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UPDATED TO 2023-2025 SYLLABUS
CAIE A2 LEVEL
PHYSICS
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
Prepared for Muhammad for personal use only.
CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS
Conduct the experiment for 5-6 values of the
1. Planning independent variable.
Repeat the experiment 3 times for each value of the
independent variable.
1.1. Defining the Problem (3 marks) Calculate the average for each set of three repetitions
to minimize uncertainty (1 mark).
Identify: Formulate a linear relationship algebraically.
The independent variable in the experiment (1 mark) Select appropriate quantities for each axis to create a
The dependent variable in the experiment (1 mark) linear graph (1 Mark).
The quantities to be controlled – kept constant (1
mark) Relationship Graph Gradient y-intercept
The independent variable is the one you modify to
y = mx + c y against x m c
observe its effect on the dependent variable.
The quantity to be kept constant can vary, but choose y = axn lg y against lg x n lg a
the one that directly influences the variable being y = aekx ln y against x k ln a
measured in a physical sense.
Explain why it is important to keep a variable constant The graph should depict a straight line if the given
using scientific terminology relationship is true (1 Mark).
The line should pass through the origin if the linear
1.2. Methods of Data Collection (4/5 equation lacks a constant term (c).
The line shouldn't pass through the origin if the linear
marks) equation includes a constant term (c).
To calculate the variables given in the equation:
Draw a labeled diagram (1 mark) to describe the Utilize the linear equation formed.
arrangement of the apparatus for the experiment on the Use the equation ( y = mx + c ) as a template to
diagram itself. equate the values in the equation to the slope (m)
Describe how to set up the apparatus shown in the and y-intercept (c).
labeled diagram. Formulate equations to find the variable(s), ensuring
Describe the method to be used to vary the independent the variable to be found in the subject (1 Mark).
variable (1 mark) and state what instrument is used to
measure it (1 mark) whilst referring to the errors that can 1.4. Safety Considerations (1 Mark)
occur while measuring it and how you could prevent it (if
possible).
Describe the method and state the instrument used to
measure the dependent variable (1 mark).
Describe the method to keep the control variables
mentioned before constant (1 mark).
Including the above points, describe how the experiment
will be carried out (procedure).
Include 4 points of additional detail (4 marks) regarding
the method of collection, improvement in accuracy, and
detail on the instrument usage.
In some cases, there might not be proper instruments
available for measurement (e.g., resistance), so explain
how you will use a voltmeter and ammeter in the circuit
and then use ( R = VI ) to measure the resistance.
1.3. Method of Analysis (2 Marks)
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CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS
Bourdon gauge: measuring pressure of a gas or liquid
2. Apparatus & Additional Pump: can be used to alter pressure in a container
Details 2.3. Electrical Experiments
2.1. General Experiments Apparatus:
Apparatus: Variable resistor (rheostat): can be used to alter
voltage/current supplied in a circuit or can be used to
Signal generator: can be used to produce a keep current constant
sound/voltage/current and can vary frequency settings
on device
LDR: resistance decreases with increasing light intensity
Micrometer: can be used to measure small distances
Vernier calipers: can be used to measure small
distances
Set square: used to make sure apparatus perpendicular
Magnets: can be used with metal objects in experiment
Balance: can be used to weigh a mass
Burette: accurately measuring volume of liquid Photocell: sensors that allow you to detect light –
Diffraction grating: can be used to measure wavelength generate an e.m.f when light is incident
of a monochromatic light source
Additional Details:
Measuring amplitude and period using a c.r.o
Adjust time-base and y -gain to achieve a suitable
waveform
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 a full waveform and multiply by time-base setting
Additional Details:
2.2. Pressure Experiments
Apparatus:
U-Tube (manometer): measures pressure difference
between two fluids
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CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS
Use a protective resistor to reduce current
Switch off currents when not in use so that wires/coil do 3. Analysis
not overheat
Use microammeter and galvanometer for small voltages
and currents
3.1. Treatment of Uncertainties
When using ammeter and voltmeter to measure
resistance, a power supply is required For a quantity x = (2.0 ± 0.1) mm
Type of current to use:
Absolute uncertainty = Δx = ±0.1mm
Large current to create a large magnetic field
Large current to produce measurable e.m.f./voltage Fractional uncertainty = Δx x = 0.05
Small current to reduce heating effect Percentage uncertainty = Δx x × 100% = 5%
Logarithmic uncertainties: e.g. uncertainty in ln x
2.4. Magnetic Field Experiments 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
Hall probe: used to measure magnetic fields Difference between values is 0.742 − 0.693 = 0.049
Keep Hall probe at right angles (perpendicular) to
magnetic field by fixing to rule ∴ ln (2.0 ± 0.1) = 0.69 ± 0.05
Calibrate Hall probe in a known magnetic field
Combining errors:
Repeat experiment with Hall probe reversed and average
In magnetic experiments, avoid external alternating When values added or subtracted, add absolute
error
magnetic fields
If p = 2x+y
3
or p = 2x−y
3
, then Δp = 2Δx+Δy
3
When values multiplied or divided, add % errors
2.5. Falling Bodies & Oscillations When values are powered (e.g. squared), multiply
Experiments percentage error with power
3Δy
If r = 2xy 3 or r = 2x
y3
, then Δr
Δx
r = x + y
Measuring velocity using light gate:
Measure distance between light gates
Connect light gates to time loggers
3.2. Treatment of Significant Figures
Calculate time of fall by using data from loggers – Actual error: recorded to only 1 significant figure
time difference between when the first and second
Number of decimal places for a calculated quantity is
beam are broken equal to number of decimal places in actual error.
For experiments with light weights or wind, close
windows & switch off air conditioning to avoid draughts
For measuring time period of oscillations, find time for 3.3. Graphs
10 oscillations and then divide
Use fiducial markers to time oscillating objects Firstly, plot the best value of each variable on the graph
To measure quantities in an experiment with fast Next, add and subtract the error and plot this above and
motions, record experiment with a video camera and below the best value.
playback in slow motion Join the three points together to form the error bar
In an experiment with object being dropped, make sure
object released with no/constant velocity. Can use
electromagnets or a spring-loaded device
For falling objects, use a guide to keep motion in correct
direction
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 line that passes through or close to every error
bar e.g. lowest value and highest value (label the line)
Join the top of the topmost point's error bar and the
bottom of the bottommost error bar and the line should
touch every error bar
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Determining
authorised error
for personal use only byin gradient
Muhammad y-intercept:
andHouse
at Beacon College Campus on 13/12/24.
CAIE A2 LEVEL PHYSICS
After plotting both lines, calculate the gradient of each
line by forming a triangle with a hypotenuse of length
greater than half the graph. Leave all construction lines
Calculate the gradient of the line of best fit and subtract
from the worst fit to find error in gradient.
If broken axis used, form equation of both lines and find
the y -intercept
If normal axis used, read off value from the graph
Subtract the two y -intercepts to find the error
Finding constants in given relationship:
Using values calculated i.e. gradient and y -intercept,
equate coefficients of the equation of the line with
relationship to find constants.
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authorised for personal use only by Muhammad at Beacon House College Campus on 13/12/24.
CAIE A2 Level
Physics
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