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PHYSICS-II · CSAT (대학수학능력시험)

PHYSICS-II/11

Physics II

Physics II · 2023 · Variant 1

Relative difficulty

Demanding · 4.0/5

Analysis source: Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE)

Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.

Relative difficulty

4.0 / 5

Total marks

50

Duration

30 min

Most tested topic

Field interactions, induction, vector mechanics, wave optics, and modern-physics interpretation.

Cohort performance

Session statistics from official examination reports

Total marks

50

Duration

30 min

Session difficulty

4.0 / 5

Calculator policy

No calculators in any CSAT section. All arithmetic must be done by hand. English includes a listening section with broadcast audio.

Key examiner messages

Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise

1

KICE Physics II extends mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, relativity, and quantum/atomic physics with more mathematical modeling and experiment interpretation. The 2024 CSAT science inquiry format is 20 questions, 30 minutes, 50 points, with candidates selecting up t…

2

KICE designs Physics II items from the national curriculum achievement standards and publishes all questions and answers after the exam.

3

EBS-linked items about 50% means concepts, source themes, or problem types are linked, but wording and contexts are commonly transformed.

4

The official timing is 30 min for 20 questions; pacing practice should match the actual OMR marking burden.

5

KICE publishes annual test-design directions (출제 방향) emphasising syllabus-faithful items, EBS textbook linkage (~50% of Korean, Mathematics, and English items), and post-2024 exclusion of extreme “killer” items outside public-education scope.

Question difficulty map

How candidates performed on each question in this series

No data available in official reports

Assessment objectives

Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary

Analyze two-dimensional motion, rigid-body, gravitation, and advanced energy/momentum problems.
Apply electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, induction, and electromagnetic waves.
Interpret wave optics, interference, diffraction, and modern physics evidence.
Use vectors, graphs, and proportional reasoning in unfamiliar setups.
Evaluate experimental data and physical models.

Skill weighting

Cognitive skills emphasised in official test design.

Conceptual modelsConceptualmodelsQuantitative problem solvingQuantitativeproblem solvingGraphical and experiment interpretationGraphical andexperimentScientific reasoningScientificreasoning
SkillWeightShare
  • Conceptual models

    Weight: 30100%
  • Quantitative problem solving

    Weight: 30100%
  • Graphical and experiment interpretation

    Weight: 2583%
  • Scientific reasoning

    Weight: 1550%

Method marks watchlist

Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost

No data available in official reports

Recurring mistakes across years

Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject

Electromagnetism: Answering from memory before checking the condition in the stem. — Underline the limiting condition and restate it in y…

2024 20242022 20222021 20212020 20204 sessions

Vector mechanics: Treating a familiar source, graph, or scenario as identical to a past EBS example. — Compare variables and wording; tra…

2024 20242022 20222021 20212020 20204 sessions

Wave optics: Losing marks on easy items because time was spent on one high-difficulty question. — Use a two-pass strategy and mark unreso…

2024 20242022 20222021 20212020 20204 sessions

Modern physics: Eliminating options based on a keyword match rather than the full causal relationship. — Check subject, time period, dire…

2024 20242022 20222021 20212020 20204 sessions

Question choice intelligence

Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)

No data available in official reports

Level exemplars

What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like

No data available in official reports

Grade & admission context

How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards

Official body

Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE)

Grading system

KICE standard score (mean 50, SD 10; range 0–100) with percentile and Grade 1–9 bands

Scale band

Std score

Scale band

Percentile

Scale band

1

Scale band

2

Deep insights

What top candidates did

Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series

1. Start from the model

Physics II items usually become easier once the physical, chemical, biological, or earth-system model is named. Write the law, cycle, or mechanism before substituting numbers.

2. Annotate every diagram

Label axes, units, directions, phases, and variables in field diagrams, vectors, and interference patterns. Most upper-level distractors come from reading a diagram too quickly.

3. Link formulas to meaning

For Coulomb law, magnetic force, induction, and wave optics equations, memorize what each symbol represents and the condition where the formula applies, not only the algebraic form.

4. Treat experiments as arguments

In apparatus-based measurement and model-limit prompts questions, identify hypothesis, control, independent variable, dependent variable, and conclusion before choosing.

5. Use dimensional checks

When a numeric answer appears plausible, check units and order of magnitude. This catches most coefficient and power-of-ten errors.

Command word playbook

How to match each command word to the expected response style

No data available in official reports

Time traps

Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks

No data available in official reports

Syllabus traceability

Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session

Advanced mechanics: vectors, two-dimensional motion, gravitation, rotation, energy

Official topic weighting

Electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, induction, and electromagnetic waves

Official topic weighting

Wave optics: interference, diffraction, polarization, and instruments

Official topic weighting

Relativity, quantum ideas, atoms, nuclei, and particle models

Official topic weighting

MCQ trap analytics

Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary

No data available in official reports

Topic heatmap across years

Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject

Mark intensity

LowHigh
Topic
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Σ

Electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, induction, and electromagnetic waves

16
16
16
16
16
80

Advanced mechanics: vectors, two-dimensional motion, gravitation, rotation, energy

15
15
15
15
15
75

Wave optics: interference, diffraction, polarization, and instruments

10
10
10
10
10
50

Relativity, quantum ideas, atoms, nuclei, and particle models

9
9
9
9
9
45

Difficulty trend

How session difficulty has shifted across recent years

20202021202220232024
2020 2020 · 4.0/52021 2021 · 4.0/52022 2022 · 4.0/52023 2023 · 4.0/52024 2024 · 4.2/5

Paper comparison

Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session

Physics II: 20 multiple-choice science inquiry questions

50 marks30 min

Marks you can still earn

Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit

No data available in official reports

Practise what examiners flagged

Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app

Self-diagnostic checklist

Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise

  • 1Message

    KICE Physics II extends mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, relativity, and quantum/atomic physics with more mathematical modeling and experiment interpretation. The 2024 CSAT science inquiry format is 20 questions, 30 minutes, 50 points, with candidates selecting up t…

  • 2Message

    KICE designs Physics II items from the national curriculum achievement standards and publishes all questions and answers after the exam.

  • 3Message

    EBS-linked items about 50% means concepts, source themes, or problem types are linked, but wording and contexts are commonly transformed.

  • 4Message

    The official timing is 30 min for 20 questions; pacing practice should match the actual OMR marking burden.

  • 5Message

    KICE publishes annual test-design directions (출제 방향) emphasising syllabus-faithful items, EBS textbook linkage (~50% of Korean, Mathematics, and English items), and post-2024 exclusion of extreme “killer” items outside public-education scope.

  • 6Pitfall

    Electromagnetism: Answering from memory before checking the condition in the stem. — Underline the limiting condition and restate it in y…

  • 7Pitfall

    Vector mechanics: Treating a familiar source, graph, or scenario as identical to a past EBS example. — Compare variables and wording; tra…

  • 8Pitfall

    Wave optics: Losing marks on easy items because time was spent on one high-difficulty question. — Use a two-pass strategy and mark unreso…

  • 9Pitfall

    Modern physics: Eliminating options based on a keyword match rather than the full causal relationship. — Check subject, time period, dire…

  • 10Strength

    1. Start from the model: Physics II items usually become easier once the physical, chemical, biological, or earth-system mode

  • 11Strength

    2. Annotate every diagram: Label axes, units, directions, phases, and variables in field diagrams, vectors, and interference pa

  • 12Strength

    3. Link formulas to meaning: For Coulomb law, magnetic force, induction, and wave optics equations, memorize what each symbol rep

Teacher briefing pack

One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review

2023 2023

Physics II

KICE Physics II extends mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, relativity, and quantum/atomic physics with more mathematical modeling and experiment interpretation. The 2024 CSAT science inquiry format is 20 questions, 30 minutes, 50 points, with candidates selecting up to t

  • KICE Physics II extends mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, relativity, and quantum/atomic physics with more mathematical modeling and experiment interpretation. The 2024 CSAT science inquiry format is 20 questions, 30 minutes, 50 points, with candidates selecting up t…

  • KICE designs Physics II items from the national curriculum achievement standards and publishes all questions and answers after the exam.

  • EBS-linked items about 50% means concepts, source themes, or problem types are linked, but wording and contexts are commonly transformed.

  • Electromagnetism: Answering from memory before checking the condition in the stem. — Underline the limiting condition and restate it in y…

  • Vector mechanics: Treating a familiar source, graph, or scenario as identical to a past EBS example. — Compare variables and wording; tra…

Total marks
50
Duration
30 min
Session difficulty
4.0 / 5
Calculator policy
No calculators in any CSAT section. All arithmetic must be done by hand. English includes a listening section with broadcast audio.

Session analysis

KICE Physics II extends mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, relativity, and quantum/atomic physics with more mathematical modeling and experiment interpretation. The 2024 CSAT science inquiry format is 20 questions, 30 minutes, 50 points, with candidates selecting up to two inquiry subjects and EBS linkage around 50%. Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE) emphasises field interactions, induction, vector mechanics, wave optics, and modern-physics interpretation.. Priority revision: Advanced mechanics: vectors, two-dimensional motion, gravitation, rotation, energy, Electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, induction, and electromagnetic waves, Wave optics: interference, diffraction, polarization, and instruments, Relativity, quantum ideas, atoms, nuclei, and particle models. Physics II items usually become easier once the physical, chemical, biological, or earth-system model is named. Write the law, cycle, or mechanism before substituting numbers.

Updated 2026-07-03

Paper breakdown

Physics II: 20 multiple-choice science inquiry questions

50 marks30 min

Top chapters

Advanced mechanics: vectors, two-dimensional motion, gravitation, rotation, energy15 marks
Electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, induction, and electromagnetic waves16 marks
Wave optics: interference, diffraction, polarization, and instruments10 marks
Relativity, quantum ideas, atoms, nuclei, and particle models9 marks

Exam structure insights

Marks by syllabus topic

Revision priority from official test-design weighting.

Advanced mechanics: vectors, two-dim15 marks
Electric and magnetic fields, capaci16 marks
Wave optics: interference, diffracti10 marks
Relativity, quantum ideas, atoms, nu9 marks

Mark accessibility

Estimated difficulty spread based on official design.

Field interactions, induction, vector mechanics, wave optics, and modern-physics

23
46
31
Easy: 23 marksMedium: 46 marksHard: 31 marks

Paper structure

Official paper breakdown for this subject.

50Marks
  • Physics II

    50·10·100%

Official syllabus scope

KICE Physics II extends mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, relativity, and quantum/atomic physics with more mathematical modeling and experiment interpretation. The 2024 CSAT science inquiry format is 20 questions, 30 minutes, 50 points, with candidates selecting up to two inquiry subjects and EBS linkage around 50%.

Difficulty verdict

Rated 4/5 for November sessions. Field interactions, induction, vector mechanics, wave optics, and modern-physics interpretation.

What examiners measure

1. Analyze two-dimensional motion, rigid-body, gravitation, and advanced energy/momentum problems. 2. Apply electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, induction, and electromagnetic waves. 3. Interpret wave optics, interference, diffraction, and modern physics evidence. 4. Use vectors, graphs, and proportional reasoning in unfamiliar setups. 5. Evaluate experimental data and physical models.

Where the marks are

Highest-weight syllabus areas: Advanced mechanics: vectors, two-dimensional motion, gravitation, rotation, energy; Electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, induction, and electromagnetic waves; Wave optics: interference, diffraction, polarization, and instruments; Relativity, quantum ideas, atoms, nuclei, and particle models.

Examiner notes & key calculations

  • KICE designs Physics II items from the national curriculum achievement standards and publishes all questions and answers after the exam.
  • EBS-linked items about 50% means concepts, source themes, or problem types are linked, but wording and contexts are commonly transformed.
  • The official timing is 30 min for 20 questions; pacing practice should match the actual OMR marking burden.
  • Distractors usually represent common misconceptions, not random wrong answers, so elimination must be evidence-based.
  • High-discrimination items often combine two syllabus domains or require interpreting a new source, graph, table, or scenario.
  • A full mock should include answer-sheet transfer and a post-test error log organized by domain and mistake type.
  • Physics II uses graphs, diagrams, experiments, and model-based reasoning more than isolated factual recall.
  • Science inquiry timing is tight; students should know which diagrams or calculations can be completed in under one minute.
  • Paper 1: Physics II · 50 marks · 30 min · 20 multiple-choice science inquiry questions.

Exam tips

Paper format

Duration
30 min
Total marks
50
Weighting
100%
Question types
20 multiple-choice science inquiry questions
  • Physics II items usually become easier once the physical, chemical, biological, or earth-system model is named. Write the law, cycle, or mechanism before substituting numbers.
  • Label axes, units, directions, phases, and variables in field diagrams, vectors, and interference patterns. Most upper-level distractors come from reading a diagram too quickly.
  • For Coulomb law, magnetic force, induction, and wave optics equations, memorize what each symbol represents and the condition where the formula applies, not only the algebraic form.

Common mistakes

  • Electromagnetism

    Answering from memory before checking the condition in the stem.

    How to avoid: Underline the limiting condition and restate it in your own words before selecting an option.

  • Vector mechanics

    Treating a familiar source, graph, or scenario as identical to a past EBS example.

    How to avoid: Compare variables and wording; transformed linkage often changes the required inference.

  • Wave optics

    Losing marks on easy items because time was spent on one high-difficulty question.

    How to avoid: Use a two-pass strategy and mark unresolved items after 60-75 seconds.

Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.

PHYSICS-II/11 — CSAT (대학수학능력시험) Physics II (2023) | Revui