Physics Quick
Revision Guide
Notes for 0653 Combined Science
Written by BN Mupeti
Email
2nd Edition © 2024
,CONTENTS………. PAGE NUMBER………….
Physics
P1. Motion, forces and energy 01
P2. Thermal physics 15
P3. Waves 22
P4. Electricity 32
P5. Space physics 41
Email for any inquiries
All the best in your exams
, Brian Nathan Mupeti email:
P1: Motion, Forces and Energy
Physical Quantities and measurement techniques
Length measurement with rulers:
Place the object along the ruler, ensuring one end is aligned with the zero mark.
Read the measurement at the other end of the object.
Record the measurement in units marked on the ruler (e.g., centimeters, millimeters).
Volume measurement with measuring cylinders:
1. Choose a clean, dry measuring cylinder.
2. Place the measuring cylinder on a flat and level surface.
3. Carefully pour the liquid into the cylinder.
4. Read the final volume level.
Key points:
1. Ensure the meniscus (liquid surface) is at eye level.
2. Read the volume at the bottom of the meniscus.
3. Use the graduations on the cylinder to measure volume.
Measuring time intervals with clocks and digital timers
Clocks and digital timers help measure time intervals.
Analogue clocks:
1. Identify the start time. 3. Calculate the elapsed time.
2. Stop when the event ends.
0653 Quick Revision Physics 2nd Edition written by B.N Mupeti © 2024 Page 1 of 43
, Brian Nathan Mupeti email:
Digital timers:
Press "Start" to begin counting.
Press "Stop" when the event ends.
Read the displayed time interval.
Determining average values
To determine average values, measure multiple trials and calculate the mean.
Average distance:
Measure a short distance multiple times.
Record each measurement.
Add measurements and divide by the number of trials.
Pendulum oscillation:
Measure the time for a fixed number of oscillations (e.g., 10).
Record Time: Suppose the total time for 10 swings is 25 seconds
Complete oscillation is P
Calculate the average time per oscillation (e.g., 25/10 = 2.5s)
to Q and back to P again
Motion
Speed is the distance travelled per unit time Equation: v = s / t
v = speed (m/s)
s = distance travelled (m)
t = time taken (s)
Average speed
Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance travelled by the time taken
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
Average speed =
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆
0653 Quick Revision Physics 2nd Edition written by B.N Mupeti © 2024 Page 2 of 43
, Brian Nathan Mupeti email:
Acceleration and Deceleration
Acceleration: increasing speed (e.g., 0-60 km/h)
Deceleration: decreasing speed (e.g., 60-0 km/h)
The distance-time
graph below shows
non-uniform motion
whereby speed
increases
Gradient
gives Speed
The area under a speed vs time graph = distance travelled
This is because distance = speed x time
0653 Quick Revision Physics 2nd Edition written by B.N Mupeti © 2024 Page 3 of 43
Revision Guide
Notes for 0653 Combined Science
Written by BN Mupeti
2nd Edition © 2024
,CONTENTS………. PAGE NUMBER………….
Physics
P1. Motion, forces and energy 01
P2. Thermal physics 15
P3. Waves 22
P4. Electricity 32
P5. Space physics 41
Email for any inquiries
All the best in your exams
, Brian Nathan Mupeti email:
P1: Motion, Forces and Energy
Physical Quantities and measurement techniques
Length measurement with rulers:
Place the object along the ruler, ensuring one end is aligned with the zero mark.
Read the measurement at the other end of the object.
Record the measurement in units marked on the ruler (e.g., centimeters, millimeters).
Volume measurement with measuring cylinders:
1. Choose a clean, dry measuring cylinder.
2. Place the measuring cylinder on a flat and level surface.
3. Carefully pour the liquid into the cylinder.
4. Read the final volume level.
Key points:
1. Ensure the meniscus (liquid surface) is at eye level.
2. Read the volume at the bottom of the meniscus.
3. Use the graduations on the cylinder to measure volume.
Measuring time intervals with clocks and digital timers
Clocks and digital timers help measure time intervals.
Analogue clocks:
1. Identify the start time. 3. Calculate the elapsed time.
2. Stop when the event ends.
0653 Quick Revision Physics 2nd Edition written by B.N Mupeti © 2024 Page 1 of 43
, Brian Nathan Mupeti email:
Digital timers:
Press "Start" to begin counting.
Press "Stop" when the event ends.
Read the displayed time interval.
Determining average values
To determine average values, measure multiple trials and calculate the mean.
Average distance:
Measure a short distance multiple times.
Record each measurement.
Add measurements and divide by the number of trials.
Pendulum oscillation:
Measure the time for a fixed number of oscillations (e.g., 10).
Record Time: Suppose the total time for 10 swings is 25 seconds
Complete oscillation is P
Calculate the average time per oscillation (e.g., 25/10 = 2.5s)
to Q and back to P again
Motion
Speed is the distance travelled per unit time Equation: v = s / t
v = speed (m/s)
s = distance travelled (m)
t = time taken (s)
Average speed
Average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance travelled by the time taken
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
Average speed =
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆
0653 Quick Revision Physics 2nd Edition written by B.N Mupeti © 2024 Page 2 of 43
, Brian Nathan Mupeti email:
Acceleration and Deceleration
Acceleration: increasing speed (e.g., 0-60 km/h)
Deceleration: decreasing speed (e.g., 60-0 km/h)
The distance-time
graph below shows
non-uniform motion
whereby speed
increases
Gradient
gives Speed
The area under a speed vs time graph = distance travelled
This is because distance = speed x time
0653 Quick Revision Physics 2nd Edition written by B.N Mupeti © 2024 Page 3 of 43
