HSC Physics 2022
Walkthrough of the 2022 HSC Physics paper. Section structure, calculation strategy, and common errors flagged in the NESA notes from marking centre.
- Marks
- 100
- Time
- 180 min
- Authority
- NESA
- Updated
What this paper assessed
HSC Physics is one paper of 100 marks across 180 minutes plus 5 minutes reading time. Section 1 is 20 multiple choice (20 marks). Section 2 is short and extended response (80 marks). The 2022 paper drew across Modules 5 to 8.
Section strategy
Section 1 in 30 minutes. Section 2 at roughly 1.8 minutes per mark. Sketch a free-body or field diagram for every mechanics or electromagnetism question, even when one is not requested.
Common errors flagged
The 2022 NESA notes from marking centre flagged poor analysis of circular motion in non-inertial frames, weak description of generator and transformer operation, and shallow extended responses on the photoelectric effect that omitted threshold frequency reasoning.
What to do with this paper
Sit Section 1 in 30 minutes, then Section 2 in 150 minutes. Mark with the official guidelines. Reattempt any 6 to 9 mark question that scored below half.
Use this paper well
- Sit the paper under exam conditions (180 minutes, 100 marks).
- Mark yourself against the official NESA marking notes.
- Compare against the Physics hub to find the syllabus dot points this paper tested.