Q: What does H2 Physics Practical 2026: Lab Mastery Blueprint cover? A: It translates MOE's 2025 H2 Physics syllabus into a sequencing guide for Paper 4-covering apparatus control, spreadsheet analysis, planning
expectations, and risk management for candidates sitting the 2026 exam.
TL;DR Paper 4 carries 20% of the H2 Physics (9478) grade and demands
confident execution of MMO/PDO/ACE skills with logger-based data processing
inside a 2 h 30 min window. Rehearse full investigations with spreadsheet templates, log uncertainties in
writing, and master planning statements so the practical becomes a predictable
score booster rather than a scramble at moderation.
1 Paper 4 assessment snapshot
Paper
Focus
Duration
Marks
Weighting
Paper 4
Practical
2 h 30 min
50
\(20\%\)
Candidates tackle two staged investigations plus a planning task,
assessed across the skill strands Planning (P), MMO, PDO, and ACE.
Spreadsheet processing is compulsory: the syllabus specifies line fitting,
gradient/intercept extraction, residual analysis, and percentage
uncertainties produced via spreadsheet functions (for example
=LINEST()/=LOGEST()).
Planning contributes about 4% of Paper 4; strong answers justify
apparatus choices, safety controls, data treatment routes, and expected
relationships before touching the equipment.
2 Core competencies to rehearse early
Timing & triggering: practised use of light gates, ultrasonic sensors,
photodiode setups, and manual timing fallback so candidates can recover if a
logger channel fails mid-investigation.
Electrical measurement discipline: four-wire resistance checks, null
points with galvanometers, and systematic breaker testing before live runs to
avoid circuit blowouts.
Thermal experiments under time pressure: insulated calorimetry, steam
point calibrations, and rapid plotting of cooling curves with spreadsheets for
gradient/ln transformations.
Error commentary: quoting absolute, fractional, and percentage
uncertainties, then propagating them into final statements; narrative ACE
answers must reference whether data trends support or contradict the stated
model.
3 Planning (P) mastery checklist
State the hypothesis clearly, including proportionality or functional
form (e.g. Δθ∝I2).
Define controlled variables with methods of control (shielding, fixed
separation, calibrated weights, etc.).
Describe the data strategy: specify plotted variables, spreadsheet tools,
and how gradients/intercepts will be extracted.
List risk mitigations (heat-resistant gloves, isolation transformer,
fuse ratings).
Explain repeatability-number of repeats, range extension, and how
anomalies will be handled.
Run full planning drills under 15-minute timers, then critique them with a
rubric aligned to the official marking bullet points so candidates internalise
what earns the top band.
4 Data processing & spreadsheet workflow
Prepare template workbooks with labelled sheets for linearising data
(y=mx+c, log transforms, inverse plots) and cells that compute
uncertainties automatically with named ranges.
Include residual plots to justify straight-line models; candidates should
comment on scatter symmetry and systematic offsets in ACE answers.
Train students to capture screenshots of formula bars and include them in
write-ups after the practical as audit evidence.
5 Apparatus readiness & logistics
Maintain a Paper 4 apparatus inventory aligned to MOE's yearly list:
retort stands, air tracks, power supplies with fine voltage control, Hall
probes, stroboscopes, oscilloscope or DAQ alternatives, etc.
Check every sensor calibration weekly (zeroing, timing offsets, voltage
drift). Keep a log so moderation panels can confirm equipment accuracy.
Stock spare consumables: sandpaper for contact cleaning, thermal grease,
fresh batteries, and circuit breakers suited to the experiment current range.
6 Lab safety & admin essentials
Update risk assessments for each practical theme (mechanics, electricity,
thermal, waves) and brief students on PPE before they enter the lab.
Private candidates must submit practical training declarations during
SEAB registration-provide attendance sheets and receipts promptly so they can
file copies.
Document equipment serial numbers and maintenance dates; moderation sometimes
requests them during review.
7 Suggested training timeline (2025 cohort)
Month (2025)
Focus
Key deliverable
Jan-Mar
Mechanics & sensors bootcamp
Logger calibration deck + projectile lab report
Apr-Jun
Electricity & magnetism investigations
Bridge circuits, Hall probe field mapping
Jul-Aug
Thermal physics & oscillations with planning
Planning scripts + calorimetry data pack
Sep-Oct
Mock Paper 4 with full write-up & ACE review
Two complete practical scripts + feedback call
Lock the lab calendar early and rotate apparatus sets so every pair rehearses
with the exact hardware likely to appear in Paper 4.
8 Call to action
Ready to turn Paper 4 into dependable marks? Message us with your school or
private-candidate status, preferred schedule, and apparatus gaps. We will map
structured lab intensives, share our spreadsheet template library, and bundle in
bridge sessions from our
IP Physics practical guide
so you arrive at JC1 with confidence.
