Playing the exam game

Question 1

Is it an astro/grav fields question?

Answer 1

-Check you are on the correct planet

• if you are writing 9.81 check whether you are on earth

Question 2

Is there a table of values given?

Answer 2

-Change all values to standard units e.g. Km –> m

Question 3

Have you just finished a question?

Answer 3

• Check for significant figures required!!

Question 4

Once you have got your final value…

Answer 4

• Check it is sensible and plausible
  e.g. Venus having similar gravitational field strength to Earth

Question 5

Look out for magnitude statements

Answer 5

• (e.g.) g=-GMm/r and hence as g is an attractive force it is negative
• Make sure that you always have the right +ve/-ve result by sensible checking

Question 6

If you are writing 9.81

Answer 6

Check whether you are on earth or not

Question 7

Anything with forces

Answer 7

Draw a diagram

Question 8

For explain that questions

Answer 8

Understand the mechanics first before starting your answer. Then you will be able to formulate a concise answer.

Question 9

Centripetal force when on a planet and at the equator

Answer 9

-Is the net resultant force
Normal CF = Weight + centripetal force

Question 10

For finding accurate measurements

Answer 10

-Take over multiple e.g. oscillations ( at least 10) and then divide by the number to find the mean
or
- measure over a larger distance and divide by the number to find the mean

Question 11

When given values

Answer 11

• Use symbols for as long as possible up until writing the answer
• it is easier to follow for the examiner and less to write so will make answering questions more efficient

Question 12

State the obvious

Answer 12

When doing any question that involves equipment
STATE THE OBVIOUS
and say equipment you have used

Question 13

Always measure from

Answer 13

• the equilibrium position e.g. the fiducial marker as this is where the velocity will be the highest and have the least error associated

Question 14

Don’t calculate values from the gradient if required to prove gradient is xyz

Answer 14

• Use the appropriate equation and rearrange until you have y=mx+c with the values on the graph for x and y

Question 15

When showing graph is y=mx+c

Answer 15

• Outline to the examiner which values are x y m and c to show you know what you are talking about

Question 16

Same sig fig as

Answer 16

• is in the question

Question 17

Take a clear 30cm ruler into the exam for error bars

Answer 17

• you can see if you are going through all of the error bars easily

Question 18

Pencil for graphs

Answer 18

• go over with pen after you are sure it is correct

Question 19

How big for gradient triangles?

Answer 19

• Big as possible, at least half the graph

Question 20

% difference and % uncertainty relationship

Answer 20

• If you % difference is lower than your % uncertainty then you can account for any errors in the reading
• Therefore it is an accurate experiment
  (always use if asked on the accuracy of an experiment)