It was okay in the sense that it was quite doable and not completely random as you just explained however I can never feel certain about English Exams.
You will most likely be using the 2nd equation however they do ask the first one but it will be quite obvious since they will provide you with period.
Questions with the 2nd equation are usually followed with a question that elaborate on the fact that the velocity is independent of the mass of...
The 'r' in the formula is not necessarily the radius or 'half' the distance between them. it is indeed the separation distance as a result of the two starts orbiting around a central mass.
I would recommend watching this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prkEf2if4MQ
Not quite a documentary however it is very helpful for the HSC syllabus especially.
In electrolytic cells, electrical energy is supplied. However in a galvanic cell, electrical energy is produced and so the polarity of the terminals swap for this reason.
I would say you should read Syllabus dotpoints ahead of class and make sure you do every respective HSC question available for each dotpoint as you do it in class.
I would recommend buying the Catherine Odlum PHYSICS Past HSC Questions/Solutions
Hope this helps