25 Essential Integrated Science Tips and Formulae fo WASSCE Exams shared here are to help you improve your foundation of integrated science.
Get ready the next WAEC administered exam by mastering these 25 essential integrated science tips and formulas for WASSCE exams, along with examples of how to apply them. All students need to have these basics at their finger tips as they prepare for the next WASSCE.
25 Essential Integrated Science Tips and Formulae for WASSCE Exams
General Tips and Formulae for BECE and WASSCE Exams
- Understand concepts before memorizing formulas: True understanding is key to applying them correctly. Visualize, experiment, and ask questions to deepen your grasp.
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice builds confidence and helps you identify areas needing improvement.
- Organize your study space: Minimize distractions and create an environment conducive to focused learning.
- Manage your time effectively: Allocate sufficient time for each topic without neglecting others.
- Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers, classmates, or tutors for clarification if you’re stuck.
Physics Tips and Formulas for BECE and WASSCE Exams
- Kinematics:
- Distance (d) = Speed (s) x Time (t)
- Example: If a car travels at 60 km/h for 2 hours, what distance does it cover?
- d = 60 km/h * 2 h = 120 km
- Example: If a car travels at 60 km/h for 2 hours, what distance does it cover?
- Speed = Distance / Time
- Example: A train travels 300 km in 5 hours. What is its average speed?
- s = 300 km / 5 h = 60 km/h
- Example: A train travels 300 km in 5 hours. What is its average speed?
- Distance (d) = Speed (s) x Time (t)
- Dynamics:
- Force (F) = Mass (m) x Acceleration (a)
- Example: A 10 kg box is pushed with a force of 20 N, resulting in an acceleration of 2 m/s². What is the mass of the box?
- m = F / a = 20 N / 2 m/s² = 10 kg
- Example: A 10 kg box is pushed with a force of 20 N, resulting in an acceleration of 2 m/s². What is the mass of the box?
- Work (W) = Force (F) x Distance (d)
- Example: A weightlifter lifts a 50 kg weight 2 meters. How much work is done?
- W = F x d = 50 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 2 m = 980 J
- Example: A weightlifter lifts a 50 kg weight 2 meters. How much work is done?
- Force (F) = Mass (m) x Acceleration (a)
- Heat:
- Temperature change (ΔT) = Heat (Q) / Specific heat capacity (c)
- Example: 100 g of water absorbs 4200 J of heat. What is the temperature change? (assuming c = 4200 J/kg°C)
- ΔT = Q / (c * m) = 4200 J / (4200 J/kg°C * 0.1 kg) = 10°C
- Example: 100 g of water absorbs 4200 J of heat. What is the temperature change? (assuming c = 4200 J/kg°C)
- Thermal conductivity (k) = Heat flow rate (Q) / (Area (A) x Temperature difference (ΔT) x Distance (d))
- Example: A metal rod conducts heat from a hot end at 100°C to a cold end at 20°C. If the heat flow rate is 200 W, the area of the rod is 0.002 m², and the distance between the ends is 0.1 m, what is the thermal conductivity of the metal?
- k = Q / (A * ΔT * d) = 200 W / (0.002 m² * (100°C – 20°C) * 0.1 m) = 500 W/m°C
- Example: A metal rod conducts heat from a hot end at 100°C to a cold end at 20°C. If the heat flow rate is 200 W, the area of the rod is 0.002 m², and the distance between the ends is 0.1 m, what is the thermal conductivity of the metal?
- Temperature change (ΔT) = Heat (Q) / Specific heat capacity (c)
Chemistry Tips and Formulas for BECE and WASSCE Exams
- Atomic structure:
- Atomic number (Z) = Number of protons = Number of electrons in a neutral atom
- Example: If an atom has 17 protons, what is its atomic number and how many electrons does it have?
- Z = 17, electrons = 17
- Example: If an atom has 17 protons, what is its atomic number and how many electrons does it have?
- Mass number (A) = Number of protons + Number of neutrons
- Example: An atom has 35 neutrons and a mass number of 52. How many protons does it have?
- A = Z + n, so Z = A – n = 52 – 35 = 17
- Example: An atom has 35 neutrons and a mass number of 52. How many protons does it have?
- Atomic number (Z) = Number of protons = Number of electrons in a neutral atom
- Chemical bonding:
- Ionic bond: Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
- Example: NaCl (sodium chloride) is an ionic compound formed by the attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.
- Covalent bond: Sharing of electrons between atoms.
- Example: H₂O (water) is a covalent compound where each hydrogen atom shares one electron with the oxygen atom.
- Chemical reactions: Integrated Science Tips and Formulae for BECE and WASSCE Exams
- Balanced chemical equation: Represents the quantitative relationships between the reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction.
A balanced chemical equation shows:
- Reactants: The starting materials of the reaction, written on the left side of the arrow.
- Products: The substances formed in the reaction, written on the right side of the arrow.
- Coefficients: Whole numbers placed in front of chemical formulas to indicate the relative amounts (moles) of each reactant and product involved.
The key point is that a balanced equation ensures that the Law of Conservation of Mass is upheld. This law states that mass cannot be created or destroyed, so the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products in a chemical reaction.
By balancing the equation, you ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the arrow, reflecting the fact that atoms are rearranged during the reaction but not created or destroyed.
Here’s an example:
Unbalanced: 2H₂ + O₂ -> H₂O
Balanced: 2H₂ + O₂ -> 2H₂O
In the unbalanced equation, there are 4 hydrogen atoms on the left (2 in each H₂ molecule) but only 2 on the right (in 1 H₂O molecule). Balancing the equation by placing a 2 in front of the H₂O molecule ensures that there are 4 hydrogen atoms on both sides, satisfying the Law of Conservation of Mass.
Integrated Science Tips and Formulae for BECE and WASSCE Exams – Biology Tips and Formulas
- Cell structure and function:
- Cell theory: All living things are made up of cells, the basic unit of life.
- Organelles: Specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions (e.g., mitochondria for energy production, nucleus for genetic control).
- Nutrition and digestion:
- Balanced diet: Includes all essential nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water) in the right proportions.
- Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in digestion.
- Transport in plants and animals:
- Xylem: Transports water and dissolved minerals upwards in plants.
- Phloem: Transports dissolved sugars and other organic materials throughout the plant.
- Circulatory system: Transports blood throughout the body, carrying oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.
- Reproduction:
- Sexual reproduction: Involves the fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) from two parents.
- Asexual reproduction: Offspring produced from a single parent, inheriting all its genes.
- Genetics and heredity:
- Genes: Units of inheritance located on chromosomes.
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that stores genetic information.
- Mendelian inheritance: Patterns of inheritance based on the work of Gregor Mendel.
Integrated Science Tips and Formulas:
- Interdependence of living things and the environment:
- Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their nonliving environment.
- Food chain/web: The transfer of energy from producers to consumers through feeding relationships.
- Biogeochemical cycles: The movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through the environment.
READ: 2024 BECE RME Mock Full Objective Test Questions With Answers
- Pollution and its effects:
- Types of pollution: Air, water, soil, noise, light.
- Impacts of pollution: On human health, ecosystems, and the environment.
- Sustainable practices: Ways to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
- Renewable and non-renewable resources:
- Renewable resources: Can be replenished naturally, like solar energy or wind power.
- Non-renewable resources: Finite in supply, like fossil fuels or minerals.
- Importance of conservation: Preserving resources for future generations.
- Science, technology, and society:
- Impacts of science and technology: On society, the environment, and ethics.
- Importance of responsible development: Considering the potential benefits and risks of new technologies.
CHECK THESE BEFORE YOU MISS THEM: 25 Essential Math Tips and Formulae for BECE and WASSCE Exams –LINK HERE
Additional Tips:
- Pay attention to units: Always use the correct units when working with formulas.
- Show your work: This helps demonstrate your understanding and can earn you partial credit even if your final answer is incorrect.
- Review past exam papers: Get familiar with the format and types of questions asked.
- Stay calm and manage your time: Don’t panic; read each question carefully and allocate time effectively.
- Believe in yourself: You have the ability to succeed!
Make the best out of these 25 Integrated Science Tips and Formulae for BECE and WASSCE Exams.