Students taking the Leaving Cert higher level physics exam this year encountered new challenges, including wordy questions and unexpected mathematical twists. Teachers noted that the paper required students to think beyond the usual questions from past years and apply their understanding of physics in novel ways.

Pat Doyle, a physics teacher at the Institute of Education, emphasized that students who expected a repeat of previous papers were in for a surprise. The exam featured unique elements that demanded extra interpretative work, especially for those who found the subject difficult.

Section A

John Conneely, a physics teacher at St Flannan's College, praised the paper for offering a good mix of accessible and challenging questions. However, he pointed out that Question 2 in Section A, which involved the conservation of momentum with trolleys and a compressed spring, posed a significant challenge due to its unfamiliar experimental setup.

Section B

In Section B, there was a combination of straightforward and complex questions. While Question 6 is typically popular, this year's class had to navigate longer and more detailed questions that required careful analysis. Some questions, such as the speed of a galaxy, were unexpected for this section but balanced by more conventional topics like planets and light diffraction.

Question 10 on heat and temperature introduced some surprises, deviating from the usual exam format. Question 11 on electricity was noted as a tricky topic, while Question 12 on particle physics featuring Ernest Walton's work was a highlight for many students.

Question 13 on electromagnetism and Question 14 with internal choice sections provided a mix of challenging and traditional content. The paper closed with a more familiar question to allow students to conclude on a comfortable note.

Overall, teachers found the physics exam to be well-structured with a good balance of questions. However, they highlighted the contrast between this year's paper and the limited choice in sample exams for the upcoming physics syllabus revision in 2025.

Leaving Cert Physics Ordinary Level

For those attempting the higher level physics exam, Question 6 (b) posed a scenario involving a car driving up a steep hill against frictional force, requiring students to draw a vector diagram of the forces acting on the car.