Home > Subjects > Physics > Level 3 > 3.4 Mechanical systems > Key tips
- Subject: Physics
- AS: AS90521
- Level: 3
- Credits: 6
- External
Physics 3.4 Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems
Key tips
- Understand that a physics problem involves a process(es) to find a physical quantity.
- Show all working of your calculations including any rearrangement of formulae.
- Be aware of the appropriate use of significant figures and units. You may use both negative index (for example, m s–2) and slash notation (for example, m/s2) when writing units. However, the examination paper will supply data using negative index notation.
- Know when to use each form of the simple harmonic motion (SHM) formulae.
- Remember that f=1/T in SHM.
- Know how to find the position and velocity of the centre of mass of a system of objects (no formulae for these will be given).
- Remember that conservation of linear momentum requires no external forces; with angular momentum, no external torques.
- Always attempt all questions: you will get credit for progress towards the answer, not just for a completely correct answer.
