2025 · practice · Physical Sciences — Physics · Grade 10

Grade 10 Physical Sciences Physics — national practice

Notes

Answer every question. Show the formula, the substitution, and the answer with units. Calculators allowed. These are original practice papers in the style of the province, not a copy of a department PDF.

90 min · 92 Marks · 30 questions

Learn the paper in the app: notes, a marks breakdown, the formula you need, and the board working. You do not need to download it.

Sit it timed Formula sheet

Question breakdown

1.1 · 4 Marks
Speed is a
Notes: Speed is a
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Speed is a
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Speed is a. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Speed is a. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Speed has size only. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Speed is a.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Speed has size only. Velocity has direction.
2. What do we already know?
Speed is a
3. Which method — and why this one?
Speed has size only. Velocity has direction.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Speed is a. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Speed is a. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Speed has size only. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Speed is a.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Speed is a
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Speed has size only. Velocity has direction.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Speed has size only. Velocity has direction.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  scalar
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
scalar
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: scalar
6. Check it like a marker
Speed has size only. Velocity has direction.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
vector
1.2 · 6 Marks
From rest, a = 2 m·s⁻² for 5 s. v_f =
Notes: From rest, a = 2 m·s⁻² for 5 s. v_f =
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: From rest, a = 2 m·s⁻² for 5 s. v_f =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m·s⁻² · 5 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: v_f =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: v_f =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: v = u + at = 0 + 2 × 5 = 10 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get v_f =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
v=u+at=0+2×5=10 m·s⁻¹.
2. What do we already know?
From rest, a = 2 m·s⁻² for 5 s. v_f =
3. Which method — and why this one?
v=u+at=0+2×5=10 m·s⁻¹.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m·s⁻² · 5 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: v_f =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: v_f =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: v = u + at = 0 + 2 × 5 = 10 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get v_f =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  From rest, a = 2 m·s⁻² for 5 s. v_f =
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  v=u+at=0+2×5=10 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  v=u+at=0+2×5=10 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  10 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
10 m·s⁻¹
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 10 m·s⁻¹
6. Check it like a marker
v=u+at=0+2×5=10 m·s⁻¹.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
7 m·s⁻¹
2.1 · 6 Marks
f = 50 Hz and λ = 4 m. Wave speed =
Notes: f = 50 Hz and λ = 4 m. Wave speed =
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: f = 50 Hz and λ = 4 m. Wave speed =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 50 Hz · 4 m. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Wave speed =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Wave speed =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: v = fλ = 50 × 4 = 200 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Wave speed =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
v=fλ=50×4=200 m·s⁻¹.
2. What do we already know?
f = 50 Hz and λ = 4 m. Wave speed =
3. Which method — and why this one?
v=fλ=50×4=200 m·s⁻¹.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 50 Hz · 4 m. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Wave speed =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Wave speed =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: v = fλ = 50 × 4 = 200 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Wave speed =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  f = 50 Hz and λ = 4 m. Wave speed =
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  v=fλ=50×4=200 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  v=fλ=50×4=200 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  200 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
200 m·s⁻¹
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 200 m·s⁻¹
6. Check it like a marker
v=fλ=50×4=200 m·s⁻¹.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
12.5 m·s⁻¹
2.2 · 6 Marks
3 Ω and 6 Ω in series. R_total =
Notes: 3 Ω and 6 Ω in series. R_total =
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: 3 Ω and 6 Ω in series. R_total =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 Ω · 6 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R_total =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: R_total =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Series resistances add. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R_total =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Series resistances add.
2. What do we already know?
3 Ω and 6 Ω in series. R_total =
3. Which method — and why this one?
Series resistances add.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 Ω · 6 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R_total =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: R_total =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Series resistances add. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R_total =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  3 Ω and 6 Ω in series. R_total =
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Series resistances add.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Series resistances add.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  9 Ω
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
9 Ω
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 9 Ω
6. Check it like a marker
Series resistances add.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
2 Ω
3.1 · 8 Marks · Mechanical energy
Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹
Formulas
E_k=½ m v²
Kinetic energy
E_p=m g h
Gravitational potential
Notes: Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 kg · 4 m·s⁻¹. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: E_k = ½mv² = ½ × 2 × 16 = 16 J. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
E_k=½mv²=½×2×16=16 J.
2. What do we already know?
Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹
3. Which method — and why this one?
E_k=½mv²=½×2×16=16 J.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 kg · 4 m·s⁻¹. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: E_k = ½mv² = ½ × 2 × 16 = 16 J. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Kinetic energy of 2 kg moving at 4 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  E_k=½mv²=½×2×16=16 J.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  E_k=½mv²=½×2×16=16 J.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  16 J
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
16 J
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 16 J
6. Check it like a marker
E_k=½mv²=½×2×16=16 J.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
8 J
3.2 · 4 Marks
Angle of incidence 35°. Angle of reflection?
Notes: Angle of incidence 35°. Angle of reflection?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Angle of incidence 35°. Angle of reflection?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 35°. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Angle of reflection. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Angle of reflection. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Angle of reflection.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
2. What do we already know?
Angle of incidence 35°. Angle of reflection?
3. Which method — and why this one?
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 35°. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Angle of reflection. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Angle of reflection. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Angle of reflection.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Angle of incidence 35°. Angle of reflection?
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  35°
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
35°
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 35°
6. Check it like a marker
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
55°
7 · 3 Marks
Weight of a 5 kg bag of mielies on Earth (g = 9.8 m·s⁻²)
Notes: m = 5 kg. g = 9.8 m·s⁻². Unknown: weight W.
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Weight of a 5 kg bag of mielies on Earth (g = 9.8 m·s⁻²)
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 5 kg · 9.8 m·s⁻². Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 8 m·s⁻²). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 8 m·s⁻²). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write W = mg with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives 8 m·s⁻²).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Weight is the gravitational force: W = mg. Mass is not weight.
2. What do we already know?
m = 5 kg. g = 9.8 m·s⁻². Unknown: weight W.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Weight is the gravitational force: W = mg. Mass is not weight.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 05
  Write the weight law
  W = m g. Unit is newton, not kilogram.
  W=mg
  Why this step: Write the formula before numbers. The memo awards a method mark even if a digit slips later.
2. 02 / 05
  Substitute
  W=5×9.8=49 N.
  W=49 N
  Why this step: One job per line so you can find a slip, and so a marker can follow the marks.
3. 03 / 05
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
4. 04 / 05
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  49 N
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
5. 05 / 05
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
49 N
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: W=mg
Answer: 49 N
6. Check it like a marker
On the moon g is smaller so W would drop; m stays 5 kg.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Do not write 5 N. That treats mass as weight. Markers circle this every year.
8 · 2 Marks
f=40 Hz, λ=5 m. Wave speed?
Notes: f=40 Hz. λ=5 m. Unknown: v.
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: f = 40 Hz, λ = 5 m. Wave speed?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 40 Hz · 5 m. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Wave speed. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Wave speed. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write v = fλ with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives Wave speed.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
v = fλ. Frequency times wavelength.
2. What do we already know?
f=40 Hz. λ=5 m. Unknown: v.
3. Which method — and why this one?
v = fλ. Frequency times wavelength.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 05
  Write v = fλ
  Speed of a wave is frequency × wavelength.
  v=fλ
  Why this step: Write the formula before numbers. The memo awards a method mark for the law even if a digit slips later.
2. 02 / 05
  Multiply
  v=40×5=200 m·s⁻¹.
  v=200 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: One job per line so you can find a slip, and so a marker can follow the marks.
3. 03 / 05
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
4. 04 / 05
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  200 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
5. 05 / 05
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
200 m·s⁻¹
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: v=fλ
Answer: 200 m·s⁻¹
6. Check it like a marker
Hz is s⁻¹, so s⁻¹ × m = m·s⁻¹. Units match a speed.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Do not divide 405. That is not the wave equation.
9 · 2 Marks
T=0.02 s. f=
Notes: Period T = 0.02 s. Unknown: frequency.
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: T = 0.02 s. f =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.02 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: f =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: f =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write f = 1T with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives f =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
f=1T.
2. What do we already know?
Period T = 0.02 s. Unknown: frequency.
3. Which method — and why this one?
f=1T.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 05
  Write f = 1/T
  Frequency is how many cycles per second.
  f=1T
  Why this step: Write the formula before numbers. The memo awards a method mark for the law even if a digit slips later.
2. 02 / 05
  Calculate
  f=10.02=50 Hz.
  f=50 Hz
  Why this step: One job per line so you can find a slip, and so a marker can follow the marks.
3. 03 / 05
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
4. 04 / 05
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  50 Hz
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
5. 05 / 05
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
50 Hz
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: f=1T
Answer: 50 Hz
6. Check it like a marker
A 50 Hz mains cycle takes 0.02 s. Matches South African AC.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Do not leave 0.02 as the frequency. f and T are reciprocals.
10 · 2 Marks
2 Ω and 2 Ω in parallel. R_eq =
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: 2 Ω and 2 Ω in parallel. R_eq =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 Ω · 2 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R_eq =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: R_eq =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1 Ω. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R_eq =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
1 Ω
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 Ω · 2 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
1 Ω
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 Ω · 2 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R_eq =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: R_eq =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1 Ω. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R_eq =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 Ω · 2 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  1 Ω
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  1R=12+12=1, so R=1 Ω. Equal parallels halve.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  1 Ω
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
1 Ω
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 1 Ω
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
11 · 2 Marks
v=12 m·s⁻¹, t=4 s, from rest. a=
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: v = 12 m·s⁻¹, t = 4 s, from rest. a =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 12 m·s⁻¹ · 4 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: a =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: a =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 3 m·s⁻². Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get a =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
3 m·s⁻²
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 12 m·s⁻¹ · 4 s. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
3 m·s⁻²
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 12 m·s⁻¹ · 4 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: a =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: a =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 3 m·s⁻². Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get a =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 12 m·s⁻¹ · 4 s. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  3 m·s⁻²
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  v_f = v_i + a t → 12 = 0 + a(4) → a = 3 m·s⁻². Change in velocity over time.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  3 m·s⁻²
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
3 m·s⁻²
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 3 m·s⁻²
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
12 · 2 Marks
v=340 m·s⁻¹, f=170 Hz. λ=
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: v = 340 m·s⁻¹, f = 170 Hz. λ =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 340 m·s⁻¹ · 170 Hz. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: λ =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: λ =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: λ = vf=2 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get λ =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
λ=vf=2 m.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 340 m·s⁻¹ · 170 Hz. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
λ=vf=2 m.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 340 m·s⁻¹ · 170 Hz. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: λ =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: λ =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: λ = vf=2 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get λ =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 340 m·s⁻¹ · 170 Hz. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  λ=vf=2 m.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  λ=vf=2 m.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  2 m
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
2 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 2 m
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
13 · 3 Marks · Mechanical energy
A 3 kg mass at 4 m·s⁻¹ has kinetic energy
Formulas
E_k=½ m v²
Kinetic energy
E_p=m g h
Gravitational potential
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A 3 kg mass at 4 m·s⁻¹ has kinetic energy
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
E_k=½mv²=½×3×16=24 J.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 kg · 4 m·s⁻¹. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
E_k=½mv²=½×3×16=24 J.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 07
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 07
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 kg · 4 m·s⁻¹. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
3. 03 / 07
  Step C — Name the method in words
  E_k=½mv²=½×3×16=24 J.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
4. 04 / 07
  Working
  E_k=½mv²=½×3×16=24 J.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
5. 05 / 07
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
6. 06 / 07
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  24 J
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
7. 07 / 07
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
24 J
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 24 J
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
14 · 2 Marks
Two 4 Ω resistors in series. R =
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Two 4 Ω resistors in series. R =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: R =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Series add. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Series add.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Series add.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: R =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Series add. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Series add.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Series add.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  8 Ω
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
8 Ω
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 8 Ω
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
15 · 2 Marks
f=50 Hz, λ=4 m. Wave speed?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: f = 50 Hz, λ = 4 m. Wave speed?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 50 Hz · 4 m. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Wave speed. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Wave speed. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: v = fλ = 200 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Wave speed.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
v=fλ=200 m·s⁻¹.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 50 Hz · 4 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
v=fλ=200 m·s⁻¹.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 50 Hz · 4 m. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Wave speed. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Wave speed. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: v = fλ = 200 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Wave speed.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 50 Hz · 4 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  v=fλ=200 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  v=fλ=200 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  200 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
200 m·s⁻¹
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 200 m·s⁻¹
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
16 · 2 Marks
A vector quantity
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A vector quantity
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: A vector quantity. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: A vector quantity. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: has magnitude and direction. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get A vector quantity.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
has magnitude and direction
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
has magnitude and direction
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: A vector quantity. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: A vector quantity. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: has magnitude and direction. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get A vector quantity.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  has magnitude and direction
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Reason
  Force, velocity, displacement.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  has magnitude and direction
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
has magnitude and direction
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: has magnitude and direction
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
17 · 4 Marks · Mechanical energy
Photon energy increases if
Formulas
E_k=½ m v²
Kinetic energy
E_p=m g h
Gravitational potential
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Photon energy increases if
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Photon energy increases if. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Photon energy increases if. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: E=hf. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Photon energy increases if.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
E=hf.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
E=hf.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Photon energy increases if. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Photon energy increases if. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: E=hf. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Photon energy increases if.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  E=hf.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  E=hf.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  frequency increases
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
frequency increases
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: frequency increases
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
18 · 4 Marks
P=IV. 12 V, 2 A. Power=
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: P=IV. 12 V, 2 A. Power =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 12 V · 2 A. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Power =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Power =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 12×2=24 W. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Power =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
12×2=24 W.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 12 V · 2 A. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
12×2=24 W.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 12 V · 2 A. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Power =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Power =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 12×2=24 W. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Power =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 12 V · 2 A. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  12×2=24 W.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  12×2=24 W.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  24 W
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
24 W
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 24 W
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
19 · 2 Marks
From rest, a = 2 m·s⁻² for 5 s. Distance?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: From rest, a = 2 m·s⁻² for 5 s. Distance?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m·s⁻² · 5 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Distance. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Distance. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Δx = ½at² = ½×2×25 = 25 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Distance.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Δx=½at²=½×2×25=25 m.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 m·s⁻² · 5 s. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Δx=½at²=½×2×25=25 m.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m·s⁻² · 5 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Distance. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Distance. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Δx = ½at² = ½×2×25 = 25 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Distance.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 m·s⁻² · 5 s. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Δx=½at²=½×2×25=25 m.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Δx=½at²=½×2×25=25 m.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  25 m
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
25 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 25 m
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
20 · 2 Marks
The region around a magnet where it exerts a force is the
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: The region around a magnet where it exerts a force is the
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Field lines north to south outside the magnet.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Field lines north to south outside the magnet.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 07
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 07
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
3. 03 / 07
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Field lines north to south outside the magnet.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
4. 04 / 07
  Working
  Field lines north to south outside the magnet.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
5. 05 / 07
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
6. 06 / 07
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  magnetic field
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
7. 07 / 07
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
magnetic field
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: magnetic field
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
21 · 3 Marks
Earth’s geographic North is near Earth’s magnetic
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Earth’s geographic North is near Earth’s magnetic
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Compass N is attracted to magnetic S.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Compass N is attracted to magnetic S.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 07
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 07
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
3. 03 / 07
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Compass N is attracted to magnetic S.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
4. 04 / 07
  Working
  Compass N is attracted to magnetic S.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
5. 05 / 07
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
6. 06 / 07
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  south pole
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
7. 07 / 07
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
south pole
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: south pole
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
22 · 2 Marks · Pulses & superposition
Two pulses of +4 and −4 meet. The amplitude at that instant is
Formulas
y=y₁+y₂
Principle of superposition
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Two pulses of +4 and −4 meet. The amplitude at that instant is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 and · 4 meet. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: The amplitude at that instant is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: The amplitude at that instant is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Destructive superposition: +4 + (−4) = 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The amplitude at that instant is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Destructive superposition: +4 + (−4) = 0.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 and · 4 meet. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Destructive superposition: +4 + (−4) = 0.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 and · 4 meet. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: The amplitude at that instant is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: The amplitude at that instant is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Destructive superposition: +4 + (−4) = 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The amplitude at that instant is.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 and · 4 meet. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Destructive superposition: +4 + (−4) = 0.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Destructive superposition: +4 + (−4) = 0.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  0
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
0
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 0
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
23 · 2 Marks · Mechanical energy
Sound needs a
Formulas
E_k=½ m v²
Kinetic energy
E_p=m g h
Gravitational potential
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Sound needs a
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Sound needs a. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Sound needs a. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Mechanical wave. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Sound needs a.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Mechanical wave. No sound on the Moon.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Mechanical wave. No sound on the Moon.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Sound needs a. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Sound needs a. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Mechanical wave. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Sound needs a.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Mechanical wave. No sound on the Moon.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Mechanical wave. No sound on the Moon.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  medium
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
medium
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: medium
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
24 · 2 Marks
Displacement is a
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Displacement is a
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Displacement is a. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Displacement is a. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Needs magnitude and direction. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Displacement is a.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Needs magnitude and direction.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Needs magnitude and direction.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Displacement is a. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Displacement is a. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Needs magnitude and direction. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Displacement is a.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Needs magnitude and direction.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Needs magnitude and direction.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  vector
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
vector
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: vector
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
25 · 3 Marks
T=0.02 s. f=
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: T=0.02 s. f =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.02 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: f =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: f =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: f=1T=50 Hz. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get f =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
f=1T=50 Hz.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.02 s. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
f=1T=50 Hz.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.02 s. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: f =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: f =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: f=1T=50 Hz. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get f =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.02 s. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  f=1T=50 Hz.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  f=1T=50 Hz.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  50 Hz
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
50 Hz
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 50 Hz
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
26 · 3 Marks
Unit of charge is the
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Unit of charge is the
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Unit of charge is the. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Unit of charge is the. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Q in coulombs. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Unit of charge is the.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Q in coulombs.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Q in coulombs.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Unit of charge is the. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Unit of charge is the. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Q in coulombs. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Unit of charge is the.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Q in coulombs.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Q in coulombs.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  coulomb
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
coulomb
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: coulomb
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
27 · 3 Marks
Two 4 Ω resistors in parallel. R_eq =
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Two 4 Ω resistors in parallel. R_eq =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R_eq =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: R_eq =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1R=14 + 14=12. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R_eq =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
1R=14+14=12→R=2 Ω.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
1R=14+14=12→R=2 Ω.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 Ω. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: R_eq =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: R_eq =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1R=14 + 14=12. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get R_eq =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  1R=14+14=12→R=2 Ω.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  1R=14+14=12→R=2 Ω.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  2 Ω
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
2 Ω
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 2 Ω
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
28 · 2 Marks
m=2 kg. a=3 m·s⁻². Net force F?
Notes: m=2 kg. a=3 m·s⁻². Unknown: F_net.
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: m = 2 kg. a = 3 m·s⁻². Net force F?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 kg · 3 m·s⁻². Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Net force F. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Net force F. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write F = ma with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives Net force F.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Newton 2: F_net = ma. Mass in kg, acceleration in m·s⁻², force in N.
2. What do we already know?
m=2 kg. a=3 m·s⁻². Unknown: F_net.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Newton 2: F_net = ma. Mass in kg, acceleration in m·s⁻², force in N.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 05
  Write Newton 2
  F_net=m a. One product, no extra 9.8 — we were given a, not g.
  F=ma
  Why this step: Write the formula before numbers. The memo awards a method mark even if a digit slips later.
2. 02 / 05
  Substitute
  F=2×3=6 N.
  F=6 N
  Why this step: One job per line so you can find a slip, and so a marker can follow the marks.
3. 03 / 05
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
4. 04 / 05
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  6 N
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
5. 05 / 05
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
6 N
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: F=ma
Answer: 6 N
6. Check it like a marker
a = Fm=62=3 m·s⁻². Matches the given a.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Do not multiply by g. Weight is mg; net force is ma.
29 · 2 Marks · Geometrical optics
Light in vacuum travels at
Formulas
i=r
Angle of incidence = angle of reflection
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Light in vacuum travels at
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Light in vacuum travels at. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Light in vacuum travels at. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: c = 3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Light in vacuum travels at.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
c=3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
c=3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Light in vacuum travels at. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Light in vacuum travels at. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: c = 3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Light in vacuum travels at.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  c=3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  c=3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
30 · 2 Marks
v=fλ. f=50 Hz, λ=2 m. v=
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: v = fλ. f = 50 Hz, λ = 2 m. v =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 50 Hz · 2 m. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: v =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: v =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 100 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get v =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
100 m·s⁻¹
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 50 Hz · 2 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
100 m·s⁻¹
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 08
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 50 Hz · 2 m. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: v =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: v =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 100 m·s⁻¹. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get v =.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 50 Hz · 2 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  100 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  v=50×2=100 m·s⁻¹.
  Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
6. 06 / 08
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  100 m·s⁻¹
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
100 m·s⁻¹
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 100 m·s⁻¹
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”