.
Relationship
between frequency
and length,
frequency and mass
per unit length,
frequency and
tension.
Candidates will be assessed on their ability to:
9.4 Light • Laws of reflection. a) Represent the paths of narrow beams of light
• Mirrors. travelling in uniform media by rays.
• Laws of refraction. b) Appreciate those objects that are seen because of
Total internal the light from the object that enters the eye.
reflection. c) State the laws of reflection.
d) Appreciate that image of a point objects that is the
point through which all rays from a point on the
object pass or appear to pass after reflection or
refraction.
e) Recall and use the relationship,
sin i c real depth
refractiveindex , = = =
sin r v apparent depth .

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CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

9.5 Refraction • Lenses. Converging f) Describe an experiment to determine the
and diverging refractive indexof glass using a glass block.
lenses. Focal length. g) Appreciate the conditions for total internal
• Dispersion. reflection.
• Electromagnetic h) Be familiar with the refraction of light in everyday
Spectrum. phenomena e.g. the apparent depth of a swimming
pool.
i) Appreciate the relationship between refractive
index and wave speed for light.
j) Appreciate the bending of light in a prism.
k) Regard a lens as being made up of a number of
part
prisms.
l) Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the meaning of
principal foci, for converging and diverging
lenses.
m) Understand what is meant by the focal length of a
lens.
n) Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of
images bylenses e.g. converging lens used as a
magnifying glass.
o) Describe how to measure the focal length of a
converging lens by a distant object and by an
auxiliary plane mirrormethods.
p) Describe experiments relating object and image
distancesto object and image sizes for converging
lenses.
v
q) Be familiar with the relationship m= .
u
r) Define critical angle.
s) Appreciate dispersion by a prism.
t) Be familiar with the relative positions of
radiations on theelectromagnetic spectrum, in
terms of wavelength andfrequency.

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 CAMEROON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD Ordinary Level 580 PHYSICS 2011

Topic Notes Attainment Targets

u) Describe methods of detection of UV and IR
radiations.
v) Recall the properties of x-rays.
w) Be familiar with health hazards caused by high
dosage of EM waves.

SOUND: Experiments
1. Measurement of the speed of sound in air.
2. Investigation of the variation of fundamental frequency of a stretched string with length.

LIGHT: Experiments
1. Verification of Snell’s law of refraction.
2. Measurement of the refractive index of a liquid or a solid.
3. Measurement of the focal length of a converging lens.

6. Textbooks
The following books may be of use to candidates studying the Ordinary Level Physics syllabus. It is not
intended to suggest that a candidate should attempt to consult all of the books but rather select a few of them
for study.
1. Gilbert Rowell and Sydney Herbert 1995, Physics, Cambridge Low Price Editions.
2. Stephen Pople 2001, Explaining Physics, GCSE Edition, Oxford University Press.

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