Further+information+for+Physics+investigations

**Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 Syllabus for examination in 2016, 2017 and 2018**
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical Candidates may be asked questions on the following experimental contexts: • measurement of physical quantities such as length or volume or force • cooling and heating • springs and balances • timing motion or oscillations • electric circuits • optics equipment such as mirrors, prisms and lenses • procedures using simple apparatus, in situations where the method may not be familiar to the candidate.

Candidates may be required to do the following: • use, or describe the use of, common techniques, apparatus and materials, for example ray-tracing equipment or the connection of electric circuits • select the most appropriate apparatus or method for a task and justify the choice made • draw, complete or label diagrams of apparatus

Discussion points in a practical write-up • explain the manipulation of the apparatus to obtain observations or measurements, for example: – when determining a derived quantity, such as the extension per unit load for a spring – when testing/identifying the relationship between two variables, such as between the p.d. across a wire and its length – when comparing physical quantities, such as two masses using a balancing method • make estimates or describe outcomes which demonstrate their familiarity with an experiment, procedure or technique • take readings from an appropriate measuring device or from an image of the device (for example thermometer, rule, protractor, measuring cylinder, ammeter, stopwatch), including: – reading analogue and digital scales with accuracy and appropriate precision – interpolating between scale divisions when appropriate – correcting for zero errors, where appropriate • plan to take a sufficient number and range of measurements, repeating where appropriate to obtain an average value • describe or explain precautions taken in carrying out a procedure to ensure safety or the accuracy of observations and data, including the control of variables • identify key variables and describe how, or explain why, certain variables should be controlled • record observations systematically, for example in a table, using appropriate units and to a consistent and appropriate degree of precision • process data, using a calculator where necessary • present and analyse data graphically, including the use of best-fit lines where appropriate, interpolation and extrapolation, and the determination of a gradient, intercept or intersection • draw an appropriate conclusion, justifying it by reference to the data and using an appropriate explanation • comment critically on a procedure or point of practical detail and suggest an appropriate improvement • evaluate the quality of data, identifying and dealing appropriately with any anomalous results • identify possible causes of uncertainty, in data or in a conclusion • plan an experiment or investigation including making reasoned predictions of expected results and suggesting suitable apparatus and techniques.