CSEC Physics study plan

Define and apply the equations of uniformly accelerated motion (v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as) to at least 15 numerical problems, showing full working and units.

Interpret displacement–time and velocity–time graphs by calculating gradient and area, and sketch the corresponding paired graph for 8 given motions.

Resolve vectors into perpendicular components and add two vectors by scale drawing and by calculation, checking the two methods against each other.

Investigate free fall and determine an experimental value of g using a simple timing method, listing three sources of error and their direction of effect.

State and apply Newton's three laws to draw fully labelled free-body diagrams for 10 situations, including lifts, inclined planes and connected masses.

Calculate resultant force, mass and acceleration using F = ma, and distinguish mass from weight in written explanations.

Apply the principle of moments and the conditions for equilibrium to solve 8 problems on beams, see-saws and suspended loads.

Compute work, power and efficiency from given data, and relate kinetic and potential energy changes in falling and sliding bodies.

Explain pressure in solids and liquids, and calculate pressure at depth and upthrust using density and g.

Convert between Celsius and Kelvin and use the difference between heat and temperature correctly in 10 written explanations.

Calculate heat energy using Q = mcΔθ and Q = mL for mixtures, including a cooling-curve problem with a phase change.

Describe conduction, convection and radiation at particle level and identify which dominates in 6 given situations.

Interpret and sketch heating and cooling curves, labelling melting and boiling plateaus and explaining them in terms of latent heat.

Design and describe a method to measure specific heat capacity by the electrical method, including the purpose of each precaution.

Apply the gas laws (Boyle's, Charles's and the combined gas equation) to 10 problems, converting temperature to kelvin every time.

Explain pressure–volume, pressure–temperature and volume–temperature relationships using particle kinetic theory.

Describe experiments to verify Boyle's law and Charles's law, stating the measurements taken and how each graph is analysed.

Explain melting, boiling, evaporation and condensation in terms of molecular energy and intermolecular forces.

Draw and label transverse and longitudinal wave diagrams, and read amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period from them.

Apply v = fλ and the period–frequency relationship to 15 calculations, including wave-speed changes at a boundary.

Describe reflection, refraction and diffraction using wavefront diagrams, and explain refraction in terms of speed change.

Draw accurate ray diagrams for plane mirrors and converging lenses, and use them to classify the image formed in 8 cases.

Apply Snell's law and refractive index calculations to 10 problems, including critical angle and total internal reflection.

Explain the dispersion of white light through a prism and the formation of a real image by a lens using the lens formula.

Describe the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength and state one use and one hazard of each region.

Explain sound production, transmission and the measurement of speed of sound, and distinguish pitch from loudness.

Draw and build series and parallel circuits, and calculate equivalent resistance, current and potential difference in 10 networks.

Apply Ohm's law and the power equations (P = VI, P = I²R) to solve combined circuit problems with correct unit handling.

State and apply Kirchhoff-style reasoning to explain current and voltage behaviour at junctions in parallel branches.

Describe the magnetic field around a straight wire and a solenoid, and explain the action of a simple electric motor and a relay.

Explain electrostatic charging by friction and induction, and describe the behaviour of charged objects in terms of electron transfer.

Explain the structure of the atom, the nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and write balanced nuclear equations for 8 decay examples.

Compare the penetrating power and ionising effect of the three radiations, and state one safety precaution for each.

Distinguish conductors, insulators and semiconductors, and explain current flow in terms of charge carriers.

Complete two full timed mixed-domain papers under exam conditions and mark them against the mark scheme, logging every lost mark by domain.