2025 · practice · Physical Sciences — Physics · Grade 10

Grade 10 Physics — North West platinum-mine contexts

Notes

Answer all questions. Show a formula, substitution and a boxed answer with units. g = 9.8 m·s⁻². Calculators allowed.

90 min · 114 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 · 8 Marks
From rest, a = 3 m·s⁻² for 4 s. v_f =
Notes: v_i=0 (from rest). a=3 m·s⁻². t=4 s. Unknown: 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 = 3 m·s⁻² for 4 s. v_f =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 m·s⁻² · 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: 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
Write v_f = v_i + a t with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives v_f =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
v_f = v_i + a t. From rest means the first term is zero, so just a times t.
2. What do we already know?
v_i=0 (from rest). a=3 m·s⁻². t=4 s. Unknown: v_f.
3. Which method — and why this one?
v_f = v_i + a t. From rest means the first term is zero, so just a times t.
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 m·s⁻² · 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: 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: Write v_f = v_i + a t with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives 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
  v_i=0 (from rest). a=3 m·s⁻². t=4 s. Unknown: 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_f = v_i + a t. From rest means the first term is zero, so just a times t.
  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
  Write the equation
  v_f=0+3×4=12 m·s⁻¹.
  v_f=v_i+a t
  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
  12 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
12 m·s⁻¹
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: v_f=v_i+a t
Answer: 12 m·s⁻¹
6. Check it like a marker
Each second you gain 3 ms. After 4 s you have gained 12 ms. Starting at 0, you are at 12.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
½at² = 24 — that is a displacement, in metres, not a speed. Read the unknown: v_f, not Δx.
1.2 · 8 Marks
f=200 Hz, v=340 m·s⁻¹. λ=
Notes: f = 200 Hz, v = 340 m·s⁻¹ (sound in air). Unknown: wavelength 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: f = 200 Hz, v = 340 m·s⁻¹. λ =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 200 Hz · 340 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: 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
Write λ = vf with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives λ =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
v = f λ, so λ = vf. Wavelength is speed divided by frequency, not multiplied.
2. What do we already know?
f = 200 Hz, v = 340 m·s⁻¹ (sound in air). Unknown: wavelength λ.
3. Which method — and why this one?
v = f λ, so λ = vf. Wavelength is speed divided by frequency, not multiplied.
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: 200 Hz · 340 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: 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: Write λ = vf with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives 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
  f = 200 Hz, v = 340 m·s⁻¹ (sound in air). Unknown: wavelength λ.
  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 = f λ, so λ = vf. Wavelength is speed divided by frequency, not multiplied.
  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
  Make λ the subject
  λ=vf=340200=1.7 m.
  λ=vf
  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
  1.7 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
1.7 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: λ=vf
Answer: 1.7 m
6. Check it like a marker
A 200 Hz tone in air should be about 1–2 m. 1.7 m is a longish wave, which matches a fairly low pitch.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Multiplying 200 × 340 = 68000. That would be v × f, which is not a wave equation.
2.1 · 10 Marks
E_k of 4 kg at 3 m·s⁻¹
Notes: m = 4 kg, v = 3 m·s⁻¹. Unknown: kinetic energy E_k.
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: E_k of 4 kg at 3 m·s⁻¹
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 kg · 3 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: E_k of 4 kg at 3 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: E_k of 4 kg at 3 m·s⁻¹. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write E_k = ½mv² = 18 J with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives E_k of 4 kg at 3 m·s⁻¹.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
E_k = ½ m v². Square the speed first, then multiply, then halve.
2. What do we already know?
m = 4 kg, v = 3 m·s⁻¹. Unknown: kinetic energy E_k.
3. Which method — and why this one?
E_k = ½ m v². Square the speed first, then multiply, then halve.
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 kg · 3 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: E_k of 4 kg at 3 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: E_k of 4 kg at 3 m·s⁻¹. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: Write E_k = ½mv² = 18 J with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives E_k of 4 kg at 3 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
  m = 4 kg, v = 3 m·s⁻¹. Unknown: kinetic energy E_k.
  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 = ½ m v². Square the speed first, then multiply, then halve.
  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
  Square v first
  v²=9. Then ½×4×9=2×9=18 J.
  E_k=½mv²=18 J
  Why this step: If you halve the 3 first you get the wrong road. Square, then multiply by mass, then by half.
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
  18 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
18 J
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: E_k=½mv²=18 J
Answer: 18 J
6. Check it like a marker
A 4 kg mass at walking-ish 3 ms should be tens of joules, not hundreds. 18 J is modest and right.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Forgetting the half (36 J) or forgetting to square (½×4×3 = 6 J). Both are on the option list on purpose.
2.2 · 12 Marks
A 5 Ω and 20 Ω in series. R_eq =
Notes: R₁=5 Ω, R₂=20 Ω, series (one path).
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 5 Ω and 20 Ω in series. R_eq =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 5 Ω · 20 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
Write R_eq = R₁ + R₂ with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives R_eq =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Series resistors add. Current has no choice, so resistances pile up.
2. What do we already know?
R₁=5 Ω, R₂=20 Ω, series (one path).
3. Which method — and why this one?
Series resistors add. Current has no choice, so resistances pile up.
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: 5 Ω · 20 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: Write R_eq = R₁ + R₂ with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives 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
  R₁=5 Ω, R₂=20 Ω, series (one path).
  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 resistors add. Current has no choice, so resistances pile up.
  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
  Add
  R_eq=5+20=25 Ω.
  R_eq=R₁+R₂
  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 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
25 Ω
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: R_eq=R₁+R₂
Answer: 25 Ω
6. Check it like a marker
Series equivalent is always bigger than the biggest (20). 25 > 20. Good. Parallel would have been 4 Ω.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
The parallel formula 15+1/20 = 14, R = 4 Ω — only if the question said parallel.
3.1 · 12 Marks
Displacement is a
Notes: The word “displacement” — a change of position from start to finish.
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: Displacement has magnitude and a direction (from where you started to where you are). 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
Displacement has magnitude and a direction (from where you started to where you are). Distance is the scalar cousin.
2. What do we already know?
The word “displacement” — a change of position from start to finish.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Displacement has magnitude and a direction (from where you started to where you are). Distance is the scalar cousin.
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: Displacement has magnitude and a direction (from where you started to where you are). 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
  The word “displacement” — a change of position from start to finish.
  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
  Displacement has magnitude and a direction (from where you started to where you are). Distance is the scalar cousin.
  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
  Magnitude and direction
  “3 km east of Rustenburg” is a displacement. “3 km” on its own is a distance. Vectors need the 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
Walk 3 km east then 3 km west: distance 6 km, displacement 0. Only a vector can cancel like that.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Calling it a scalar because it is measured in metres. Units do not decide; direction does.
6 · 3 Marks
Gaining 2×10¹² electrons gives charge (e=1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C)
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: Gaining 2×10¹² electrons gives charge (e=1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C)
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 · 10¹² · 1.6 · 10⁻¹. 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: 6×10⁻¹⁹ C). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 6×10⁻¹⁹ C). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Q = n(−e) = −3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 6×10⁻¹⁹ C).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Q=n(−e)=−3.2×10⁻⁷ C.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 · 10¹² · 1.6 · 10⁻¹. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Q=n(−e)=−3.2×10⁻⁷ C.
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 · 10¹² · 1.6 · 10⁻¹. 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: 6×10⁻¹⁹ C). Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 6×10⁻¹⁹ C). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Q = n(−e) = −3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 6×10⁻¹⁹ C).
  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 · 10¹² · 1.6 · 10⁻¹. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Q=n(−e)=−3.2×10⁻⁷ C.
  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=n(−e)=−3.2×10⁻⁷ C.
  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
  −3.2×10⁻⁷ C
  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
−3.2×10⁻⁷ C
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: −3.2×10⁻⁷ C
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…”
7 · 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…”
8 · 2 Marks · Pulses & superposition
After two pulses pass through each other they
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: After two pulses pass through each other they
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Pulses keep their shape and direction after superposition.
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?
Pulses keep their shape and direction after superposition.
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
  Pulses keep their shape and direction after superposition.
  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
  Pulses keep their shape and direction after superposition.
  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
  continue unchanged
  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
continue unchanged
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: continue unchanged
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…”
9 · 3 Marks
Series: 2 Ω and 6 Ω on 8 V. Current?
Notes: R1=2 Ω, R2=6 Ω series. V=8 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: Series: 2 Ω and 6 Ω on 8 V. Current?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 Ω · 6 Ω · 8 V. 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: Current. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Current. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write R = 8 Ω with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives Current.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Series: add resistances, then I = VR_total.
2. What do we already know?
R1=2 Ω, R2=6 Ω series. V=8 V.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Series: add resistances, then I = VR_total.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 05
  Add series
  R=2+6=8 Ω.
  R=8 Ω
  Why this step: One job per line so you can find a slip, and so a marker can follow the marks.
2. 02 / 05
  Ohm
  I=88=1 A.
  I=1 A
  Why this step: Write the formula before numbers. The memo awards a method mark even if a digit slips later.
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
  1 A
  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
1 A
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: R=8 Ω
Answer: 1 A
6. Check it like a marker
Voltage split: 2 V on 2 Ω and 6 V on 6 Ω. Adds to 8 V.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Using only 2 Ω gives 4 A. Both resistors are in the loop.
10 · 4 Marks
Two equal forces 5 N at 90°. Resultant magnitude
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 equal forces 5 N at 90°. Resultant magnitude
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 5 N · 90°. 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: Resultant magnitude. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Resultant magnitude. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: √(25+25)=5√2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Resultant magnitude.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
25+25=5√2.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 5 N · 90°. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
25+25=5√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: 5 N · 90°. 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: Resultant magnitude. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Resultant magnitude. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: √(25+25)=5√2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Resultant magnitude.
  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: 5 N · 90°. 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
  25+25=5√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
  25+25=5√2.
  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
  5√2 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.
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
5√2 N
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 5√2 N
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 · 4 Marks
6 Ω and 3 Ω in parallel. Equivalent resistance?
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: 6 Ω and 3 Ω in parallel. Equivalent resistance?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 6 Ω · 3 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: Equivalent resistance. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Equivalent resistance. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1R=16 + 13=12, R = 2 Ω. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Equivalent resistance.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
1R=16+13=12, R=2 Ω.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 6 Ω · 3 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
1R=16+13=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: 6 Ω · 3 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: Equivalent resistance. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Equivalent resistance. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1R=16 + 13=12, R = 2 Ω. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Equivalent resistance.
  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: 6 Ω · 3 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=16+13=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=16+13=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…”
12 · 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…”
13 · 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…”
14 · 2 Marks · Mechanical energy
SI unit of energy is the
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: SI unit of energy 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: SI unit of energy is the. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: SI unit of energy 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: J = N·m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get SI unit of energy is the.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
J=N·m.
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?
J=N·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: 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: SI unit of energy is the. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: SI unit of energy 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: J = N·m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get SI unit of energy 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
  J=N·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
  J=N·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
  joule
  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
joule
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: joule
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
A taxi from Gqeberha covers 160 km in 2 h. Average speed?
Notes: Δx = 160 km. Δt = 2 h. Unknown: average speed 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: A taxi from Gqeberha covers 160 km in 2 h. Average speed?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 160 km · 2 h. 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: Average speed. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Average speed. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write v = Δx / Δt with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives Average speed.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Average speed is total distance over total time. Do not invent acceleration — the paper did not give it.
2. What do we already know?
Δx = 160 km. Δt = 2 h. Unknown: average speed v.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Average speed is total distance over total time. Do not invent acceleration — the paper did not give it.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 05
  Write the definition
  v=Δx / Δt. Distance over time, units kmh.
  v=ΔxΔt
  Why this step: Write the formula before numbers. The memo awards a method mark even if a digit slips later.
2. 02 / 05
  Substitute
  v=1602=80 kmh.
  v=80 kmh
  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
  80 kmh
  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
80 kmh
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: v=ΔxΔt
Answer: 80 kmh
6. Check it like a marker
80 kmh × 2 h = 160 km. Recovers the given distance.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
Do not multiply 160 × 2. Speed is not distance times time.
16 · 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…”
17 · 2 Marks
A 12 V cell, R=4 Ω. Current I? (ideal cell)
Notes: V=12 V. R=4 Ω. Ideal cell so r=0. Unknown: I.
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 12 V cell, R = 4 Ω. Current I? (ideal cell)
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 12 V · 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: (ideal cell). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: (ideal cell). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
Write I = VR with empty letters. Cross out every letter that already has a number. Calculate the letter that is still standing — that gives (ideal cell).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Ohm’s law: I = VR. Current is potential difference over resistance.
2. What do we already know?
V=12 V. R=4 Ω. Ideal cell so r=0. Unknown: I.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Ohm’s law: I = VR. Current is potential difference over resistance.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 05
  Write Ohm
  I=VR.
  I=VR
  Why this step: Write the formula before numbers. The memo awards a method mark even if a digit slips later.
2. 02 / 05
  Substitute
  I=124=3 A.
  I=3 A
  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
  3 A
  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
3 A
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Formula: I=VR
Answer: 3 A
6. Check it like a marker
V = IR = 3 × 4 = 12 V. Recovers the given voltage.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
I = RV would be 412. That is the reciprocal — not Ohm’s law.
18 · 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…”
19 · 2 Marks
E_k of 5 kg 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: E_k of 5 kg at 4 m·s⁻¹
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 5 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: E_k of 5 kg at 4 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: E_k of 5 kg 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: 40 J. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get E_k of 5 kg at 4 m·s⁻¹.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
40 J
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 5 kg · 4 m·s⁻¹. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
40 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: 5 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: E_k of 5 kg at 4 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: E_k of 5 kg 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: 40 J. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get E_k of 5 kg 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
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 5 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  40 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
  ½mv²=½×5×16=40 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
  40 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
40 J
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 40 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…”
20 · 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…”
21 · 2 Marks
E_k of 4 kg at 5 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: E_k of 4 kg at 5 m·s⁻¹
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 kg · 5 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: E_k of 4 kg at 5 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: E_k of 4 kg at 5 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: 50 J. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get E_k of 4 kg at 5 m·s⁻¹.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
50 J
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 kg · 5 m·s⁻¹. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
50 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: 4 kg · 5 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: E_k of 4 kg at 5 m·s⁻¹. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: E_k of 4 kg at 5 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: 50 J. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get E_k of 4 kg at 5 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
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 kg · 5 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  50 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
  Reason
  ½mv²=½×4×25=50 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
  50 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
50 J
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 50 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…”
22 · 2 Marks
Ohm’s law is
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: Ohm’s law is
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: Ohm’s law is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Ohm’s law is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Potential difference equals current times resistance. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Ohm’s law is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Potential difference equals current times resistance.
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?
Potential difference equals current times resistance.
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: Ohm’s law is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Ohm’s law is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Potential difference equals current times resistance. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Ohm’s law 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: 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
  Potential difference equals current times resistance.
  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
  Potential difference equals current times resistance.
  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
  V=IR
  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
V=IR
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: V=IR
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 · 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…”
24 · 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.
25 · 3 Marks
Two 10 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: Two 10 Ω in parallel. R_eq=
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 10 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: 5 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
5 Ω
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 10 Ω. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
5 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: 10 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: 5 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: 10 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
  5 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
  Reason
  Half.
  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
  5 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
5 Ω
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 5 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…”
26 · 2 Marks
Law of reflection: i =
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: Law of reflection: i =
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: Law of reflection: i =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Law of reflection: i =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: r. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Law of reflection: i =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
r
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?
r
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: Law of reflection: i =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Law of reflection: i =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: r. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Law of reflection: i =.
  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
  r
  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
  Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection, both measured from the normal, not from the mirror.
  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
  r
  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
r
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: r
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 · 2 Marks
A plane mirror forms an image that is
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 plane mirror forms an image that is
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 plane mirror forms an image that is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: A plane mirror forms an image that is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Lateral inversion, virtual. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get A plane mirror forms an image that is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Lateral inversion, virtual.
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?
Lateral inversion, virtual.
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 plane mirror forms an image that is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: A plane mirror forms an image that is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Lateral inversion, virtual. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get A plane mirror forms an image that 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: 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
  Lateral inversion, virtual.
  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
  Lateral inversion, virtual.
  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
  virtual, upright, same size
  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
virtual, upright, same size
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: virtual, upright, same size
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 · 3 Marks · Geometrical optics
c=3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹. A 6.0×10¹⁴ Hz light. λ=
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: c = 3.0×10⁸ m·s⁻¹. A 6.0×10¹⁴ Hz light. λ=
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3.0 · 10 · 6.0 · 10¹. 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: 5. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get λ=.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
5.0×10⁻⁷ m
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3.0 · 10 · 6.0 · 10¹. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
5.0×10⁻⁷ 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: 3.0 · 10 · 6.0 · 10¹. 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: 5. 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: 3.0 · 10 · 6.0 · 10¹. 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
  5.0×10⁻⁷ 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
  Reason
  λ=cf.
  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
  5.0×10⁻⁷ 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
5.0×10⁻⁷ m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 5.0×10⁻⁷ 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…”
29 · 2 Marks
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: scalar. 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
scalar
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?
scalar
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: scalar. 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
  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
  scalar
  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
  Speed has magnitude 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
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 · 4 Marks
Angle of incidence equals angle of
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 equals angle of
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: Angle of incidence equals angle of. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Angle of incidence equals angle of. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Law of reflection. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Angle of incidence equals angle of.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Law of reflection.
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?
Law 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: 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: Angle of incidence equals angle of. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Angle of incidence equals angle of. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Law of reflection. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Angle of incidence equals angle of.
  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
  Law 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
  Law 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
  reflection
  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
reflection
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: reflection
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…”