Below are the explanations to 2018 MYE Selected Questions

Hi 3-5 students, sorry for the delay. I started this as through the various consultations, I realise many of you were asking the same questions. There were so many technical errors but I have found a way to provide you with a more detailed explanation of how to go about solving questions in the 2018 MYE.

Do let me know if this is helpful.

Tips on W.A

• The W.A is not that easy but rest assured that the bulk of it is do-able if you have had sufficient practice and understand your concepts well.

• You need to be unafraid of algebra. Many of you have no problem solving questions when numbers are given, but if suddenly numbers are not given, you feel like you cant solve the question. Why not assign your own letters to the question?

• A few questions may require you to think a bit more, but actually knowing you all, I think you will do well, since you all can usually solve the harder questions.

• Also, do be particular about the terms you use. This is a physics assessment, so you have to use physics terms to answer the questions. No layman term, but common sense (or intuition) is welcomed.

• No units are provided, so you have to choose and give your own units unless otherwise stated.

• Time yourself -> don't overspend time on one question. Especially for some of you who may get carried away and rather solve one hard question than 10 easy questions because that gives you more satisfaction. While it does, your marks are at stake too, so try to be more strategic about it :)

• Try to capture the main points as you study. I do this by actually following the thought process behind every argument.

For example, in a P = F/A where I use a nail to poke a balloon. A possible question could be, "Why is it that the balloon does not burst when force applied on the nail is decreased?"

You definitely know that pressure would decrease. And that is the reason why the balloon doesnt burst. But here there are 3 factors (P, F and A). You should address all three factors. In the following answer, I write only the super key points, that would actually be the points to get you the marks.

"since P = F/A , when force decreased, contact area remains the same --> pressure decreases". --> this is what I call the main points. Study the main points so you know what is happening in every question and how to argue well.

You can then add in the flesh to suit the context. For example, to suit the balloon context,

"Since P = F/A, when the force on the nail is decreased, but its contact area with the balloon remains the same, pressure will decrease and hence the balloon did not burst." --> but if you remember this word for word

1. you will find that you have so so much more to remember

2. you will panic once the context changes.

so just remember the key points and how the argument flows, and then you work it to any given context ya!!

ALL THE BEST!!!