Similar-sounding technical words in Physics

Aero- → air

Hydro- → water

dynamic → study of forces and motion in fluids

foil → shape/surface designed to produce lift or force when fluid flows over it

Streamline → smooth path of fluid particle

If you see foil, think shape;

if you see dynamic, think study of flow; 

if you see streamline, think smooth shape to reduce drag

1. Submarine → Hydrodynamic

2. Kayak → Hydrodynamic & Streamlined

3. Motorcycle → Aerodynamic & Streamlined

4. Javelin → Aerodynamic & Streamlined

5. Airplane wing → Aerofoil (shape), Aerodynamic (motion)

Common Mistakes Due to Superlative Terms

 When answering SPM Physics questions, it's crucial to avoid using superlative terms like "most," "fastest," "strongest," or "biggest" to describe physical quantities. These terms can lead to vague or inaccurate responses, which may result in loss of marks. Here's some advice along with examples and alternatives:

1. "The lightest object will move the fastest."

          Problem: "Fastest" is vague and doesn’t precisely describe

          the relationship between mass and speed.

          Alternative: "The object with the least mass will accelerate

          the most if the same force is applied."

2. "This material is the best conductor."

          Problem: "Best" is subjective and doesn’t quantify how good

          a conductor it is.

          Alternative: "This material has a higher electrical

          conductivity compared to others."

3. "The strongest magnet attracts the most iron filings."

           Problem: "Strongest" is unclear and could mean different

           things (magnetic field strength, pulling force, etc.).

           Alternative: "The magnet with the greatest magnetic field

           strength attracts the most iron filings."

By using precise language and avoiding superlative terms, you'll provide clearer, more accurate answers that are more likely to earn full marks.

"In physics, be precise and clear,

Avoid superlatives, make it near.

'Fastest,' 'strongest'—they won't do,

State the facts, and you'll pull through.

Describe with care, not the 'best,'

Use quantities, they'll do the rest."

Smart Starters technique

In SPM Physics essays, students can use a variety of alternatives to start their justifications without always using "to." Here are some options:

1. In order to:
• Example: "In order to prevent the sun's rays from shining into the house..."
2. So that:
• Example: "So that the temperature of the house decreases..."
3. For the purpose of:
• Example: "For the purpose of ensuring direct sunlight does not hit the house..."
4. With the aim of:
• Example: "With the aim of reducing the temperature inside the house..."
5. To achieve:
• Example: "To achieve a cooler indoor environment, it is necessary to..."
6. As a means to:
• Example: "As a means to prevent direct sunlight from entering the house..."
7. For the reason of:
• Example: "For the reason of reducing the heat inside the house..."
8. So as to:
• Example: "So as to avoid the sun's rays from shining into the house..."

These alternatives can help students vary their sentence structure and avoid repetition in their essays.

So as to, in order to, we craft our way,
For the purpose, with the aim, clear words we say.
So that, as a means, our goal is set,
For the reason, we write to never forget!

Structuring Justifications in Physics: A General Sentence Format

Say It Right: Precise Language for SPM Physics Success (Precision in Forces and Motion Terminology)

Terms to Avoid in Topic Forces and Motion and Suggested Alternatives:

 1. "Quickly" or "Slowly": 

        Reason: Vague and not quantitatively descriptive. 

        Alternative: Use specific terms like "rapidly" or "at a high velocity" and provide numerical values         if possible.

 2. "Strong" or "Weak": 

        Reason: Non-specific and lacks context.

         Alternative: Use "high magnitude" or "low magnitude" of force, or provide the exact force value             in Newtons (N).

 3. "Fast" or "Slow" Sec C, Q11(SPM 2021):

         Reason: Relative and imprecise.

         Alternative: Use specific terms like "high speed," "low speed," "high velocity," or "low velocity,"         with numerical values if applicable.

 4. "Pushes" or "Pulls" Sec C, Q11(SPM 2021):

        Reason: While not incorrect, these terms can be oversimplified. 

        Alternative: Use "applies a force," "exerts a force," “produces a lift force” or specify the type of             force (e.g., tension, compression). 

5. "Moves": 

        Reason: Too general.

        Alternative: Use "accelerates," "decelerates," "changes position," "travels," or specify the type of             motion (e.g., linear, rotational).

 6. "Stops" or "Starts": 

        Reason: Simplistic and lacks detail. 

        Alternative: Use "comes to a rest," "begins motion," "initiates movement," "ceases motion," or                 describe the change in velocity. 

7. "Heavy" or "Light": 

        Reason: Relative and subjective. 

        Alternative: Use specific mass values in kilograms (kg) or refer to the object's weight in Newtons             (N).