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National 5 Physics

Alternative certification model, essential information, course specification.

Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

• N5 Physics Course Specification October 2018

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level

Additional question papers resources

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

• Physics Specimen Question Paper National 5 September 2017
• National 5 Physics Question Paper Section 1 (754 KB)
• National 5 Physics Question Paper Section 2 (1.47 MB)
• National 5 Physics Relationships Sheet (421 KB)
• National 5 Physics Marking Instructions (598 KB)

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

• Coursework assessment task for National 5 Physics June 2020
• Guidance on conditions of assessment

Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

• Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)

Understanding Standards ( 13/03/2024 )

• Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Webinar (recording)

Course assessment 20 June 2017

• Download webinar

Audio Presentation

• Assignment 2023-2024 (15.79 MB)
• Physics Units: assessment and external verification (SCQF level 3 - SCQF level 7) (56.33 MB)

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

• Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Additional Resources session 2020-22

Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.

Course reports ( 02/10/2023 )

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

Course Reports

• 2023 National 5 Physics Course Report   October 2023
• 2022 National 5 Physics course report September 2022
• 2019 National 5 Physics Course Report   September 2019

Data and Relationship sheets

• Physics National 5 Data Sheet  
• Physics National 5 Relationships Sheet  

General marking principles ( Aug 2022 )

• Physics: General marking principles (1.00 MB)

Ushare open learning resources

Where can you take this course?

Centre Finder

Helper-buttons.

National 5 Physics

Entrance Requirements

A National 4 in Physics or a National 5 award in Biology or Chemistry.

The course contains the following units:

Unit 1 - Electricity and Energy

Unit 2 - Dynamics and Space

Unit 3 - Waves and Radiation

At the end of each unit assessments are undertaken by the pupils to check on their progress.

An assignment must also be undertaken in class and written up under exam conditions. This is then sent to the SQA for marking and accounts for 20% of the total mark.

Pupils sit a final examination at the end of the year, which involves a multiple choice and  a written exam. This acounts for 80% of the total mark.

NAT 5 Exam Preparation Checklist and Blank Mind Maps

Read over the checklist for each topic individually and fill in the Blank Mind Map relating to it. This will allow you to put all of your thoughts, ideas and links on a particular topic on one page. 

NAT 5 Equation Tutorials

This section is used to practise your equation work, prefixes and rounding answers correctly.

NAT 5 Class Notes

• 1. NAT 5 - Energy Conversions Notes [pdf 4MB]
• 2. NAT 5 - Electricity Notes [pdf 9MB]
• 3. NAT 5 - Heat Energy Notes [pdf 4MB]
• 4. NAT 5 - Gas Laws Notes [pdf 5MB]
• 5. NAT 5 - Electronics Notes [pdf 8MB]
• 6. NAT 5 - Kinematics Notes [pdf 4MB]
• 7. NAT 5 - Forces Notes [pdf 3MB]
• 8. NAT 5 - Projectiles and Satellites Notes [pdf 4MB]
• 9. NAT 5 - Vectors and Scalars Notes [pdf 2MB]
• 10. NAT 5 - Space Physics Notes [pdf 5MB]
• 11. NAT 5 - Light Notes [pdf 3MB]
• 12. NAT 5 - Sound Notes [pdf 4MB]
• 13. NAT 5 - Waves Notes [pdf 4MB]
• 14. NAT 5 - Nuclear Radiation Notes [pdf 9MB]

NAT 5 Question Bank

• 1. Energy Conversions NAT 5 Questions [pdf 560KB]
• 2A. Electricity 1 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 380KB]
• 2B. Electricity 2 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 441KB]
• 3. Heat Energy NAT 5 Questions [pdf 338KB]
• 4. Gas Laws NAT 5 Questions [pdf 516KB]
• 5. Electronics NAT 5 Questions [pdf 417KB]
• 6. Kinematics NAT 5 Questions [pdf 416KB]
• 7. Forces NAT 5 Questions [pdf 399KB]
• 8. Projectiles and Satellites NAT 5 Questions [pdf 380KB]
• 9. Vectors and Scalars NAT 5 Questions [pdf 262KB]
• 10. Space Physics NAT 5 Questions [pdf 430KB]
• 11. Light NAT 5 Questions [pdf 279KB]
• 12. Sound NAT 5 Questions [pdf 392KB]
• 13. Waves NAT 5 Questions [pdf 466KB]
• 14. Nuclear Radiation NAT 5 Questions [pdf 353KB]

NAT 5 Answer Files

• 1. Energy Conversions NAT 5 Answers [pdf 125KB]
• 2A. Electricity 1 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 220KB]
• 2B. Electricity 2 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 237KB]
• 3. Heat Energy NAT 5 Answers [pdf 215KB]
• 4. Gas Laws NAT 5 Answers [pdf 139KB]
• 5. Electronics NAT 5 Answers [pdf 397KB]
• 6. Kinematics NAT 5 Answers [pdf 156KB]
• 7. Forces NAT 5 Answers [pdf 109KB]
• 8. Projectiles and Satellites NAT 5 Answers [pdf 145KB]
• 9. Vectors and Scalars NAT 5 Answers [pdf 109KB]
• 10. Space Physics NAT 5 Answers [pdf 253KB]
• 11. Light NAT 5 Answers [pdf 420KB]
• 12. Sound NAT 5 Answers [pdf 245KB]
• 13. Waves NAT 5 Answers [pdf 228KB]
• 14. Nuclear Radiation NAT 5 Answers [pdf 209KB]

NAT 5 Homework

• EE 1 - Energy Conversions A [pdf 104KB]
• EE 2 - Energy Conversions B [pdf 184KB]
• EE 3 - Electricity A [pdf 194KB]
• EE 4 - Electricity B [pdf 189KB]
• EE 5 - Heat Energy [pdf 232KB]
• EE 6 - Gas Laws [pdf 139KB]
• EE 7 - Electronics A [pdf 297KB]
• EE 8 - Electronics B [pdf 188KB]
• DS 1 - Kinematics [pdf 392KB]
• DS 2 - Forces [pdf 86KB]
• DS 3 - Projectiles and Satellites [pdf 219KB]
• DS 4 - Vectors and Scalars [pdf 82KB]
• DS 5 - Pimp My Spectroscope [pdf 166KB]
• DS 6 - Space Physics A [pdf 148KB]
• DS 7 - Space Physics B [pdf 158KB]
• WR 1 - Light [pdf 122KB]
• WR 2 - Sound [pdf 207KB]
• WR 3 - Waves A [pdf 79KB]
• WR 4 - Waves B [pdf 115KB]
• WR 5 - Nuclear Radiation A [pdf 238KB]
• WR 6 - Nuclear Radiation B [pdf 275KB]
• WR 7 - Topical Physics Report [pdf 77KB]

NAT 5 Past Papers

The past papers are listed from the specimen to the 2022 paper in order, with the questions and then the answers for each years paper. The topics that the questions come from are also listed above the questions and answers for each years papers. This uses the topic headings used for all of the materials on this NAT 5 web page.

There is also an option to look at the questions and answers in order of the topic that they originate from using the SQA title headings. The instructions on how to use this format can be found from the address below, put together by Mr Davie of Glenrothes High School :

bit.ly/N5pastpapers

• NAT 5 Physics Data Sheet [pdf 253KB]
• NAT 5 Physics Relationship Sheet [pdf 62KB]
• 1. NAT 5 - Electricity and Energy Equations [pdf 1MB]
• 2. NAT 5 - Dynamics and Space Equations [pdf 641KB]
• 3. NAT 5 - Waves and Radiation Equations [pdf 883KB]
• Specimen NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 228KB]
• NAT 5 Specimen Paper Questions & Answers [pdf 3MB]
• 2014 NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 228KB]
• 2014 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 2MB]
• 2014 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 720KB]
• 2015 NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 228KB]
• 2015 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 2MB]
• 2015 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 539KB]
• 2016 NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 228KB]
• 2016 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 1MB]
• 2016 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 673KB]
• 2017 NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 106KB]
• 2017 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 1MB]
• 2017 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 479KB]
• 2018 Specimen NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 227KB]
• NAT 5 2018 Specimen Paper Questions and Answers [pdf 2MB]
• 2018 NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 228KB]
• 2018 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 2MB]
• 2018 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 765KB]
• 2019 NAT 5 Paper Topics [pdf 228KB]
• 2019 NAT 5 Questions [pdf 2MB]
• 2019 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 682KB]
• 2022 NAT 5 Questions Section 1 [pdf 1MB]
• 2022 NAT 5 Questions Section 2 [pdf 2MB]
• 2022 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 580KB]
• 2023 NAT 5 Questions Section 1 [pdf 937KB]
• 2023 NAT 5 Questions Section 2 [pdf 1MB]
• 2023 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 642KB]
• 2024 NAT 5 Questions Section 1 [pdf 651KB]
• 2024 NAT 5 Questions Section 2 [pdf 2MB]
• 2024 NAT 5 Answers [pdf 485KB]

NAT 5 Revision Questions

200 Tantalisers!!!

Electricity & Energy 65

Dynamics and Space 70

Waves & Radiation 65

• NAT 5 - 200 Tantalisers Questions Topics [pdf 182KB]
• 1. NAT 5 Electricity and Energy Questions [ppt 2MB]
• 1. NAT 5 Electricity and Energy Answers [pdf 146KB]
• 2. NAT 5 Dynamics and Space Questions [ppt 3MB]
• 2. NAT 5 Dynamics and Space Answers [pdf 617KB]
• 3. NAT 5 Waves and Radiation Questions [ppt 2MB]
• 3. NAT 5 Waves and Radiation Answers [pdf 221KB]

Kahoot Quizzes

At the end of each of the 14 topics, the pupils will take part in a Kahoot Quiz using their own school iPads. These quizzes are very useful to consolidate the knowledge gained in each topic area and it is a digital learning experience that all of the pupils enjoy.

Search for Quizzes : brianmcmullen (No gaps in the name!!!)

CfE Nuclear Radiation

CfE Kinematics

CfE Projectiles and Satellites

CfE Vectors and Scalars

CfE Space Physics

CfE Energy Conversions

CfE Electricity

CfE Heat Energy

CfE Gas Laws

CfE Electronics

NAT 5 Notes and SQA Past Paper Podcasts

The 14 topics in the course each have a number of podcasts depending on how long the topic is.

Every podcast is approximately 8 minutes long and follows the path of the notes associated with the topic.

The five NAT 5 Past Papers (Specimen, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019) have also been podcast to help with the final exam revision. Every question is individually podcast and lasts approximately 2 or 3 minutes. The topic that the question comes from, the equations and data required and detailed analysis of the explanation and using your knowledge of Physics questions are given.

If you want to have a copy of the NAT 5 Notes Podcasts or the NAT 5 Past Paper Podcasts, then bring your memory stick to Mr McMullen in C216.

NAT 5 Physics Mind Maps Revision

Nat 5 course specification and assignment guide, nat 5 exam marking.

Question Paper  (2.5 hours)

Multiple Choice (25 Marks) + Written Paper (110 Marks => scaled down to 75 marks)

Scaled Marks = 25 + 75 = 100

The assignment is out of a total of 20 Marks => Scaled Marks = 25 

Total Marks

Question Paper + Assignment = 100 + 25 = 125 Scaled Marks

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CfE National 5 Physics Homework booklets for Units 1, 2 and 3. Telecoms resources x10

Subject: Physics

Age range: 11 - 18

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

13 February 2019

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A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

National 5 Physics Complete Course Bundle

National 5 Physics Complete Course Bundle: homework booklets for all units, telecoms resources, and sample research reports.

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N5 (National 5)

Keeping you afloat with Physics

Category: Assignment

Homework n5 starters, this homework is a great introduction to the n5 assignment, which is worth 20% of your exam., national 5 physics assignment starters.

Answer the following Questions from the Understanding Standards website

https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/Physics

It is important that you spend an adequate time on this homework (an hour is advised). If you complete this thoroughly you ought to have a good grasp of what is required for the Assignment at National 5.

• List the twelve experiments that have been given as examples for the N5 Physics Assignment.
• In the marking instructions for the assignment how many marks are available for the underlying Physics?
• What are the six sections in the data collection and handling (and I don’t want 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d! BTW it isn’t even section 4)
• Section 3e and 3f refer to literature and sources. How do you achieve these marks?
• What are the marks awarded for when plotting your graph?
• What must your conclusion be related to, to achieve the mark?
• For candidate 1, how many repeats of the experiment did they make?
• What did candidate 1 do correctly for the graph and what was incorrect?
• Mark Candidate 2’s evidence thoroughly yourself using the marking scheme and compare your answer to the commentary. Record your results and the comparison. Comment on both of these.
• CHOOSE a topic that would be suitable using the Physics Compendium https://mrsphysics.co.uk/n5/  Research some Underlying Physics and find a suitable graph that you can try to replicate.

August 2023

Assignment Practical Sheets

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE SQA

The first thing that you must do before starting your Assignment is to know what you will be doing, what expectations there are and how you will be writing this up. All of this is contained in the candidate guide below.

Candidate Instructions word

Candidate Instructions pdf

Marking Instructions for the N5 Assignment

mark scheme pdf form

mark scheme excel form

In another post ASSIGNMENT PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTAL SHEETS have been uploaded.

I think the following experiments would be suitable-

check that:

• the theory is in the compendium,
• the topic is in the course,
• there is a graph of your experiment online or in one of the text books in school. Does your graph contain data ie, are there proper points on the graph or is it a trendline- which do you think is better?
• there is theory that you can write about that relates to your experiment.

Remember If you’ve used the results from your experiment to determine further values, you should show at least one sample calculation.

Here is the what you can take into the write-up phase. Collect a polypocket and keep it all in there.

Pupil checklist flyleaf     word     Pupil checklist flyleaf pdf ( Thanks N Forwood)

Assignment Investigation Sheets

NOTE: TO ALL TEACHERS,  IT IS  YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE SHEETS YOU ARE GIVING TO STUDENTS DO NOT BREACH THE STRICT GUIDELINES GIVEN IN THE ASSESSMENT GUIDE AND THAT THESE EXPERIMENT SHEETS MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS . YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR OWN RISK ASSESSMENTS, ITEMS IN THESE SHEETS ARE A GUIDE. 

I have updated the sheets for the 2023 session,

The ones with the mrsphysics logo have been updated.

This table has more than one page!

3779phys2_tcm4-124418  Again this is a temporary file until I can get the experiment cards organised but the experiments you could choose can be found on pp 33, 34, 36, 37, 76, 77, 87, 125

N5 Assignment from 2020

TEACHERS: Mosey along to Usefullinks and I’m going to put some teacher points there for you. I’ll add the link when I’ve added the materials.

A set of PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTAL SHEETS that are in line with the changes brought in for the 2020/21 session.  

This table has the worksheets in word form.

“The experiments detailed in the course specification can be used. Centres are obviously free to choose other experiments if they wish, as long as they’re commensurate with the level. One of the advantages of using the experiments in the course is that you can be sure that the physics is accessible and at the correct level. In the past, we saw some examples where centres had used rotational motion experiments with N5 candidates, and you could tell that the candidates had no clue what they were doing. It’s also been obvious at National 5 level that some centres are still using kits they had for Standard Grade investigations, which is fine, but you do need to make sure that the underlying physics is accessible. To give an example, solar cells was always a popular topic for Standard Grade and we see centres using them for National 5, but explaining how a solar cell produces a potential difference is something N5 candidates will probably struggle with. Your colleagues may wish to have a look at the Physics pages on the Understanding Standards website: SQA – Understanding Standards: Introduction  (Nat 5) SQA – Understanding Standards: Introduction  (Higher) where they will see several exemplars based on the experiments detailed in the course specification. If you have things that have worked well in the past, then it’s worth remembering that nothing has changed in any of the coursework requirements, and therefore they should still work in the same way.” SQA Good Guy

Here is a marking grid, obviously only if you are able to find time for a practice. It is not to be used to tentatively mark the student assignment being sent to the SQA.

Marking grid.docx

This is the info for N5 from August 2020

The material has recently been published on the Understanding Standards Website SQA Physics N5 INFO

N5 Candidate 1

N5 Commentary 1

Above gives an example of the new Assignment requirements. It is vital that you don’t copy or even attempt to copy this assignment. If you are likely to copy other people’s work it is best to choose another topic.

Initial Task- vital

Before Starting on your assignment take time to go over the following, it is vital that you know what you are doing.

PhysicsN5CAT

Understanding Standards Webinar

To kick you off with your assignment Mr Forwood has supplied the following document.

N5 Assignment instructions  (editable in word)

N5 Assignment instructions (pdf file)

The document below is one that I started in the holidays but got distracted. I will get something together a.s.a.p but until then make do with this starter!

Practical titles

You must also correctly reference your work, learn how to do this with the following link.

Exeter.ac.uk/studyskills/harvard_referencing.htm

https://www.portland-place.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/GCSE-Combined-SciencePhysics-Set-Practicals-1.pdf

Outcome 1, experimental write up

Changes have been introduced this session and you can read details by following the link below, although it is very much “teacher speak”

http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/PhysicsN5GuidanceSession1617.pdf

We will be continuing to use the old system of marking for the unit assessments as there is a possibility that these tests might be abandoned in future years, there is no point re-writing them.

Part of the National 5 course requires you to produce an experimental write up. It is good scientific practice. A threshold was introduced in the session 2016-2017, you are now only required to pass 5 out of 6 assessment standards to pass the overall outcome 1.

Below is the mark sheet to ensure that you’ve covered all the requirements, in both pdf and word format.

There are also two documents to help with your write up.

N5 Outcome 1 word N5 Outcome 1 pdf

Outcome 1 – Guide Nat 5 Thanks to Banff Academy for this document

WRITING UP O1 word    WRITING UP O1 pdf

Here it is in simple form

Experimental Write Up

Your best work. Rulers, sharp pencils etc.

Correct use of terminology and units at all times.

(No voltage in/ through) (No current across)

Title    Short and relevant with date.

Aim     What are you trying to find out/prove?

To find out how “ something ” affects “ something else ”.

Method     Instructions on how to complete the experiment; make it reliable and make it a fair test:

Set up the following apparatus (draw a good labelled diagram).

The “ something ” was set at a “ value ” and increased by an “ amount ” using the “ piece of equipment ”.  The “ something else ” was noted    at each value using the “ other piece of equipment ”.  Other variables were kept constant by…….

Results      Display the findings.

A neat table with headings and units.

An appropriate graph of “ something ” on the x-axis and “ something else ” on the y-axis.

Conclusion     What did you find out?

As the “ something ” is increased / decreased, the “ something else ” increased / decreased / stayed the same.   Also include “directly/inversely proportional” if appropriate.

Evaluation      Are there any improvements that could be made to your experiment to reduce uncertainties?

Physics@Hyndland

Hyndland Science Faculty

S4 National 5 Prelim Practice Problem set is now available from the link opposite.  Click the link and choose the Exercise assigned by your teacher.