Page 1

physics

Force
Force is that which changds a bodys state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight
line.
Weight
The weight of a body with respect to the earth is that force which the body exerts on
anything which freely supports it.
Action and reaction are equal and opposite.
Hookes
When a
of the
enoggh

law
spring is fixed at one end and a force is applied at the other, the extension
spring is proportional to the force applied provided the force is not large
to stetch the spring permanently.

Scalar quantity and Vector quantity.

A scalar quantity is one which has onl y maggitude or size. A vector quantity has both
magnitude and direction.
The parallelogram of forces
If two forces acting at s point are represented bboth in magnitude and direction
by the adjacent side of a parallelogram, their resultant will be represented both in
magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram drawn from the point.
Triangle of forces
If three forces acting at a point are in equilibrium, they can be represented in
magihitude and direction by the three sides of a triangle taken oin order.
Pr&nciple of moments
When a body is in equilibrium: the sum of the anticlockWise moments about any point
is equal to the sum of the clockwise moments.
Equal and opposite forces form what is called a couple.
Centre of gravity
The centre if gravity of a body is defined as the point of application of the resultant
force due to the earts attraction on it.
Speed
Speed is defined as the rate of change of distance moved with time.
Velocity
Velocity is defined as the rate of change of distance moved with time in a specified
direction
Acceleration
Acceleration is defined as the rate of change of velocity moved with time.
Pendulum
A simple pendulum is defined as a small heavy body suspended by a light inextensible
string.
Parallelogram of velocities
If a body has two component velocities which are represented by two adjacent sides of
a parallelogram then the resultant velocity is represented by the diagonal of the
parallelogram drawn from the inersection of the two sides.

Page 2

physics

Relfltive velocity
The velocity of a body A relative to a body B is obtained by combining the velocity of
A with the velocity of B reversed.
First Law
Every body continues in a state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless
compelled by some external force to act otherwise.
Momentum
The momentum of a body is defined as the product of irs mass and its velocity.
Change of momentum
The rate of change of momentum of a body is proportional to the applied force and takes
place in the direction in which the force acts.
Newton
The SI unit of force is called the Newton and is the force which produces an aceelratiol
of 1 ms-2 when its acts on a mass of 1 kilogramme.
Third law
To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction
Conservation If Momentunn
When two or more bodies act upon one another their total momentum remains constant,
providing no external forces are acting.
Work
Work is said to be done when the point of application of a force moves and is measured
by the product of the force and the distance, moved in the direction of the force.
Energy
rnergy is the capacity to perform work
The SI unit of work is called the . Joule and is the wok done when the point of app
lication of a force 1 newton moves through 1 metre in the direction of the force.
Mechanical energy
Kinetic energy is the energy which a body possesses by reason of its motion
Potential energy is the energy which a body has by reason of its position or state.
Heat
Heat is defined as energy which flows from one place to another owing to a temperature
difference between them.
Power
Powere is defined as the rate of doing work.
The SI unit of power is called the watt and is the rate of working of 1 joule per
secound.
Mechanical advantage
The mechanical advantage of a machine is defined ss the ratio of the load to the effort

,...

page

physics

Essentially a machine is any devive by means of which a force applied at one point
may be used to overcome a force at some other point.
Velocity ratio
The ratio of the distance moved by the effort to the distance moved by the load in the
same time is called the velocity ratio of the machine.
Efficiency
tts the raton of the useful work done by the iTachine to the total work put into the m
machine.
Density
Density is defined as mass per unit volume.
Relative density
The relative density of a substance is tin ratio. of the mass of any volume of the
substance of it to the mass of an equal volume of water.
Pressure
The SI unit of pressure is Newton metre -2.
Archimedes primciple
When a body is wholly or partillly immersed in a fluid it experiances anupthrust
equal to the weight of the fluid displaced.
A floating body displaces its own weight of the fluid in which it floats.
Temperature
The tempersture of a substance is a number which expresses it s degree of hotness on a
chosen scale.
Upper fixed point
The upper fixed point issteam from water boiling under standard atmospheric pressure
of 760mmhg.
Lower fixed point
The lower fixed point is the temperature of pur melting ice.
Coefficient of linearexpansion
The coefficient of linear expansion id the fraction of origianl length by which a rod
of the substance expands per degree rise in temperature.
Boyles law
The volume of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to the pressure providing
the temperature remains constant.
Charles Law
The volume of a fixed mass of
absolute temperature.

gas at constant pressure is proportional to its

pressure Law
The pressure of a fixed mass if gas at a constant volume is proportional to its
absolute temperature.

,"so,)

Page 1+.

physics.

Heat capacity
The heat capacity of a body of any kind is defined as the heat required to raise its
temperature by 1 degree centigrade.
Specific Heat Capacity.
The specific heat capacity of a substance is defined as the heat required to raise
the unit mass through 1 degree centigrade.
Latent heat of vapourisation
the specific latent heat of vapourisation of a substance is the quantity of heat
required to change the unit mass of the substance from liquid to vapour state
without a change in temperature.
Latent heat of fusion
The specific latent heat of fusion of a substance is the quantity of heat required to
convert the unit mass of the substanee from solid to liquid state without a change in
temperature.
SVp
A saturated vapour is one which is a state of dynamic equlibrium with its own liquidor
solid.
Boiling point
The boiling point of a substance is defined as the temperature at which its saturation
vapour pressure becomes equal to the external atmospheric pressure.
Dew point.
The dew point is defined as the temperature at which the water vapour pressure present
in the air is just sufficient to saturate it.
Laws of reflection
The incedent ray the reflected ray and the normal at the point of incedence all lie
on the dame plane. The angle of incedence is equal to the angle of reflection.
Principle focus
The principle focus of a spherical mirror is that point on the principal axis to which
all rays originally parallel and close to the principal axis converge , or from which
they appear to diverge after reflection from a mirroe.
Conjugate foci are any pair of points such that an object placed at one of them gives
rise to a real image at tie other.
Snells law.
The ratio of the sine of the angle of incedence to the sine of the angle of refraction
is a constant.
Focal length
The focal length of a lens is the distance between the optical centre and the principal
focus.
Amplitude
The maximum displacement of a particle from rest position is called the amplitude of a
wave.

,--WP

Page 5.

physics

Wavelength
The wavlen*th is defined as the distance between two sucessive particles which are
at exactly the smae point in their paths and are moving in the same direction.
Wavefront
Any line or section taken through an advancing wave in which all the - particles
are in the same pahse is called the wavefront.
Frequency
The number oft complete oscillations per .second is called the frequency.
Neutral point
A neutralp point id defined at which the resultant magnetic flux density is zero.

Ampere
The ampere is the current which if flowing in two straight prallel wires of infinite
length placed 1 metre apart in a vacuum will produce on each of tic wires a force kof
2 X 10 -7 newton per metre length.
Coulomb
A coulomb is the quantity of electricity which passes any point in a circuit in 1 secon
when a steady current of 1 ampere is flowing.
The volt
Two points are at a potential difference of 1 vlo volt if 1 joule of work is done per
coulomb of electricity passing from one point to another.
Emf.
The emf of a cell in volts is therfore :defined as the total work done in joules
per coulomb of electricity convey int the citcuit in which the cell is connected.
Ohms 39aw
The current passing through a wite at constant temperature is proportional to the potential differnece between its ends.
Resistance
TIT resistance of a conductor is the ratio of. potential difference across it to the
current flowing through it.
Ohm
The ohm is the resistance of a conductor such that when a potential difference of 1
volt is applied to its ends a current of 1 ampere flows through it.
Right hand grip rule
Imagine the wire to be grasped in the right hand with the thumb pointing along the wire
in the direction of the current. The direction of the fingers will give the direction
of the magnetic flux.
Flemmings left hand rule
place the forefinger , seconft finger and thumb of the left hand mutually at right angles
Then if the Forefinger points in the direction of the field and the seCond finger in
the direction of the Current then the thumb will point in the direction of the Motion.

Page 6

Physics

Resistivity
The resistivity of a material expressed in ohm metre units is numerically equal to the
resistance of a conducter of the materail of length 1 metre and of cross sectional
area 1 metre squared.
Fardays law of electromagnetic inductiom
Whenever there is a change in the magnetic flux linked with a circuit an electromagnetic
force is induced, the strength of which is proportional to the rate of change of the
flux linked with the circuit.
Lenzs law of electromagnetic induction
The direction of the induced current is always such as to oppose the change producing
it.
Mass number
The total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus is called the mass number and is
denoted by A.
Atomic number
The atomic number is defined as the nimber of protons in a nucleus and. is denoted by Z,
Isotopes
Isotppes of an element are atoms which have the same atomic number but different mass
numbers.
When an element disintegrates by the emission of an alph particle it turns into an
element with chemical properties similar to those of an element two paces earlier in
the periodic table.

When an element disintegrates by the emission of a 1'ata particle it turns into an elemen
with similar properties to that of an element one p3 ace later in the peri odic table.

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE SCHOOLS EXAMINATION BOARD

Physics at Cidina t.ivei
The following papers will be set:
Physics I

Physics 11

2hri.
2 hrs.

iksper I will be set, largely, on the thermal and molecular properties of matter and on wave motion, light
and sound; Paper 11 on the mechanical properties of matter and on electricity and atomic structure.
Each paper will consist of one short answer question of ten parts each carrying equal marks and six questions of a
trrtui`onal kind. Candidates must attempt the short answer question in both papers and should answer three other
questions on each paper.

The Awarders will assume that an experimental approach to the subject has been followed. Candidates will
be expected to have had an adequate amount of individual laboratory experience as well as the opportunity to watch
experimental demonstrations. Questions may be set requiring accounts of experimental procedures.
The formal statement of laws not mentioned in the syllabus will not be required.
"" In answers to numerical questions the degree of accuracy obtainable by use of a 5" slide rule or three figure
.rtes Is sufficient. The use of electronic calculators is not permitted.
Graphical solutions are acceptable , wherever appropriate.
SI units in the most general sense (that is, including units with any combination of prefixes , such as g/cm3) will
be used with the addition of the litre (I) and the kilowatt hour (kWh). In addition some other non-SI units , particularly
millimetre of mercury (mmHg) and atmosphere (atml'may be used where this is more natural . Problems will not be
set involving conversion from SI to non-SI units (or vice versa).
Symbols and abbreviations will comply in general with British Standards 1991 and with the booklet'Sl Units,
Signs, Symbols and Abbreviations as published by the Association for Science Education (1974).
The portions of the syllabus which are underlined will appear in italic in the Regulations for Certificate Examinations
and these portions are to be omitted for Physics-with-Chemistry.

Notes on the syllabus are appended . These are simply intended to indicate the range of topics on which
questions may be set; they in no way suggest a teaching order nor are they intended to restrict the subject matter which
schools may wish to teach . They are not to be considered as an exhaustive set of limitations . Questions may be set
n points not specifically mentioned ir. thesyllabus or in the notes but in suck cases sufficient information will be
,o-t, on in the questions to enable c andidates to apply principles covered in the syllabus.

Syllabus Topic

Notes and Comments

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OF MATTER
Mess, length , time and their units. The SI units, brief indications of their bases e.g. the facts that the kg is
based on a prototype, the metre on a number of wavelengths. Commonly
used multiples and submultiples.
(Precise definitions of the SI units are not required).
Use of micrometer screw gauge Practical use including use of vernier calipers. Theory of operation of
and vernier .
vernier scale . (Types other than 10 division forward-reading are excluded).
Volume measurement, density ,
Densities of regular solids by weighing and mensuration . Densities of
relative densi y Irregular solids by weighing and liquid displacement . Densities of liquids by
weighing a standard volume. (Density calculations involving alloys or
mixtures of liquids will not be set). Rlative densities of l i q u i d s by hydrometer
{sec_intcr_ unci c Arcl^i^^^ ^Ics` PiinciplO)..

2-

rectors,, the composition

ar.J of vectors.

Some common examples of scalar and vector quantities . Parotlelgrom

law and experimental verification for forces. Ads!+.tion and su`.trc Lion of
vectors with particular erf;plrasis on force and velocity. Resviution into
componeots at right angles. Equilibrium of three forces.
(Relative v elocity is excluded).

Mass and weight

Weipht as force , mass in relation to standard kilogram

mass, acceleration and force).

Moment of a force about an axis

Coueles

The principle of moments and equilibrium of a body under a system of parallel

forces . Reaction at a fulcrum . Recognition of pairs of forces c^siving rise

(see later under

to couples in simple cases.

Centre of gravity . Equilibrium

Centre of gravity treated experimentally; relationship between change in

its position in small displacements and stability of equilibrium.

The relation between moss,

acceleration and force. The
newton.

Concept of force . Experimental study of changes in motion caused by forces.

Massas inertia . Definitions of acceleration and force.
`Equations of uniformly accelerated motion are not required to be memorised
but problems on uniformly accelerated motion soluble from first principles
from energy conservation or by graphical methods may be set).

Work .

The

Joule . Energy Its

transformation and conservation

KE- 4 my (without proof)
Qualitative behaviour of
frictional forces.
Power; the watt, the kilowatt-hour

Momentum . The relationship

enforce and momentum.
rvation momentum.

Problems on potential and kinetic energy and on work = force x distance

Various forms of energy. Mass and energy (qualitative only, E = m,
is not expected).

Friction as a force , molecular in origin, opposing relative motion.

Force = rate of change of momentum . Experimental verification of conservation

aw Ap ication to simple two- bod collisions , to systems explod ing into
two or three Parts , and rockets.
ems witl r tot beset inyglvipa use of kinem

i cal giatians).

The principles of machines and

their application to the lever,
.simple pulley blocks and the
screw Jack.

Definitions of and relationship between mechanical advantage , velocity

ratio and efficiency exemplified by pulley systems of velocity ratio not
greater than 4, screw jack and lever. Causes of inefficiency.

The choracterlstics of fluid

pressure, and their application to
the hydraulic press and the Utubs ; manometer.

Pressure - force (thrust)/area in pascal (N/mz) or in mmHg or in

atmosphere. (see preamble to syllabus). Hydrostatic pressure =Pgh
experimental verification. Experimental evidence that hydrostatic pres,

The principle of Archimedes

and applications.

Simple experimental demonstration and explanation by considering thrusts

on horizontal faces of immersed regular solid (or by some other method).
Flotation. Calculations of upthrusts in simple cases. Applications to
relative density measurements for liquids . (Detailed descriptions of hydrometers
are not required).

Atmospheric pressure and its

measurement by simple mercury
and aneroid barometers.

Demonstration of existence of atmospheric pressure; decrease with height.

Use of p = pgh for small height changes . Principle and construction of
simple mercury barometer . Aneroid barometer , principle and construction,
application as altimeter.

'VW

the some in all directions . Hydrostatic press as simple machine; princIp....

only in its applications e.g. hydraulic brake. U-tube method for comparing
densities of Immiscible liquids.

THERMAL AND MOLECULAR

PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Thermal expansion of solids and
liquids . Measurement of the linear
e^ansivit(cocfficicnt of linear
ex nsiat ) of rncrtc:ial in t:,a form
of a rod or tuba, i''.I iI c Of )s

Effects and applications of thermal expansion e.g. provision for expansion

of bridges , natural convection (qualitative only),bimotailic strip. -Aknowledge of on acceptable method of measuring exponsion will be
reau i rod .

and consequences of expjii;iion.

Expansion of gases. Contrast with expansion of solids and liquids both as to orders of magnitude

Scof is of temperature. "the Celsius

scal._ . The lc .tory mercury
timni,.ar-etr and clinical
ti.eti:rso'rletcr.

Use of expansion of liquids for measuring temperature over a limited range.

Use of ice and steam points for purposes of setting up a practical scale of
temperature.
(Questions will not be set on maximum thermometer; apart from the clinical
thermometer, or on minimum thermometers).

&-xy ":e's low. The idea of

cs`es;.1 ute zero and absolute
temperature . The ideal gas
equation.*

Experimental investigation of p, V relationship (T constant ) for a gas.

Effect of changes of temperature on p (V constant) on V (p constant) and on
pV for fixed mass . Concept of the ideal gas leading to absolute scale of
temperature . (Derivation of the ideal gas equation from the laws of Boyle and
Charles is not required).

lkx^wnlan motion. Kinetic model,

or s gas, molecular movement, the
idea of the origin of pressure and the
Idea of temperature (as distinct from
scale of temperature).

Experimental demonstration for suspended particles in gas or liquid,

interpretation as evidence for existence of molecules in thermal agitation.
Kinetic explanation of gas pressure , its dependence on molecular densities
and on temperature (qualitatively). Changes in average K.E. of a gas
molecule and changes in temperature.

Specific heat capacity.

. Elementary calorimetry based on
constant flow or constant rate
of heating (Problems may be set

Experimental descriptions to include precautions to reduce errors . (Details

of cooling corrections not required). Problems may be set on constant flow
and constant rate of heating method as well as on the method of mixtures.

.^ . heat exchanges

between bodies).

,sion, evaporation , boiling.

Specific latent heat and its
determination . Vo our pressure.
Behaviour of saturated and unsaturated
va r.

Experimental study of changes of state, determination of specific latent heats

and variation of s.v .p. with temperature. Simple qualitative kinetic

Heat transfer by convection conduction

and radiation . Simple applications
and consequences.

Demonstration of conduction iii good and bad conductors . Qualitative

explanation of conduction in gases and in metals.

ana t of of atentleat&and s.v.p. (Questions will not be set

t eery expl
on relative humidity and dew pointT.

Natural convection as a consequence of density differences and gravity . Simple

examples of natural and of forced convection e. g. central heating
systems.
Properties of thermal radiation and simple radi ation detectors.
Principles underlying operation of Dewar flask.

Effects of molecular attraction

treated qualitatively. Upper limits
-4 mo_ lecular size by the surface
.^. n method.

Simple observations implying the existence of cohesive and adhesive

forces, e . g. shape of solids, viscosity and surface tension of liquids.
Elementary treatment of surface film phenomena.

.iAVE MOTION. LIGHT AND SOUND

Illustrations by sound waves with microphones and CRT, ripple tanks , springs
Characteristics of progressive waves
and
mechanical models : the meaning of amplitude, frequency, wavelength , period,
illustrated experimentally. Longitudinal
. The distinction between longitudinal and transverse waves and
phase
and transverse waves.
examples of each type.

Relation between velocity, wavelength

and frequency.

The deriviotion of v = f). and simple numerical examples in which the

relation is applied.

Measurement of frequency of
sounds and of vibrating objects.
Use of stroboscopic methods

Any reasonable method of frequency measurement will be accepted e.g. by

comparison with a tone from a source of controllable frequency or by microphone
and oscilloscope with calibrated time-base. Familiarity with more than one type
of stroboscope will not be "expected

Effect of changes in pitch, loudness

and quality on the wave form of a
sound.

Simple qualitative ideas of the relation between these sensations and the
frequency , amplitude and complexity of the wave form (Questions involving
harmonic analysis will not be asked).

Measurement of wavelength of sound

in a asthe resona nce tubc.

One method of measurement of wavelength in air (including resonance tube

method) ill a acccpord. Simple e,cplcnsution of ctx ration of resonance tube
Closed at en. (:ncl ,.,rf. i'v annicnv wi.h vaoiic'n of cs i; Iicol stpringl clc.i.sspcd
of one usu.l. ' uttc 'stc . will c xl)crted to have tound more than the resonant
length for a particulur hv.lt,en .

-4Description of reflection and

refraction of plane and spherical
waves incident on pl,)^e ard spherical
surfaces; image formatioiy. _

Diagrams showing reflection of plane and spherical waves with explanation of

basis of construction (formation of point images only). Refraction of plane
and spherical waves at plane boundaries only.

Echoes and their use in measurement

of speed of sound in air.

Echoes as a result of the finite speed of sound in air ^ind other media e. g. sea
water . Simple problems may be set on time delays between direct and reflected
sound for air and other media and for angles of incidence other thor. zero.

Interference and diffraction, illustrated

by waves M a ripple tank and by sound
waves.

_fterns due to tw_ _point sources

Superposition of waves . Interferen5j_po
emitting coherent wave trains . Diffraction
at a slit. Qualitative effect of
__.__
changes in wavAlength and in slit width^

Rectilinear propagation of light and

use of ray concept in graphical treatment of reflection and refraction.

Simple practical tests and some consequences of rectilinear propagation e. g. the

pinhole camera , shadows . Ray diagrams illustrating reflection at a plane mirror
and refraction at a plane boundary between transparent media.

Refraction as a consequence of veiac

e a a and derivation of Snell's law
in terms of velocities.

Critical angle and total internal

^
refion.
ref
eettee i

Wave-front drawings illustrating refraction at a plane boundary.

sin r s n r vi Tv y simplegeometry.

Ray diagrams showing partial reflection and refraction for angles of incidence
l Glow thee^cririticar-angle and F ThTroifection for i> i
'Der iv otion osin i_

rare /J. dense.

Formation of real and virtual images

by converging lenses and concave
mirrors . Use of a converging l ens as.
a simple magnifier.

The meaning of principal axis , pole, principal focus, focal length of a

converging lens and a concave mirror . Radius of curvature of a mirror. Ray
diagrams showing the formation by a converging lens end a concave mirror of
images of near and distant point objects both on and off the principal axis.
(Problems requiring memorisation of $ +J = f will not be set).

Optical principles of the camera, the

slide projector and the eye.

Questions (qualitative only) may be set on the method of focusing, the effect of
varying the lens aperture on the image brightness (camera and eye),the adjustment
of exposure time (camera ) and the function of the condenser (slide projector).
Range of accommodation of the normal eye . (Aknowledge of the defects of the
eye and their correction is not expected).

The simple theory of Young's slits Young ' s slits and the diffraction grating as applications of diffraction at e
and the diffraction grating and their single shit and interference' bbet_ween diffracted br ams from adjocentiTits '
use for the a proximate measurement qualitative a where wavelength calculations are called for the appropriate
of thewavelength of light .
formula will be supplied
}. Qualitative effects of changes in wavelength and I
s lit separation on the interference patterns.

ELECTRICITY AND ATOMIC

STRUCTURE
E.m.f. , Internal resistance and
p. d. of sources of d. c.

E.m.f. as work done on unit charge in moving it once around a circuit;

equivalence to definition as open circuit p.d. by use of EA i (R+r)
or otherwise . Simple problems involving e.m.f. and internal resistance.
(Candidates will not be asked to describe methods of comparing e.m.f's
or measuring internal resistance).

The meaning of ampere, coulomb,

volt, ohm , watt and joule and
their interrelations (Formal
definition of the ampere is not
requires

The existence of a force between parallel , current-carrying conductors in

terms of which the ampere may be defined . ( Precise definition not expected).
Current as rate of flow of charge . (See section on electrostatics).

Problems on current, p.d. and

power in simple circuits. Simple
calculations on shunts and
multipliers.

Importance will be attached to the ability to solve problems from first principles
rather than application of memorised formulae, Calculations may be required
of the cost of supplying electrical energy. The relation between the joule and
the kwh will be assumed to be known.

Power loss in transmission by dc.

The advantages of transmission at high voltage.

Measurement of resistance by ammeter

and voltmeter or by substitution methods

Either method will be accepted . Calculations may be set an either method.

Resistivity

The distinction between resistivity of a material and resistance of a wire.

Calculation of resistance , given resistivity and linear dimensions.

Magnetic flux pattern due to current

in a straight wire, plane coil , solenoid
and toroid.

Experimental study of magnetic fields by iron filings and by small compass

needles. (Effects of oorth' s.field to be neglected), Patterns due to equal currents
in two parallel straight wires . Conventions for indicating direction of

field and magnitude of flux density (qualitatively).

El :ctromognets and permanent

magnets; simple applications.
Force on a straight cur:entci+rying wire and couple on a coil
in o magnetic field.

The moving - coil galvanometer and

the d . c. motor.

Electromagnet c induction descriptively.

Effect on e.m .f. of rate of flux cutting.

Quo itotive understanding of the at ^ raCtls C of iron by a magnet . (Derr llad

magnetic p aperties of materials not regt4rcct).

Experimental demonstration of the force hot'-co n two pnrnilol wires carrying

the some current; its application to the driirtillon of tie ampere (qualitative only).
Experimental demonstration of couple ott a c;,111 zrarry;ng a current in o urtitorm
magnetic field.
Diagrams of construction. Factors affectirtg tan1tivity and linearlty of scale
of galvanometer . Use of simple commutolor to produces continuous rotation
in motor.

Experimental demonstrations of factors dcrtermining magnitude and direction of

induced e.m.f.
Practical examples of the effect of electrortiovfetic induction e. g. domping of
short-circuited galvanometer coil, eddy r:wr'ntm,low running cwrent of d.c,
motor compared with starting current.

The transformer.

Primary/secondary voltage for ideal trant(cc.rnar and primory/secondary current

ratio for resistive loads . Causes of loss ir1 -:kficl,sncy In the react transformers and
. attempts to reduce losses.

Simple a. c. and d. c. generators.

Diagrams of single rotating -coil types. A comrr1vtotor or a bridge rectifier

is expected for converting a. c. to d.c.

AMk

.se r!ald-Lcpf electrode and its

use for denionstrctinq elementary
electrostat ic phenomiena.

Use for detecting charae and diistinguishin.t tsrstwb`n different signs of charge.
Faraday's ice- poi e eriment and onali.+ftfe to c omport csn.
Practical uses of electroscope as d'etectr.)r cif f3[aerr rc;diaticrz.

Electric current as a flow of charge.

f. Jemonstrati.orr^using , for exampiediscl n^,f eiintrasG_on

through high resistance, measurement of,ha^ef^e tatr.n^in a t:R.Y

Thermionic emission; experimental

furretnt-volttaLe relation for a diode.

Mainly experimental ; qualitative account of Qle..true e miss ion and its tarper_ i'IIhe;
erraature dependence . Saturation. Use e46 halt wave ractifi
effect of space charge on diode current is , r,;l^,d

Deflection of a beam of electrons bv

gleetric or- macir;etic field, ,reated
qualrtai'tvely1_pr;ncie card s^mole
lases of Cathode- ray o,cii;o e

Experimental treatment usin_^CRT or otlmmI el,:rer^ z-bensn tube. Dia am of a

modern form of CRT functions of the , 0rr;rrcludincr rhalrnnetian
to external circuits when di: la inn way' t ',. s fl-"L tir;"le -basentsd tiara
voltage woveform of a linear time -base: ')t'r.7ds of limo-iase circuit are: not
ex^@Gted r .

auk la descri ption of nuclear atom.

Radio activi_y;haif .life _aipha, beta.

and gamma radiations, their nature
and simple means for their

detection.

Neutrons and protons as constituents of tu- fl U lt,.ss,axtra nucle ar electrons (no

is expected): (vti,,s
nurnbar and atomic number,
account of their arrangement
'.
.,-.
The meaning of 'isotope
Random nature of radioactive decal th^ ^tr+^at f F^c^lf-life.__
5 impis nut^eri i
problems may be set on the decay of a itVV+ toSjrcu too stable j product, Q,^nar. l
t
and b'raYj..
ideas from expenmerro:Cthe penctratir^ t ^- ^^t
e c{;ratni7er pltor .raphl.
lactro^
Qualitative picture of ionisation e,g: fire''
of
pUr icie
i No specific
static and magnetic deflection ofa and f p'7,
_.._
t. "3 6
:tici,clorps writ be e xpect aa to ka.3;
detector will be asked for in a question 'u
able to describe and explain any one

"

- 2 -

fi i r.4 vectors, the composition

^.as:
of vectors.

Some common examples of scalar and vector quantities . Paraflcingram

law and experimental verification for forces. Adeltion and suction of
vectors with particular er+,phasis on force and velocity. Resoit tion into
componesitt at right an)les. Equilibrium of three forces.

(Relative velocity is excluded).

(see inter under

Mass and weight

Weipht as force , mass in relation to standard kilogram

mass, acceleration and force).

Moment of a force about an axis

Caules

The principle of moments and equilibrium of a body under a system of parallel

forces. Reaction at a fulcrum . Recognition of pairs of forces giving rise
to couples in simple cases.

Centre of gravity . Equilibrium

Centre of gravity treated experimentally ; relationship between change in

its position in small displacements and stability of equilibrium.

The relation between mass,

acceleration and force. The
newton.

Concept of force . Experimental study of changes in motion caused by forces.

Mossos inertia . Definitions of acceleration and force.
(Equations of uniformly accelerated motion are not required to be memorised
but problems on uniformly accelerated motion soluble from first principles

from energy conservation or by graphical methods may be set).

Work . The joule. Energy its
transformation and conservation
KE=I mv' (without proof)
Qualitative behaviour of
frictional forces.

Problems on potential and kinetic energy and on work = force x distance

Various forms of energy. Mass and energy (qualitative only, E = m,
is not expected).

Ak

Friction as a force, molecular in origin,opposing relative motion.

Pbwer; the watt, the kilowatt-hour

Momentum . The relationship
tween force and momentum.
tFn-wrvation of momentum.

Force = rote of change of momentum . Experimental verification of conservation

tow . App ication to simple two - body collisions , to systems exploding into
two or t h ree Parts, and rockets.

(Probl ems wi1i tzot beet involving use of kinemgticai equationsl.

The principles of machines and
their appimation to the lever,
simple pulley blocks and the
screw jack.
.;like Characteristics of fluid
pressure and their application to
the hydraulic press and the Utube, manometer.

Definitions of and relationship between mechanical advantage , velocity

ratio and efficiency exemplified by pulley systems of velocity ratio not
greater than 4, screw jack and lever. Causes of inefficiency.

Pressure = force (thrust)/oreo,in pascal (N/m2) or in mmHg or in

atmosphere . (see preamble to syllabus). Hydrostatic pressure =pgh 11.0.
experimental verification. Experimental evidence that hydrostatic pres,
the some in all directions . Hydrostatic press as simple machine; princtt.only in its applications e.g. hydraulic brake. U-tube method for comparing
densities of immiscible liquids.

The principle of Archimedes

and applications.

Simple experimental demonstration and explanation by considering thrusts

on horizontal faces of immersed regular solid (or by some tither method).
Flotation . Calculations of upthrusts in simple cases . Applications to
relative density measurements for liquids. (Detailed descriptions of hydrometers
are not required).

Atmospheric pressure and its

measurement by simple mercury
and aneroid barometers.

Demonstration of existence of atmospheric pressure ; decrease with height.

Use of p =pgh for small height changes . Principle and construction of
simple mercury barometer . Aneroid barometer, principle and construction,
application as altimeter.

THERMAL AND MOLECULAR

PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Thermal expansion of solids and
liquids. Measurement of the linear
exponsivity cocffick.,nt of linear
expansion ) of mute: iol in he foim
of a rod or
and consequences of exiimn;ion.

Effects and applications of thermal expansion e. g. provision for expansion

of bridges , natural convection (qualitative only),bimetal lie strip. A_
knowledneof on acceptable method of measuring expansion will be
rcauircd.

Expansion of gases . Contrast with expansion of solids and liquids both as to orders of magnitude

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE SCHOOLS EXAMINATION BOARD

airs at x wiidinary L vei
The following papers will be set:

Physics 1 2 hrsc.
Physics 11 2 hrs.
Power 1 will be set, largely, on the the r mal and molecular properties of matter and on wave motion, light
and sound; Paper 11 on the mechanical properties of matter and on electricity and atomic structure.
Each paper will cons:;t of one short answer question of ten parts each carrying equal marks and six questions of a
trr.ciNonal kind. Candidates must attempt the short answer question in both papers and should answer three other
questions on each paper.

The Awarders will assume that an experimental approach to the subject has been followed . Candidates will
be expected to have had an adequate amount of individual laboratory experience cs well as the opportunity to watch
experimental demonstrations . Questions may be set requiring accounts of experimental procedures.
The formal statement of laws not mentioned in the syllabus will not be required.
In answers to numerical questions the degree of accuracy obtainable by use of a 5" slide rule or three -figure
Aes Is sufficient . The use of electronic calculators is not permitted.

Graphical solutions are acceptable , wherever appropriate.

SI units in the most general sense (that is , including units with any combination of prefixes , such as g/cm3) will
be used with the addition of the litre (I) and the kilowatt hour (kWh ). In addition some other non-SI units , particularly
millimetre of mercury (mmHg) and atmosphere (atm)'may be used where this is more natural. Problems will not be
set involving conversion from SI to non-SI units (or vice versa).
Symbols and abbreviations will comply in general with British Standards 1991 and with the bookletSl Units,
Signs, Symbols and Abbreviations aspublishedbythe Association for Science Education (1974).

The portions of the syllabus which are underlined will appear in italic in the Regulations for Certificate Examinations
and these portions are to be omitted for Physics-with-Chemistry.
Notes on the syllabus are appended. These are simply intended to indicate the range of topics on which
questions may be set; they in no way suggest a teaching order nor are they intended to restrict the subject matter which
schools may wish to teach . They are not to be considered as an exhaustive set of limitations . Questions may be set
points not specifically mentioned in thesyllabus or in the notes but in suck cases sufficient information will be
on in the questions to enable cnndidates to apply principles covered in the syllabus.

Syllabus Top: c

Notes and Comments

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OF MATTER
Mmes, length ,- time and their units .

The SI units , brief indications of their bases e.g. the facts that the kg is
based on a prototype , the metre on a number of wavelengths. Commonly
used multiples and submultiples.
(Precise definitions of the SI units are not required).

Use of micrometer screw gauge Practical use including use of vernier calipers. Theory of operation of
and vernier .
vernier scale . (Types other than 10 division forward- reading are excluded).
Volume mreasurement , density ,
Densities of regular solids by weighing and mensuration . Densities of
relative density Irregular solids by weighing and liquid displacement . Densities of liquids by
weighing a standard volume. (Density calculations involving alloys or
mixtures of liquids will not be sat). Relative densities of lic
_,_uids by hydrometer
_j I

-4Description of reflection and

refraction of plane and spherical
waves incident on pl,,'.,e and spherical
surfaces, !mega formation.

Diagrams showing reflection of plane and spherical waves with explanation of

basis of construction (formation of point images only ). Refraction of plane
and spherical waves at plane boundaries only.

Echoes and their use in measurement

of speed of sound in air.

Echoes as a result of the finite speed of sound in air rind other media e.g. sea
water . Simple problems may be set on time delays between direct and reflected
sound for air and other media and for angles of incidence other that, zero.

Interference and diffraction, illustrated

^ wavns sn o rippletank and sound'

waves.

Superposition of waves. Interference patterns due to two Point sources

emitting coherent wave trains. Diffraction at a slit Qualitative effect-of
changes in wavelength and in slit width.

Rectilinear propcgation of light and

use of ray concept in graphical treatment of reflection and refraction.

Simple practical tests and some consequences of rectilinear propagation e.g. the
pinhole camera , shadows. Ray diagrams illustrating reflection at a plane mirror
and refraction at a plane boundary between transparent media.

Refraction as a consequence of veioc

c .e and derivation of Snell's low
in terms of veracities.

Wave-front drawings illustrating refraction at a plane boundary,

sin i sin r = Tv by si mpTe geometry.

Critical angle and total Internal

reef1ection.

Ray diagrams showing partial reflection and refraction for angles of incidence
"~i
i>
of blow theces-tical angle an^totaTro^Tectnn for
Deriivv^xtion o stn i more J1 dense.

Formation of real and virtual images

by converging lenses and concave
mirrors . Use of a converging lens as.
o s imple magnifier.

The meaning of principal axis, pole , principal focus, focal length of a

converging lens and a concave mirror . Radius of curvature of a mirror. Ray
diagrams showing the formation by a converging lens vnd a concave mirror of
images of near and distant point objects both on and off the principal axis.
(Problems requiring memorisation of ? + it = r will not be set).

Optical principles of the camera, the

slide projector and the eye.

Questions (qualitative only) may be set on the method of focusing, the effect of
varying the lens aperture on the inage brightness (camera and eye),the adjustment
of exposure time (camera ) and the function of the condenser (slide projector).
Range of accommodation of the normal eye . (A knowledge of the riefects of the
eye and their correction is not expected).

The simple theory of Young's slits

and the diffraction grating and their
use for the approximate
._.^_ measurement

of the wavelength of light. -^

Young's slits and the diffraction grating as applications of diffraction at a

singjes tt an
anZl inter(ersncs b'erween diffraetcdReams from adjacent slits
7alitattve only Where wavelength calculations -air-e- called For the approprIate
formula will be supplied). Qualitative effects of changes in wavelength and in
slit separation on the interference patterns.

ELECTRICITY AND ATOMIC

STRUCTURE
E.m.f. , internal resistance and
p.d. of sources of d.c.

E.m.f. as work done on unit charge in moving it once around a circuit;

equivalence to definition as open circuit p.d. by use of E= I (R+r)
or otherwise . Simple problems involving e. m. F. and internal resistance.
(Candidates will not be asked to describe methods of comparing e.m.f's
or measuring internal resistance).

The meaning of ampere, coulomb,

volt, cam, watt and joule and
their interrelations (Formal
definition of the ampere is not
required

The existence of a force between parallel , current-carrying conductors In

terms of which the ampere may be defined . ( Precise definition not expected). '
Current as rate of flow of charge . (See section on electrostatics).

Problems on current, p.d. and

power in simple circuits. Simple
calculations on shunts and
multipliers.

Importance will be attached to the ability to solve problems from first principles
rather than application of memorised formulae. Calculations may be required
of the cost of supplying electrical energy. The relation between the joule and
the kwh will be assumed to be known.

Power loss in transmission by L. C.

The odvantages of transmission at high volt

Measurement of resistance by ammeter

and voltmeter or by substitution methods

Either method will be accepted. Calculations may be set on either method.

Resistivity

The distinction between resistivity of a material and resistance of a wire.

Calculation of resistance, given resistivity and linear dimensions.

Magnetic flux pattern due to current

In a straight wire , plane coil, solenoid
and toroid.

Experimental study of magnetic fields by iron filings and by small compass

needles. (Effects of earth's.field to be neglected), Patterns due to equal currents
in two parallel straight wires. Conventions for indicating direction of

field and magnitude of flux density (qualitatively).

-3Scol s of tempe rature. the Celsius

scat... The Ic :. story mercury
tt;era,:ar ' ter or;; clinical

Use of expansion of liquids for measuring temperature over a limited range.

Use of ice and steam points for purposes of setting up a practical scale of
temperature.
(Questions will not be set on maximum thermometer ; apart from the clinical
thermometer, or on minimum thermometers).

ny"e' s low. The idea of

o` st'4ute zero and absolute
terra eiature . The ideal gas
equation.,

Experimental investigation of p V relationship (T constant) for a gas.

Effect of changes of temperature on p (V constant) on V (p constant) and on
pV for fixed mass . Concept of the ideal gas leading to absolute scale of
temperature . (Derivation of the ideal gas equation from the laws of Boyle and
Charles is not required).

Brownian motion . Kinetic model,

of n cfies, molecular movement, the
Idea of the origin of pressure and the
idea of temperature (as distinct from
scale of temperature).

Experimental demonstration for suspended particles in gas or liquid,

interpretation as evidence for existence of molecules in thermal agitation.
Kinetic explanation of gas pressure , its dependence on molecular densities
and on temperature (qualitatively ). Changes in average K.E. of a gas
molecule and changes in temperature.

Specific heat capacity.

Elementary calorimetry based on
constant flow or constant rate
of heating (Problems may be set
heat exchanges between bodies).

Experimental descriptions to include precautions to reduce errors . (Details

of cooling corrections not required). Problems may be set on constant flow
and constant rate of heating method as well as on the method of mixtures.

w
.lion, evaporation , boiling.
Specific l atent heat and its
determination , 1/a pour ressure.
Behaviour of saturated and unsaturated
YTour.

Experimental study of changes of state , determination of specific latent heats

and variation of s.v.p. with temperature. Simple qualitative kinetic
theory exp l anation o -latent heat, and s.v.p. (Questions will not be set
on relative humidity and dew point).

Heat transfer by convection conduction

and radiation . Simple applications
and consequences.

Demonstration of conduction iii good and bad conductors. Qualitative

explanation of conduction in gases and in metals.
Natural convection as a consequence of density differences and gravity . Simple
examples of natural and of forced convection e. g. central heating
systems.
Properties of thermal radiation and simple radiation detectors.
Principles underlying operation of Dewar flask.

Effects of molecular attraction

treated qualitatively, Upper limits
of molecular size by the surface
method.

Simple observations implying the existence of cohesive and adhesive

forces , e.g. shape of solids, vis'osity and surface tension of liquids.
Elementary treatment of surface film phenomena.

.iAVE MOTION. LIGHT AND SOUND

Characteristics of progressive waves
Illustrations by sound waves with microphones and CRT, ripple tanks , springs
illustrated experimentally. Longitudinal
and mechanical models : the meaning of amplitude, frequency, wavelength , period,
and transverse waves.
phase. The distinction between longitudinal and transverse waves and
examples of each type.
Relation between velocity wavelength
and frequency.

The deriviotion of v = f .X and simple numerical examples in which the

relation is applied.

Measurement of frequency of
sounds and of vibrating objects.
Use of stroboscopic methods

Any reasonable method of frequency measurement will be accepted e.g. by

comparison with a tone from a source of controllable frequency or by microphone
and oscilloscope with calibrated time-base . Familiarity with more than one type
of stroboscope will not be expected

Effect of changes in pitch, loudness

and quality on the wave form of a
sound.

Simple qualitative ideas on the relation between these sensations and the
frequency, amplitude and complexity of the wave form (Questions involving
harmonic analysis will not be asked).

Measurement of wavelength of sound

in a as: the resonance tube.

One method of measurement of wavelength in air (including resonance tube

method) will a acccp :cd. Simple e,cplanutioo of cp(ratfon of resonance t ba
closed at ono t..t9,l rt. 1-/ nntiilc iv with r rv)tic,n of ct i;,licctl sprint clc'. ixcd
at 011a` unLi . U1ric{^43tt will to hove tound n larq than the resotmnt
ength tar a tuiticulur tl'v^ l.cnG