UPCAT Physics — Electromagnetism, Mirrors & OpticsSlides
Presentation-style slides for Electromagnetism, Mirrors & Optics — the fastest way to cover the chapter if you are reviewing on your phone between classes or shifts. Covers everything University of the Philippines tests on this chapter in the UPCAT Physics subtest.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests Physics under a "Core" label, with Electromagnetism, Mirrors & Optics in the 6th slot across 6 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 Physics questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Electromagnetism, Mirrors & Optics - Slides
This chapter explores the fundamental concepts of electromagnetism, including electricity, magnetism, and their interconnections. We'll also delve into the behavior of light with mirrors and lenses, understanding reflection, refraction, and image formation. These concepts are essential for understanding modern technology and have wide applications in everyday life, from electrical circuits to optical instruments like cameras and eyeglasses.
Slides
Introduction to Electromagnetism, Mirrors & Optics
This chapter covers three interconnected areas of physics that are essential for understanding how modern devices work, from electric circuits in our homes to cameras and mirrors we use daily.
Notes
This overview slide introduces students to the three main areas they'll study, helping them see the big picture before diving into details.
Topic
Chapter Overview
Slide Id
S1
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mermaid
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1
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((Chapter Topics)) Electromagnetism Electricity Ohm's Law Circuits Magnetism Magnetic Fields Electromagnetic Force Optics Mirrors Plane Mirrors Curved Mirrors Lenses Converging Lenses Diverging Lenses Refraction Snell's Law Index of Refraction
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the main topics covered in this chapter and their relationships
Understanding Electricity
Electricity is fundamental to modern life. It occurs when electrons move through materials, creating current that can power devices and provide energy for various applications.
Notes
Students should understand that electricity is simply moving electrons and recognize the difference between DC and AC current in everyday applications.
Topic
Basic Electricity
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S2
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mermaid
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2
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[fa:fa-atom Atoms] --> B[Electrons Move] B --> C[fa:fa-bolt Electric Current] C --> D{Current Type} D -->|One Direction| E[DC Current] D -->|Back and Forth| F[AC Current] E --> G[fa:fa-battery Batteries] F --> H[fa:fa-home Household Power]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing how electricity is created from moving electrons and the two types of electric current
Ohm's Law - The Foundation of Electrical Circuits
Ohm's Law is the fundamental relationship in electrical circuits. It shows how voltage, current, and resistance are related. Named after German physicist Georg Ohm, this law helps us understand and calculate electrical quantities in circuits.
Notes
Students should memorize V = IR and understand how to rearrange it to find any unknown quantity when two are given.
Topic
Ohm's Law
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S3
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mermaid
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3
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[fa:fa-calculator Ohm's Law V = IR] --> B[Voltage V] A --> C[Current I] A --> D[Resistance R] B --> E[Measured in Volts] C --> F[Measured in Amperes] D --> G[Measured in Ohms] E --> H[fa:fa-lightbulb Example: 12V] F --> I[fa:fa-lightbulb Example: 2A] G --> J[fa:fa-lightbulb Example: 6Ω]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing Ohm's Law formula and the three electrical quantities with their units and examples
Series Circuits
In a series circuit, there's only one path for current to flow. Like water flowing through a single pipe with multiple restrictions, the current remains constant but voltage drops across each component.
Notes
Emphasize that in series circuits, if one component fails, the entire circuit stops working - like old Christmas lights.
Topic
Series Circuits
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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4
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[fa:fa-battery Battery] --> B[R1] B --> C[R2] C --> D[R3] D --> A E[Current Same Everywhere] --> F[Voltage Divided] F --> G[Total R = R1 + R2 + R3]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Diagram showing series circuit configuration with current and voltage characteristics
Parallel Circuits
Parallel circuits provide multiple paths for current flow. Like multiple lanes on a highway, current can take different routes. This is why household outlets work independently.
Notes
Students should understand that parallel circuits allow components to work independently, which is why home appliances can be controlled separately.
Topic
Parallel Circuits
Slide Id
S5
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mermaid
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5
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[fa:fa-battery Battery] --> B{Junction} B --> C[R1] B --> D[R2] B --> E[R3] C --> F{Junction} D --> F E --> F F --> A G[Voltage Same in Each Branch] --> H[Current Divided] H --> I[1/Total R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Diagram showing parallel circuit configuration with voltage and current distribution
Understanding Magnetism
Magnetism is a fundamental force in nature. It can occur naturally in certain materials or be created by electric current. Magnetic fields are invisible but can be detected by their effects on magnetic materials.
Notes
Connect magnetism to students' everyday experiences with magnets and explain how electricity and magnetism are related.
Topic
Magnetism Basics
Slide Id
S6
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mermaid
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6
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[fa:fa-atom Magnetic Sources] --> B[Natural Magnets] A --> C[Electromagnets] B --> D[Permanent Magnetism] C --> E[Electric Current Creates Magnetism] F[Magnetic Poles] --> G[North Pole] F --> H[South Pole] G --> I[Like Poles Repel] H --> I G --> J[Opposite Poles Attract] H --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing sources of magnetism and magnetic pole interactions
Electromagnetism - The Connection
Electromagnetism shows that electricity and magnetism are two aspects of the same fundamental force. This discovery revolutionized technology, leading to electric motors, generators, and many modern devices.
Notes
Emphasize how this relationship enables motors (electricity to motion) and generators (motion to electricity).
Topic
Electromagnetism
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
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Slide Number
7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant E as Electricity participant M as Magnetism participant D as Device E->>M: Electric current creates magnetic field M->>D: Magnetic force causes motion D->>E: Motion generates electricity E->>M: Cycle continues
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence diagram showing the electromagnetic cycle in electric motors and generators
Introduction to Optics and Light
Optics explains how light behaves when it interacts with different materials and surfaces. This knowledge is essential for understanding mirrors, lenses, and many optical instruments we use daily.
Notes
Students should understand that light behavior follows predictable patterns, which allows us to design optical devices.
Topic
Optics Introduction
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
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8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-lightbulb Light Source] --> B[Light Rays] B --> C{Interaction with Matter} C --> D[Reflection] C --> E[Refraction] C --> F[Absorption] D --> G[fa:fa-mirror Mirrors] E --> H[fa:fa-glass Lenses] F --> I[fa:fa-eye Vision]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing how light interacts with matter through reflection, refraction, and absorption
Plane Mirrors and Reflection
Plane mirrors are the simplest type of mirror we encounter daily. They follow the law of reflection, creating images that appear to be behind the mirror but cannot be projected on a screen.
Notes
Students should understand why text appears backwards in mirrors (lateral inversion) and that virtual images cannot be caught on a screen.
Topic
Plane Mirrors
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
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9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Object] --> B[Light Rays] B --> C[fa:fa-mirror Plane Mirror] C --> D[Reflected Rays] D --> E[fa:fa-eye Observer] F[Law of Reflection] --> G[Angle In = Angle Out] H[Image Properties] --> I[Virtual] H --> J[Erect] H --> K[Same Size] H --> L[Laterally Inverted]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing how plane mirrors create images using the law of reflection
Refraction and Snell's Law
When light travels from one medium to another (like air to water), it changes speed and direction. This bending is called refraction and follows Snell's Law, which relates the angles and refractive indices.
Notes
Students should memorize common refractive indices and understand that higher n values mean light bends more.
Topic
Refraction
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Light Ray] --> B[Medium 1 n1] B --> C[Interface] C --> D[Medium 2 n2] E[Snell's Law] --> F[n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2] G[Refractive Index Examples] --> H[Air n = 1.0] G --> I[Water n = 1.33] G --> J[Glass n = 1.5] G --> K[Diamond n = 2.42]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing refraction process and Snell's Law with common refractive indices
Curved Mirrors - Concave and Convex
Curved mirrors create different types of images compared to plane mirrors. Their curved shape allows them to focus or spread light rays, making them useful for various optical applications.
Notes
Help students remember: concave curves inward like a cave, convex curves outward like a dome.
Topic
Curved Mirrors
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Curved Mirrors] --> B[Concave Mirror] A --> C[Convex Mirror] B --> D[Curves Inward] B --> E[Can Focus Light] B --> F[fa:fa-mirror Makeup Mirror] C --> G[Curves Outward] C --> H[Spreads Light] C --> I[fa:fa-car Side Mirror] J[Image Types] --> K[Real Images] J --> L[Virtual Images]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart comparing concave and convex mirrors with their characteristics and applications
Images in Convex Mirrors
Convex mirrors are simple to understand because they always create the same type of image regardless of object position. This predictable behavior makes them ideal for safety applications.
Notes
Students should remember that convex mirrors are consistent - they always create virtual, erect, smaller images with wide viewing angles.
Topic
Convex Mirror Images
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> ObjectPosition ObjectPosition --> VirtualImage: Always VirtualImage --> ErectImage: Always ErectImage --> SmallerImage: Always SmallerImage --> WideView: Result WideView --> [*]
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
State diagram showing that convex mirrors always produce the same type of image characteristics
Images in Concave Mirrors
Concave mirrors are more complex because they create different types of images depending on where the object is placed. This versatility makes them useful for both magnification and focusing applications.
Notes
Students should practice identifying object positions and predicting image characteristics for different scenarios.
Topic
Concave Mirror Images
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Object Position] --> B{Beyond Center?} B -->|Yes| C[Real Inverted Smaller] B -->|No| D{Between Center and Focus?} D -->|Yes| E[Real Inverted Larger] D -->|No| F{Closer than Focus?} F -->|Yes| G[Virtual Erect Larger] F -->|No| H[At Focus No Image]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Decision flowchart showing different image types based on object position with concave mirrors
Types of Lenses
Lenses work by refracting light as it passes through curved transparent surfaces. The shape determines whether they focus or spread light, making them useful for correcting vision and creating optical instruments.
Notes
Help students remember lens types by their shape and effect on light - converging brings together, diverging spreads apart.
Topic
Lens Types
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Lenses] --> B[Converging Convex] A --> C[Diverging Concave] B --> D[Thick Center] B --> E[Focuses Light] B --> F[fa:fa-search Magnifying Glass] C --> G[Thin Center] C --> H[Spreads Light] C --> I[fa:fa-glasses Nearsighted Glasses] J[Applications] --> K[fa:fa-camera Camera] J --> L[fa:fa-eye Vision Correction]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing types of lenses, their characteristics, and common applications
Practical Applications and Real-World Examples
The concepts of electromagnetism and optics are not just theoretical - they have countless practical applications that impact our daily lives and enable modern technology.
Notes
Connect these concepts to Filipino students' experiences with technology, transportation, and healthcare systems they encounter daily.
Topic
Applications
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
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Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((Real World Applications)) Technology Smartphones Camera Lenses Touchscreen Battery Circuits Internet Fiber Optics Electromagnetic Signals Transportation Electric Vehicles Motors Batteries Traffic Systems LED Lights Sensors Healthcare MRI Machines Electromagnets Laser Surgery Focused Light Eyeglasses Vision Correction Energy Power Plants Generators Transformers Solar Panels Photovoltaic Effect
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing real-world applications of electromagnetism and optics in various fields
References
- BRAINBOX UPCAT AND OTHER COLLEGE ENTRANCE — Physics.pdf
- THE UPCAT CHAMPION CET — Science.pdf
- Physics textbooks covering electromagnetism and optics
- Philippine science curriculum standards for Grade 10-12
In summary
Electromagnetism, mirrors, and optics are fundamental concepts that explain many phenomena in our daily lives and enable modern technology. From the electrical circuits that power our devices to the lenses that help us see clearly, these principles are essential for understanding how the physical world works. Mastering Ohm's Law, understanding circuit behavior, recognizing the connection between electricity and magnetism, and knowing how light interacts with mirrors and lenses will help you succeed in physics and appreciate the science behind everyday technology. Remember to practice applying these concepts to real-world situations and solving numerical problems using the formulas and principles covered in this chapter.
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