Cambridge Checkpoint Science Stage 9
Comprehensive Revision Notes
All 9 Units with Detailed Explanations & Key Definitions
Unit 1: Biology – Photosynthesis & Plant Growth
Photosynthesis
● Process: Plants convert water (roots), carbon dioxide (stomata), and
sunlight(chlorophyll) into glucose and oxygen.
○ Word Equation:
○ Key Structures:
■ Chloroplasts: Organelles containing chlorophyll.
■ Stomata: Pores on leaves for gas exchange.
Testing for Starch
1. Boil Leaf: Softens cell membranes.
2. Soak in Hot Alcohol: Removes chlorophyll.
3. Iodine Test: Blue-black color indicates starch.
Minerals for Growth
● Magnesium: Essential for chlorophyll synthesis. Deficiency → yellow leaves
(chlorosis).
● Nitrate: Converts carbohydrates to proteins. Deficiency → stunted growth.
Unit 2: Chemistry – Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
Atomic Structure
● Protons: +1 charge, in nucleus.
● Neutrons: Neutral, in nucleus.
● Electrons: -1 charge, orbit in shells.
● Atomic Number = Protons.
● Mass Number = Protons + Neutrons.
● Electron Configuration: Shells fill as 2, 8, 8 (e.g., Sodium: 2, 8, 1).
Periodic Table Groups
● Group 1 (Alkali Metals): Reactivity ↑ down the group.
● Group 7 (Halogens): Reactivity ↓ down the group.
● Group 0 (Noble Gases): Inert; full outer shell.
Bonding & Structures
● Ionic Bond: Electron transfer (e.g., NaCl).
○ Properties: High melting point, conducts when molten.
● Covalent Bond: Electron sharing (e.g., H₂O).
○ Properties: Low melting point (simple molecules).
● Giant Structures:
○ Diamond: Strong covalent bonds → hard, non-conductive.
○ Graphite: Layers with weak bonds → conducts electricity.
Unit 3: Physics – Density & Energy Conservation
Density
● Formula:
● Floating: Density < liquid → floats (e.g., wood).
Energy Conservation
● Law: Energy cannot be created/destroyed; only transferred.
● Sankey Diagram: Shows energy input, useful output (e.g., light), and waste
(e.g., heat).
Heat Transfer
● Conduction: Through solids (e.g., metal rod).
● Convection: Fluid currents (e.g., boiling water).
● Radiation: Infrared waves (e.g., sunlight).
Unit 4: Biology – Transport, Transpiration & Excretion
Plant Transport
● Root Hair Cells: Large surface area for absorbing water/minerals.
● Xylem: Transports water/minerals upward; dead cells with lignin.
● Transpiration: Water evaporates from stomata → creates suction.
Human Excretion
● Kidneys: Filter blood → remove urea, excess water.
● Urine Pathway: Kidneys → ureters → bladder → urethra.
Pregnancy & Fetal Health
● Placenta: Exchanges nutrients/waste between mother and fetus.
● Dietary Needs: Extra protein (cell growth), iron (hemoglobin).
● Risks: Smoking (CO reduces oxygen), drugs (cross placenta).
Unit 5: Chemistry – Reactivity Series & Salts
Reactivity Series
● Order: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > C > Zn > Fe > Pb > H > Cu > Ag > Au.
Unit 6: Physics & Earth Science – Sound, Moon, Nebulae
& Tectonics
Sound
● Amplitude: Loudness.
● Frequency: Pitch (measured in Hz).
Moon Formation
● Giant Impact Hypothesis: Theia collided with Earth → debris formed Moon.
Plate Tectonics
● Convection Currents: Drive plate movement (0.6–10 cm/year).
● Evidence: Continental jigsaw, matching fossils, magnetic stripes.
Unit 7: Biology – Genetics
DNA & Inheritance
● DNA: Double helix; genes code for traits.
● Chromosomes: 46 in humans (23 pairs).
● Gametes: Sperm (23) + Egg (23) → Zygote (46).
● Variation: Genetic (mutations) + Environmental (diet).
Unit 8: Chemistry – Rate of Reaction & Energy
Reaction Rate
● Factors: Temperature, concentration, surface area, catalysts.
● Collision Theory: Effective collisions require energy and orientation.
Energy Changes
● Exothermic: Releases heat (e.g., combustion).
● Endothermic: Absorbs heat (e.g., photosynthesis).
Unit 9: Physics – Electricity & Circuits
Circuits
● Parallel Circuits:
○ Voltage same across branches.
○ Total current = sum of branch currents.
● Ohm’s Law:
Resistance
● Fixed vs. Variable: Dimmer switches use variable resistors.
Key Definitions
● Stomata: Leaf pores for gas exchange.
● Allele: Variant of a gene (e.g., B for brown eyes).
● Noble Gases: Group 0 (e.g., He, Ne).
● Thermal Conduction: Heat transfer via direct contact.
● Tectonic Plates: Segments of Earth’s lithosphere.
