SPH3U Exam Review: Main Topics

UNIT 1: Kinematics
1. Know terminology i.e. displacement, uniform motion, uniform acceleration, inertia, net force,
normal force, projectile, range, etc.
2. Be able to solve distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration problems using
kinematic equations
3. Be able to interpret d-t and v-t graphs: determine direction of motion, slowing down, etc., and
solve for quantities from the graph d, vAV, a, etc.
4. Solve vector addition (d1 + d2 = dT) problems in 1D and 2D
5. Solve vector subtraction (v = v2 - v1) problems in 1D and 2D
6. Solve relative motion problems i.e. boat crossing a moving river
7. Be able to draw proper vector diagrams and use various methods for solving vector problems:
cosine law/sine law and vector components
8. Be able to solve projectile motion problems using various formulas
Unit 2: Forces
1. Know terminology i.e. applied force, static friction, kinetic friction, normal force, net force, etc.
2. Explain Newtons 3 Laws of Motion; know examples of each
3. Solve force of gravity problems
4. Solve friction problems
5. Newtons 2nd Law problems: Draw FBDs and solve problems with multiple forces and also
problems with forces acting at an angle to the horizontal to find Fnet, a, etc.
*Note: There will be no tension, pulley, or inclined plane problems.
UNIT 3: Energy and Society
1. Know terminology i.e. work, energy, non-conservative force, power, kinetic energy, etc.
2. Be able to explain how work affects an object i.e. work (+,-) done on an object is a transfer of
energy; know 3 cases when work is done on an object
3. Be able to solve work problems
4. Know various forms of energy i.e. kinetic energy, thermal energy, etc. and how energy is
transformed
5. Solve kinetic energy problems
6. Solve gravitational potential energy problems
7. Solve problems using Conservation of Energy i.e. roller coasters, ball tossed upwards
8. Solve problems for work done by non-conservative forces i.e. air or surface friction
9. Be able to solve power problems
10.
Be able to solve efficiency problems
11.
Understand basics of nuclear fusion/fission and elementary particles
12.
Be able to identify forms of energy sources i.e. renewable - solar, wind, etc.

UNIT 4: Waves and Sound

1. Know terminology i.e. vibrations, wave, crest, trough, wavelength, constructive interference,
compression, rarefaction, beats, loudness, pitch, sonic, etc.
2. Understand and be able to explain properties/behaviour of water and sound waves
3. Explain wave motion and characteristics i.e. transmission, reflection, refraction
4. Be able to label wave diagrams
5. Solve universal wave equation problems
6. Solve speed of sound problems
7. Solve vibrating columns of air (open or closed) problems
UNIT 5: Electricity and Magnetism
1. Know terminology i.e. electric potential difference, current, resistance, series circuit, etc.
2. Solve electric potential difference problems
3. Solve electric current problems and calculate elementary charge
4. Be able to solve Ohms Law problems
5. Be able to calculate equivalent resistance for series and parallel circuits
6. Be able to analyze complex circuits with series and parallel connections using Ohms Law and
Kirchhoffs Laws
7. Magnetism concepts.
Remember
Show all of your work! No work = no marks
Watch your units (use conversions as needed)
Round the final answer only; carry through at least 4 decimal places
SIG DIGS! Be careful - a maximum of 3 marks can be lost on exam
List any assumptions that you need to make