How to get a H1 in the Leaving Cert Physics Exam

Log tables

Make the most of your log tables, they can get you lots of marks! You can get the marks for many of the above pesky definitions by defining the terms in a formula. You can also check units in them, find the starting points for derivations, and relationships between variables. Some answers will even be contained in them (e.g. what are two negative leptons bar electrons? The negative muon and negative tau, all found between the covers of the log book). By using them as you study, its familiarity can also jog your memory in the exam.

Incorporate new study methods

Use acronyms and mnemonics to aid your revision. For example, I used the phrase “Granny wears eccentric stuff” to remember the order of the four fundamental forces in increasing strength: gravitational, weak nuclear, electromagnetic and strong nuclear. Make the mnemonic personal to you, and draw on humour to make it stick in your head.

Test Yourself To Prove You're Learning

In addition to practicing past papers, a great way of testing yourself is trying out our Quizzes feature. Based on past exam questions, our Quizzes are a great tool for gauging how much you know on a particular topic and what you still have to learn. Why not give one a go? 

Get artistic

The physics exam may ask you for many diagrams so make sure you’ve practiced drawing them beforehand. This isn’t an art exam so don’t worry about making them look too nice. The key is that they’re large and clear. Label all your parts and make sure to avoid mistakes like whether an ammeter or voltmeter is in series or parallel.

During the exam...

Write all over your exam paper: highlight, circle, jot points, etc. My personal trademark, writing in bright red GO BACK TO AT END! It’s your paper, so use the space as you need it.

Remember: you've got this

Get excited about the subject – it’s much easier to study something when you can find a little joy in what you’re learning! This could be watching a YouTube documentary such as Brian Cox’s A Crash Course in Particle Physics or explaining to your little sibling/cousin/neighbour how a rainbow or mirage is formed and having them think you know everything.

Bonus

For more tips and tricks, read our Physics Guide by clicking the button below.

Best of luck, and most importantly, enjoy the subject!