Singapore · SEABSyllabus
Physics syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the Singapore Physicssyllabus, with a focused answer for each one. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions, and links to related dot points. Written by Claude Opus 4.8, Anthropic's latest AI.
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Module overview →- How fast does a radioactive sample fade away, and what useful jobs does radioactivity do?Define half-life and use it in simple calculations, and describe everyday uses and dangers of radioactivity8 min answer →
- Why do some atoms give out radiation, and how do the three types differ?Describe radioactive decay and compare the nature, charge and penetrating power of alpha, beta and gamma radiation8 min answer →
- What is an atom made of, and how do we describe the tiny nucleus at its centre?Describe the structure of the atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons, and use proton number and nucleon number to write nuclide notation and identify isotopes8 min answer →
Electricity and Circuits
Module overview →- How do current and voltage behave in series and in parallel circuits?Describe how current and voltage divide in series and parallel circuits and find combined resistance8 min answer →
- What is electric charge, and how is an electric current related to it?Describe charging by friction, the forces between charges, and current as the flow of charge7 min answer →
- What do voltage and resistance mean, and how does Ohm's law link them to current?Define voltage and resistance, and use V = I times R and electrical power P = V times I8 min answer →
Energy, Work and Power
Module overview →- What are the different energy stores, and what does it mean to say energy is conserved?Name the energy stores, describe energy transfers, and state the principle of conservation of energy7 min answer →
- How do we calculate the energy of a moving object and of a raised object?Use the formulas for kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy in simple situations8 min answer →
- What does it mean to do work in physics, and how is power different from work?Define work and power, and use work = force times distance and power = work divided by time7 min answer →
Forces and Dynamics
Module overview →- How do forces change the way an object moves, and what does Newton's second law tell us?State Newton's laws of motion and use the relationship F = ma for a single resultant force8 min answer →
- How does friction affect motion, and how do forces make objects turn?Describe friction and its effects, and calculate the moment of a force about a pivot8 min answer →
- What is the difference between a scalar and a vector, and when is an object in equilibrium?Distinguish scalars from vectors, add forces acting in a line, and state the conditions for equilibrium7 min answer →
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Module overview →- How can a magnet and a coil be used to generate electricity?Describe electromagnetic induction and how a generator and transformer make use of it8 min answer →
- How do magnets behave, and what does a magnetic field look like?Describe the properties of magnets, magnetic materials, and the field around a bar magnet7 min answer →
- How does an electric current produce magnetism, and how is this used in motors?Describe the magnetic field of a current, the electromagnet, and the force on a current in a field8 min answer →
Mass, Weight, Density and Pressure
Module overview →- What is density, and how do we measure the density of a solid or a liquid?Define density, use density = mass divided by volume, and describe how to measure it8 min answer →
- What is the difference between mass and weight, and how are they linked by gravity?Distinguish mass from weight and use weight = mass times gravitational field strength7 min answer →
- What is pressure, and why does pressure in a liquid increase with depth?Define pressure, use pressure = force divided by area, and describe pressure in liquids8 min answer →
Measurement and Kinematics
Module overview →- What do distance-time and speed-time graphs tell us about motion, and how do objects fall under gravity?Interpret distance-time and speed-time graphs, and describe free fall and the effect of air resistance8 min answer →
- How do we measure physical quantities, and why does every measurement need a unit and a sensible precision?State the SI base quantities and units, use common prefixes, and choose suitable instruments to measure length and time7 min answer →
- How do we describe how fast something moves and how quickly its motion changes?Define speed, velocity and acceleration, and calculate each using simple one-step formulas8 min answer →
Thermal Physics
Module overview →- Why do some things heat up faster than others, and why does temperature stay constant while ice melts?Use specific heat capacity, and explain melting and boiling using latent heat8 min answer →
- What does temperature really measure, and how does a thermometer work?Explain temperature and thermal energy flow, and describe how a liquid-in-glass thermometer works7 min answer →
- How does thermal energy travel by conduction, convection and radiation?Describe conduction, convection and radiation, and explain everyday ways to control heat transfer8 min answer →
Waves, Light and Sound
Module overview →- What is a wave, and how are speed, frequency and wavelength related?Define wavelength, frequency, amplitude and speed, and use the wave equation v = f times wavelength8 min answer →
- How does light bounce off mirrors and bend when it passes between materials?State the law of reflection and describe refraction when light passes between media7 min answer →
- How is sound made and carried, and how do pitch and loudness depend on the wave?Describe sound as a longitudinal wave, explain pitch and loudness, and use distance = speed times time for echoes7 min answer →