UCT Physics PHY121F
Terms used in Examination Questions

• Define. Only a formal statement or equivalent paraphase is required. Often a defining equation, with the symbols identified, will suffice.
• What is meant by... implies that a definition should be given, together with some relevant comment on the significance or context of the term(s) concerned.
• Explain means the concept of phenomenon should be explained in terms of simpler concepts, or first principles
• State implies a concise answer with little or no supporting argument, e.g. a numerical argument that can be obtained by inspection.
• List requires a number of points with no elaboration
• Describe requires stating in words (diagrams can help too) the main points of the topic. Often the answer should include reference to observations that would be made of the phenomenon.
• Discuss requires candiates to give a critical account of the points involved, with references to the physics principles involved.
• Deduce implies that, starting from first principles, or a widely known law of physics, a logical chain of reasoning must be stated that results in the required statement being shown to be true.
• Suggest it may imply that there is no unique answer, or that the phenomenon is a new one, not previously taught in the course. The candidate should offer plausible reasons for the phenomenon
• Calculate is used whenever a numerial answer is required. You should start from a well known equation or formula, apply it to the relevant problem, perform any mathematical manipulations, and substitute in the given parameters of the problem, and present a numerical result (with powers of ten, units, and, if relevant, errors)
• Measure implies that the quantity concenred can be directly obtained from a suitable measuring instrument.
• Determine implies that the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a sutiable measuring instrument, but that a number of variables must be measured, and the desired quantity can be obtained from these.
• Show implies that a logical, physical or mathematical deduction has to be made to prove a given equation, formula, or statement. It is important that terms you use in your answer are stated explicitly.
• Estimate implies a reasoned order of magnitude statement or calculation of the quantity concerned. You can make any simplifying assumptions about points of principle, or values of quantites that you need.
• Sketch (a graph) implies that the shape and/or position of the curve need only be qualitatively correct. But some quantitative aspects must be looked for, e.g. passing through the origin, having an intercept, asymptote or discontinuity. Indicate clearly what quantity is being plotted on each axis.
• Sketch (a diagram) implies that a simple freehand darwing is acceptable, but care should be taken over proportions and the clear expositions of important details, and the labelling of important parts.