NSSCO Physics (6118) study plan

Draw displacement–time and velocity–time graphs from supplied data, and determine velocity from a gradient and displacement from an area.

Solve uniformly accelerated motion problems using v = u + at, s = ut + ½at² and v² = u² + 2as, including free-fall and two-stage journeys.

Resolve a vector into perpendicular components, then add two vectors by scale drawing and by calculation.

Construct free-body diagrams and apply F = ma and Newton's three laws to problems involving friction, tension and lift motion.

Apply conservation of linear momentum to one-dimensional collisions, explosions and recoil, including sign conventions.

Distinguish elastic from inelastic collisions by calculating kinetic energy before and after.

Use vernier calipers, a micrometer screw gauge and a measuring cylinder correctly, recording readings to the instrument's precision.

Convert between SI prefixes, round answers to an appropriate number of significant figures, and estimate absolute and percentage uncertainty from repeated readings.

Describe transverse and longitudinal waves, and use v = fλ to calculate speed, frequency and wavelength.

Draw and interpret reflection and refraction ray diagrams, and apply Snell's law n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂.

Calculate the critical angle using sin C = 1/n and explain total internal reflection in optical fibres and prisms.

Explain how frequency, amplitude and medium affect pitch, loudness and the speed of sound, and solve echo and ultrasound distance problems.

Define current, potential difference and resistance, and apply I = Q/t, V = W/Q and R = V/I.

Reduce series, parallel and combined circuits to a single equivalent resistance, then find branch currents and voltages.

Interpret I–V graphs for a fixed resistor, filament lamp and diode, explaining why each shape occurs.

Place ammeters and voltmeters correctly in circuit diagrams, including polarity and connection in series or parallel.