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UPDATED TO 2019-21 SYLLABUS

CAIE A2 LEVEL
PHYSICS
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE PRACTICAL SYLLABUS
Prepared for Pimnara Phongworasak for personal use only.
CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

A2 or A used: straight line through the origin

lg A used: gradient should equal 0.5
1. Planning Write the equation of the line

1.1. Defining the Problem (3 marks) 1.4. Safety Considerations (1 Mark)

Identify: Asses the risk of the experiment
the independent variable in the experiment (1 mark) Describe precautions that be taken to keep risks to
the dependent variable in the experiment (1 mark) minimum (1 Mark)
the quantities to be controlled – kept constant (1 mark)

The independent variable is the variable you change in order 2. Analysis

to see its relationship with the dependent variable

The quantity to be kept constant can be many things 2.1. Treatment of Uncertainties
however select the one which directly affects the variable
being measured in a physical aspect For a quantity x = (2.0 ± 0.1 ) mm
Explain why, using scientific terminology, the reason to
keep a variable constant Absolute uncertainty = Δx = ±0.1mm
Fractional uncertainty = Δx
x = 0.05 ​

1.2. Methods of Data Collection (5 Percentage uncertainty = Δx x × 100% = 5% ​

Logarithmic uncertainties: e.g. uncertainty in ln x

marks) + (4 marks) Natural logarithm of best value of x is ln 2.0 = 0.693
Natural logarithm of max value of x is ln 2.1 = 0.742
Draw a labelled diagram (1 mark) to describe the
Difference between values is 0.742 − 0.693 = 0.049
arrangement of apparatus for the experiment
Describe the method to be used to vary the independent
∴ ln (2.0 ± 0.1 ) = 0.69 ± 0.05
variable (1 mark) and state what instrument is used to
measure it (1 mark) Combining errors:
Describe the method and state the instrument used to When values added or subtracted, add absolute error
measure the dependent variable (1 mark) 2x+y
If p = 3 or p = 3 , then Δp =
2x−y 2Δx+Δy
​

3 ​

Describe the method to keep the control variables When values multiplied or divided, add % errors
mentioned before constant (1 mark) When values are powered (e.g. squared), multiply
Including above points; the answer should describe how percentage error with power
the experiment will be carried out i.e. procedure 3Δy
If r = 2xy 3 or r = 2x
Δr Δx
y 3 , then r = x + y
Include 4 points of additional detail (4 marks) regarding
​ ​ ​ ​

the method of collection, improvement in accuracy and

detail on instrument usage 2.2. Treatment of Significant Figures
Actual error: recorded to only 1 significant figure
1.3. Method of Analysis (2 Marks) Number of decimal places for a calculated quantity is
equal to number of decimal places in actual error.
Algebraically manipulate to form a linear relationship
from that given – choose what quantity should be on each
axis to give a straight line graph (1 Mark) 2.3. Graphs
Relationship Graph Gradient y-intercept Firstly, plot the best value of each variable on the graph
Next, add and subtract the error and plot this above and
y = mx + c y against x m c
n
below the best value.
y = ax lg y against lg x n lg a Join the three points together to form the error bar
kx
y = ae ln y against x k ln a

Describe what the graph should look like if the given

relationship is true (1 Mark)
e.g. relationship given is A = k p ​

The following graphs will give linear relationships

A2 against p or A against p or lg A against lg p
Relationship is true

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CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

Line of best fit: should pass through most ‘best’ values and
must be passing through each error bar
Worst acceptable line: the shallowest or steepest possible Additional Details:
line that passes through or close to every error bar e.g.
lowest value and highest value (label the line) Measuring amplitude and period using a c.r.o
Join the top of the topmost point's error bar and the Adjust time-base and y -gain to achieve a suitable
bottom of the bottommost error bar and the line should waveform
touch every error bar Calculate amplitude by finding height in terms of
boxes on grid of waveform and multiplying by y -gain
Calculate period by counting boxes of grid occupied by
Determining error in gradient and y -intercept: a full waveform and multiply by time-base setting
Measuring diameter: repeat measurements in different
After plotting both lines, calculate the gradient of each
positions and average
line by forming a triangle with a hypotenuse of length
Wear safety googles/use a safety screen to protect eyes
greater than half the graph. Leave all construction lines
when heating/pouring liquids or handling stretched wire
Calculate the gradient of the line of best fit and subtract
Ensure apparatus stable & not easily knocked over by
from the worst fit to find error in gradient.
placing weights (e.g. on retort stand) and working on a flat
If broken axis used, form equation of both lines and find
surface
the y -intercept
Use a sand tray under heavy weights and make sure
If normal axis used, read off value from the graph
weights don’t fall on your foot
Subtract the two y -intercepts to find the error Keep radioactive substances in a lead-lined container
To ensure surface is horizontal, use a spirit level
Finding constants in given relationship: Sound experiment: perform experiment in a quiet room
Light experiment: perform experiment in a dark room
Using values calculated i.e. gradient and y -intercept, Repeat experiment & determine average
equate coefficients of the equation of the line with
relationship to find constants. 3.2. Pressure Experiments

3. Apparatus & Additional Apparatus:

U-Tube (manometer): measures pressure difference

Details between two fluids

3.1. General Experiments

Apparatus:

Signal generator: can be used to produce a

sound/voltage/current and can vary frequency settings on
device

Bourdon gauge: measuring pressure of a gas or liquid

Pump: can be used to alter pressure in a container

3.3. Electrical Experiments

Micrometer: can be used to measure small distances
Vernier calipers: can be used to measure small distances Apparatus:
Set square: used to make sure apparatus perpendicular
Magnets: can be used with metal objects in experiment Variable resistor (rheostat): can be used to alter
Balance: can be used to weigh a mass voltage/current supplied in a circuit or can be used to
Burette: accurately measuring volume of liquid keep current constant
Diffraction grating: can be used to measure wavelength of
a monochromatic light source

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CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS

LDR: resistance decreases with increasing light intensity Keep Hall probe at right angles (perpendicular) to
magnetic field by fixing to rule
Calibrate Hall probe in a known magnetic field
Repeat experiment with Hall probe reversed and average
In magnetic experiments, avoid external alternating
magnetic fields
Photocell: sensors that allow you to detect light – generate
an e.m.f when light is incident
3.5. Falling Bodies & Oscillations
Experiments
Measuring velocity using light gate:
Measure distance between light gates
Additional Details: Connect light gates to time loggers
Calculate time of fall by using data from loggers – time
Use a protective resistor to reduce current
difference between when the first and second beam
Switch off currents when not in use so that wires/coil do
are broken
not overheat
For experiments with light weights or wind, close windows
Use microammeter and galvanometer for small voltages
& switch off air conditioning to avoid draughts
and currents
For measuring time period of oscillations, find time for 10
When using ammeter and voltmeter to measure
oscillations and then divide
resistance, a power supply is required
Use fiducial markers to time oscillating objects
Type of current to use:
To measure quantities in an experiment with fast motions,
Large current to create a large magnetic field
record experiment with a video camera and playback in
Large current to produce measurable e.m.f./voltage
slow motion
Small current to reduce heating effect
In an experiment with object being dropped, make sure
object released with no/constant velocity. Can use
3.4. Magnetic Field Experiments electromagnets or a spring-loaded device
For falling objects, use a guide to keep motion in correct
Hall probe: used to measure magnetic fields direction

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CAIE A2 LEVEL
Physics

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