O-Level Physics Cross-Topic Practical Challenge Sets
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)09 Nov 2025, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Chee Wei Jie·Academic Advisor (Physics)
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TL;DR
SEAB notes Paper 3 questions may integrate knowledge and understanding from different sections of the syllabus.
Use these six mash-up scenarios to practise Planning, MMO, PDO, and ACE commentary in one sitting.
Each challenge includes guiding questions and suggested evaluation angles.
Keep Your Physics Practical Stack On Track
Use our O-Level Physics Experiments hub to find companion drills for every Paper 3 skill before you attempt these walkthroughs.
How to tackle each challenge
- Read the scenario and produce a quick Planning outline (aim, variables, method, safety, data).\
- Draft the data table columns you would use and sketch the graph axes.\
- Write an ACE paragraph addressing the reflection prompts.\
- Repeat with real apparatus or simulations if possible.
Challenge 1 - Spring-damper power draw
- Setup: A mass-spring system oscillates vertically with a small coil attached passing through a magnetic field.\
- Tasks: Measure oscillation period (mechanics) while recording induced emf peaks (electricity).\
- Guiding questions:\
- How does changing mass affect both period and induced emf magnitude?\
- What graph links energy loss per cycle to coil resistance?\
- Which reading contributes the largest uncertainty?\
- ACE angle: Discuss how mechanical damping converts to electrical energy; evaluate coil alignment and magnetic field uniformity.
Challenge 2 - Cooling curve with resistance heating
- Setup: A nichrome heating coil warms water in a calorimeter; once power is cut, the water cools under insulation A vs B.\
- Tasks: Record current/voltage during heating (electricity) and temperature-time during cooling (thermal).\
- Guiding questions:\
- How do you calculate energy supplied and compare with temperature rise?\
- Which insulation yields a smaller cooling constant k?\
- What systematic errors arise when swapping insulation mid-experiment?\
- ACE angle: Comment on coil immersion depth, thermometer lag, and the assumption of negligible heat loss during heating.
