Physics practical calls for meticulous and sensitivity when taking readings, persisting negligence and lack of timely exposure to practical are one of the chief causes of failure among the candidates. As WAEC tradition, the following are the reasons why candidates fail WAEC physics practical 2011. Prospective candidates are strongly advice to improve where necessary.
Candidates Weaknesses
Some of the candidates were unable to:
- read the required values of angles correctly using the protractor
- evaluate the logarithms of the current and voltage correctly
- plot graph of the logarithmic values
- draw correct lines of best fit for graphs
- obtain correct and neat traces of ray diagrams.
- state snell’s law of refraction correctly.
- convert values to S.l units.
- distinguish between the axes
- disregard to instructions e.g. not starting a graph from origin when required to do so; non-attachment of traces to the answer booklet as in question 2.
- state effect of increase in x on brightness of the bulb nor reasons for answers given.
Suggested Remedies
The suggested remedies from the chief examiner were as follows:
- Physics teachers should endeavour to conduct constant and regular practical classes early enough.
- WAEC should strictly ensure that laboratories are well equipped before schools are accredited to write WASSCE
- Teachers should be encouraged to attend coordination meetings even when they are not invited, so that they can acquire more experience.
- Teachers should ensure that apparatus supplied to candidates are in good conditions.
- Teachers, should give regular drills, exercises in conversion of values, decimal places/significant figures, logarithms.
Candidates Strength
Candidates showed improvement in the:
- tabulation of data obtained
- recording of measured and calculated values to the required number of decimal places
- plotting of graphs using correct and suitable scales
- stating of precautions in appropriate and acceptable language
- listing of examples of Non-ohmic conductors
- listing of four applications of plane mirror
- determination of L from the graph when d = 90cm and the value of L corresponding to t = 12s
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