O-Level Physics Cross-Topic Practical Challenge Sets

TL;DR
Paper 3 questions can combine concepts across the syllabus (Section 4, SEAB 2026 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.

How to tackle each challenge

1. Read the scenario and produce a quick Planning outline (aim, variables, method, safety, data).\
2. Draft the data table columns you would use and sketch the graph axes.\
3. Write an ACE paragraph addressing the reflection prompts.\
4. 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.

Challenge 3 - Wave speed meets g measurement

• Setup: A pulley system drops a weight to stretch a string, creating transverse waves driven by a vibration generator.\
• Tasks: Measure tension via hanging mass (mechanics) and wave speed via frequency/wavelength (waves).\