O-Level Physics Paper 3 Apparatus & Logistics Field Guide
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)30 Nov 2025, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Chee Wei Jie·Academic Advisor (Physics)
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TL;DR
SEAB’s 2026 Physics syllabus (6091) spells out the Paper 3 logistics: each section gives you 55 minutes with an apparatus set, and schools must stock the full list of mechanics, thermal, optics, and electrical equipment (SEAB syllabus PDF).
Treat the apparatus list as your rehearsal checklist-drill setup speed, calibration habits, and spare-set contingencies before the real practical window.
Pair every station run with a micro-log covering safety, instrument resolution, and cleanup so you walk into Paper 3 already fluent in lab routines.
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.
1 | What Paper 3 logistics look like in 2026
- Two 55-minute apparatus sections: The syllabus notes candidates should have 55 minutes with the apparatus for each section of the paper; centres should warn candidates about seating plans and keep spare apparatus available for breakages/malfunctions (SEAB 2026 Physics syllabus).\
- Spare sets are required: Lab technicians should pre-check duplicate kits so any broken ruler, lamp, or balance can be swapped without eating into the timed slot (same source).\
- Data-logger readiness: The syllabus expects familiarity with data-loggers and sensor alternatives-schools should brief candidates on house rules for borrowing or sharing probes across rotations (same source).\
- Safety ownership: Responsibility for laboratory safety rests with centres; follow your school’s lab safety rules and instructions.
2 | Apparatus list decoded into rehearsal buckets
| Syllabus grouping | Core kit | Paper 3 skill focus |
| Measurement staples | Rules (0.1 cm), metre sticks, digital calipers (0.01 mm), micrometers (0.001 mm), stopwatches (0.1 s), balances (0.01 g) |
