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Physics
Physics
SYLLABUS
Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics
9702
For examination in June and November 2014
University of Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered Centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a Centre. University of Cambridge International Examinations 2011
Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Why choose Cambridge? Why choose Cambridge International AS and A Level? Why choose Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics? Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) Diploma How can I find out more?
6. Appendix....................................................................................................................... 50
6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Safety in the laboratory Mathematical requirements Glossary of terms used in Physics papers Summary of key quantities, symbols and units Data and formulae IT usage in Cambridge International A Level Physics
Introduction
1.
1.1
Introduction
Why choose Cambridge?
University of Cambridge International Examinations is the worlds largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. We are part of the University of Cambridge, trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the worlds universities and employers.
Recognition
A Cambridge International AS or A Level is recognised around the world by schools, universities and employers. The qualifications are accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities worldwide, though some courses do require specific subjects. Cambridge International A Levels typically take two years to complete and offer a flexible course of study that gives students the freedom to select subjects that are right for them. Cambridge International AS Levels often represent the first half of an A Level course but may also be taken as a freestanding qualification. They are accepted in all UK universities and carry half the weighting of an A Level. University course credit and advanced standing is often available for Cambridge International A/AS Levels in countries such as the USA and Canada. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition
Excellence in education
We understand education. We work with over 9000 schools in over 160 countries who offer our programmes and qualifications. Understanding learners needs around the world means listening carefully to our community of schools, and we are pleased that 98 % of Cambridge schools say they would recommend us to other schools. Our mission is to provide excellence in education, and our vision is that Cambridge learners become confident, responsible, innovative and engaged. Cambridge programmes and qualifications help Cambridge learners to become: confident in working with information and ideas their own and those of others responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others innovative and equipped for new and future challenges engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.
Introduction
The syllabuses are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. They have been created specifically for an international student body with content to suit a wide variety of schools and avoid cultural bias.
Physics is one of a number of science syllabuses that Cambridge offers for details of other syllabuses at Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level and Cambridge International AS and A Level visit the Cambridge website at www.cie.org.uk
Introduction
Assessment at a glance
2.
Assessment at a glance
Candidates for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) certification will take Papers 1, 2 and 3 (either Advanced Practical Skills 1 or Advanced Practical Skills 2) in a single examination series. Candidates who, having received AS certification, wish to continue their studies to the full Advanced Level qualification may carry their AS marks forward and take just Papers 4 and 5 in the examination series in which they require certification. Candidates taking the complete Advanced Level qualification at the end of the course take all five papers in a single examination series.
Candidates may only enter for the papers in the combinations indicated above. Candidates may not enter for single papers either on the first occasion or for re-sit purposes. This syllabus is for: candidates for AS certification only in either 2013 or 2014, candidates carrying forward AS marks and taking Papers 4 and 5 to certificate their full Advanced Level qualification in 2014, candidates taking the complete Advanced Level qualification at the end of their course in 2014.
Paper
Type of Paper
Duration
Marks
1 2 3
Multiple Choice AS Structured Questions Advanced Practical Skills 1/2 A2 Structured Questions Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
40 60 40
4 5
100 30
38% 12%
Assessment at a glance
Paper 1
The paper will consist of 40 questions, all of the direct choice type with four options. All questions will be based on the AS syllabus. Candidates will answer all questions.
Paper 2
This paper will consist of a variable number of structured questions of variable mark value. All questions will be based on the AS syllabus. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
Paper 4
This paper will consist of two sections: Section A (70 marks) will consist of questions based on the A2 core, but may include material first encountered in the AS syllabus. Section B (30 marks) will consist of questions based on Applications of Physics, but may include material first encountered in the core (AS and A2) syllabus.
Both sections will consist of a variable number of structured questions of variable mark value. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
Paper 5
This paper will consist of two questions of equal mark value based on the practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation. The examiners will not be restricted by the subject content. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
Assessment at a glance
Availability
This syllabus is examined in the May/June examination series and the October/November examination series. This syllabus is available to private candidates. However it is expected that private candidates learn in an environment where practical work is an integral part of the course. Candidates will not be able to perform well in this assessment or successfully progress to further study without this necessary and important aspect of science education. Centres in the UK that receive government funding are advised to consult the Cambridge website www.cie.org.uk for the latest information before beginning to teach this syllabus.
3.
3.1 Aims
These are not listed in order of priority. The aims of a course based on this syllabus should be to: 1. provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all students, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level and, in particular, to enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to 1.1 become confident citizens in a technological world and be able to take or develop an informed interest in scientific matters 1.2 recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and to appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life 1.3 be suitably prepared for studies beyond Cambridge International A Level in Physics, in Engineering or in Physics-dependent vocational courses. 2. develop abilities and skills that 2.1 are relevant to the study and practice of science 2.2 are useful in everyday life 2.3 encourage efficient and safe practice 2.4 encourage effective communication. 3. develop attitudes relevant to science such as 3.1 concern for accuracy and precision 3.2 objectivity 3.3 integrity 3.4 the skills of enquiry 3.5 initiative 3.6 inventiveness. 4. stimulate interest in, and care for, the environment in relation to the environmental impact of Physics and its applications. 5. promote an awareness 5.1 that the study and practice of Physics are co-operative and cumulative activities, and are subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations 5.2 that the implications of Physics may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment 5.3 of the importance of the use of IT for communication, as an aid to experiments and as a tool for the interpretation of experimental and theoretical results. 6. stimulate students and create a sustained interest in Physics so that the study of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying.
A: Knowledge with understanding B: Handling information and solving problems C: Experimental skills and investigations
Teachers should note that there is a greater weighting of 63% for skills (including handling information, solving problems, practical, experimental and investigative skills) compared to the 37% for knowledge and understanding. Teachers schemes of work and the sequence of learning activities should reflect this balance so that the aims of the syllabus are met and the candidates prepared for the assessment.
10
Syllabus content
4.
Syllabus content
The table below shows which parts of the syllabus contain AS material and/or A2 material. Section I General Physics 1. Physical quantities and units 2. Measurement techniques II Newtonian mechanics 3. Kinematics 4. Dynamics 5. Forces 6. Work, energy, power 7. Motion in a circle 8. Gravitational field III Matter 9. Phases of matter 10. Deformation of solids 11. Ideal gases 12. Temperature 13. Thermal properties of materials IV Oscillations and waves 14. Oscillations 15. Waves 16. Superposition AS A2
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Syllabus content
17. Electric fields 18. Capacitance 19. Current of electricity 20. D.C. circuits 21. Magnetic fields 22. Electromagnetism 23. Electromagnetic induction 24. Alternating currents