Physics questions can often seem very daunting when they are first read. However, there are multiple ways of breaking a question down and tackling them that should help make them less daunting. There are also a few things you can do to help you gain as many marks as possible.
1. Highlight Key Information
As you first read the question highlight or underline any key information in the question. This includes any figures you’re given, key words such as ‘explain’, ‘calculate’ or ‘define’, and key information such as ‘assume air resistance is negligible.’
Often questions can be very descriptive and not all information may be necessary for answering the question. Identifying the important bits helps the information you need to answer the question stand out.
2. Read the Question Twice
Once you’ve read and highlighted the key information re-read the question. This makes sure you haven’t missed anything and that you fully understand the question you’re being asked.
3. Draw a Diagram
For many physics questions it can be useful to draw a diagram. This doesn’t have to be a detailed diagram using rulers and drawing to scale – a quick sketch will do. If the question is describing something happening to an object or even the journey of a vehicle – draw a diagram.
It can not only help you visualise what’s happening, but may also help the examiner see your understanding of the question. Label the diagram with key values, and anything you work out. If the examiner has multiple marks to award they may be able to give you a mark or two even if you don’t get the exact answer.
4. Rearrange Equations
Lots of physics equations involve equations, many involve multiple. There is often a need to rearrange equations or substitute multiple equations into each other. It is usually easier to work with they symbols of an equation rather than the numbers.
Once you’ve finished rearranging substitute in the values. This way any calculator errors don’t get carried forward and you only have one final calculation to make.
5. Don’t Round
If however, you to have to calculate multiple values before you get to your final answer (i.e. the question asks for multiple values) do not round any values that you calculate before the end of the question. The number of significant figures/decimal places in your answer is very important. If you round early on in your answer you could lose accuracy that will affect your final answer.
The best way to do this is to keep any calculated values in your calculator. If it’s not possible to use the whole number (i.e. it is too long or you need to put something else in your calculator) use at least 4 significant figures (this usually gives you enough accuracy).
6. Show Every Step
Show every step of your working. This goes without saying. Even if you can do something in your head, write it down. If the examiner can see exactly what you are doing you increase your chance of getting marks even if you go wrong somewhere. You may have done everything perfectly and just mis-typed a number in to your calculator. If the examiner can see this they’ll award you as many marks as possible.
The majority of examiners want to give you marks (they aren’t all mean). So help them to help you.
If you have absolutely no idea how to answer a question, write out any equations/key words you can related to the question. You may get a mark or two which is obviously better than no marks.
7. Remember Units
Always put the units! This is a must for physics questions, don’t forget them. If you can’t remember the units of a particular value see if you can work them out from the units of the components used to calculate your answer. Unless specifically asked for SI units you can put the units in any form.
The aim is to get as many marks as possible, so don’t miss a mark for forgetting to add units to your answer. You don’t always get a specific mark for giving the units but you may lose one. If you are really struggling to get an answer though, but know what the units of the answer should be, you could always give them just in case there is a specific mark.
8. Underline Your Answer
Sometimes you might have taken multiple steps to get to your final answer. Underlining it makes it clear to the examiner which value is your final answer. Sometimes you’ll be awarded full marks just for getting this – so make sure it doesn’t get lost in lots of working out.
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