Physics examines the ways in which matter and energy influence one another and how they impact each other across time and space. Physics functions in an exciting dimension. In essence, new discoveries continuously transform the landscape of physics. Consequently, many people define physics based on its past rather than its present and future.
Many students struggle with A-level physics to different extents, mainly because of the extensive syllabus. There is also this mindset that this subject is too difficult. Keep an open mind and stay positive. With good planning and focused attention from the start of the term, you can grasp the subject and develop a genuine interest in it. Give it a chance!
Here are some great resources to help you study and get a solid grip on A-level physics.
Holy Grail
The Holy Grail is an awesome resource for A-level students, packed with exam papers from 2008 to 2024. It pulls together preliminary papers from almost all junior colleges and subjects, including H1 and H2 Physics. A lot of these papers come with the correct answers, so you won’t have to waste time hunting online for extra practice after you’re done with the ten-year series (TYS). Practising using these papers will help you understand the format and marking scheme of A-level physics.
In addition, there are notes from different schools on all sorts of topics. You can check them out in the Library section of the website. They're available for everyone, even if you don't have an account with Holy Grail. This is a highly recommended resource by the majority of students who have attempted A-levels in Singapore.
Science Shorts
This YouTube channel is an amazing resource for A-level physics students, offering a wealth of information and engaging explanations that can significantly enhance their understanding of key concepts. Although the content is not tailored specifically for the Singapore syllabus, the principles and theories covered in the videos can help students strengthen physics concepts.
The videos in this channel are concise and well-structured focussing on key physics topics, such as forces, motion, and nuclear physics, which align with the A-level syllabus.
Each video is made clear with diagrams, animations, and real-life examples to help make the complex theories easier to understand. This way, students can see the concepts in action and link them to real-life situations, which boosts their learning experience.
Additionally, the channel's emphasis on problem-solving techniques can be particularly beneficial, helping students prepare for exams with confidence.
The Organic Chemistry Tutor
This YouTube channel serves as an excellent resource specifically tailored for A-level physics students in Singapore. While it has gained recognition mainly for its comprehensive chemistry tutorials, it also offers an extensive array of content dedicated to mathematics and physics. This diverse collection of resources is particularly beneficial for students who are struggling with difficult concepts and topics in these subjects, providing them with the support they need to excel in their studies. Whether you're looking to strengthen your understanding of fundamental principles or dive into more advanced material, this channel is a valuable tool for enhancing your learning experience.
The clear, step-by-step breakdowns make complex topics like kinematics, work, energy and power easier to understand, which are all key parts of the A-level physics syllabus.
If you're having trouble with the basics or need help with some tricky and challenging topics, The Organic Chemistry Tutor's videos are a great way to boost your physics skills and do better in your A-level physics exam. They’re flexible and easy to access, making it convenient to learn at your own pace.
XMPhysics
This website helps students who are getting ready for the A-level Physics Examinations (H2 Syllabus 9749), providing an extensive range of learning materials and more.
This educational platform, run by a dedicated H2 Physics teacher from Hwa Chong Institution, is a treasure trove of rich resources. It features meticulously organised notes that break down complex concepts, engaging conceptual videos that illuminate difficult topics, and a wide array of practice questions designed to reinforce learning. The primary aim is to deliver not just surface-level understanding but a profound clarity and in-depth mastery of A-level physics topics. Explore and find out for yourself!
Pocket Physics
The pocket physics app is an invaluable resource for students and enthusiasts alike, offering concise and accessible summaries of essential physics formulas, definitions, and laws. Designed with convenience in mind, it allows users to quickly navigate through organised topics, ensuring that critical information is always at their fingertips. This feature makes it an ideal companion for those last-minute review sessions or for anyone needing to grasp fundamental concepts on the go. You can carry it with you wherever you go and when you have a few minutes to spare, you can take it out and revise. Built specifically for Android devices, the app streamlines the study process, helping you prepare effectively and excel in your A-level physics exam.
Recommended Books
H1 Physics
According to the H1 syllabus, teachers are encouraged to use the following books as references. However, as stated in the syllabus, teachers have the discretion to select texts that they believe will engage their students and align with their teaching style. Therefore, students should confirm with their respective teachers which books they should refer to.
- Practice in Physics (4th Edition), by Akrill et al, published by Hodder Education, ISBN 1-444-12125-1
- New Understanding Physics for Advanced Level (4th Edition), by J Breithaupt, published by Nelson Thornes, ISBN 0-748-74314-6
- Advanced Physics (5th Edition), by T Duncan, published by Hodder Education, ISBN 0-719-57669-5
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics (9th Edition), by R Serway and J Jewett, published by Brooks/Cole, ISBN 1-133-95399-9
- Fundamental of Physics (10th Edition), by R Resnick, D Halliday and J Walker, published by Wiley, ISBN 1-118-23071-X
- Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition), by D C Giancoli, published by Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-321-62592-2
- College Physics, by P P Urone, published by Brooks/Cole, ISBN 0-534-37688-6
- AS/A Level Physics – Essential Word Dictionary by Mike Crundell, ISBN: 0860033775
- Advanced Physics by Steve Adams and Jonathan Allday, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 978-0-19-914680-2
- Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics Coursebook by Sang, Janoes, Woodside and Chandha, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781107697690
H2 Physics
Teachers are encouraged to use the books listed in the H2 syllabus as references (listed below), but they can choose other texts that engage their students and fit their teaching style. Students should check with their teachers to find out which books to use.
- Practice in Physics (4th Edition), by Akrill et al., published by Hodder Education, ISBN 1-444-12125-1
- New Understanding Physics for Advanced Level (4th Edition), by J Breithaupt, published by Nelson Thornes, ISBN 0-748-74314-6
- Advanced Physics (5th Edition), by T Duncan, published by Hodder Education, ISBN 0-719-57669-5
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics (9th Edition), by R Serway and J Jewett, published by Brooks/Cole, ISBN 1-133-95399-9
- Fundamental of Physics (10th Edition), by R Resnick, D Halliday & J Walker, published by Wiley, ISBN 1-118-23071-X
- Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition), by DC Giancoli, published by Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-321-62592-2
- College Physics, by PP Urone, published by Brooks/Cole, ISBN 0-534-37688-6
- AS/A-Level Physics – Essential Word Dictionary by Mike Crundell, ISBN: 0860033775
- Advanced Physics by Steve Adams and Jonathan Allday, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 978-0-19-914680-2
- Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics Coursebook by Sang, Janoes, Woodside and Chandha, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9781107697690
- The Language of Mathematics in Science: A Guide for Teachers of 11–16 Science, by R Boohan, published by Association for Science Education, ISBN 9780863574559
H3 Physics
These are the recommended books listed in the H3 physics syllabus for students. Keep in mind that this list is in no way exhaustive:
- Abbott, E and Banchoff, T (2015). Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
- Feynman, R and Zee, A (2014). QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
- Hawking, S (2016). The Illustrated A Brief History of Time/The Universe in a Nutshell. London: Bantam.
- MacKay, D (2009). Sustainable Energy – Without The Hot Air. Cambridge, England: UIT.
- Munroe, R (2014). what if? New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Povey, T (2015). Professor Povey's Perplexing Problems: Pre-University Physics and Maths Puzzles with Solutions. London: Oneworld Publications.
- Randall, L (2015). Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs: The Astounding Interconnectedness of the Universe. New York, NY: Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
Do you need help with A-level physics? On Superprof, you'll discover top-notch physics private tutors in Singapore who have extensive experience. They can assist you in getting ready for your school and university exams with their thorough understanding of physics. Additionally, these instructors will help you prepare for competitive exams, ensuring you achieve great scores in A-level physics and follow your aspirations.
You can sign up for free on the Superprof website and browse through numerous tutors’ profiles. Each profile includes genuine ratings, reviews, and testimonials from former students, helping you find a tutor that meets your needs. You can also message the tutor directly to share your current qualifications and any questions you have about the subject.
You can select a convenient schedule and attend the first class to evaluate how the teacher explains physics concepts. On Superprof, classes are billed by the hour, meaning you won't incur any additional fees for registration or consultations. This provides a cost-effective way to study from home and receive instruction from top teachers, whether online or in person. The decision is yours!
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