Prepared by Joseph Lau

SPM PHYSICS
Answering
techniques Workshop

Which paper do you want to

revise?
Paper 1 (Objective)
Paper 2 (Subjective and Essays)
Paper 3 (Experiments)

You will need SPM 2014 paper.

Paper 1 (50 marks)

50 objective questions
Mostly conceptual questions
Minimum of 8 are calculations.
1 hour and 15 minutes.
Suggestion: Finish within 1 hour.
Spend 15 minutes to check your
answers.

Paper 1
Paper 1 test your overall
knowledge.
To score well, you need to have
a good understanding of all the
topics.
Difficulty distribution is
Easy: Moderate: Hard = 3:4:3

Paper 1
Best way to revise is via brute
force:
Do lots of objective questions
(especially pass year papers) and
ask what you dont understand.

Concept

Explain/Reasoning

Graph

Compare

Relate

Calculation

Return

Paper 2 (100 marks)

Section A: 8 structure (60 marks)

All different topics
Increasing marks from question 1 to 8
Mix of explaining and calculating.

Section B: Choose 1 out of 2 essays (20 marks)

Compare, relate and deduce( 5marks)
Define and Explain concept (5 marks)
Modification (10 marks)

Section C: Choose 1 out of 2 essays (2o marks)

Explain concept (5 marks)
Calculation (5 marks)
Evaluation (10 marks)

Paper 2: Section A

Observe diagrams, photographs and tables carefully.

Identify question from which topic before you answer.

Use short sentence

Observe the marks allocated

1 mark: Short answer enough
2 or more marks: Elaborate further

Underline the keyword/important

information
Compare
5.1 > 5.2

Relate/ State the relationship

When MV bigger, RV smaller/bigger
Explain
Use physic concept to explain

Define
Write words, NOT formula
Sometimes direct translate from formula works

Calculation
Write the formula before substitute
Write answer with correct units
Write units unless you really dont know (marks

may be deducted depending on examiner)

Unless you confident, use the formula sheet

regularly till you are fluent.

Practice solve Section A 2014

paper

Allocate 30 min for each essay

Paper 2: Section B Essay

Paper 2: Section B
(Essay)

Compare, relate and deduce

(5marks)

Sample answer
(*Make sure you have all 5 points)

Reading of thermometer: 9.1 > 9.2

Volume of water: 9.2 > 9.1
Time of heating: 9.1 = 9.2
The higher the volume of water, the smaller

the reading of the thermometer.*

The larger the mass of water, the smaller
the increase in temperature of water.*
*The words must be the same as question.

Paper 2: Section B
(Essay)

Define (1 mark) and Explain (4 marks)

Sample answer:
Heat is the energy transferred from hot
to cold object.

Make sure you have at least 4 points (look at the

marks)
It is alright to write more. Answer scheme will have
more than 4 points.
Relate with physic concept.

Sample answer:
Water has higher specific heat capacity.
During the day, the sea has lower temperature than land.
The hot air on land will rise up.
Air pressure at land will decrease.
Cold air at sea will have higher pressure.
Cold air move/blow from sea to land.

Section B: Modification (10 marks)

Answering techniques:
Suggestion

Reason

Use table

Do not leave blank. Give at least 5.

You can give more than 5 modifications (no
need numbering)
Suggestion have to be logic/practical
Must have reasoning
Answers cannot contradict

Sample answer 9(d)

Suggestion

Reasoning

Big fan

Produce more wind/Cool faster

Many/more fins

Larger surface area/ Heat escape

easily/Cool faster

Aluminium

Good heat conductor

Large specific heat capacity of

cooling liquid

Can absorb more heat without large

increase in temperature/ good cooling
agent

High boiling point

Does not boil quickly/ Can withstand

higher heat/ Not easy evaporate

Sample answer 10(d)

Suggestion

Reasoning

More number turns

Produce more heat

Low density

Lighter/Easier to carry

Low rate oxidation (kadar

pengaratan)

Last longer/ Does not rust

easily

Smaller diameter

High resistance, produce

more heat

Material with good heat

conductivity

Conduct heat faster

Material with low heat specific Heat up faster

capacity

Examples of frequently used answers

for force and motion
Suggestion

Reasoning

Use low density material

Lighter

Use stronger material

Does not break easily

Use aerodynamic shape

Less resistance

Use larger/smaller .

Examples of frequently used answers

for electricity/magnetism
Suggestion

Reasoning

Use thicker wire

Less resistance

Use copper

High conductivity

Use stronger magnet

Stronger magnetic field

Use more turns

Stronger magnetic field

Paper 2: Section C
(Essay)

Calculation (5 marks)

Calculation

1. List out variables given

2. What are you looking for?
3. Write FORMULA, then SUBSTITUTE
4. DO NOT round up number during
calculation.
5. Write final answer to 4 significant
figures with UNITS.

Sample answer:

Define (1m) and explain

concept (4m)

Evaluation (10 marks)

Use a table.
Choose the 4 best characteristic and give
reason.

Answer template:
Best characteristic

Reason

The best choice is . because

..(relist)

Answer template 11 (c):

Best characteristic

Reason

Low density

-Light
-Move faster

Aerodynamic shape

-Low air resistance

-Move faster

Superconductor

-stronger magnet field

-can lift heavier weight/load

8 short coaches

-reduce inertia
-easier turn

The best choice is L because the train has

low density, aerodynamic shape,
superconductor and 8 short coaches.

Answer template 12 (c):

Best characteristic

Reason

Location of loudspeaker -Not block by obstacles

-Can travel further
should be high
Distance two
loudspeaker far apart

-Reduce interference
-Can cover larger area

Softboard

-Absorb sound
-No echo /Reduce
sound reflection

Position microphone
-Avoid
behind the loudspeaker noise/interference

The best choice is Y because the loudspeaker is high position,

distance between loudspeaker far apart, uses softboard and
position of microphone behind the loudspeaker

Return

Paper 3 (2015 and before)

Paper 3 (2016 and after)

Paper 3 Written (2015<)

Paper 3 is divided into:

Section A (28 marks)
Easy to get FULL marks here if you read question

carefully, know the technique and a bit of physics

Section B (12 marks)

If you can correctly identify the MV and RV, you

get AT LEAST 7 marks.

If you remember a few important experiments you
get FULL marks.

Section A (Question 1)

Read instruction and identify MV and RV

Answer have to be
PHYSICAL QUANTITY
(something can be measured)
DO NOT WRITE:
a) Reading of ammeter
b) Type of wire
)WRITE:
a) Current
b) Resistivity of wire

Answer:

(a)
(i) Current, I
(ii) Voltage, V
(iii) Length/ Thickness of wire

Read instruction.
Fill in the measurements with correct
sensitivity (decimal place)
Make sure you know how to read
Ammeter/Voltmeter
Stopwatch
Micrometer
Vernier Caliper
Measuring cylinder

Label Units!

Label
values!)

Correct and
consistent
decimal
place

I (A)

Vi (V)

V (V)

0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5

0.4
0.7
1.0
1.3
1.6

0.3
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.5

Identify the mistakes in this table

Mass, m(g)

Force, F(N)

Extension, x

50

500

5.01

100

1000

10.1

150

1500

15.5

200

2000

20.0

250

2500

25.3

Points:

1) Correct axes labels

2) Correct units on axes
3) Correct scale (avoid odd increments)
4) 3 points transfer correctly on graph
5) 5 points transfer correctly on graph
6) Best fit straight line with y-intercept (at least 3
points on line, balanced top/bottom)
7) Minimum size 5x4 boxes

Read question carefully

Read the graph axes carefully (e.g. Is it x or 1/x ?)
Answer: RV _________ to MV.
Directly proportional
Inversely proportional
Linearly increasing
Linearly decreasing

Answer: Voltage is directly proportional to current.

Section A (Question 2)

You will be given a graph.

Sample answer: The position of the eye has to be perpendicular to

the reading/scale of the meter ruler (Must state equipment)

Other precautions

General
Check the zero error of . before taking

measurement.

Light
Experiment must be conducted in a dark room.

Electricity
Switch off circuit when not taking data so that wire does

not get too hot

*AVOID: Repeat experiment and take average.

Completed Section A

Easy 28 marks

Section B (12 marks)

Important:
Choose question which you can

CONFIDENTLY identify Manipulated

variable (MV) and Responding variable (RV)
correctly.
MV and RV must be PHYSICAL
QUANTITIES.
If both OK, then choose the question that

you know the experiment.

RV depends on MV.
depends on

3(a): The buoyant force depends on

weight of water displaced.

4(a): The force depends on the current

The bigger MV, the bigger RV.

.. bigger, . Bigger

3(b): Weight of water displaced bigger,

buoyant force bigger.

4(b) : Current bigger, force bigger.

Guess the experiment from the RV, MV

and apparatus given

To investigate the relationship between

(MV)... and (RV)

3(c)(i) To investigate the relationship

between the weight of water displaced.
and the buoyant force

4(c) (i) To investigate the relationship

between the current and force.

3. (c) (ii)
Manipulated variable: Weight of water displaced
Responding variable: Buoyant force
Constant variable: Density of water
4(c) (ii)
Manipulated variable: Current
Responding variable: Force
Constant variable: Magnetic field strength

List out the apparatus use to measure RV

and MV etc

3(c) (iii): Spring balance, Eureka tin,

cylindrical steel rod (load), electronic
balance, water

4 (c) (iii) : C-shape iron yoke, two magnadur

magnets, one copper wire, power supply,
ammeter, connecting wires, rheostat,

Draw 2D will be easier. Make sure label all the apparatus.

3(c)(iv)

4(c) (iv)
C-shape
iron yoke

Magnet

Magnet

1) Set up the apparatus as shown in

figure above.
2) MV is controlled by .
3) RV is measured using
4) Repeat the experiment with MV= ,
, and

3(c) (v)

1) Set up the apparatus as

shown in figure above.
2) The load (MV) is placed
into water until 100g of
water is displaced. (1m)
3) The buoyant force (RV)
is determined from the
decrease in weight
measured by the spring
balance. (1m)
4) Experiment is repeated
with 200g, 300g, 400g and
500g of water. (1m)

4(c) (v)
1) Set up the apparatus as
shown in figure above.
2) The current (MV) is
adjusted to 1A using
rheostat. (1m)
3) The displacement of the
copper wire (RV) is
measured using a ruler.
(1m)
4) Experiment is repeated
with 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A
current. (1m)

Draw table
DO NOT FILL IN TABLE
MV

RV

3(c) (vi) 4(c)(vi)

Weight of water
displaced , W(N)

Buoyant force,
F (N)

Current, I (A)

0.1

1.0

0.2

2.0

0.3

3.0

0.4

4.0

0.5

5.0

1m

1m

Force, F (N)

Sketch and label the axes of graph

DO NOT sketch the graph, LEAVE
BLANK

3(c) (vii)

1m

4(c) (vii)

1m

Important for Paper 3 Section B

Find questions and practice identifying RV and MV

Memorize a few important experiments

FORM 4
1. Inertia experiment
2. F=ma experiment
3. Spring experiment
4. Archimedes experiment
5. Heat capacity experiment
6. Gas Law Experiments (Boyle, Charles & Pressure)
7. Light experiments (Reflection, refraction, Apparent depth)

FORM 5
8. Ripple tank experiments (water speed with depth, interference)
9. Ohms Law
10. Electromagnet experiment
11. Electromagnet force experiment
12. Induce current experiment
13. Transformer experiment

Review of experiments

Form 5 experiments

There a fewer important Form 5 experiments.

1.

Water wave speed/wavelength with depth of

water
Interference =ax/D
Ohms Law
Factors that affect resistance
Factors that affect electromagnet strength
Factors that affect electromagnetic force
Factors that affect induced current

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Water wave speed/wavelength with depth of water

How can you

draw this in
2D ?

Lamp
Stroboscope

Motor

Straight
dipper

Water
Perspex
glass

Ripple tank

Screen

1.
2.
3.
4.

Set up the apparatus as in the figure

shown above.
Place 1 Perspex block in the water.
Measure the wavelength of the water
using a stroboscope and ruler.
Repeat the experiment with 2, 3, 4 and
5 Perspex block.

Interference =ax/D

Lamp
Stroboscope

Motor

2
spherical
dipper

Water
Ripple tank

Screen

Set up the apparatus as in the figure

shown above.
2. Adjust the frequency of the motor until the
wavelength of the waves, are 1 cm.
3. Measure the distance between two
antinodal lines, x with a stroboscope and
ruler.
4. Repeat the experiment with wavelength
= 1.5 cm , 2.0 cm, 2.5 cm and 3 cm.
1.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Set up the apparatus as in the figure

shown above.
Adjust the distance between the two
spherical dippers, a to 1 cm.
Measure the distance between two
antinodal lines, x.
Repeat the experiment with a = 1.5 cm ,
2.0 cm, 2.5 cm and 3 cm.

Ohms Law

1.
2.
3.
4.

The circuit is set up as shown in figure.

The current is adjusted to 0.2 A by
using the rheostat.
The voltage is measured using
voltmeter.
The experiment is repeated with current
0.3A, 0.4A, 0.5A and 0.6A.

Factors affecting
resistance

1.

The circuit is set up as shown in figure.

2.

The length of eureka wire is adjusted to 5 cm.

3.

The current, I is adjusted to 0.5 A using rheostat.

4.

The voltage, V is measured using voltmeter.

5.

The resistance, R is calculated as R= V/I.

6.

The experiment is repeated with length of wire of

10cm, 15cm, 20cm and 25cm.

1.

The circuit is set up as shown in figure.

2.

An eureka wire of diameter 1 mm is used.

3.

The current, I is adjusted to 0.5 A using rheostat.

4.

The voltage, V is measured using voltmeter.

5.

The resistance, R is calculated as R= V/I.

6.

The experiment is repeated with diameter of wire 1.5 mm,

2.0 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm.

Factors affecting electromagnetic

strength

Current
Number of turns of coil

Electromagnetic strength
depends on current

1.

The circuit is set up as shown in figure.

2.

The current, I is adjusted to 0.5 A using rheostat.

3.

The number of pins attracted by electromagnet

is calculated.

4.

The experiment is repeated with current 1.0 A,

1.5 A, 2.0 A and 2.5 A.

Factors affecting induced force, F

(Fleming Left Hand Rule)

Strength of magnetic field, B

Current, I

Induce force depends on current

How do we measure force?

The larger the force, the larger the acceleration.
The larger the acceleration, the further the distance travelled
before stopping.

1.

The circuit is set up as shown in figure.

2.

The current, I is adjusted to 1.0 A using rheostat.

3.

The distance travelled by copper wire is recorded.

4.

The experiment is repeated with current 2.0 A, 3.0 A,

4.0 A and 5.0 A.

** If you want to investigate relationship between

induced force with magnetic field strength, the
manipulated variable can be the number of magnets.

Factors affecting induced current, I

(Fleming Right Hand Rule)

Speed movement of magnet

Strength of magnetic field

Induced current depends on

relative movement of magnet

The speed of relative of magnet with solenoid

change to height magnet dropped
The higher the height, the higher the speed.

1.

The circuit is set up as shown in figure.

2.

The magnet is dropped from a height of 5 cm.

3.

The induced current is measured using ammeter.

4.

The experiment is repeated with magnet dropped

from a height of 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm and 25 cm.

** If you want to investigate relationship between

induced current with magnetic field strength, the
manipulated variable can be the number of magnets.

Form 4 important experiments

Pendulum
2. Inertia
3. F=ma
4. Spring extension/Hookes Law
5. Water pressure with depth
6. Archimedes Principle
7. Heat Capacity
8. Gas laws (Boyle, Charles, Pressure)
9. Reflection, refraction
10. Apparent depth
11. Lens
1.

Pendulum

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. 100cm length of thread is measured using a

ruler.
3. The pendulum bob is displaced and the period
of oscillation is measured using a stopwatch.
4. Experiment is repeated with 80 cm, 60 cm, 40
cm and 20 cm long thread.

Inertia
Change inertia to
period of oscillation.

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. 20 g of plasticine is measured using a electronic

balance.
3. The hacksaw blade is displaced and the period
of oscillation is measured using a stopwatch.
4. Experiment is repeated with 40g, 60g, 80g and
100g of plasticine.

Relationship between mass, m

and acceleration, a.

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. The mass of one trolley is measured using

a electronic balance.
3. The trolley is released and the acceleration
is calculated from the ticker tape.
4. Experiment is repeated by placing 100g,
200g, 300g and 400g loads on trolley.

You can modify the previous

experiment to investigate the
relationship between F and a.

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. A 100g load is used to pull the trolley.
3. The trolley is released and the acceleration

is calculated from the ticker tape.

4. Experiment is repeated with 200g, 300g,
400g and 500g weights to pull the trolley.

Hookes Law

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. A 100g weight is placed on the spring.
3. The extension of the spring is measured

using a ruler.
4. Experiment is repeated with 200g, 300g,
400g and 500g weights.

Water pressure and

depth

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. The thistle funnel is placed 2 cm into the liquid. A

ruler is used to measure the distance.

3. The height of the water in the manometer is
measured using a ruler and the pressure is
calculated.
4. Experiment is repeated with 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm
and 10 cm depth.

Archimedes Principle

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. The load is placed into the water slowly

until 100 g of water is displaced.

3. The decrease of weight of the spring
balance is recorded as the buoyant force.
4. Experiment is repeated with 200 g, 300 g,
400 g and 500 g water displaced.

Relation between mass, m and

quantity of heat, Q

The larger the mass of water, the longer

time it takes to heat up the water.

Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as in figure.
2. 100g of water is placed into beaker.
3. The time taken for the water to heat up to

80o C is recorded.
4. Experiment is repeated with 200 g, 300 g,
400 g and 500 g water.

Gas Laws

Boyles Law

Gas Laws:
Charless Law

Gas Law: Pressure Law

Reflection

1.
2.
3.
4.

Set up the apparatus as in figure.

Fill the beaker with water until the depth
of water is 5 cm.
Measure the apparent depth using an
optical pin and ruler.
Repeat the experiment using water of
depth 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm and 25 cm.

Lens

Hypothesis:
The larger the object distance, the smaller the
image distance.
Variables:
a) Manipulated variable: Object distance, u
b) Responding variable: Image distance, v
c) Constant variable: Focal length, f
*** The question might ask to investigate any
relationship between u, v, f and m.
1/u+1/v=1/f , m=v/u (m is magnification)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Set up the apparatus as shown in the

figure.
The object distance is set at 30 cm.
The screen is moved back and forth to
until a sharp image is formed.
The image distance is measured using a
ruler.
Repeat the experiment with object
distance 25 cm, 20 cm, 15 cm and 10 cm.

SPM 2013: Which experiment?

SPM 2013: Which experiment?

SPM 2012: Which experiment?

SPM 2011: Which experiment?

The end