Physics
Physics
Physics
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HSSC – I
1. Principles of Accounting paper – I 100 marks
2. Principles of Economics paper – I 75 marks
3. Principles of Commerce paper – I 75 marks
4. Business Mathematics paper – I 50 marks
HSSC – II
1. Principles of Accounting paper – II 100 marks
2. Commercial Geography paper – II 75 marks
3. Computer Studies/Typing/Banking paper – II 75 marks
4. Statistics paper – II 50 marks
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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF EDUCATION POLICY
(1998 – 2010)
AIMS
After independence in 1947 efforts were made to provide a definite direction to education
in Pakistan. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah laid down a set of aims that provided
guidance to all educational endeavours in the country. This policy, too has sought inspiration and
guidance from those directions and the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The policy
cannot put it in a better way than the Quaid’s words:
“You know that the importance of Education and the right type of education, cannot be
overemphasized. Under foreign rule for over a century, sufficient attention has not been
paid to the education of our people and if we are to make real, speedy and substantial
progress, we must earnestly tackle this question and bring our people in consonance with
our history and culture, having regard for the modern conditions and vast developments
that have taken place all over the world.”
“There is no doubt that the future of our State will and must greatly depend upon the type
of education we give to our children, and the way in which we bring them up as future
citizens of Pakistan. Education does not merely mean academic education. There is
immediate and urgent need for giving scientific and technical education to our people in
order to build up our future economic life and to see that our people take to science,
commerce, trade and particularly well-planned industries. We should not forget, that we
have to compete with the world which is moving very fast towards growth and
development.”
“At the same time we have to build up the character of our future generation. We should
try, by sound education, to instill into them the highest sense of honour, integrity,
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responsibility and selfless service to the nation. We have to see that they are fully
qualified and equipped to play their part in various branches of national life in a manner
which will do honour to Pakistan.”
These desires of the Quaid have been reflected in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic
of Pakistan and relevant articles are:
Provide basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical
relief for all such citizens irrespective of sex, caste, creed or race as are permanently or
temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or
unemployment;
Remove illiteracy and provide free and compulsory secondary education within minimum
possible period.
Enable the people of different areas, through education, training, agricultural and
industrial development and other methods, to participate fully in all the forms of national
activities including employment in the service of Pakistan;
The State shall discourage parochial, racial, tribal, sectarian and provincial prejudices
among the citizens.
Reduce disparity in the income and earnings of individuals, including persons in various
classes of the service of Pakistan.
Steps shall be taken to ensure full participation of women in all the spheres of national
life.
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The vision is to transform Pakistani nation into an integrated, cohesive entity, that can
compete and stand up to the challenges of the 21st Century. The Policy is formulated to realize
the vision of educationally well-developed, politically united, economically prosperous, morally
sound and spiritually elevated nation.
OBJECTIVES
To make the Qur’anic principles and Islamic practices as an integral part of curricula so
that the message of the Holy Quran could be disseminated in the process of education as well as
training. To educate and train the future generation of Pakistan as true practicing Muslims who
would be able to usher in the 21 st century and the next millennium with courage, confidence,
wisdom and tolerance.
To meet the basic learning needs of a child in terms of learning tools and contents.
To ensure that all the boys and girls, desirous of entering secondary education, get their
basic right through the availability of the schools.
To prepare the students for the world of work, as well as pursuit of professional and
specialized higher education.
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To increase the effectiveness of the system by institutionalizing in-service training of
teachers, teacher trainers and educational administrators. To upgrade the quality of pre-service
teacher training programmes by introducing parallel programmes of longer duration at post-
secondary and post-degree levels.
To develop opportunities for technical and vocational education in the country for
producing trained manpower, commensurate with the needs of industry and economic
development goals.
To popularize information technology among students of all ages and prepare them for
the next century. To emphasize different roles of computer as a learning tool in the classroom
learning about computers and learning to think and work with computers and to employ
information technology in planning and monitoring of educational programmes.
To encourage private sector to take a percentage of poor students for free education.
To institutionalize the process of monitoring and evaluation from the lowest to the
highest levels. To identify indicators for different components of policy, in terms of quality and
quantity and to adopt corrective measures during the process of implementation.
To upgrade the quality of higher education by bringing teaching, learning and research
process in line with international standards.
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RATIONALE FOR PHYSICS SYLLABUS
The study of physics relies on the understanding and application of a small number of
basic laws and principles that govern the microscopic and macroscopic worlds. The study of
physics provides students with an understanding of systems that is the basic of the development
of technological applications.
Physics at intermediate level draws and builds on the knowledge and understanding,
skills, values and attitudes developed in high school. It further develops students’ understanding
of science as a continually developing body of knowledge, the inter disciplinary nature of
science, the role of science in deciding between competing theories, the provisional nature of
scientific explanations and the complex interrelationship between evidence, ideas and impact of
science on society.
The study of physics facilitates learning about the natural environment and man made
environment, exploring phenomenon and patterns of events, acquiring scientific skills and
relating science to everyday life.
It is expected that students studying physics will apply investigations and problem
solving skills, effectively communicate the theoretical concepts, and appreciate the contribution
that the study of physics makes to our understanding of the world.
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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF PHYSICS SYLLABUS
AIMS
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
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6. develop observational skills, confidence in using scientific equipment and relate the
knowledge of scientific concepts to quantitative and physical measurement;
7. understand and appreciate the inter relationship and balance that exists in nature, the
problems associated with the over exploitation of the environmental resources and
disturbance because of the human activities in the ecological balance, thus taking care of
the environment;
8. acquire knowledge, skills, working methods and ways of expression which will
reflect on all round development of the students’ attitudes towards scientific thinking and
its applications;
9. help the students feel that the advancement in physics and its extended applications
are essential for the healthy growth of national economy and to appreciate that physics is a
major part of the modern world;
10. develop attitudes such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, and enquiry.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives of the intermediate level physics course are as follows:
B. Practical skills
Students should be able to:
1. Plan and execute experiments.
2. Handle scientific equipment safely and to the appropriate limit of accuracy.
3. Observe, analyze and present experimental results accurately.
4. Handle simple treatment of errors.
C. Application
Students should be able to:
1. Identify problems in a given situation.
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2. Apply the knowledge of physics in problem solving and experimental
investigation using quantitative, numerical, theoretical and practical techniques.
D. Communication skills
Students should be able to:
1. Compile clear and concise accounts of experimental work and theoretical
treatments.
2. Interpret the recorded data.
3. Use modes to explain phenomena and discuss issues relating to the social,
economic, environmental and technological implications of physics.
E. Attitudes
Students should acquire
1. Inquisitiveness and interest in their study of physics.
2. An appreciation of the role of experimental work in the field of science.
3. An objective attitude towards judgment of evidence.
4. Concern for accuracy and precision.
5. Awareness of contribution of physics to society and the consequences of
application of physics to meet human needs.
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CONTENTS AND SCOPE OF PHYSICS SYLLABUS
Contents Scope
1. Electrostatics (18 periods)
Electric Field Coulomb’s law, example of fields of force. Fields of like
and unlike charges. Field strength (intensity) Principle of
inkjet printer and photostat copier.
Electric Flux, Gauss’s law and its Explanation of electric flux, Statement and proof of
application Guass’s law, simple applications for the determination of
electric field inside a hollow charged spherical conductor,
near charged plane surface and between two oppositely
charged plates.
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Kirchhoff’s Laws Kirchhoff’s laws. Application of Ist law as conservation of
charge and 2nd law as conservation of energy (application
restricted to simple circuits only)
The Potential divider Rheostat, its working and use in the potential divider
circuit.
Balanced potentials The Wheatstone bridge and its use to measure the
resistance. The potentiometer and its use as the
measurement and comparison of emf’s.
Force on moving charged particle Derivation of the expression of force on a moving charged
particle in a uniform magnetic field and in an electric field.
Deflection of beams of charge particles. Measurement of
e/m.
Current carrying rectangular coil Derivation of expression of torque due to couple acting on
in a uniform magnetic field a coil.
Simple A.C generator, D.C Motional e.m.f, Principle, construction and working of AC
generator and D.C Motor generator, DC generator, DC motor, back emf in motors
and back motor effect in generators.
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of Ns/Np = Vs/Vp and VsIs = VpIp or Vs/Vp = Ip/Is for an ideal
transformer, eddy currents and use of laminated core,
Hysterics loss and prevention.
Mechanical properties of solids Elastic and plastic deformations in solids. Tensile and
compression stress. Young’s modulus. Shear modulus and
bulk modulus. Elastic limit and yield strength.
Determination of strain energy in the deformed material
form area under force extension graph.
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Magnetic properties of solids Description of dia, para and ferro magnetic solids,
description of ferro magnets as a special case of para
magnets, magnetic dipoles and domains. Curie point, hard
and soft ferro magnetic substances, description of hystersis
loss.
Photo electric effect Photo electric effect and its explanation on quantum theory
Einstein’s photoelectric equation, Photocell and its uses.
Compton’s effect, pair production, Simple account of Compton’s effect, pair production, pair
pair annihilation and wave nature annihilation. Dual nature of light , De-Broglie’s hypothesis
of particles of wave nature of particles. Davission and Germer
experiment electron microscope (simple working
principle)
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interpretation of Bohr’s orbits. Excitation and ionization
potentials
Uncertainty within the atom Uncertainty regarding position of electron in the atom
Mass defect and Nuclear binding Mass defect. Calculation of binding energy using
energy Einstein’s equation, variation of binding energy per
nucleon with the mass number.
Decay law and Half life Decay law ΔN - NΔt and N = N0e-λt half life.
Detection of Ionising radiation Interaction of nuclear radiations with matter. Simple
treatment of cloud chamber, Geiger counter and Solid state
detector.
Modern view of the building Basic forces of nature. Basic idea of building locks of
blocks of matter matter: hadrons, leptons and quarks.
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LEARNING – TEACHING GUIDELINES
FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
This set of instructional objectives has been compiled to show the level of achievement
that is expected of an average pupil on completing the study of specific parts of the syllabus. It
aims at assisting the teachers in their selection of course materials, learning activities and
instructional methods. It can serve as the learning guidelines for the pupils and the basis of an
evaluation program.
In stating the specific objectives there are two groups of terms having very similar
meaning. The first group is on achievement in recalling facts, which include ‘define’, describe’,
and state. Define refers to a rather formal definition of terms which involves their fundamental
concept. ‘Describe’ refers to the recall of phenomena or processes, ‘State’ is used when the
objective requires the recall of only some aspects of a phenomenon or a process; it limits the
scope of teaching.
The second group is on achievement relating to science experiments. This group includes
‘design’, ‘perform’, ‘demonstrate’. ‘Design’ an experiment would be used when there are
more than one acceptable ways of doing it. Pupils are expected to be able to set up the
experiment by applying what they have previously learned. These experiments may require the
taking of quantitative data or long term observation. ‘Perform’ an experiment, would be used
when the objective emphasizes on the demonstration of experimental skill; the detail of the
experiment could be found in the teachers’ notes or textbooks. ‘Demonstrate’ a phenomenon by
simple experiments is used when the objective emphasizes on the result of the experiment and
the experimental skill involved is very simple, such as passing some gas into a solution
‘Describe’ an experiment is used when pupils are expected to know, in principle, how the
experiment could be carried out and the expected result.
1. Electrostatics
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oUnderstand and describe Coulomb’s law in the form F = for the force
4 0 r2
between two point charges in free space and air.
oDescribe that a charge has a field of force around it.
oRepresent and sketch electric field by means of field lines.
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oUnderstand fields of like and unlike charges.
oCalculate electric field strength of the uniform field between charged parallel plates in
terms of potential difference and separation.
oAppreciate the principle of inkjet printers and photostat copier as an application of
electrostatic phenomena.
oExplain the electric intensity in a free space and in other media.
oDescribe and derive the value of electric charge by Millikan’s method.
oState and prove Gauss’s Law.
oAppreciate the applications of Gauss’s Law.
oExplain electric potential at a point in terms of work done in bringing a unit positive
charge from infinity to that point.
oRelate electric field strength and potential gradient.
oFind expression for potential at a point due to a point charge.
oDefine electron volt (eV).
oRecognize the analogy between quantitative aspects of electric and gravitational forces in
case of inverse square law.
oCalculate the capacitance of parallel plate capacitor.
oRecognize the effect of dielectric on the capacitance of parallel plate capacitor.
oUnderstand and describe electric polarization of dielectric.
oKnow the process of charging and discharging of a capacitor through a resistance.
oCalculate the time constant and find energy expression of a charged capacitor.
2. Current Electricity
oUnderstand the concept of steady current
oDescribe some sources of current
oRecognize effects of currents.
oUnderstand and describe Ohm’s law.
oSketch and explain the current –voltage characteristics of (a metallic conductor at
constant temperature, diode and filament lamp)
oUnderstand resistivity and explain its dependence upon temperature.
oUnderstand and elaborate conductance and conductivity of conductor.
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oCalculate problem relating the variation of resistance with temperature for one
dimensional current flow.
oDescribe the characteristics of thermistor.
oKnow the value of resistance by reading colour code on it.
oUse the energy considerations to distinguish between e.m.f and p.d.
oUnderstand the internal resistance of sources and its consequences for external circuits.
oDescribe the conditions for maximum power transfer.
oKnow and use the application of Kirchhoff’s first law as conservation of charge.
oKnow and use the application of Kirchhoff’s second law as conservation of energy.
oKnow the working and use of rheostat in the potential divider circuit.
oDescribe the function of Wheatstone Bridge to measure the unknown resistance.
oDescribe the function of potentiometer to measure and compare potentials without
drawing any current from the circuit.
3. Electromagnetism
oAppreciate that a force might act on a current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic
field.
oDefine magnetic flux density and the Tesla.
oDerive and use the equation F = ILB Sin Ө with directions.
oUnderstand how the force on a current carrying conductor can be used to measure the
magnetic flux density of a magnetic field using a current balance.
oDescribe and sketch flux patterns due to a long straight wire.
oDefine magnetic flux and the Weber.
oDerive and use the relation Ø = B. A
oUnderstand and describe Ampere’s circuital law
oAppreciate the use of Ampere’s circuital law to find magnetic flux density inside a
solenoid.
oAppreciate that there acts a force on a charged particle moving in a uniform magnetic
field.
oUnderstand and describe method to measure e/m.
oKnow the basic principle of Cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO).
oAppreciate the use of CRO.
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oDerive the expression of torque due to couple acting on a coil.
oKnow the principle, construction and working of a galvanometer.
oKnow how a galvanometer is converted into a Voltmeter and an Ammeter.
oDescribe Avometer/Multimeter.
oRead through analogue scale and digital display on electrical meters.
4. Electromagnetic Induction
oRecall that a change magnetic flux through a circuit causes an e.m.f. to be induced in the
circuit.
oKnow that the induced e.m.f. lasts as long as the magnetic flux keep changing.
oUse Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction to determine the magnitude of induced
e.m.f.
oApply Lenz’s law to determine the direction of induced e.m.f.
oRecognize self and mutual induction.
oDefine mutual inductance and self inductance.
oDefine Henry
oKnow and use the formula E = ½ LI2.
oCalculate the energy stored in an inductor.
oDescribe the principle, construction and operation of an AC generator and DC generator.
oDescribe the principle construction and operation of DC motor.
oRecognize back e.m.f in motors and back motor effect in generators.
oDescribe the structure and principle of operation of transformer.
Ns V
oUse s and VsIs = VpIp for an ideal transformer.
N p Vp
5. Alternating Current
oUnderstand and describe time period, frequency, the peak and root mean square values of
an alternating current and voltage.
oKnow and use the relationship for the sinosidal case.
oUnderstand the flow of A. C. through resistor, capacitors and inductors.
oUnderstand how phase lags and leads in the circuit.
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oApply the knowledge to calculate reactance of capacitors and inductors.
oDescribe impedance as vector summation of resistance.
oKnow and use the formulae of A.C. Power to solve the problems.
oUnderstand the function of resonant circuits.
oAppreciate the principle of metal detectors used for security checks.
oDescribe the three phases of A. C. supply.
oBecome familiar with electromagnetic spectrum (ranging from radio waves to γ rays.)
oKnow the production, transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.
6. Physics of Solids
oDistinguish between the structure of crystalline, glassy, amorphous and polymeric solids.
oUnderstand the idea of lattice and unit cell.
oAppreciate that deformation is caused by a force and that, in one dimension, the
deformation can be tensile or compressive.
oDefine and use the terms Young’s modulus, bulk modulus and shear modulus.
oDescribe an experiment to determine elastic limit and yield strength.
oDistinguish between elastic and plastic deformation of a material.
oSynthesis and deduce the strain energy in a deformed material from the area under the
force-extension graph.
oDescribe the energy bands in solids.
oClassify insulators, conductors, semiconductors on the basis of energy bands.
oDistinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors.
oExplain how electrons and holes flow across a junction.
oDescribe superconductors.
oDistinguish between dia, para and ferro magnetic materials.
oUnderstand and describe the concept of magnetic domains in material.
oKnow the Curie point.
oClassify hard and soft ferro magnetic substances.
oUnderstand Hystersis loss.
oSynthesis from Hystersis loop how magnetic field strength varies with magnetizing
current.
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7. Electronics
oDescribe forward and reverse biasing of a PN junction.
oUnderstand half and full wave rectification.
oKnow the uses of LED, photodiode and photo voltaic cell.
oDescribe the operations of transistor.
oKnow current equation and solve problems.
oUnderstand the use of transistors as a switch and an amplifier.
oUnderstand operational amplifier and its characteristics.
oKnow the applications of an operational amplifier as inverting and non inverting
amplifier using virtual earth concept.
oUnderstand the use of an operational amplifier as a comparator e.g. night switch or
thermostat.
oUnderstand the function of each of the following logic gates: AND, NOT, OR and NAND
gates and represent these functions by means of truth tables (limited to a maximum of
tow inputs)
oDescribe how to combine AND, NOT and OR gates, or NAND gates only, to form EX-
OR and EX-NOR gates.
oUnderstand combinations of logic gates to perform control functions.
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oDescribe Compton’s effect.
oExplain the phenomena of pair production and pair annihilation.
oDescribe De-Broglie’s hypotheses of wave nature of particles.
oDescribe and interpret qualitatively the evidence provided by electron diffraction for the
wave nature of particles.
oUnderstand the working principle of electron microscope.
oUnderstand and describe uncertainty principle.
9. Atomic Spectra
oKnow experimental facts of hydrogen spectrum.
oDescribe Bohr’s postulates of hydrogen atom.
oExplain hydrogen atom in terms of energy levels.
oDescribe De-Broglie’s interpretation of Bohr’s orbits.
oUnderstand excitation and ionization potentials.
oDescribe uncertainty regarding position of electron in the atom.
oUnderstand the production, properties and uses of X-rays.
oDescribe the terms spontaneous emission, stimulated emission, metastable states and
population inversion.
oUnderstand laser principle.
oDescribe the He-Ne gas laser.
oDescribe the application of laser including holography.
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oIllustrate graphically the variation of binding energy per nucleon with the mass number.
oAppreciate the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay.
oExplain the meaning of half life.
oRecognize and use decay law.
oUnderstand and describe the interaction of nuclear radiation with matter.
oUnderstand the use of Wilson cloud chamber, Geiger Muller counter and solid state
detectors to detect the radiations.
oAppreciate that atomic number and mass number is conserved in nuclear process.
oDescribe energy and mass conservation in simple reactions and in radioactive decay.
oUnderstand and describe the phenomena of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
oExplain the working principle of nuclear reactor.
oBeware of various types of nuclear reactors.
oShow an awareness about nuclear radiation exposure and biological effects of radiation.
oDescribe in simple terms the use of radiations, for medical diagnosis and therapy.
oUnderstand qualitatively the importance of limiting exposure to ionizing radiation.
oOutline the use of trace technique to obtain diagnostic information about internal
structures.
oDescribe examples of the use of radioactive tracers in diagnosis.
oDescribe basic forces of nature.
oDescribe the modern view of the building blocks of matter based on hadrons, leptons and
quarks.
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OBJECTIVES OF PRACTICAL WORK
Through experimental work the students are expected to develop the following skills:
Students are required to carry out practical work as an integral part of the course. They are
advised to maintain a laboratory record book in which they record, for all their practical work,
the experimental arrangements used, the observations made and the analysis of these
observations. Particular attention should be placed on the following:
1. Techniques:
i. Reading to the maximum accuracy of linear and angular scales; use of vernier
scales; timing by stop-watch or stop-clock.
ii. Accurate focusing and location of images.
iii. Connecting up and checking electrical circuits from a circuit diagram, drawing a
circuit diagram for a given simple circuit already connected up.
2. Graphical Methods
i. Display of results in tabular and graphical form.
ii. Translate information between graphical, numerical, algebraic and verbal forms.
iii. Accurate plotting with suitable choice of scales.
iv. For linear graph, determine the slope, intercept and intersection.
v. Choose, by inspection, a straight line which will serve as the best straight line
through a set of data points presented graphically.
vi. Recall standard line form y = mx + c and rearrange relationships into linear form
where appropriate.
vii. Understand and use of area below a curve where the area has physical
significance.
Note: Use of centimeter graph be made compulsory.
3. Procedures:
i. Making rough preliminary measurements and calculations where appropriate, e.g.
to assess the best range for accurate measurements.
ii. Careful recording of all actual measurements made.
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4. Order of Accuracy
i. Significant figures and decimal places.
ii. Meaning of absolute and relative (or percentage) error.
iii. Estimates of maximum error in simple cases.
iv. Common-sense appreciation of orders of accuracy of common measurements (not
merely of scale readings) and ability to quote results to a number of significant
figures reasonably in keeping with their estimated accuracy.
5. Error Estimates
Rules for combination of maximum errors in the simple cases:
X + y, xy, x/y, xn.
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PHYSICS PRACTICALS
A. Standard experiments
B. Exercises
At least one exercise based on each of the above mentioned standard experiments making
the total experiments equal to 46.
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TEACHING STRATEGIES
Physics should not be taken as a collection of facts, and teaching of physics should not
emphasize memorization of formal statements by rote, mechanical solution of problems by
formulae or carrying out measurements by following given detailed instructions.
The teachers should be well acquainted with the aims and objectives of the course. To
present physics in a lively, exciting and intelligible way, emphasis should be placed on teaching
for understanding by organized investigation, learning and discussion. A good demonstration can
be used to stimulate learning. It is intended that consideration of everyday industrial and
technological applications should pervade the course. Social, economic and environmental issues
should also be considered where appropriate.
Quantitative treatment is a feature of physics. However, teacher must keep the emphasize
on the understanding of the physical interpretation of theoretical formulae and experimental data.
Practical work is essential for students to gain personal experience of physics through
doing and finding out. Another important objective of science teaching is to develop attitude of
thinking in students. Teachers are encouraged to design their lessons in such a way that suitable
questions avid activities are incorporated in order to develop various types avid levels of thinking
in students, including analysis, evaluation, critical thinking and creative thinking.
Teachers capable in content areas may opt the teaching strategy that matches with
psychology of the students. The strategy like posing problems, discussion, investigations, and
solving the problems with the involvement of the students may provide an ample opportunity in
conceptual clearance of a content.
In general student centred and interactive approaches are useful in providing suitable
learning experiences for stimulating and developing higher level thinking and are highly
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recommended. Teachers may consider to adopt a variety of strategies from the following
spectrum which ranges from very teacher-centred methods to very-students centred methods.
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SPECTRUM OF TEACHING METHODS
Teachers should choose appropriate teaching methods in accordance with the topic/skill
to be taught as well as the interest and abilities of their students. The following are some factors
to be considered when deciding on the teaching methods for a particular topic:
o Learning objectives to be achieved
o Ability of students
o Subject matter
o Availability of resources
o Amount of time available
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ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
4. Classroom examinations offer the best and most reliable evaluation of how well
students have mastered certain information and achieved the course objectives.
Teachers should adopt innovative teaching and assessment methodologies to prepare
the students for the revised pattern of examination. The model papers, instructional
objectives, definitions of cognitive levels and command words and other guidelines
included in this book must be kept in view during teaching and designing the test
items for internal examination.
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DEFINITION OF COGNITIVE LEVELS
Knowledge:
This requires knowing and remembering facts and figures, vocabulary and contexts, and the
ability to recall key ideas, concepts, trends, sequences, categories, etc. It can be taught and
evaluated through questions based on: who, when, where, what, list, define, describe, identify,
label, tabulate, quote, name, state, etc.
Understanding:
Application:
This requires using information or concepts in new situations, solving problems, organizing
information and ideas, using old ideas to create new one and generalizing from given facts,
analyzing relationships, relating knowledge from several areas, drawing conclusions, evaluating
worth, etc. It can be taught and evaluated through questions based on: distinguish, analyze, show
relationship, propose an alternative, prioritize, give reasons for, categorize, illustrate,
corroborate, compare and contrast, create, design, formulate, integrate, rearrange,
reconstruct/recreate, reorganize, predict consequences etc.
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DEFINITION OF COMMAND WORDS
The purpose of command words given below is to direct the attention of the teachers as
well as students to the specific tasks that students are expected to undertake in the course of their
subject studies. Same command words will be used in the examination questions to assess the
competence of the candidates through their responses. The definitions of command words have
also been given to facilitate the teachers in planning their lessons and classroom assessments.
Analyse: Describe with the use of graphs how information on two or more variables
is related to other variables.
Demonstrate: Implies that the candidate is expected to show how one thing is related to
another, usually it is a reference to theory but sometimes it is physical
manipulation or experiment.
Describe: To state in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the main points of the
topic. It is often used with reference either to particular phenomena or to
particular experiments. In the former instance, the term usually implies that
the answer should include reference to (visual) observations associated with
the phenomena.
Determine: Often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but
is obtained by calculation, substituting measured or known values of other
quantities into a standard formula, e.g. relative molecular mass.
Differentiate: Identify those characteristics which are the defining features of two
concepts or phenomena.
Draw/Sketch: implies a simple freehand sketch or diagram. Care should be taken with
proportions and clear labeling of parts.
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Explain: May imply reasoning or some reference to theory, depending on the
context.
Give examples: Name specific instances or cases to demonstrate the occurrence of an event
or existence of a situation or phenomenon.
Identify: Describe with specific examples how a given term or concept is applied in
daily life.
Recognize: Involves looking at a given example and stating what it most probably is.
Relate: Describe how facts or phenomena depend upon, follow from or are part of
another.
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RECOMMENDED REFERENCE BOOKS
In contrast to the previous practice the examination will not be based on a single
textbook, but will now be curriculum based to support the examination reforms. Therefore, the
students and teachers are encouraged to widen their studies and teaching respectively to
competitive textbooks and other available material.
1. Physics 12
Punjab Textbook Board, Lahore
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