General Science
What is tested
General Science samples physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science at a foundation level. Expect units, motion, density, electricity, pH, states of matter, and basic astronomy or tides.
Core rules
- Physics: F = ma; weight = mg; speed = distance ÷ time; density = mass ÷ volume.
- Circuits: series current is the same; parallel voltage is the same; resistance adds in series.
- Chemistry: pH below 7 is acidic, above 7 basic; acids and bases neutralize; mass is conserved.
- Biology: cells, photosynthesis, respiration, and basic human systems.
- Earth: tides are driven mainly by the Moon and Sun; the Moon's pull dominates because of its proximity.
Worked example
A 200 g object has a volume of 50 cm³. Will it float in fresh water (1.0 g/cm³)? Density = 200 ÷ 50 = 4.0 g/cm³. Since 4.0 > 1.0, the object is denser than water and sinks. Mass alone does not decide floating; average density does.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing mass with weight; using volume instead of density; reversing acid and base pH; assuming bigger cells are always more complex; and forgetting that series and parallel circuits behave differently. Convert grams to kilograms only when a formula requires SI units.