← Physics syllabus

ScotlandPhysics

Area 4: Investigating Physics

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you plan, carry out and report the Advanced Higher Physics project?

Planning an investigation, gathering and processing raw data with uncertainties, and writing the project report that contributes 30 marks to the award.
An SQA Advanced Higher Physics answer on the project, covering how to plan an experimental investigation, gather and process raw data with full uncertainty analysis, and write the report that contributes 30 marks (25 per cent) of the course award.
14 min answer →

How do we quantify and combine uncertainties and analyse experimental data?

Random, systematic and reading uncertainties, absolute and percentage uncertainties, combining uncertainties, and presenting data with graphs, best-fit lines and error bars.
An SQA Advanced Higher Physics answer on uncertainties and data analysis, covering random, systematic and reading uncertainties, absolute and percentage uncertainties, the rules for combining uncertainties, and presenting data with best-fit lines and error bars.
15 min answer →

How do we use units, prefixes and scientific notation correctly in physics?

SI base and derived units, metric prefixes, scientific notation, significant figures and the consistent handling of units in calculations.
An SQA Advanced Higher Physics answer on units, prefixes and scientific notation, covering SI base and derived units, metric prefixes, writing and manipulating numbers in scientific notation, significant figures, and keeping units consistent in calculations.
13 min answer →