960 PHYSICS

A.

MECHANICS

1.

Physical quantities and units (3 double periods)

1.1

Base quantities and SI units

1.2

Dimensions of physical quantities

- dimensions of a quantity
-falsify a physics formula
- predict a physics formula

1.3

Scalars and vectors

- addition and subtraction of vectors

1.4

Errors

- characteristics of systematic and random errors

- Examples of each type of errors
- precision(d.p.) and accuracy(s.f.)

2.

Kinematics and dynamics (9 double periods)

2.1

Rectilinear motion

x= ut at 2 ; v-t graph for t and a

- work-energy theorem for u, v and x

2.2

Motion with constant acceleration

Same as 2.1

2.3

Projectiles

x= ux t ; y = uy t gt2

2.4

Newtons laws of motion

2.5

Conservation of momentum

- definition and use

2.6

Elastic and non-elastic collisions

- definition and use

3.

Work, energy, and power (3 double periods)

3.1

Work

- definition ; work-energy theorem

3.2

Potential energy

3.3

Kinetic energy

3.4

Conservation of energy

Conservation of energy; conservation of mechanical

energy

3.5

Power

3.6

Efficiency

4.

Circular motion (4 double periods)

dp
d
d
; F = ma ; F m v v m
dt
dt
dt

Average Power

energy
; Instantaneous P = Fv
time

Explain dissipation of heat affecting efficiency

4.1

Uniform circular motion

Condition for circular motion

4.2

Centripetal acceleration

4.3

Centripetal force

5.

Rotation of rigid body (5 double periods)

5.1

Kinematics and dynamics of rotation

v2
or r 2 ; state and use
r

F m

v2
or mr 2 ; state and use
r

1
o t t 2 and - t graph
2

rF and I
s r ;

v r ; a r

5.2

Centre of mass

Definition of c.m. for masses in a plane

5.3

Moment of inertia

2
I =mr2 for particle and I r dm for rigid body

5.4

Angular momentum

L = I for rigid body and L = rmv for particle

5.5

Conservation of angular momentum

Definition and uses

5.6

Rotation kinetic energy

6.

Statics (3 double periods)

6.1

Equilibrium of particles

6.2

Closed polygon

Equivalent to

6.3

Equilibrium of rigid bodies

Rotational kinetic energy

0 and

1
I 2
2

0 ; Fy 0 and resultant moment about any

point = 0
x

System of three forces, the forces intercept at a common

point( vector diagram)
6.4

Frictional forces

7.

Gravitation (3 double periods)

Fmax R

7.1

Newton law of universal gravitation

7.2

Gravitational field strength

7.3

Gravitational potential

GMm
r2

gravitational field strength g

Fdr or F

GM
;
r2

dV
GM
;V
dr
r

7.4

Relationship between g and G

7.5

Satellite motion in circular orbits

7.6

Escape velocity

8.

Simple harmonic motion (3 double periods)

8.1

Characteristics of simple harmonic motion

d 2x
2 x
2
dt

8.2

Kinematics of simple harmonic motion

x a sin t or x a cos t

8.3

Energy in simple harmonic motion

9.81 =
T

GM
R2

2
2r
4 2 3
or T
; T2
r

v
GM

1
GMm
mv 2
;
2
R

2 gR

and definition

Spring-mass system is used ; 2

K.E. E =

k
m

1
1
mx 2 and P.E. U = kx 2
2
2

Energy of oscillation =

1
mA 2 2
2

8.4

Systems in simple harmonic motion

Derive that oscillation of mass on a spring is a

S.H.M.

9.

Oscillations (1 double period)

9.1

Free oscillations

S.H.M.

9.2

Damped oscillations

Describe underdamping, critical damping and overdamping

9.3

Forced oscillations

Variation of oscillation amplitude with frequency of the external

force

9.4

Resonance and damping

How damping factor affects resonance

B.

WAVES

10.

Wave motion (3 double periods)

10.1 Waves and energy

10.2 Progressive waves

y a sin(t kx ) ;

v
10.3 Wave intensity

2f ;

= f
k

Intensity =

2
;

power
;
normal area

Spherical wave, I

1
r2

10.4 Principle of superposition

definition

10.5 Standing waves

Standing wave in a string:

y a sin( kx t ) a sin( kx t )

f n ( n 1) f o n = the nth overtone

10.6 Longitudinal waves and transverse waves

11.

Differences

Sound waves (4 double periods)

11.1 Propagation
sound waves

of

y a sin(t kx) ; p (p ) o sin(t kx

)
2

comparing y-t graph with p t graph

11.2 Sources of sound

-standing wave in string, open pipe and closed pipe.

Graphic presentation of standing waves in both open and closed pipes
f n ( n 1) f o for open pipe
f n ( 2n 1) f o for closed pipe

11.3 Intensity of sound

Intensity I =

power
;
normal area

Sound intensity level 10 lg

I
Io

11.4 Beat

f f 2 f 1 , y-t graph for beat

11.5 Doppler effect

fs
fo

relative speed of wave to source

relative speed of wave to observer

fs
fo

c us c uo
C.

PROPERTIES OF MATTER

12.

State of matter (2 double periods)

12.1 Solid, liquid, and gas

Comparing from microscopic and macroscopic

perspectives

12.2 Crystalline solids

Comparing crystal and amorphous

12.3 Intermolecular force curve

Sketch and explain the F-r graph;

12.4 Potential energy curve

Sketch the U-r graph and use it to explain 0 K and

expansion of solid

13.

Deformation of solids (3 double periods)

13.1 Stress and strain

F
e
;
normal area A

13.2 Force-extension graphs and stress-strain

graphs
13.3 Young modulus

E or Y

13.4 Strain energy

EA
; k

Strain energy =

D.

THERMODYNAMICS

14.

Kinetic theory of gases (4 double periods)

1 2
ke
2

14.1 Ideal gas equation

Definition of an ideal gas ; pV=nRT

14.2 Kinetic theory of gases

Assumptions of ideal gas in kinetic theory;

1
1
pV mN c 2 ; pV M c 2 ;
3
3
5

1
p c2
3
14.3 Pressure of a gas

14.4 Molecular kinetic energy

1
3
1
3
m c 2 kT ; M c 2 RT
2
2
2
2

14.5 Rms speed of molecules

Calculation

14.6 Degrees of freedom

explain

14.7 Law of equipartition of energy

Kinetic energy per degree of freedom per molecule=

14.8 Internal energy of an ideal gas

Internal energy = total kinetic energy for ideal gas

14.9 Distribution of molecular speeds

15.

1
kT
2

Monatomic gas per mole:

3
RT ;
2

3
3
RT ;
RT
2
2

Diatomic gas per mole :

3
5
7
RT ;
RT ;
RT
2
2
2

Polyatomic gas per mole :

3
RT ; 3RT ; 4 RT
2

Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution graph

Thermodynamics of gases (5 double periods)

15.1 Heat capacity

Q mc

15.2 Work

15.3 First law of thermodynamics

State and explain dQ dU dW or Q U W

15.4 Internal energy

Definition for cV and cp ; Q ncV T and Q nc p T

dU
cV
; cp = cV + R
dT

pdV

15.5 Isothermal change

p-V graph and work done = nRT ln

15.6 Adiabiatic change

Molar heat ratio =

Vf
Vi

cp
cV

Monatomic: = 1.67; diatomic: = 1.4 ; polyatomic: = 1.33

pV constant ; TV 1 constant

P -V graph and work done = n cV (Ti Tf) or

16.

p i Vi p f V f

Thermal conduction (3 double periods)

16.1 Thermal conductivity

dQ
d
kA
dt
dx

16.2 Determination of thermal conductivity

Understand the working principles

E.

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

17.

Electrostatics (3 double periods)

17.1 Coulombs law

17.2 Electric field

17.3 Gauss law

1 Q1Q2
1
;
= 9 10 9 N m2 C-2
2
4 o
4 o r

F =qE ; For point charge source: E

1 Q
4 o r 2

State Gauss law: E for charge distribution on conducting sphere.

E for charge distribution on thin flat infinite conducting sheet

17.4 Electrical potential

For point charge source: V

1 Q
;
4 o r

For distribution of charge : E

17.5 Equipotential surfaces

18.

dV
dr

Graphic: equipotential surface always normal to the electric field lines

Capacitors (4 double periods)

18.1 Capacitance
18.2 Parallel plate capacitor
18.3 Uniform field between parallel plates
18.4 Capacitors in series and in parallel

Definition C

o A
d

Net capacitance

Q
V

18.5 Energy stored in a charged capacitor

18.6 Charging and discharging

Energy stored U

1
1 Q2
CV 2
2
2 C

q-t, V-t and I-t formulae and graph for charging and
discharging of a capacitor.
Time constant RC

18.7 Dielectrics

Effect of dielectric on capacitance, charge stored,

electric field and potential difference of a capacitor.

C
19.

r o A
d

Electric current (5 double periods)

19.1 Conduction of electricity

19.2 Drift velocity

dq
; I nAve
dt

Difference between drift velocity and random

velocity

19.3 Current density

19.4 Electrical conductivity

I
A

J E ; J

19.5 Resistivity

1
E

19.6 Dependence of resistance on temperature

T graphs for pure conductor, semiconductor

and superconductor

19.7 Energy and electrical power

Power = I V

20.

Direct current circuits (5 double periods)

20.1 Electromotive force

Definition; comparing emf and potential difference

20.2 Internal resistance of sources

Output voltage and internal resistance; load resistance for

maximum wattage from a voltage source

20.3 Kirchhoffs law

State and use the two Kirchhoffs laws

20.4 Potential divider

Voltage receiver by a resistor in series; V1

R1
V
R1 R2

20.5 Potentiometer

Use as voltmeter; V=

20.6 Wheatstone bridge

Use for comparing resistance

20.7 Shunt and multiplier

Define and use for converting milliammeter to ammeter(shunt;

current sharing)

And milliammeter to voltmeter(multiplier; voltage sharing)

21.

Magnetic fields (6 double periods)

21.1 Magnetic field B

Definition; F qvB sin

21.2 Force on a moving charge

Trajectory

21.3 Force on a current-carrying conductor

Derive the magnetic force on a linear conductor

from magnetic force on all free electrons in the
conductor.
F BI , normally = 90o

21.4 Magnetic fields due to currents

Straight infinite conductor: B

o I
2r

In a circular coil of N loops: B

o NI
2r

In a solenoid: o nI

21.5 Force between current-carrying conductors

21.6 Definition of ampere: current balance

o I1 I 2
;
2d

F o I 2
Definition of 1 A :
2d
Current balance:

o I 2
mg
2d

21.7 Torque on a coil

BINA for radial field

21.8 Determination of ratio q/m

mv 2
qvB
r

21.9 Hall effect

eE H evB ;

VH
I
(
)( B )
w
nAe
VH
I
(
)( B )
w
nwte
VH

22.

IB
nte

Electromagnetic induction (6 double periods)

22.1 Magnetic flux

B A=

22.2 Faradays law and Lenzs law

Definitions and use.

number of magnetic lines through an area

Induced emf :
-linear conductor in uniform field, Bv
- Faraday disc,

1
BR 2
2

- coil rotating in a uniform field, NBA cos t

Note: We may determine the direction of magnetic force on
electron instead Lenzs law to check for polarity
22.3 Self-inductance L
22.4 Energy stored in a inductor

N NBA

; L o nNr 2 for solenoid

I
I
I

Energy stored =

10

1
LI 2
2

22.5 Mutual induction

N NBA

I
I
I

Ns (

o N p I
2r
I

)A

1
o N s N p r
2

for

two

coaxial

circular coils
22.6 Transformer

V0
N
s ; I iVi I oVo ; flux BA through both coils
Vi
Np
is the same ; understanding of eddy current.

22.7 Back emf in dc motors

V Vb Ir

23.

Alternating currents (3 double periods)

V Vo sin t ; I I o sin t

23.1 Alternating currents through resistors

23.2 Power

P I oVo sin 2 t ; P

I oVo
or I rmsVrms
2

sketch V-t, I-t and P-t graphs on the same axes for
resistor
23.3 Rms value

I rms

23.4 Alternating currents through inductors

Io

V L

Vrms

Vo
2

dI
dt

V Vo sin t ;

Vo
cos t = I o cos t =
L

I o sin(t )

11

voltage lead current by

XL

Vo
L
Io

P ( I o cos t )(Vo sin t ) =

I oVo
sin 2t ;
2

P 0

sketch V-t, I-t and P-t graphs on the same axes

23.5 Alternating currents through capacitors

q CV I

dq
dV
C
dt
dt

V Vo sin t ;

I CVo cos t I o cos t I o sin(t

Voltage lags current by

XC

)
2

Vo
Vo
1

I o CVo C

I oVo
sin 2t ; P 0
2

sketch V-t, I-t and P-t graphs on the same axes

23.6 Rectification of alternating currents

- half rectifier and full rectifier circuits

-Vo-t graph

23.7 Smoothing by capacitors

24.

Sketch a simple voltage smoother circuit

Electronics (4 double periods)

24.1 Operational amplifiers

State the characteristics of open circuit op-amp

Very high input impedance; very low output
impedance; very high voltage gain
Vo = A(V+ - V-)

24.2 Inverting and non-inverting amplifiers

Inverting amplifier, A

Rf
Ri

Non-inverting amplifier, A 1

Rf
Ri

24.3 Negative feedback

State the advantages in using the negative

feedback.

24.4 Use of operational amplifiers

Adder or summing
differentiator

24.5 Oscillators

Sketch a oscillator circuit

12

amplifier;

integrator,

F.

OPTICS

25.

Electromagnetic waves (1 double periods)

25.1 Electromagnetic vibrations

25.2 Relationship
0, 0, and c

State the characteristics of EM wave in terms of electric

and magnetic vibrations
between

25.3 Electromagnetic wave spectrum

26.

o o

Give estimate wavelength or frequency for rays ; Xrays; visible light and radio wave

Geometrical optics (3 double periods)

26.1 Curved mirrors

Use mirror formula

1 1 1
R
; f
with the correct
u v
f
2

sign convention
26.2 Refraction at curved surfaces
26.3 Thin lenses

Use

n1 n 2 n 2 n1
with the correct sign convention

u
v
R

Use lens formula

1 1 1

and lens makers equation
u v
f

1 n2 n1 1 1

( ) with the correct sign convention

f
n1
r1 r2

27.

Physical optics (6 double periods)

27.1 Huygens principle

Explain Huygen principle. Relate diffraction with

Huygen principle

27.2 Interference

Constructive interference or maxima:

Optical path difference = m
Destructive interference or minima
Optical path difference = (m + )

27.3 Two-slit interference pattern

o.p.d.= a sin .
For maxima, a sin = m ;

27.4 Air wedge

o.p.d. =2t+

For minima, 2t+

=(m+ ) , t

1
a

t ;t
Or 2

2x
x
a
27.5 Thin film

o.p.d.= 2n1t ( n2 > n1)

13

ay
D

m
;
2

For minima(non-reflective), 2n1t = (m + )

For maxima(reflective), 2n1t = m
27.6 Diffraction at single slit

o.p.d.=

D
sin
2

For 1st minima,

sin =
; sin
2
2
D

o.p.d = d sin

27.7 Diffraction gratings

For maxima, d sin m

27.8 Polarisation

After polarizer, I 1

1
Io
2

From polarizer through analyzer, A Ao cos ;

I 2 I 1 cos 2

I2

G.

QUANTUM PHYSICS

28.

Photons (2 double periods)

28.1 Photoelectric effect

Io
cos 2
2

State the three important observations in photoelectric effect

experiment that could not be explain using wave theory of light.

28.2 Concept of light quantisation

Energy of photon E hf or =

hc

Einstein equation for photoelectric effect:

hf or

hc
1
2
w mv max

2
w eVs

w hf o , w = work function of the cathode metal

f o = threshold frequency

29.

Wave-particle duality (1 double period)

29.1 De Broglies relation

For wave, E hf
For particle, E

hc
h
; p

h
1
p2
; =
mv 2
p
2
2m

29.2 Electron diffraction

14

h
2mE

h
2meV

H.

ATOMIC PHYSICS

30.

Atomic structure (2 double periods)

30.1 Bohrs postulate

State the two Bohrs postulates for hydrogen-like atoms

30.2 Energy levels in atoms

Orbital energy En = P.E. + K.E.

En
30.3 Line spectra

31.

13.6 Z 2
eV
n2

hc

X-ray (2 double periods)

31.1 X-ray spectra

Explain the production of continuous X-rays and characteristic X-rays

31.2 X-ray diffraction

2 d sin m

32.

Braggs law

Laser (1 double period)

32.1 Principles of production

Explain: - metastable excited state

- population inversion
- stimulated emission

32.2 Characteristics

Characteristics of laser light

32.3 Uses

Examples on uses of laser

I.

NUCLEAR PHYSICS

33.

Nucleus (2 double periods)

33.1 Discovery of neutrons

4
2

He

9 Be
4

Be

12
6

C 01n

33.2 Atomic number and mass number

33.3 Mass defect and binding energy

Einstein mass-energy equivalent E mc 2

Mass defect=total mass of nucleons mass of
nucleus
Calculating binding energy per nucleon for a
nucleus
Sketch and explain graph of binding energy per
nucleon against nucleon number

33.4 Isotopes
33.5 Mass spectrometry

Velocity selector, qE = qvB; v

Deflector:

15

mv 2
qvB
r

E
B

34.

Radioactivity (2 double periods)

34.1 Radioactive decay

Explain decay constant

dN
N ;
dt

A N ;
34.2 Decay constant and half-life

t1
2

34.3 Use of radioisotopes

35.

N N o e t

A Ao e t

0.693

Examples of radioactivity as tracer

Nuclear reaction (2 double periods)

35.1 Nuclear reaction

Calculating Q-value or nuclear energy from mass

difference

35.2 Nuclear fission

n 235
92 U two fragments about equal mass
+ one to three neutrons
1
0

calculating the Q-value

35.3 Nuclear fusion

p-p cycle in the sun

two 11 H combine to form 12 H
one 11 H combine with 12 H to form
two

36.

3
2

3
2

He

He combine to form 24 He

Elementary particles (2 double periods)

36.1 Basic forces

Name the four basic forces in order of strength.

State the characteristics of leptons and hadrons
Comparing leptons and hadrons
Examples of leptons and hadrons

36.2 Quarks

Explain ad give some examples of quarks

36.3 Neutrinos

Explain the existence of neutrino from the energy

spectrum of the particles in beta emission.

16

Note
A list of fundamental physical constants as shown below will be provided for Papers 1 and 2. These
data are included in the Data Booklet for STPM. Other data, specific to indivudual questions, will be
given with the individual questions.
960 PHYSICS
Values of constants
Speed of light in free space

3.00 108 m s-1

Permeability of free space

4 10-7 H m-1

Permittivity of free space

8.85 10-12 F m-1

(1/(36)) 10-9 F m-1

Magnitude of electronic charge

1.60 10-19 C

Planck constant

6.63 10-34 J s

Unified atomic mass constant

1.66 10-27 kg

Rest mass of electron

me

9.11 10-31 kg

Rest mass of proton

mp

1.67 10-27 kg

Molar gas constant

8.31 J K-1 mol-1

Avogadro constant

L, NA

6.02 1023 mol-1

Boltzmann constant

1.38 10-23 J K-1

Gravitational constant

6.67 10-11 N m2 kg-2

Acceleration of free fall

9.81 m s-2

17