PHYSICS - Caribbean Examinations Council

CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate? CSEC?

PHYSICS SYLLABUS

Effective for examinations from May?June 2015

CXC 22/G/SYLL 13

Published by the Caribbean Examinations Council. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the author or publisher. Correspondence related to the syllabus should be addressed to: The Pro-Registrar Caribbean Examinations Council Caenwood Centre 37 Arnold Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica Telephone Number: + 1 (876) 630-5200 Facsimile Number: + 1 (876) 967-4972 E-mail Address: cxcwzo@ Website: Copyright ? 2013 by Caribbean Examinations Council The Garrison, St Michael BB14038, Barbados

CXC 22/G/SYLL 13

Content

RATIONALE ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 AIMS..................................................................................................................................................................... 1 CANDIDATE POPULATION................................................................................................................................. 2 SUGGESTED TIME-TABLE ALLOCATION .......................................................................................................... 2 ORGANISATION OF THE SYLLABUS.................................................................................................................. 3 SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING THE SYLLABUS............................................................................................... 3 CERTIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF PROFILES.............................................................................................. 4 FORMAT OF THE EXAMINATION...................................................................................................................... 5 REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES CANDIDATES............................................................................. 6 REGULATIONS FOR RESIT ................................................................................................................................. 6 THE PRACTICAL APPROACH.............................................................................................................................. 7 SECTION A - MECHANICS................................................................................................................................. 10 SECTION B - THERMAL PHYSICS AND KINETIC THEORY............................................................................... 21 SECTION C - WAVES AND OPTICS................................................................................................................... 28 SECTION D - ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM................................................................................................ 35 SECTION E - THE PHYSICS OF THE ATOM...................................................................................................... 49 GUIDELINES FOR THE SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT.................................................................................... 53 LIST OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND THEIR SYMBOLS................................................................................... 75 LIST OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS AS USED IN CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS.................................................................. 76 RECOMMENDED MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST.............................................................................................. 78 RESOURCES......................................................................................................................................................... 80 GLOSSARY........................................................................................................................................................... 81

CXC 22/G/SYLL 13

This document CXC 22/G/SYLL 13 replaces CXC 22/G/SYLL 02 issued in 2002. Please note that the syllabus has been revised and amendments are indicated by italics.

First published 1983 Reprinted with amendments 1986, 1987

Revised 1991, 1996, 2002, 2013 Please check the website for updates on CXC's syllabuses.

CXC 22/G/SYLL 13

Physics Syllabus

RATIONALE

The application of scientific principles and the conduct of relevant research are of significant importance in identifying, assessing and realising the potential of the resources of Caribbean territories. A good foundation in the sciences will enhance the ability of our citizens to respond to the challenges of a rapidly changing world using the scientific approach.

Physics is a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions. It is concerned with systems, laws, models, principles and theories that explain the physical behaviour of our world and the universe. Physics is regarded as a fundamental scientific discipline since all advances in technology can be traced either directly or indirectly to the physical laws and theories.

The CSEC Physics Syllabus is redesigned with a greater emphasis on the application of scientific concepts and principles. Such an approach is adopted in order to develop those long-term transferrable skills of ethical conduct, team work, problem solving, critical thinking, innovation and communication. In addition, it encourages the use of various teaching and learning strategies to inculcate these skills while, at the same time catering to multiple intelligences and different learning styles and needs. The syllabus will assist students to develop positive values and attitudes towards the physical components of the environment and will also provide a sound foundation for those who wish to pursue further studies in science.

It contributes to the development of the Ideal Caribbean Person as articulated by the CARICOM Heads of Government in the following areas: respect for human life; and awareness of the importance of living in harmony with the environment; demonstrates multiple literacies; independent and critical thinking and the innovative application of science and technology to problem solving. Such a person should demonstrate a positive work ethic and value and display creative imagination and entrepreneurship. In keeping with the UNESCO Pillars of Learning, on completion of the study of this course, students will learn to do, learn to be and learn to transform themselves and society.

AIMS

This syllabus aims to:

1. acquire technical and scientific vocabulary;

2. develop the ability to apply an understanding of the principles and concepts involved in Physics to situations which may or may not be familiar;

3. appreciate the contributions of some of the outstanding regional and international scientists to the development of Physics;

4. develop critical thinking and problem solving skills;

5. plan, design and perform experiments to test theories and hypotheses;

CXC 22/G/SYLL 13

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