GR 10 Exam Guidelines 2024 Eng (3) - 071159
GR 10 Exam Guidelines 2024 Eng (3) - 071159
GR 10 Exam Guidelines 2024 Eng (3) - 071159
EXAMINATION GUIDELINES
GRADE 10
2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Assessment in Grade 10 4 2.1 Format of question papers 4 2.2 Numbering
and sequence of questions 4 2.3 Information sheets 4 2.4 Weighting of
cognitive levels 5 2.5 Weighting of prescribed content 5 2.6 Skills in Physical
Sciences 5 2.7 Prior knowledge from Grade 9 6
Conclusion 34
1. INTRODUCTION
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Physical Sciences outlines
the nature and purpose of the subject Physical Sciences. This guides the philosophy
underlying the teaching and assessment of the subject in Grade 10.
• Provide clarity on the depth and scope of the content to be assessed in the Grade 10
common/national examination in Physical Sciences.
• Assist teachers to adequately prepare learners for the examinations.
This document deals with the final Grade 10 examinations. It does not deal in any depth
with the School-Based Assessment (SBA).
• The National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement
(CAPS): Physical Sciences
• The National Protocol of Assessment: An addendum to the policy document, the
National Senior Certificate: A qualification at Level 4 on the National Qualifications
Framework (NQF), regarding the National Protocol for Assessment (Grades R–12)
• The national policy pertaining to the programme and promotion requirements of the
National Curriculum Statement, Grades R–12
2. ASSESSMENT IN GRADE 10
QUESTION 2 onwards:
Longer questions that will assess skills and knowledge across cognitive levels.
Numbering starts with QUESTION 2 and will be continuous. Subquestions will be
numbered by two digits, e.g. 2.1, 2.2. Numbering is restricted to a maximum of
three digits, e.g. 2.1.1, 2.1.2.
The separate information sheets for Paper 1 and Paper 2 are included in this
document.
• Design/Plan of an investigation:
o Identify variables (dependent, independent and controlled variables).
o List appropriate apparatus.
o Plan the sequence of steps which should include, amongst others: -
The need for more than one trial to minimise experimental errors. -
Identify safety precautions that need to be taken.
- Identify conditions that ensure a fair test.
- Set an appropriate control.
• Graphs:
o Draw accurate graphs from given data/information.
o Interpret graphs.
o Draw sketch graphs from given information.
• Results:
o Identify patterns/relationships in data.
o Interpret results.
• Conclusions:
o Draw conclusions from given information, e.g. tables, graphs.
o Evaluate the validity of conclusions.
• Calculations:
o Solve problems using two or more different calculations (multistep calculations).
• Descriptions:
o Explain/Describe/Argue the validity of a statement/event using scientific
principles.
All skills and application of knowledge learnt in Grade 8 and 9 are applicable to
assessment in Grade 10. Skills and knowledge from Grade 8 and 9 that may be
assessedin Grade 10 include the following:
In symbols: a =Δv
Δt
• Know that acceleration is a vector quantity. Differentiate between positive acceleration,
negative acceleration and deceleration.
Positive acceleration: An object moving in the positive direction is experiencing
anincrease in speed and an object moving in the negative direction is experiencing a
decrease in speed.
Negative acceleration: An object moving in the positive direction is experiencing a
decrease in speed and an object moving in the negative direction is experiencing an
increase in speed
Deceleration: An object is experiencing a decrease in speed.
Energy
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 58–59.)
Gravitational potential energy
• Define gravitational potential energy of an object as the energy it has because of its position
in the gravitational field relative to some reference point.
• Calculate the gravitational potential energy of an object using Ep = mgh OR U = mgh.
Kinetic energy
• Define kinetic energy as the energy an object possesses as a result of its motion. •
Calculate the kinetic energy of an object using Ek = ½mv2 OR K = ½mv2.
Mechanical energy
• Define mechanical energy as the sum of the gravitational potential energy and kinetic
energy.
• Calculate mechanical energy using EM = Ek+ Ep. OR EM = K + U
Pulse, amplitude
• Define a pulse as a single disturbance in a medium.
• Define a transverse pulse as a pulse in which the particles of the medium move at right
angles to the direction of motion of the pulse.
• Define amplitude as the maximum disturbance of a particle from its rest (equilibrium)
position.
Superposition of pulses
• Define the principle of superposition as the algebraic sum of the amplitudes of two pulses
that occupy the same space at the same time.
• Define constructive interference as the phenomenon where the crest of one pulse
overlaps with the crest of another to produce a pulse of increased amplitude. • Define
destructive interference as the phenomenon where the crest of one pulse overlaps
with the trough of another, resulting in a pulse of reduced amplitude.
• Apply the principle of superposition to pulses to explain, using diagrams, how two pulses
that reach the same point in the same medium superpose constructively and
destructively and then continue in the original direction of motion.
Longitudinal waves
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 27-28.)
On a spring
• Define a longitudinal wave as a wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel
to the direction of motion of the wave.
• Draw a diagram to represent a longitudinal wave in a spring, showing the direction of
motion of the wave relative to the direction in which the particles move.
Sound
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 28–29.)
Sound waves
• Explain that sound waves are created by vibrations in a medium in the direction of
propagation. The vibrations cause a regular variation in pressure in the medium. • Describe
a sound wave as a longitudinal wave.
• Explain the relationship between wave speed and the properties of the medium in which
the wave travels (gas, liquid or solid).
• Describe echoes as reflections of sound waves.
• Use the wave equation v = fλ to solve problems involving sound waves that also include
echoes, e.g. sonar, bats and dolphins.
Ultrasound
• Describe sound with frequencies higher than 20 kHz up to about 100 kHz as ultrasound •
Explain how an image can be created using ultrasound based on the fact that when a wave
encounters a boundary between two media, part of the wave is reflected, part is absorbed
and part is transmitted.
• Describe some of the medical benefits and uses of ultrasound, e.g. safety, diagnosis,
treatment and pregnancy.
Electromagnetic radiation
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 29–31.)
Dual (particle/wave) nature of electromagnetic radiation
Explain that some aspects of the behaviour of electromagnetic radiation can best be
explained using a wave model and some aspects can best be explained using a particle
model.
Electromagnetic spectrum
• Given a list of different types of electromagnetic radiation, arrange them in order of
frequency or wavelength.
• Given the wavelength of electromagnetic waves, calculate the frequency and vice versa,
using the equation c = fλ .
• Give an example of the use of each type of electromagnetic radiation, i.e. gamma rays,
X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared, microwave and radio and TV waves. • Indicate
the penetrating ability of the different kinds of electromagnetic radiation and relate it to
energy of the radiation.
• Describe the dangers of gamma rays, X-rays and the damaging effect of ultra-violet
radiation on the skin.
Magnetism
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 38–39.)
Magnetic field of permanent magnets
• Explain that a magnetic field is a region in space where a magnet or ferromagnetic material
will experience a force (non-contact).
Ferromagnetic materials: Materials that are strongly attracted by magnets and are
easily magnetised. Examples are iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys.
Non-contact force: A force exerted on an object without touching the object. • Compare
magnetic fields with electric and gravitational fields. An electric field is a region in space
where an electric charge will experience an electric force. A gravitational field is a region in
space where a mass will experience a gravitational force.
Poles of permanent magnets, attraction and repulsion, magnetic field lines • Describe a
magnet as an object that has a pair of opposite poles, called north and south (or
north-seeking and south-seeking). Even if the object is cut into tiny pieces, each piece will
still have both a north and a south pole.
• Apply the fact that like magnetic poles repel and opposite poles attract to predict the
behaviour of magnets when they are brought close together.
• Sketch magnetic field lines to show the shape, size and direction of the magnetic field of
different arrangements of bar magnets.
• Describe properties of magnetic field lines:
o The more closely spaced the field lines are at a point the greater the field at that
point.
o Arrows drawn on the field lines indicate the direction of the field.
o The direction of a magnetic field points from the North to the South Pole.
o Magnetic field lines never cross.
Charge conservation
• State that the SI unit for electric charge is the coulomb (C).
• State the principle of conservation of charge: The net charge of an isolated system remains
constant during any physical process e.g. two charges making contact and then separating. •
Apply the principle of conservation of charge.
When two identical conducting objects having charges Q1 and Q2 on insulating stands
touch, each object has the same final charge on separation.
Charge quantization
• State the principle of charge quantization: All charges in the universe consist of an integer
multiple of the charge on one electron, i.e. 1,6 x 10-19 C.
• Apply the principle of charge quantization: Q = nqe, where qe= 1,6 x 10-19 C and n is an
integer.
Electric Circuits
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 42–45.)
Terminal potential difference and emf
• Define potential difference across the ends of a conductor as the energy transferred per
Current
• Define current strength, I, as the rate of flow of charge. It is measured in ampere (A), which
is the same as coulomb per second.
Q
• Calculate current strength in a conductor using the equation I = .
Δt
Q is the symbol for electric charge measured in coulomb (C). One coulomb is defined
as the charge transferred in a conductor in one second if the current is one ampere. •
Indicate the direction of conventional current (from positive to negative) in circuit diagrams
using arrows.
Resistors in series
• Know that current is the same through each resistor in a series circuit. • Describe series
circuits as potential difference dividers because the total potential difference is equal to the
sum of the potential differences across all the individual components.
• Calculate the equivalent (total) resistance of resistors connected in series usingRs = R1 + R2
+…
Resistors in parallel
• Know that potential difference is the same across resistors connected in parallel. • Describe
parallel circuits as current dividers because the total current in the circuit is equal to the sum
of the branch currents.
1 1 1
• Calculate the equivalent (total) resistance of resistors connected in parallel using = + +
...
Rp R1 R2
Atomic structure
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 37.)
Isotope
• Define isotopes as atoms of the same element having the same number of protons, but
different numbers of neutrons.
• Define relative atomic mass as the mass of a particle on a scale where an atom of carbon
12 has a mass of 12.
• Calculate the relative atomic mass of naturally occurring elements from the percentage of
each isotope in a sample of the naturally occurring element and the relative atomic
mass of each of the isotopes.
• Represent atoms using the notation A E where E is the symbol of the element, Z is the Z
atomic number and A is the mass number.
Electron configuration
• Use Aufbau diagrams (orbital box diagrams) and the electron configuration notation (sp
notation) to give electronic arrangements of atoms up to Z = 20.
• Know that every orbital corresponds to a specific energy value that electrons have when
occupying it. Describe atomic orbitals as the most probable regions in space where
electrons that have the specific energy corresponding to the orbital are found.
• Describe the shape of s-orbitals as spherical and that of p-orbitals as pairs of dumb-bells
aligned along the x-, y- and z-axes at 90° to each other.
• State Hund's rule: No pairing in p orbitals before there is not at least one electron in each of
them.
• State Pauli's Exclusion Principle: Maximum of two electrons per orbital provided that they
spin in opposite directions.
Periodic Table
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 37.)
The positions of the elements in the periodic table related to their electronic
arrangements
• Describe the periodic table as displaying the elements in order of increasing atomic number
and showing how periodicity of the physical and chemical properties of the elements
relates to atomic structure.
• Define the group number and the period number of an element in the periodic table.
Groups are the vertical columns in the periodic table. Some groups have names, e.g.
alkali metals (group I), earth-alkaline metals (group II), halogens (group 17 or VII) and
noble gases (group18 or VIII).
Periods are the horizontal rows in the periodic table.
• Relate the position of an element in the periodic table to its electronic structure and vice
versa.
• Describe periodicity from Li to Ar in terms of atomic radius, ionisation energy, electron affinity
and electronegativity. Describe the changes in terms of change in charge of the nucleus
and distance between the nucleus and the electron. Periodicity is the repetition of
similar properties in chemical elements, as indicated by their positioning in the periodic
table.
• Define atomic radius, ionisation energy, electron-affinity and electronegativity. Atomic
radius: Radius of an atom, i.e. the mean distance from the nucleus to the border of the
outer orbital.
Ionisation energy: Energy needed per mole to remove an electron(s) from an atom in
the gaseous phase.
First ionisation energy: Energy needed per mole to remove the first electron from an
atom in the gaseous phase.
Electron affinity: The energy released when an electron is attached to an atom
or molecule to form a negative ion.
Electronegativity: A measure of the tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract
bonding electrons.
Chemical bonding
(This section must be read in conjunction with the CAPS, p. 25.)
Covalent bonding, ionic bonding and metallic bonding
• Define a chemical bond as a mutual attraction between two atoms resulting from the
simultaneous attraction between their nuclei and the outer electrons. (The energy of the
combined atoms is lower than that of the individual atoms resulting in higher stability.) • Draw
Lewis dot diagrams of elements.
A Lewis dot diagram is a structural formula in which valence electrons are represented
by dots or crosses. It is also known as an electron dot formula, a Lewis formula, or an
electron diagram.
• Define a covalent bond as the sharing of electrons between atoms to form molecules.
Molecule: A group of two or more atoms that are covalently bonded and that functions
as a unit.
• Draw Lewis dot diagrams of simple covalent molecules containing single, double and triple
,C
covalent bonds: H2; F2 ℓ2, O2, N2, HF, HCℓ, CH4, NH3, H2O
In a Lewis dot diagram two dots between atoms represent a covalent bond. These two
electrons are known as a bonding pair, whilst non-binding electron pairs are called lone
pairs.
• Write names and formulae of covalent compounds.
• Define ionic bonding as the transfer of electrons to form cations (positive ions) andanions
(negative ions) that attract each other to form a formula-unit.
A formula-unit is the most simple empirical formula that represents the compound. An
ion is a charged particle made from an atom by the loss or gain of electrons. An anion
(negative ion) is a charged particle made from an atom by the gain of electrons A cation
(positive ion) is a charged particle made from an atom by the loss of electrons. • Draw Lewis
dot diagrams of cations and anions.
NaCℓ,
• Draw Lewis dot diagrams to show the formation of simple ionic compounds such as
KCℓ, KBr, CaCℓ
2 and MgBr2.
• Predict the ions formed by atoms of metals and non-metals by using information in the
periodic table. Metals occur on the left-hand side of the periodic table and form positive
ions, whilst non-metals occur on the right-hand side of the periodic table and form
negative ions.
• Name ionic compounds based on the component ions.
• Describe the structure of the sodium chloride crystal. In the crystal each sodium ion is
surrounded by six chloride ions to form a cubic structure. Each chloride ion is also
surrounded by six sodium ions.
A crystal lattice: An orderly three-dimensional arrangement of particles (ions, molecules
or atoms) in a solid structure.
• Define metallic bonding as the bond between positive ions and delocalised valence
electrons in a metal.
Valence electrons or outer electrons are the electrons in the highest energy level of an
atom in which there are electrons.
• Calculate relative molecular masses for covalent molecules, e.g. Mr(HCℓ) = 35,5.
• Calculate relative formula masses for ionic compounds, e.g. Mr(NaCℓ) = 57,5.
Chemical structure
Ionic structures Covalent structures Metallic structures Giant ionic lattices e.g.
NaCℓ Giant metallic lattices e.g. Cu
Precipitation reactions
• Write balanced equations to describe the precipitation of insoluble salts. • Explain how to
test for the presence of the following anions in solution and write chemical equations:
o Chlorides – using silver nitrate and nitric acid.
o Bromides – using silver nitrate and nitric acid.
o Iodides – using silver nitrate and nitric acid.
o Sulphates – using barium nitrate and nitric acid.
o Carbonates – using barium nitrate and nitric acid (precipitate dissolves in nitric acid)
or acid and calcium hydroxide (clear lime water)
• Identify an ion or ions in a solution from a description of the reactants mixed and the
observations of the products.
• Calculate mass, molar mass and number of moles according to the relationship n =m. M
• Determine the empirical formula for a given substance from percentage composition.
Define an empirical formula as the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound. •
Determine the number of moles of water of crystallisation in salts like AℓCℓ3·nH2O. Define
water of crystallisation as water that is stoichiometrically bound into a crystal, e.g. the H2O in
CuSO4·5H2O.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The most common quantities, symbols and SI units used in introductory Physics are listed
below. A quantity should not be confused with the units in which it is measured.
Quantity Preferred Alternative Unit name Unit
symbol symbol symbol
mass m kilogram kg
position x, y metre m
displacement Δ x, Δ y s metre m
energy E joule J
work W joule J
force F newton N
weight w Fg newton N
wavelength λ metre m
period T second s
charge Q, q coulomb C
current I, i ampere A
resistance R ohm Ω
NOTE:
1. For marking purposes, alternative symbols will also be accepted. 2. Separate
compound units with a multiplication dot, not a full stop, for example m·s-1.
For marking purposes, m.s-1 will also be accepted.
3. Use the equal sign only when it is mathematically correct, for example:
Incorrect: 1 cm = 1 m (on a scale drawing)
Correct: 1 cm = 10-2 m 1 cm represents 1 m (on a scale drawing)
MOTION/BEWEGING
vf = vi + aΔt Δx = viΔt +1 aΔt22
v2 = v2 + 2aΔx
fi Δx =⎛ vf + vi ⎞
⎜ ⎟Δt
2
⎝ ⎠
E=hf or/of E= hc
λ
Rs = R1 + R2 + ...
V =W
Q
1
(I)
1
H
2,1
1
2
(II)
56
34 7 KEY/SLEUTEL
3 4 Li Be
Electronegativity Elektronegatiwiteit
1,9
29
Cu
Symbol Simbool
56B C
7 8 9 10 N O F Ne
1,0
1,5
63,5
2,0
2,5
3,0
3,5
4,0
7 9 11 12
11 12 13 14
14 16 19 20 15 16 17 18
Na Mg
Benaderde relatiewe atoommassaAℓ Si P
S Cℓ Ar
0,9
1,2
Approximate relative atomic mass
1,5
1,8
2,1
2,5
3,0
23 24
27 28 31
32 35,5 40
19
K
0,8
39
37
Rb
0,8
86
55
Cs
0,7
133
87
Fr
0,7
20
Ca
1,0
40
38
Sr
1,0
88
56
Ba
0,9
137
88
Ra
0,9
226
21
Sc
1,3
45
39
Y
1,2
89
57
La
139
89
Ac
22
Ti
1,5
48
40
Zr
1,4
91
72
Hf
1,6
179
23
V
1,6
51
41
Nb
92
73
Ta
181
58
Ce
140
90
Th 232
1,6
1,8
24
Cr
1,5
52
42
M
1,9
o
96
74
W
184
59
Pr
141
91
Pa 1,8
2,2
25
Mn
1,8
55
43
Tc
2,2
75
Re
186
60
Nd
144
92
U
238 1,8
2,2
26
Fe
1,9
56
44
Ru
101
76
1,9
Os
190
61
Pm
93
Np 27 Co
59
45
Rh
103
77
Ir
192
62
Sm
150
94
Pu 28Ni 59
46
Pd
106
78
Pt
195
63
Eu
152
95
Am 29 C
u
63,
5
47
A
g
108
79
A
u
197
64
Gd 157
96
Cm
65
Tb
159
97
Bk
31
Ga
70
49
In
115
81
Tℓ
204
66
Dy
163
98
Cf
32
Ge
73
50
Sn
119
82
Pb
207
67
Ho
165
99
Es
33
As
75
51
Sb
122
83
Bi
209
68
Er
167
100
Fm
34
Se
79
52
Te
128
84
Po
69
Tm 169
101
Md
35
Br
80
53
I
127
85
At
70
Yb
173
102
No
36
Kr
84
54
Xe
131
86
R
n
71
Lu
175
103
Lr
1,6 1,7
2,5 2,5
4.1 Calculations
4.1.1 Marks will be awarded for: correct formula, correct substitution, correct answer
with unit.
4.1.2 No marks will be awarded if an incorrect or inappropriate formula is used, even
though there may be relevant symbols and applicable substitutions.
4.1.3 When an error is made during substitution into a correct formula, a mark will be
awarded for the correct formula and for the correct substitutions, but no further
marks will be given.
4.1.4 If no formula is given, but all substitutions are correct, the candidate will forfeit
one mark.
4.1.5 No penalisation if zero substitutions are omitted in calculations where correct
formula/principle is given correctly.
4.1.6 Mathematical manipulations and change of subject of appropriate formulae carry no
marks, but if a candidate starts off with the correct formula and then changesthe subject of
the formula incorrectly, marks will be awarded for the formula and the correct substitutions.
The mark for the incorrect numerical answer is forfeited.
4.1.7 Marks are only awarded for a formula if a calculation has been attempted, i.e.
substitutions have been made or a numerical answer given.
4.1.8 Marks can only be allocated for substitutions when values are substituted into
formulae and not when listed before a calculation starts.
4.1.9 Final answers to all calculations, when not specified in the question, must be
rounded off to a minimum of TWO decimal places.
4.1.10 If a final answer to a calculation is correct, full marks will not automatically be
awarded. Markers will always ensure that the correct/appropriate formula is used
and that workings, including substitutions, are correct.
4.1.11 Questions in which a series of calculations have to be made (e.g. a circuit-diagram
question) do not necessarily always have to follow the same order. FULL MARKS
will be awarded, provided it is a valid solution to the problem. However, any
calculation that will not bring the candidate closer to the answer than the original
data, will not count any marks.
4.2 Units
4.2.1 Candidates will only be penalised once for the repeated use of an incorrect unit
within a question.
4.2.2 Units are only required in the final answer to a calculation.
4.2.3 Marks are only awarded for an answer, and not for a unit per se. Candidates will
therefore forfeit the mark allocated for the answer in each of the following
situations: - Correct answer + wrong unit
- Wrong answer + correct unit
- Correct answer + no unit
4.2.4 SI units must be used, except in certain cases, e.g. V∙m-1instead of N∙C-1, and
cm∙s-1 or km∙h-1instead of m∙s-1 where the question warrants this.
4.3 General
4.3.1 If one answer or calculation is required, but two are given by the candidate, only the
first one will be marked, irrespective of which one is correct. If two answers are
required, only the first two will be marked, etc.
4.3.2 For marking purposes, alternative symbols (s, u, t, etc.) will also be accepted. 4.3.3
Separate compound units with a multiplication dot, not a full stop, e.g. m·s-1. For marking
purposes, m.s-1 and m/s will also be accepted.
5.1 Calculations
5.1.1 Marks will be awarded for: correct formula, correct substitution, correct answer
with unit.
5.1.2 No marks will be awarded if an incorrect or inappropriate formula is used, even
though there may be relevant symbols and applicable substitutions. 5.1.3 When an error
is made during substitution into a correct formula, a mark will be awarded for the
correct formula and for the correct substitutions, but no further marks will be given.
5.1.4 If no formula is given, but all substitutions are correct, the candidate will forfeit
one mark.
5.1.5 Marks are only awarded for a formula if a calculation has been attempted, i.e.
substitutions have been made or a numerical answer has been given. 5.1.6 Marks can
only be allocated for substitutions when values are substituted into formulae and not when
listed before a calculation starts.
5.1.7 The final answer to all calculations, when not specified in the question, must be
rounded off to a minimum of TWO decimal places.
5.1.8 If a final answer to a calculation is correct, full marks will not automatically be
awarded. Markers will always ensure that the correct/appropriate formula is used
and that workings, including substitutions, are correct.
Example:
CORRECT ANSWER (1) POSSIBLE ANSWER (2) POSSIBLE
m m n m m
n= ✓ n= ✓ m= 🗶 n= ✓ n= ✓
M M M M M
m 52 0,01 M = 0,52 g ✓
0,01✓ = 0,01 ✓= = m= 🗶
✓ 🗶 52 n
5 m = 0,002 g ✓
52
2 m = 5 200
m = 0,52 g ✓ ✓
=0,01
= 5 200 g🗶 (2)
(0)
g 🗶 (2) (3)
(4)
5.2 Units
5.2.1 Candidates will only be penalised once for the repeated use of an incorrect unit
within a question.
5.2.2 Units are only required in the final answer to a calculation.
5.2.3 Marks are only awarded for an answer and not for a unit per se. Candidates will
therefore forfeit the mark allocated for the answer in each of the following
situations: - Correct answer + wrong unit
- Wrong answer + correct unit
- Correct answer + no unit
5.2.4 Separate compound units with a multiplication dot, not a full stop, for example
mol·dm-3. Accept mol.dm-3(or mol/dm3) for marking purposes.
5.3 General
5.3.1 If one answer or calculation is required, but two are given by the candidate, only the
first one will be marked, irrespective of which one is correct. If two answers are
required, only the first two will be marked, etc.
5.3.2 When a chemical FORMULA is asked, and the NAME is given as answer, the
candidate forfeits the marks. The same rule applies when the NAME is asked and
the FORMULA is given.
If the equation
2
2
H2S → S + 2H+ + 2e-( )
is the correct answer, the marks must be given as follows:
1
H2S ⇌ S + 2H+ + 2e-( )
2
0
H2S ← S + 2 H+ + 2e- ( 2)S
2
+ 2H+ + 2e- ← H2S ( 2)S +
2H+ + 2e- ⇌ 0
H2S ( 2)
5.3.4 When candidates are required to give an explanation involving the relative strength
of oxidising and reducing agents, the following is not accepted:
• Stating the position of a substance on Table 4 only (e.g. Cu is above Mg). •
Using relative reactivity only (e.g. Mg is more reactive than Cu).
• The correct answer would be for instance: Mg is a stronger reducing agent than
Cu, and therefore Mg will be able to reduce Cu2+ ions to Cu. The answer can
also be given in terms of the relative strength as electron acceptors and
donors.
5.3.5 One mark is forfeited when the charge of an ion is omitted per equation (not for the
charge on an electron).
5.3.6 The error-carrying principle does not apply to chemical equations or half-reactions.
For example, if a learner writes the wrong oxidation/reduction half-reaction in the
subquestion and carries the answer to another subquestion (balancing of
cell ), then the learner will not be credited
θ
equations or calculation of
E for this
substitution.
5.3.7 In the structural formula of an organic molecule all hydrogen atoms must be shown.
Marks will be deducted if hydrogen atoms are omitted.
5.3.8 When a structural formula is required, marks will be deducted if the learner writes
the condensed formula.
5.3.9 When a IUPAC name is asked and the candidate omits the hyphen(s) (e.g. instead
of pent-1-ene or 1-pentene the candidate writes pent 1 ene or 1 pentene), marks
will be forfeited.
5.3.10 When a chemical reaction is asked, marks are awarded for correct reactants,
correct products and correct balancing.
If only a reactant(s) followed by an arrow, or only a product(s) preceded by an
arrow, is/are written, marks may be awarded for the reactant(s) or product(s).If only
a reactant(s) or only a product(s) is/are written, without an arrow, no marks are
awarded for the reactant(s) or product(s).
Examples:
3
N2 + 3H2 ��→ 2NH3 �� bal. �� 3
1
N2 + H2 →�� 3
1
→ NH3 �� 3
0 0
N2 + H2 3 NH3 3
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Physical Sciences/Grade 10 34
DBE/2015
Examination Guidelines
6. CONCLUSION