MATSEC SEC Physics study plan

Define and apply the equations of uniformly accelerated motion (v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as) to solve at least 15 numerical problems, including free-fall and vertical projection cases.

Construct and interpret displacement–time and velocity–time graphs, extracting gradient and area to determine velocity and displacement.

Resolve forces into perpendicular components and apply Newton's three laws to single-body equilibrium and accelerating systems, drawing a labelled free-body diagram for each problem.

Distinguish mass from weight and calculate weight, normal reaction, and apparent weight for objects on horizontal and inclined surfaces.

State and apply the principle of moments to solve problems on balanced beams, levers, and pivot systems, including cases with three or more forces.

Define centre of gravity and determine it experimentally for an irregular lamina, describing the plumb-line method step by step.

Calculate work done, gravitational potential energy, and kinetic energy, and apply conservation of energy to falling and sliding bodies.

Compute power from work and time and from force multiplied by velocity, converting between watts and kilowatts.

Define efficiency and calculate it for simple machines (inclined plane, pulley system, lever), identifying input and output energy.

Explain the relationship between work and energy transfer and account for energy losses due to friction as heat.

Apply Hooke's law (F = kx) and calculate elastic potential energy stored in a stretched spring.

Solve combined mechanics–energy problems that require two or more principles in sequence.

Describe transverse and longitudinal waves using amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, and speed, and apply v = fλ to at least 12 numerical problems.

Explain reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference with reference to wavefront diagrams the candidate draws.

Apply the law of reflection and Snell's law, and calculate refractive index from angles and from wave speeds.

Trace ray diagrams for converging and diverging lenses and locate images using the lens formula and magnification.

Describe the production and properties of sound waves and calculate speed, frequency, and wavelength in air and other media.

Explain the electromagnetic spectrum, listing regions in order of frequency and giving one use and one hazard for each.

Distinguish between pitch, loudness, and quality, and explain how each relates to frequency, amplitude, and waveform.

Solve problems on echoes, ultrasound distance measurement, and total internal reflection, including critical angle calculation.

Convert between Celsius and Kelvin and apply the specific heat capacity equation (Q = mcΔT) to at least 10 calorimetry problems.

Explain conduction, convection, and radiation with a named everyday example of each and describe how to reduce heat loss in a house.

Distinguish latent heat of fusion from latent heat of vaporisation and calculate energy in change-of-state problems.

Apply pressure definitions (P = F/A, P = hρg) to solids, liquids, and the atmosphere, and state Boyle's law and use it numerically.

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams, and apply Ohm's law and the series and parallel resistor rules to calculate current, voltage, and resistance.

Calculate electrical power and energy (P = VI, E = Pt) and estimate the cost of running domestic appliances.

Describe the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire and a solenoid, and state the factors affecting the strength of an electromagnet.

Explain the working of a simple transformer and use the turns-ratio equation to solve numerical problems.

Identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables for a given experimental scenario and write a clear method with a risk assessment.

Interpret tables and graphs of experimental data, calculate gradients and uncertainties, and identify anomalous results.

Describe the correct use of common apparatus (metre rule, vernier calipers, ammeter, voltmeter, thermometer, stopwatch) and state appropriate precision.

Complete a full-length mixed mock paper under timed conditions and review every error against the domain it belongs to.