TECHNIQUE OF

ANSWERING SPM
PHYSICS
PAPER 2 [4321/2]
 ANSWER STRATEGY PHYSICS QUESTIONS
PAPER 2
Subjective Questions (2 Hours 30
SECTION A Minutes)
 Section A of paper 2 consists of 8
questions. You will have to answer all
the 8 questions in this section.
he 
total
Youinare
Section A isto60
advised marks
spend 90 minutes on
this section. Spending more than 90
minutes on this section will result in
having insufficient time to answer
 Before attempting
questions in SectionstoBanswer
and C. questions,
read the questions at least twice and
highlight the key words provided so that
you will not go out of point.
  Do not force yourself to answer
Questions 1 first if you are not too sure of
the answers. Answer questions that you
are most sure of first
r all the 8 questions within the 90 minutes allo
 A section that is allocated only 1 mark
will require a short answer. On the
other hand, a section that is allocated 3
marks will require you to state 3
properties or characteristic associated
 with thedown
Write particular
all thesection.
steps in the spaces
provided in the questions paper, including
the formula used.
SECTION B
 Section B consists of two questions. You
need to answer only ONE question from
this section.
marks allocated for this section is 20 marks.

re advised to spend 30 minutes on this section

 The questions from section B are
normally preceded by a diagram that
shows a certain state or situation that is
 related tonormally
You are a specificasked
Physics concept.
to state the
characteristics shown in the diagram and
also to state the Physics principles
involved.
 Study the marks allocated to each
section or sub-section in the questions.
The marks allocated in each section may
be as high as 10 marks.
 In such cases, make sure that you have
at least 10 points or properties related to
the section as each point is normally
allocated
1 mark.
SECTION C
 Sections C consists of two questions. You
need to answer ONE question only from this
section.
marks allocated for this section is 20 marks.

are advised to spend 30 minutes on this section.

 The questions from Section C are normally
preceded by a table that is related to a specific
Physics concept,
 Study the marks allocated to each section or
sub-section in the questions. The marks
allocated in each section may be as high as 10
marks. In such cases, make sure that you
have at least 10 points or properties related
to the section as each point is normally
allocated 1 mark.in this section normally
The questions
require you to state a certain principle or
to explain certain properties or
characteristics based on the information given.
 TYPES OF QUESTIONS IN PAPER 2 SPM
PHYSICS
Question No.1 - No.4
(Knowledge, Understanding and Application)

Questions No.5, No.6 and No.9/No.10

(Conceptualizing)

Questions No. 7 and No.9/No.10

(Problem Solving)

Questions No. 8 and No.11/No.12

(Making Decision)
 Question No.1 - No.4
(Knowledge, Understanding and Application)

 Understand the tasks

r to the marks stated- 1 point for 1 mark

in simple words but meaningful related to physic
Use correct terminology
  Understanding and qualitative application
- explain step by step [imaging the marker
does not know the physics]
culation:
hoose & write the relevant formula
ubstitute the values correctly
nswer with correct unit
Example
1.
1 –Diagram
Q2 2 shows a
water tank that supplies
water to a block of flats.
The water flows to each
unit of the flat due to
water pressure.
(a) What is meant by pressure?
Force per unit area // Force ÷ Area // F/A,
where; F is force, A is area
[1 mark]
(b) A water tank with a height of 3.0 m is
fully filled with water. Calculate the
pressure at the base of the water tank.
[Density of water = 1000 kg m-3]
P = h g
= 1000 x 9.8 x 3
= 29400 N m-2 // 2.94 x 104 N m-2 / Pa /
kgms-2m-2 / kgm-1s-2
[2 marks]
(c) Based in Diagrams 2, compare the water
pressure at P and Q. Explain your answer.

Pressure at Q is higher // Pressure at P is

lower // Q > P // Q is higher // Q is more //
Q is bigger // Q is more than P

Depth at Q is higher // Depth at P is lower //

hQ > hP // HQ > HP / Q is deeper // Pressure
increases as the depth increases
[2 marks]
ample 2 – Q3A SPM 2007

(a) Name the heat energy, Q1, which is

absorbed from R to S.
(b)Latent
Stateheat
one reason whylatent
// Specific the temperature at
heat (of fusion)
R and S is the same even though heat [1 ismark]
supplied.
The heat needed to break the bonds
between molecules // molecules move
further apart // to change solid to liquid // to
change physical form // kinetic energy
doesn’t change
(c) Calculate the het energy, Q2, which is
absorbed from S to T.
[The specific heat capacity of water,
C=4200 J kg-10C-1]

Q = mcθ
= 1.0 x 4200 x 100
= 420 000 J // 4.2 x 105 J // 420 kJ
[2 marks]
 Questions No.5, No.6 and No.9 or No.10
(Conceptualizing)
ery items starting with stimulus (situation).
us or situation can be in diagram, table, chart or gra
and the tasks:
arison :State the similarities and differences (if t
nces: State characteristics that are different
ities : State the same characteristics
 Relationship: directly proportional/
inversely proportional/ When ……. increases,
……… Increases/decreased.
me the law/principle/concept involved.
Example 1 – Q5A SPM
2006
1. Diagram 5.1 shows the situation of a sheet
of paper before and when air is blown.

Diagram 5.2 shows the situation of the canopy

before the lorry moves and when the lorry
moves at high speed.
(a)What is meant by speed?
The rate of change of distance with time /
v=s/t ; s = distance, t = time
(b) Based in diagram 5.1 and diagram 5.2: [1 mark]
(i) State two similarities for the situation in
Diagram 5.1 and Diagram 5.2.
- No air movement, the paper and the
canopy will not lift up/at rest/not moves
- Paper and canopy lift up when the air
moves.
(ii) Compare the air pressure above and[2 marks]
below the paper when air is blown.
- Air pressure above the paper is lower/air
pressure below is higher
[1 mark]
(iii) Relate the speed of the air to the pressure
of the air.
High speed, low pressure / inversely
proportional
[1 mark]
(iv) Name the principle involved in 5(b)(iii).
Bernoulli’s
[1 mark]
ample 1- Q6 SPM 2009

(a) Observe diagram 6.1 and diagram 6.2

(i) Compare the depths of the water in
region X and region Y.
X is deeper / bigger / higher / X > Y / Y <
X
(ii) Compare the wavelengths of the waves in
region X and region Y.
X is longer / X > Y / Y < X
(iii) Relate the depth of water to the wave [1 mark]
length of the waves.
The deeper the water, the longer the
wavelength / wavelength is directly
proportional to the depth of the water / h  
[1 mark]
(iv) Name the wave phenomenon involved
Refraction / Refract
[1 mark]
(v) Explain why the wave front of sea water will
follow the shape of the shore when it
approaches the shore.

- The depth of the water decreasing / move

in shallow area
- The velocity is decreasing / wavelength is
decreasing /  decreasing
- Refraction occurs / bending / change
By using a diagram
direction /diagram

[3 marks]
mple 2 – Q1B SPM 2011

1. Using Diagram 9.1

Diagram 9.1 and Diagram 9.2,
Diagram compare
9.2 the
thickness, the focal length and power of the lens.
Relate the thickness of the lens with the focal length
to make a deduction regarding the relationship
between thickness of the lens and the power of lens.
- Lens in diagram 9.1 is thinner
- Focal length in diagram 9.1 is longer
- Power of lens in diagram 9.1 is lower
- The thinner the lens the longer the focal length
- The thinner the lens the lower the power
ample 3 – Q1B SPM 2009
2. Diagram 9.1 shows the effect of pressure on
a sandy beach when a man sits on a chair.
Diagram 9.2 shows the same man sitting on
the same chair after a piece of plank is placed
under the chair.

(a) What is the meaning of pressure?

Force per unit area / P = F/A ; where F =
force, A = area
[1 mark]
Compare the depth of sinking, the load
and the area of contact with the sandy beach.
Relate the depth of sinking with the
pressure exerted by the chair to make a
deduction on the relationship between the
pressure and the area of contact in this
situation.

- Depth of sinking in 9.1 is deeper than in

diagram 9.2
- The weight of the man in diagram 9.2 and
9.1 is equal
- Area contact in diagram 9.2 is larger than
9.1
- The depth of sinking I increases,
pressure increases / d  P / hP
- As the area of contact increases, the
 Questions No. 7 and No.9 or No.10
(Problem Solving)
Structured Question
1. Very sure of the concept / understand the
working principle of apparatus and its function.
2. Understand the questions / follow the
instructions given.
3. State the methods and reasons /
explanations.
 Essay type question:
1. Open type question
1. Understand the problem given
2. State the
method/suggestion/design/modification to
solve the problems
3. State the explanation for the each
method /suggestion/
Modificatidesign
Explanat
4. Answer in tableonsform forion
suggested
modifications. e.g
 2. Guided type Question
(usually working principle of apparatus)
1. Follow the instruction in the question.
2. Answer can be in the form of diagram or
essay.
3. State the method/ways and reasons.
Common mistakes:
1. Suggestion of problem solving does not based on
relevant physical concept
2. Give wrong/irrelevant explanation/reason
3. Give redundant/overlap suggestion/method
ample 5: Q9B SPM 2008
am 9.3 shows a pole vaulter performing a jump.

Using appropriate physics concepts, explain

the use of suitable equipment and techniques
to improve his performance.
Your answer should include the following
aspects:
(i) Vaulter’s attire
(ii) Vaulter’s movement
(iii) Pole used
(iv) Safety
 Modifications Explanation
Tight and light Less air friction /
 
attire / spiked 1 increases the 1
shoes speed
To increases
Sprint / Increases  
kinetic energy /
speed 1 1
momentum
Easily bend / easily
More elstic / light /  carried / increase 
bends easily 1
the potential 1

elastic energy
 
Strong pole 1 Not easily broken 1

Increases collision
ample 2 – Q9B SPM 2007
iagram 9.6 shows a sailboat.

Your are required to gives some suggestions to

design a sailboat which can travel faster. Using
the knowledge on motion, force and the
properties of materials, explain the
suggestions based on the following aspects:
(i) the surface of the board
(ii) the shape of the board
(iii) material used for the board
(iv) material used for the sail
 Modifications Explanation
 Reduce (water) friction / 
Smooth // coat with wax 1
resistance / drag 1

Streamline shape /
torpedo / aerodynamic /  Reduce water friction / 
sharp end / diagram 1
drag / resistance 1

Rej: oval
Low density // strong
material // tough // Fiber Easy to float // Not easy
glass // carbon to break // Slides
 
composite 1 faster // Increases the 1
Rej: speed // Light // With
Hard/Rubber/Glass/Fiber/ stand // Small mass
Composite
To avoid the sail
absorbed water //
Water proof // Low
becomes heavier // Not
density material //  
easy to tear off // Small
ample 3: Q9B SPM 2006
3. You are given two convex lenses, P and Q,
with focal lengths 40 cm and 5 cm
respectively. Both the lenses are used to build
a simple astronomical telescope at normal
adjustment.
Using the two lenses, explain how you are
going to build the simple astronomical
telescope.
[6 marks]
 (ii) Suggest modification that needs to be
done on the telescope to produce clearer and
bigger images.
[4 marks]
creases the diameter of the objective lens 1
ore light enter the lens 1
creases the focal length 1
crease the magnification 1
Questions No. 8 and No.11/No.12
(Making Decision)
Structured:
1. Guided decision making
2. Follow the instructions in the
questions
3. Justify your answer with reasons

fo
fe
ample 1 – Q8 SPM 2009
1. An eye piece of focal length, fe = 5 cm,
and an objective lens are used to build a
simple atronomical telescope. The objective
lens is chose from Table 1.
Lens Focal length Magnificati Diameter of the
of lens, f0 on M = objective lens
(cm) F0 / F e (cm)
P 10 (cm) 2 2.5
Q 10 2 5.0
R 40 8 2.5
S 40 8 5.0
(i) Complete table 1 by writing down the
value of m for every lens.
2, 2, 8, 8
[2 marks]
(ii) Choose the two lenses that produce the
largest image.
R, S
[1 mark]
(iii) Give one reason for the answer in (ii)
Largest/Big/Bigger magnification
[1 mark]
(iv) Chose the two lenses that produce the
brightest image
Q, S
[1 mark]
(v) Give one reason for the answer in (iv)
Largest diameter
[1 marks]

(vi) Based on the answer in (ii) and (iv), choose

the most suitable lens as the objective lens.
S
[1 mark]
Essay:
To answer this question “ explain the
suitability of each characteristics and
determine the most suitable …. .”, identify
4 different characteristics from the given
diagrams or table.
The answer in a table form.
Characteris Reason
tic

[ ] is chosen. Reason : It
has …...
1. Question will state the characteristics in the
form of diagram or table. Study the
characteristics carefully
2. Choose the suitable characteristics
according to the need of the question. Use
the word low or high
3. Make a ranking based on chosen
characteristics
4. Make amistakes
Common justification
5. State the reason
1. Elaborate all characteristics
2. Rewrite the value of characteristic given
without stating low or high
3. Does not state all characteristics/ reasons
after making a justification
mple – Q11C SPM 2008
1. Diagram 11.1 shows a light signal travelling
through an optical fibre made of glass.

(a) The optical fibre in Diagram above can

be used in telecommunications and
medicine. You are asked to investigate the
characteristics of optical fibres for use in
these fields as shown in Table 11.
Explain the suitability of each feature of optical fibre
in Table 11 for use in telecommunications and
medicine. Determine the most suitable optical fibre
that is capable of carrying the largest number of
signals simultaneously.
Give reasons for your choice.
Characteristics Explanation [10 marks]
Use a bundle of fine parallel Can receive more information
optical fibre 1 1
Choose η1 > η2 1 Total internal reflection can
occur 1
Must be high flexibility 1 So that it can follow the curve
path 1
Purity of inner core must be So that the signal can travel
very high 1 without losing information //
information easy to send 1
R is choose 1
Because it use a bundle of fine parallel optical fibre, η1 > η2 ,
high flexibility and very high purity of inner core 1
Example 3 – Q12C
(a) Your are asked to investigate the design and the
SPM 2009
characteristics of five filament lamps shown in
diagram 12.
Explain suitability of each characteristic of the
lamps and determine the lamp which can produce
the brightest light. Give reason for your choice.
[10 marks]
 Characteristics Explanation
Coil 1 High resistance /
more heat 1
Thin 1 More resistance /
more heat 1
Tungsten 1 High melting point /
High resistance / Not
melt easily 1
Low pressure 1 The bulb will not
burst / explode /
brake 1
R 1
(b) Diagram 12.3 shows an energy saving
bulb. When it is connected to a 240 V power
supply, the bulb produces 10 joules per
Calculate
second of light energy.
(i) the current flows through
the bulb
(ii) the heat energy lost in 1
second from the bulb
(iii) the efficiency of the bulb
(i) 11/240 1 [5 marks ]

0.046 A / 0.05 A 1
(ii) 11-10 = 1 J 1
(iii) [10/11] x 100 1
90.91  / 90.909  /
90.9090 1