The aim of this module is to introduce important conventions and ideas that permeate the fabric of physics. Understanding of physical quantities, S.I. units, scalars and vectors helps physicists to effectively communicate their ideas within the scientific community (HSW8, 11).
This section provides knowledge and understanding of key ideas used to describe and analyse the motion of objects in both one-dimension and in two-dimensions. It also provides learners with opportunities to develop their analytical and experimental skills. The motion of a variety of objects can be analysed using ICT or data-logging techniques (HSW3). Learners also have the opportunity to analyse and interpret experimental data by recognising relationships between physical quantities (HSW5). The analysis of motion gives many opportunities to link to How Science Works. Examples relate to detecting the speed of moving vehicles, stopping distances and freefall
40 minute vector quiz
40 minute motion test
Something that must be kept constant to prevent it affecting the dependent variable
Similar results would be obtained from repeats by different people with different equipment.
Errors that cause the measurement to vary in unpredictable ways.
An error that causes the measurements to differ from the true value by a consistent amount.
An error that occurs due to the measuring instrument reading a non-zero reading when the measured quantity is zero.
The distance of an object from a point in a specific direction (vector)
Rate of change of displacement (vector) ∆s/∆t if constant
Change in distance traveled per unit time (scalar)
Rate of change of velocity (vector) ∆v/∆t if constant
Physics is the science of nature; it is the study of matter from the smallest to the largest and energy, and how they relate to one another. It involves the study of universal laws that explain how the universe works and the behaviours and relationships among a wide range of natural (physical) phenomena. The beauty of physics lies in the simplicity of its fundamental theories. The theories are usually expressed in mathematical form.
This section provides knowledge and understanding of the motion of an object when it experiences several forces and also the equilibrium of an object. Learners will also learn how pressure differences give rise to an upthrust on an object in a fluid.
This section provides knowledge and understanding of electrical circuits, internal resistance and potential dividers. LDRs and thermistors are used to show how changes in light intensity and temperature respectively can be monitored using potential dividers. Setting up electrical circuits, including potential divider circuits, provides an ideal way of enhancing experimental skills, understanding electrical concepts and managing risks when using power supplies.
Words like energy, power and work have very precise
meaning in physics. In this section the important link
between work done and energy is explored. Learners
have the opportunity to apply the important principle
of conservation of energy to a range of situations. The
analysis of energy transfers provides the opportunity
for calculations of efficiency and the subsequent
evaluation of issues relating to the individual and
society
This section examines the physical properties of
springs and materials.
Learners can carry out a range of experimental work
to enhance their knowledge and skills, including the
management of risks and analysis of data to provide
evidence for relationships between physical quantities.
There are opportunities to consider the selection of
appropriate materials for practical applications
This section provides knowledge and understanding of
wave properties, electromagnetic waves, superposition
and stationary waves. The wavelength of visible light
is too small to be measured directly using a ruler.
However, superposition experiments can be done in
the laboratory to determine wavelength of visible light
using a laser and a double slit.
There are opportunities to discuss how the double-slit
experiment demonstrated the wave-like behaviour of
light (HSW7).
The breadth of the topic covering sound waves and the
electromagnetic spectrum provides scope for learners
to appreciate the wide ranging applications of waves
and their properties. (HSW1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12)
This section provides knowledge and understanding of
Newton’s laws – fundamental laws that can be used to
predict the motion of all colliding or interacting objects
in applications such as sport (HSW1, 2). Newton’s law
can also be used to understand some of the safety
features in cars, such as air bags, and to evaluate the
benefits and risks of such features (HSW9). Learners
should be aware that the introduction of mandatory
safety features in cars is a consequence of the scientific
community analysing the forces involved in collisions
and investigating potential solutions to reduce the
likelihood of personal injury (HSW10, 11, 12).
There are many opportunities for learners to carry
out experimental work and analyse data using ICT
techniques (HSW3).
This section provides knowledge and understanding of
wave properties, electromagnetic waves, superposition
and stationary waves. The wavelength of visible light
is too small to be measured directly using a ruler.
However, superposition experiments can be done in
the laboratory to determine wavelength of visible light
using a laser and a double slit.
There are opportunities to discuss how the double-slit
experiment demonstrated the wave-like behaviour of
light (HSW7).
The breadth of the topic covering sound waves and the
electromagnetic spectrum provides scope for learners
to appreciate the wide ranging applications of waves
and their properties. (HSW1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12)
Students will carry out a range of revision tasks in preparation for the mock exam. Once the exam has been sat and students have consolidated any areas of weakness they will move on to term 6 topics.
Students will carry out a range of revision tasks in preparation for the mock exam. Once the exam has been sat and students have consolidated any areas of weakness they will move on to term 6 topics.
This section provides knowledge and understanding of
stars, Wien’s displacement law, Stefan’s law, Hubble’s
law and the Big Bang.
Learners have the opportunity to appreciate how
scientific ideas of the Big Bang developed over
time and how its validity is supported by research
and experimental work carried out by the scientific
community (HSW2, 7, 8, 11)
This section provides knowledge and understanding of
the atom, nucleus, fundamental particles, radioactivity,
fission and fusion.
Nuclear power stations provide a significant fraction
of the energy needs of many countries. They are
expensive; governments have to make difficult
decisions when building new ones. The building
of nuclear power stations can be used to evaluate
the benefits and risks to society (HSW9). Ethical,
environmental and decision making issues may also
be discussed (HSW10 and HSW12). The development
of the atomic model also addresses issues of scientific
development and validation (HSW7, 11).