Downloaded from hlayiso.com
PHYSICAL
SCIENCES
SCHOOL-BASED
ASSESSMENT
EXEMPLARS – CAPS
GRADE 12
LEARNER GUIDE
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – i CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Skip to contentSBA exemplar 











View all





Physical Science Learner Guide
Grade 12 Physical Sciences SBA exemplar, 20 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download.
Publisher: Learner guide
Physical Sciences · Grade 12. SBA exemplar, 20 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Physical Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- SBA exemplar
- Publisher
- Learner guide
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 20
- File size
- 4.1 MB
Loading document…
Loading document…
1 of 20
Document textSearch extracted text and jump to a page.
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT
EXEMPLARS – CAPS
GRADE 12
LEARNER GUIDE
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – 1 CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
CONTENTS
1. Introduction 3
2. Objectives 3
3. Assessment Tasks for Grade 12 Practical Work 3
4. Exemplars of Practical Work as Formal Assessment Tasks 4
4.1 Term 1
Preparation of esters and smell identification 4
4.2 Term 2
Conservation of linear momentum 9
4.3 Term 3
Electricity and magnetism
Part 1 14
Determine the internal resistance of a battery.
Part 2 16
Set up a series-parallel network with known resistor.
Determine the equivalent resistance using an ammeter and a voltmeter and compare with the theoretical
value.
2
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
PRACTICAL WORK AS FORMAL ASSESSMENT TASKS
1. INTRODUCTION
Assessment of a learner’s progress in Grade 12 Physical Sciences consists of two components:
• A school-based programme of assessment consisting of six tasks, which makes up 25% (mark out of 100) of the
total mark for Physical Sciences. Three of the six tasks comprise prescribed experiments.
• An external examination (out of 300 marks), which makes up the remaining 75%.
2. OBJECTIVES
Physical Sciences investigate physical and chemical phenomena. This is done through scientific enquiry and the
application of scientific models, theories and laws in order to explain and predict events in the physical environment.
Practical work in Physical Sciences must be integrated with the theory to strengthen the concepts being taught. These
may take the form of simple practical demonstrations or even an experiment or practical investigation.
As from 2014 THREE prescribed experiments will be done per year as practical activities for formal assessment:
• One Chemistry Practical during Term 1
• A Physics or a Chemistry Practical during Term 2
• A Physics Practical during Term 3.
This learner guide will provide support to the learner and teacher in performing these practical activities.
3. ASSESSMENT TASKS FOR GRADE 12 PRACTICAL WORK
The table below lists the prescribed formal assessment activities for practical work and the weighting for the annual SBA.
TERM PRESCRIBED PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES FOR FORMAL ASSESSMENT WEIGHTING
EXPERIMENT (CHEMISTRY) 15% of
1
The preparation of esters and smell identification annual SBA
EXPERIMENT (CHEMISTRY)
How do you use the titration of oxalic acid against sodium hydroxide to
determine the concentration of the sodium hydroxide?
20% of
2
OR
annual SBA
EXPERIMENT (PHYSICS)
The conservation of linear momentum
EXPERIMENT (PHYSICS)
Part 1
Determine the internal resistance of a battery. 15% of
3
Part 2 annual SBA
Set up a series-parallel network with a known resistor. Determine the
equivalent resistance using an ammeter and a voltmeter and compare with
the theoretical value.
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – 3 CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
4. EXEMPLARS OF PRACTICAL WORK AS FORMAL ASSESSMENT TASKS
TERM 1: PRACTICAL WORK
KNOWLEDGE AREA: MATTER AND MATERIALS
4.1 PREPARATION OF ESTERS AND SMELL IDENTIFICATION
Introduction
Esters have a very fruity smell. Naturally occurring esters are found in fruits. Esters can be synthesised by the reaction of
a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. This reaction is known as esterification. This reaction can be catalysed by concentrated
sulphuric acid.
Aim
Produce different esters by using a range of carboxylic acids and alcohols.
Identify the esters formed by their smell.
Apparatus
• Safety goggles
• Test tubes
• Dropping pipettes
• 250 ml beaker
• Test tube rack
• Bunsen burner
• Heat resistant mat/tile
• Tripod
• Wire gauze
• Retort stand
• Chemicals: methanol, ethanol, propanol, ethanoic acid, salicylic acid, sulphuric acid and 0,5 mol.dm-3 sodium
carbonate
Method
1. Place 1 drop of concentrated sulphuric acid in a test tube.
2. Add 10 drops of ethanoic acid in the same test tube.
3. Add 10 drops of ethanol to the mixture.
4
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
PREPARE A WATER BATH
1. Pour about 100 cm3 of water into the 250 cm3 beaker.
2. Carefully lower the tube into the beaker so that it stands upright.
3. Heat the beaker gently on a tripod and gauze until the water begins to boil, and then stop the heating.
4. Stand for 1 minute in the hot water. If the mixture in the tube boils, use the tongs to lift it out of the water until the
boiling stops, and then return it to the hot water.
5. After 1 minute, carefully remove the test tube and allow it to cool.
6. When cool, pour the mixture into a test tube half-full of 0,5 mol.dm-3 sodium carbonate solution. There will be
some effervescence. Mix well. A layer of ester will separate and float on top of the aqueous layer.
REACTION MIXTURE
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – 5 CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
CAUTION! DO NOT PUT YOUR NOSE NEAR THE TOP OF THE TEST TUBE!!!
Wafting is a technique of using your hand to draw air over the opening of a container in the direction of your nose. Air
mixed with the substance is drawn into your nose so that the smell from the original substance is diluted.
7. Smell the product by gently wafting the odour towards your nose with your hand.
8. Repeat steps 1 to 10 but use METHANOL and PROPANOL as the alcohol.
9. Repeat steps 1 to 10 but use SALICYLIC ACID and METHANOL.
Results AND INTERPRETATION of results
Complete the tables below.
Choose ONE of the following to identify the ester formed by smell:
• Paint
• Pear
• Pineapple
• Strawberry
• Ice cream
• Nail polish remover
• Wintergreen
6
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
EXPERIMENT 1: ETHANOL + ETHANOIC ACID
SMELL
WORD
EQUATION
STRUCTURAL
FORMULA
CHEMICAL
EQUATION
BALANCED
CHEMICAL
EQUATION
(16)
EXPERIMENT 2: METHANOL + ETHANOIC ACID
SMELL
WORD
EQUATION
STRUCTURAL
FORMULA
CHEMICAL
EQUATION
BALANCED
CHEMICAL
EQUATION
(16)
EXPERIMENT 3: PROPANOL + ETHANOIC ACID
SMELL
WORD
EQUATION
STRUCTURAL
FORMULA
CHEMICAL
EQUATION
BALANCED
CHEMICAL
EQUATION
(16)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – 7 CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
EXPERIMENT 4: METHANOL + SALICYLIC ACID
SMELL
(2)
discussion of results
1. Which property of sulphuric acid makes it suitable to use as a catalyst for the preparation of esters?
_________________________________________________________________ (2)
2. Why do we heat the test tube in a water bath and not directly over a flame?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ (2)
3. With reference to the characteristic smells of esters, name TWO examples where esters are used in different
industries.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ (4)
4. Why do esters with higher molecular weight not have strong fragrances?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ (2)
TOTAL: 60
8
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
TERM 2: PRACTICAL WORK
KNOWLEDGE AREA: MECHANICS
4.2 CONSERVATION OF LINEAR MOMENTUM
INTRODUCTION
Momentum is mass in motion. The amount of momentum of an object is determined by two variables, namely mass and
velocity.
Linear momentum (momentum in a straight line) can be defined as the product of mass and velocity.
The verification of the conservation of momentum can be determined experimentally during an explosion and a
collision.
aim
To verify the conservation of linear momentum during an explosion.
Apparatus
• Trolley track
• Trolleys
• Meter ruler
• Buffers (wooden plank or brick)
METHOD
1. Place two trolleys, one of which contains a compressed spring, against each other on a smooth, horizontal floor.
2. Place another trolley on top of one of the other trolleys in Step 1. These
two trolleys now represent a mass of 2 m, while the single trolley represents a mass of m.
3. Place two sturdy wooden planks on either side of the setup (not further than
1–1,5 m from the setup) as shown in the diagram below.
4. Release the spring of one trolley so that the two trolley systems move apart. Listen to the collisions against the
wooden planks. The trolley systems hit the wooden planks at different times, because one trolley system moves
more slowly than the other one (different velocities).
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – 9 CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
5. By means of trial and error, find a position from which the trolley systems move so that both trolleys will hit the
wooden planks on both sides at the same time. Only a single collision should be heard.
6. Measure the distances ∆x1 and ∆x2 that each trolley moved from the starting point to the wooden plank. These
distances represent the velocities of the two trolley systems respectively.
7. Repeat the above procedure to obtain two more sets of values.
RESULTS
Complete the following table.
Trolley system 1 Trolley system 2
Total
Mass [Velocity v1] Mass [Velocity v2] momentum
Momentum Momentum
(Trolley Distance (trolley Distance after explosion
(‘unit’) (‘unit’) (‘unit’)
unit) ∆x1 (cm) unit) ∆x2 (cm)
(10)
interpretation and discussion of results
1. Formulate an investigative question for this practical activity.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (3)
2. State the law of the conservation of momentum.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (2)
3. Explain why it is acceptable to consider the distances travelled by the trolleys as
a measurement of their velocities.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (2)
10
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
4. Give a reason why this experiment must be performed more than once.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (2)
CONCLUSION
5. Draw a conclusion from the results you obtained.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (3)
EVALUATION
6. What recommendations can you make to improve the results of your experiment?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (4)
APPLICATION
7. A boy with a mass of 50 kg and a girl with a mass of 40 kg are standing on skateboards. They press their hands
together and push each other apart as shown in the sketch. The girl moves to the right at 1 m.s-1.
7.1 What is the total momentum of the boy and girl before they move apart?
________________________________________________________________________ (2)
11
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
7.2 Determine the velocity of the boy directly after they moved apart.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ (5)
12
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
ALTERNATIVE METHOD – LINEAR AIR TRACK
METHOD
A collision instead of an explosion can be used to investigate the conservation of momentum.
The diagram below illustrates the collision of trolleys on an air track.
Trolley A with a mass of 2 kg and velocity of 1,5 m.s-1 to the right collides with a stationary trolley B with a mass of 1,5 kg.
After the collision trolley A moves at 0,75 m.s-1 to the left and trolley B moves at 3 m.s-1 to the right.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
8.1 In the verification of the conservation of momentum, why is it better to make use an air track rather than a trolley
system?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (2)
8.2 Prove with a calculation that the momentum was conserved during this collision.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________ (5)
TOTAL: 40
13
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
TERM 3: PRACTICAL WORK
KNOWLEDGE AREA: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
4.3 DETERMINE THE INTERNAL RESISTANCE AND THE EQUIVALENT RESISTANCE OF A SERIES-
PARALLEL NETWORK
Introduction
The term ‘lost volts’ refers to the difference between the emf and the terminal voltage. The voltage is not ‘lost’. It is the
voltage across the internal resistance of the battery, but ‘lost’ for use in the external circuit.
The internal resistance of the battery can be treated just like another resistor in series in the circuit. The sum of the
voltages across the external circuit plus the voltage across the internal resistance is equal to the emf:
ε = Vload + Vinternal resistance or ε = IRexternal + Ir
rearrange to get: v = -rI + ε
in the form y = mx + c where m = -r
PART 1
Determine the internal resistance of a battery.
aim
To determine the internal resistance of a battery
APPARATUS
• Voltmeter (or multimeter)
• Ammeter (or multimeter)
• Any size carbon-zinc battery (Choose voltage in relation to the values of the resistors)
• Battery holder
• Rheostat
• Connecting wires
• Switch
14
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
METHOD
Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram below and determine the ammeter and voltmeter readings for FIVE
different rheostat settings.
PRECAUTION: Do not keep the switch on too long. It will heat the battery and cause it to run down.
RESULTS
1. Tabulate the terminal potential difference (volts)- and electric current (amperes) readings obtained from the
experiment. (10)
interpretation and discussion of results
2. Identify the:
2.1 Independent variable
2.2 Dependent variable
2.3 Controlled variable (3 x 2) (6)
3. Why do we include a rheostat in the circuit? (2)
4. Draw a graph of the voltmeter readings versus ammeter readings. (8)
5. Is the gradient of the graph positive or negative? Explain. (3)
6. Use the graph to determine the internal resistance of the battery. (4)
7. Which point on your graph represents the emf of the battery? Explain. (4)
CONCLUSION
8. Draw a conclusion from the results obtained. (2)
15
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
PART 2
Set up a series-parallel network with known resistors. Determine the equivalent resistance using an ammeter
and a voltmeter and compare with the theoretical value.
aim
To determine the equivalent resistance of a series-parallel network and compare it with the calculated theoretical value
Apparatus
• Three fixed resistors with known values (not too high values)
• Voltmeter (or multimeter)
• Ammeter (or multimeter)
• Battery (choose voltage in relation to the values of the resistors)
• Battery holder
• Connecting wires
• Switch
METHOD
Set up the circuit as shown in the diagram below.
Record the voltmeter and ammeter readings obtained.
interpretation and discussion of results
1. From the readings obtained in your experiment, determine the equivalent resistance of the circuit. (4)
2. By using the values of R1, R2, R3, calculate the theoretical value of the equivalent resistance. (5)
CONCLUSION
3. Compare the values obtained in 1 and 2 above and draw a suitable conclusion. (2)
TOTAL: 50
16
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
Downloaded from hlayiso.com
18
PHYSICAL SCIENCES SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT EXEMPLARS – CAPS GRADE 12 LEARNER GUIDE
Study this subject
Notes, quizzes and topic questions for Grade 12 Physical Sciences.
- Grade 12 Physical Sciences notes
CAPS revision notes with worked examples.
- Physical Sciences questions by topic
Past exam questions sorted by CAPS topic, with memos where available.
- Grade 12 Physical Sciences quizzes
Short topic quizzes with instant feedback.
- All Grade 12 Physical Sciences past papers
Past papers by year, with memos where available.
- Grade 12 SBA exemplars
More Physical Sciences and other subjects in this collection.
Recommended for this subject
More papers and memos for this grade and subject.

Memorandum
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Paper 2 Eastern Cape June 2025 Memo

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 Eastern Cape June 2025 QP (Afr)

Memorandum
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Paper 1 Eastern Cape Mock 2025 Memo

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 P2 Eastern Cape Mock 2025 QP

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 P2 Gauteng Mock 2025 Question Paper

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Paper 1 KZN Mock 2025 Question Paper
Related documents

Memorandum
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Paper 1 Limpopo June 2025 Memo

Memorandum
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Paper 2 Limpopo June 2025 Memo

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Limpopo March Test 2025 Question Paper

Memorandum
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Paper 1 Limpopo Mock 2025 Memo

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 Limpopo Mock 2025 Question Paper

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 Mpumalanga June 2025 Question Paper
More from Grade 12 Physical Sciences

Memorandum
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Mpumalanga March Test 2025 Memo

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Mpumalanga March Test 2025 QP

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 P2 North West Mock 2025 Question Paper

Question paper
Physical Sciences Grade 12 P2 NSC June 2025 Question Paper (Eng)

Errata
Physical Sciences Grade 12 Paper 2 Eastern Cape June 2024 Errata

Question paper