Physics, Chemistry and General Science
Core concepts
Expect basic mechanics (force, motion, work, energy, simple machines), heat and temperature, light and sound, electricity and magnetism, plus foundational chemistry (atomic structure, elements and compounds, acids and bases, chemical reactions) and general biology (cells, human body systems, plants, nutrition).
Physics: Newton's three laws, the relation between force, mass, and acceleration (F = ma), speed versus velocity, and energy conservation. Chemistry: the periodic table basics, valency, pH scale (below 7 acidic, 7 neutral, above 7 basic), and differences between physical and chemical changes. Biology: the cell as the basic unit of life, photosynthesis, and major human systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory).
Traps
- Confusing mass with weight (weight depends on gravity).
- Mixing up physical and chemical changes - rusting is chemical, melting is physical.
- Confusing speed with velocity (velocity has direction).
- Reversing the pH direction.
- Confusing the roles of arteries and veins.
Worked example
Question: A force of 10 N acts on a 2 kg mass. What is the acceleration? Apply F = ma, so a = F/m = 10/2 = 5 m/s². Rule of thumb: when force and mass are given, acceleration is force divided by mass, with units of metres per second squared.