Appendix

7. Appendix

7.1 Summary of key quantities, symbols and units

Candidates should be able to state the symbols for the following physical quantities and, where indicated,
state the units in which they are measured.

Candidates should be familiar with the following multipliers: M mega, k kilo, c centi, m milli.

Quantity Usual symbol Usual unit

length l, h … km, m, cm, mm
area A m2, cm2
volume V m3, cm3
weight W N
mass m, M kg, g, mg
time t h, min, s, ms

density ρ g / cm3, kg / m3

speed u, v km / h, m / s, cm / s
acceleration a m / s2
acceleration of free fall g m / s2
force F N
gravitational field strength g N / kg
moment of a force N m

work done W, E J
energy E J, kW h
power P W
pressure p, P Pa, N / m2

temperature θ, t, T °C
heat capacity C J / °C
specific heat capacity c J / (kg °C), J / (g °C)
latent heat L J
specific latent heat l J / kg, J / g
frequency f Hz
wavelength λ m, cm

Cambridge O Level Physics 5054. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
 Appendix

Quantity Usual symbol Usual unit

focal length f m, cm
angle of incidence i degree (°)
angles of reflection, refraction r degree (°)
critical angle c degree (°)
refractive index n

potential difference/voltage V V, mV
current I A, mA
charge Q C
e.m.f. E V
resistance R Ω

Cambridge O Level Physics 5054. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Appendix

7.2 Glossary of terms used in science papers

The glossary (which is relevant only to science subjects) will prove helpful to candidates as a guide but it is
not exhaustive. The glossary has been deliberately kept brief, not only with respect to the numbers of terms
included but also to the descriptions of their meanings. Candidates should appreciate that the meaning of a
term must depend, in part, on its context.

1. Define
 (the term(s) ...) is intended literally. Only a formal statement or equivalent paraphrase, such as
the defining equation with symbols identified, being required.
2. ExplainlWhat
 is meant by ... normally implies that a definition should be given, together with some
relevant comment on the significance or context of the term(s) concerned, especially where two or
more terms are included in the question. The amount of supplementary comment intended should be
interpreted in the light of the indicated mark value.
3. State
 implies a concise answer with little or no supporting argument, e.g. a numerical answer that can
be obtained ‘by inspection’.
4. List
 requires a number of points with no elaboration. Where a given number of points is specified, this
should not be exceeded.
5. Describe
 requires candidates to state in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the main points of
the topic. It is often used with reference either to particular phenomena or to particular experiments.
In the former instance, the term usually implies that the answer should include reference to (visual)
observations associated with the phenomena. The amount of description intended should be interpreted
in the light of the indicated mark value.
6. Discuss requires candidates to give a critical account of the points involved in the topic.
7. Deduce
 implies that candidates are not expected to produce the required answer by recall but by making
a logical connection between other pieces of information. Such information may be wholly given in the
question or may depend on answers extracted in an earlier part of the question.
8. Suggest
 is used in two main contexts. It may either imply that there is no unique answer or that
candidates are expected to apply their general knowledge to a ‘novel’ situation, one that formally may
not be ‘in the syllabus’.
9. Calculate is used when a numerical answer is required. In general, working should be shown.
10. Measure
 implies that the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a suitable measuring
instrument, e.g. length, using a rule, or angle, using a protractor.
11. D
 etermine often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is obtained by
calculation, substituting measured or known values of other quantities into a standard formula, e.g. the
Young modulus, relative molecular mass.
12. Show
 is used when an algebraic deduction has to be made to prove a given equation. It is important that
the terms being used by candidates are stated explicitly.
13. Estimate
 implies a reasoned order of magnitude statement or calculation of the quantity concerned.
Candidates should make such simplifying assumptions as may be necessary about points of principle
and about the values of quantities not otherwise included in the question.
14. Sketch,
 when applied to graph work, implies that the shape and/or position of the curve need only
be qualitatively correct. However, candidates should be aware that, depending on the context, some
quantitative aspects may be looked for, e.g. passing through the origin, having an intercept, asymptote
or discontinuity at a particular value. On a sketch graph it is essential that candidates clearly indicate
what is being plotted on each axis.

Sketch, when applied to diagrams, implies that a simple, freehand drawing is acceptable: nevertheless,
care should be taken over proportions and the clear exposition of important detail.

Cambridge O Level Physics 5054. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.