1.0A Physics Toolkit

Overview: A Physics Toolkit: Methods, Mathematics, Measurement and Graphs — American System Physics Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 7 parts Lesson 2 of 5 Unit quiz

📚 American System Physics Hub / Topical Revision

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Lesson summary

Use SI units and prefixes.Slope of a graph = rise ÷ run and carries units.Parallax errors occur when reading scales at an angle.A model is a representation that explains and predicts behaviour.A scientific law describes what happens; a theory explains why.Scientific notation expr…

Multiply/divide
Add/subtract
Convert 72 km/h to m/s
A graph of distance vs time has slope 4.0 m/s. What does the slope represent?
Scientific method
Dimensional analysis

Part 1 of 7Key ideas

Slope of a graph = rise ÷ run and carries units.

Parallax errors occur when reading scales at an angle.

A model is a representation that explains and predicts behaviour.

A scientific law describes what happens; a theory explains why.

Scientific notation expresses very large or small numbers: 3.0 × 10⁸.

Part 2 of 7Learning objectives

Learning objectives

Use SI units and prefixes.

Apply significant figures and scientific notation.

Interpret graphs of physical relationships.

Part 3 of 7Essential knowledge

Estimate answers to check reasonableness (order of magnitude).

Multiply/divide

Multiply/divide keep fewest significant figures.

Add/subtract

Add/subtract keep fewest decimal places.

A line of best fit shows the trend, ignoring scatter.

Uncertainty should be reported with measurements.

Part 4 of 7Process & sequence

Write the quantity with its unit.

Convert to SI base units with prefixes.

Rearrange the equation symbolically before substituting.

Substitute values with units and calculate.

Round to the correct significant figures and check the unit.

Solving a physics problemwrite these steps in this order; each step is a marking point.

Read and sketch

List knowns/unknowns

Choose equation

Substitute with units

Check answer

Part 5 of 7Worked examples

1Convert 72 km/h to m/s.

72 × 1000 ÷ 3600 = 20 m/s.

2A graph of distance vs time has slope 4.0 m/s. What does the slope represent?

The speed of the object, 4.0 m/s.

Part 6 of 7Summary

Summary

Always use SI units.

Check equations with dimensional analysis.

Graph shape reveals the relationship.

Part 7 of 7Compare: Compare

SI prefixes
Prefix	Symbol	Factor
giga	G	10⁹
mega	M	10⁶
kilo	k	10³
centi	c	10⁻²
milli	m	10⁻³
micro	µ	10⁻⁶
nano	n	10⁻⁹

Graph shapes
Graph	Relationship	Equation
Straight line through origin	Direct proportion	y = mx
Straight line	Linear	y = mx + b
Parabola (upward curve)	Quadratic	y = ax² + bx + c
Hyperbola	Inverse	y = a/x

Key terms

Command terms

Identify / Describe (FRQ)

A short, specific statement; describing requires relevant characteristics, not a single word.

Explain / Justify (FRQ)

Give the cause-and-effect reasoning or evidence; a restated fact does not score.

Calculate

Show setup, substitution and the answer with units.

Predict

State the expected outcome; add a reason only if asked to justify.

MCQ technique

Read every option; eliminate distractors that are true statements but do not answer the question; watch for NOT/EXCEPT.

Exam technique

Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson

Scientific method · SI units · Dimensional analysis · Significant figures · Precision · Accuracy · Independent variable · Dependent variable

Learn each definition in the Key words tab exactly; a missing keyword in a definition usually loses the mark.

How to get full marks (examiner guidance)

Answer exactly what is asked; extra correct material does not earn credit, and contradictory statements can cancel credit (AP FRQ).

Use precise vocabulary (e.g. “active site”, “concentration gradient”, “allele”), never “it/stuff/things”.

Show units and working in calculations.

In MCQs, predict the answer before reading the options, then eliminate.

Last updated: 18 October 2026