PHYSICS · HKDSE
Physics Exam Tips
In HKDSE Physics, the difference between a Level 5 and a Level 5** often lies in how you manage the first few minutes of the exam and the last moments of each question. Top scorers never dive headfirst into calculations without reading the full context of the scenario. Before wri…
Papers
2
Total marks
153
Time limit
3h 30min
Grade scale
Additional note
Calculator policy
Use only calculators on the HKEAA Approved List, bearing the 'H.K.E.A.A. APPROVED' (or older 'H.K.E.A. APPROVED') label. Programmable scientific models (e.g. Casio fx-50FH II, fx-3650P II) are allowed, and you MAY keep your own formulas/programs stored in memory — HKDSE does not require you to clear it. Graphic-display (graphing) and CAS/symbolic calculators are not on the approved list and must not be used.
2
Papers
4
Strategies
6
Mistakes
- In HKDSE Physics, the difference between a Level 5 and a Level 5** often lies in how you manage the first few minutes of the exam and the last moments of each question. Top scorers never dive headfirst into calculations without reading the full context of the scenario. Before writing any numerical steps, spend 5 seconds identifying the system of interest. Ask yourself: Is it isolated? Are there external forces like friction or gravity acting? Identifying your boundary conditions first prevents disastrous misapplications of core laws, such as using simple momentum conservation in 2D collisions where external impulse is present.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.