Physics

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Newton's Third Law

Resultant forces and their effects

Moments, levers and gears

Balancing

Force, mass and acceleration (a = (v – u)/t)

Newton's Second Law

Stopping (and estimating stopping distances)

In the Gravity in space unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about centripetal forces, orbital motion, stellar evolution, red shift and the big bang.

In the Energy of moving objects unit, pupils learnt how to calculate the amount of energy of objects have because they are moving, stretched or in a gravitational field; and to calculate energy transfers using knowledge of energy conservation and dissipation.

This unit explores forces, interactions, and Newton’s laws, including motion, rotation, and momentum. It covers reaction times, stopping distances, and deceleration dangers. Emphasis is on force diagrams, calculations, experiments, and evaluating methods for accuracy and safety.

Forces make things change

Evidence of atomic structure

Unstable nuclei

Nuclear decay

Ionising radiation

Radioactive half-life

Activity and half-life calculations

Uses of radiation

Nuclear fission and fusion

In A-level physics, some pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about probability and half-life equations, nuclear instability, Einstein’s equation E = mc2 that links mass and energy, and controlled nuclear fission.

In the Periodic table unit, in chemistry, pupils learnt about the nuclear model of the atom, the atomic number and mass number, and about isotopes of elements.

This unit covers atomic structure, isotopes, radioactive decay, and half-life. It explores alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, nuclear fission and fusion, and the uses of radiation in medicine, highlighting differences between contamination and irradiation.

Nuclear physics

Plotting magnetic fields

An electromagnet

Strength of an electromagnet

Applications of electromagnets

An electric motor

In the Magnets and electromagnets unit, pupils learnt about rules for magnets, magnetic fields of bar magnets, and the properties and uses of electromagnets. 

This unit explores magnetism, including permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, and Earth's magnetism. It covers current-induced magnetic effects, electric motors, and devices like microphones and loudspeakers, with an emphasis on models, calculations, and practical applications.

Electromagnetism

Reflection of light (including specular and diffuse)

Refraction through a rectangular block

Refraction through a semicircular block

Light and colour

Convex lenses

Scale diagrams for convex lenses

Virtual images from convex and concave lenses

The spectrum of electromagnetic waves

Absorbing infrared radiation practical

Emitting infrared and black body radiation

Ionising electromagnetic radiation

Non-ionising electromagnetic radiation

In A-level physics, some pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about the photon model of electromagnetic radiation and the use of electromagnetic radiation for collecting evidence about the universe or for generating images of the inside of a human body.

In the Measuring waves unit, pupils learnt about the measurable features of a wave, the relationship between them and the wave equation.

This unit explores reflection, refraction, and lenses using ray diagrams. It covers the electromagnetic spectrum, light as a wave, absorption, transmission, and practical uses. Emphasis is on risks, temperature balance, data presentation, and unit conversions.

Electromagnetic waves

Danger from electric shock

Short circuits and earth wires

Power of an appliance or electric circuit

Calculating with electric charge

The National Grid

Energy resources

In the Circuit components unit, pupils learnt how the resistance of filament lamps and diodes change with current and about the properties and applications of light dependent resistors and thermistors.

This unit covers UK domestic a.c. supply, mains wiring safety, energy changes in electrical systems, power ratings, and energy transfer. It explains the National Grid, transformers, energy sources, and calculations for energy changes and power transmission efficiency.

Mains electricity

The solar system

Orbital motion of artificial satellites

Birth of a star

Stellar evolution

Observing the universe

The changing universe

In the Solar system and beyond unit, pupils learnt about the scale and content of the Solar system and the universe, and about gravitational force and the motions that cause days and seasons on the Earth.

This unit covers the solar system's features, including planets, moons, and satellites. It explains gravity's effect on orbits, the sun's formation from dust and gas, and fusion equilibrium. It also explores red-shift, evidence of an expanding universe, and the link to the Big Bang model.

Gravity in space

Physics

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