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Physics
updated
syllabus
Stephen Pople
Syllabus overview
1. General physics
1.1 Length and time
Core
• Use and describe the use of rules and measuring cylinders to calculate a length or a volume Page 15
• Use and describe the use of clocks and devices for measuring an interval of time Page 15
• Measure and describe how to measure a short interval of time (including the period of a pendulum) Page 15
Supplement
• Use and describe the use of a mechanical method for the measurement of a small distance Page 14
(including use of a micrometer screw gauge)
1.2 Motion
Core
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• Show familiarity with the idea of the mass of a body Pages 12 and 42
• State that weight is a gravitational force Page 42
• Distinguish between mass and weight Pages 42–43
• Recall and use the equation W = mg Pages 42-43
• Demonstrate understanding that weights (and hence masses) may be compared using a balance Page 12
Supplement
• Demonstrate an understanding that mass is a property that ‘resists’ change in motion Page 17
• Describe, and use the concept of, weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass Page 17
1.4 Density
Core
• State that a force may produce a change in size and shape of a body Page 39
• Plot extension/load graphs and describe the associated experimental procedure Pages 64–65
• Describe the ways in which a force may change the motion of a body Pages 38–39
• Find the resultant of two or more forces acting along the same line Pages 46–47
• Recognise that if there is no resultant force on a body it either remains at rest or continues at Page 36
constant speed in a straight line
• Understand friction as the force between two surfaces which impedes motion and results in Pages 40–41
heating Pages 40–41
• Recognise air resistance as a form of friction
Supplement
• State Hooke’s Law and recall and use the expression F = k x Page 65
• Recognise the significance of the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for an extension/load graph Page 64
• Recall and use the relation between force, mass and acceleration (including the direction), F = ma Pages 38–39
• Describe qualitatively motion in a curved path due to a perpendicular force (F = mv /r is not
2
Pages 52–53
required)
1.5.2 Turning effect
Core
• Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give everyday examples Pages 58–59
• Understand that increasing force or distance from the pivot increases the moment of a force Pages 58–59
• Calculate moment using the product force × perpendicular distance from the pivot Pages 58–59
• Apply the principle of moments to the balancing of a beam about a pivot Pages 60–61
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Supplement
• State that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant turning effect, a system is in Pages 58–59
equilibrium
Supplement
• Perform and describe an experiment (involving vertical forces) to show that there is no net moment Pages 58–59
on a body in equilibrium
1.5.4 Centre of mass
Core
• Perform and describe an experiment to determine the position of the centre of mass of a plane Pages 60–61
lamina
• Describe qualitatively the effect of the position of the centre of mass on the stability of simple Pages 60–61
objects
1.5.5 Scalars and vectors
Supplement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between scalars and vectors and give common Pages 50–51
examples
• Understand that vectors have a magnitude and direction Pages 50–51
• Determine graphically the resultant of two vectors Pages 50–51
1.6 Momentum
Supplement
• Identify changes in kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic (strain), nuclear and internal Pages 82–83
energy that have occurred as a result of an event or process
• Recognise that energy is transferred during events and processes, including examples of transfer Pages 82–83
by forces (mechanical working), by electrical currents (electrical working), by heating and by waves
• Apply the principle of energy conservation to simple examples Pages 84–85
Supplement
• Recall and use the expressions k.e. = ½ mv2 and p.e. = mgh Pages 86–87
• Apply the principle of conservation of energy to examples involving multiple stages Pages 86–87
• Explain that in any event or process the energy tends to become more spread out among the Pages 84–85
objects and surroundings (dissipated)
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• Describe how electricity or other useful forms of energy may be obtained from: Pages 90–97
– chemical energy stored in fuel
– water, including the energy stored in waves, in tides, and in water behind hydroelectric dams
– geothermal resources
– nuclear fission
– heat and light from the Sun (solar cells and panels)
• Give advantages and disadvantages of each method in terms of cost, reliability, scale and Pages 90–97
environmental impact
• Show a qualitative understanding of efficiency Pages 88–89
Supplement
• Understand that the Sun is the source of energy for all our energy resources except geothermal, Pages 96–97
nuclear and tidal
• Show an understanding that energy is released by nuclear fusion in the Sun Pages 96–97
• Recall and use the equation: Pages 88–89
efficiency = useful energy output × 100% efficiency = useful power output
× 100%
energy input power input
1.7.3 Work
Core
• Relate (without calculation) power to work done and time taken, using appropriate examples Pages 88–89
Supplement
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2. Thermal physics
2.1 Simple kinetic molecular model of matter
2.1.1 States of matter
Core
• State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases Pages 102–103
2.1.2 Molecular model
• Describe qualitatively the molecular structure of solids, liquids and gases Pages 102–103
• Interpret the temperature of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules Pages 110–111
• Describe qualitatively the pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules Pages 110–111
• Show an understanding of the random motion of particles in a suspension as evidence for the Pages 102–103
kinetic molecular model of matter
• Describe this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random molecular Pages 102–103
bombardment
Supplement
• Relate the properties of solids, liquids and gases to the forces and distances between molecules Pages 102–103
and to the motion of the molecules
• Explain pressure in terms of the change of momentum of the particles striking the walls creating a Pages 110–111
force
• Show an appreciation that massive particles may be moved by light, fast-moving molecules Pages 110–111
2.1.3 Evaporation
Core
• Describe evaporation in terms of the escape of more-energetic molecules from the surface of a Pages 118–119
liquid
• Relate evaporation to the consequent cooling of the liquid Pages 118–119
Supplement
• Demonstrate an understanding of how temperature, surface area and draught over a surface Pages 118–119
influence evaporation
• Explain the cooling of a body in contact with an evaporating liquid Pages 118–119
2.1.4 Pressure changes
Core
• Describe qualitatively, in terms of molecules, the effect on the pressure of a gas of: Pages 110–111
– a change of temperature at constant volume
– a change of volume at constant temperature
Supplement
• Describe qualitatively the thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases Pages 108–109
• Identify and explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion Pages 108–109
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Supplement
• Explain, in terms of the motion and arrangement of molecules, the relative order of the magnitude Pages 108–109
of the expansion of solids, liquids and gases
2.2.2 Measurement of temperature
Core
• Appreciate how a physical property that varies with temperature may be used for the measurement Pages 104–107
of temperature, and state examples of such properties
• Recognise the need for and identify fixed points Pages 104–107
• Describe the structure and action of liquid-in-glass thermometers Pages 104–107
Supplement
• Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy input without a change in temperature Pages 118–119
• State the meaning of melting point and boiling point Pages 122–123
• Describe condensation and solidification in terms of molecules Pages 118–119
Supplement
• Describe experiments to demonstrate the properties of good and bad conductors of heat Pages 112–113
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Supplement
• Describe experiments to show the properties of good and bad emitters and good and bad Pages 116–117
absorbers of infra-red radiation
• Show understanding that the amount of radiation emitted also depends on the surface Pages 116–117
temperature and surface area of a body
2.3.4 Consequences of energy transfer
Core
• Identify and explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of conduction, Pages 112–117
convection and radiation
• Demonstrate understanding that waves transfer energy without transferring matter Pages 128–129
• Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes and springs and by Pages 128–131
experiments using water waves
• Use the term wavefront Pages 130–131
• Give the meaning of speed, frequency, wavelength and amplitude Pages 128–129
• Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves and give suitable examples Pages 128–129
• Describe the use of water waves to show: Pages 130–131
– reflection at a plane surface
– refraction due to a change of speed
– diffraction produced by wide and narrow gaps
• Describe the use of water waves to demonstrate reflection, refraction and diffraction Pages 130–131
Supplement
• Describe the formation of an optical image by a plane mirror, and give its characteristics Pages 146–149
• Use the law angle of incidence = angle of reflection Pages 146–149
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Supplement
• Recall and use the definition of refractive index n in terms of speed Page 151
sin i
• Recall and use the equation –
sin r
=n Page 154
1
• Recall and use n = sin c
– Page 155
• Describe the action of optical fibres particularly in medicine and communications technology Page 153
3.2.3 Thin converging lens
Core
• Describe the action of a thin converging lens on a beam of light Pages 156–157
• Use the terms principal focus and focal length Pages 156–157
• Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a real image by a single lens Pages 156–157
• Describe the nature of an image using the terms enlarged/same size/diminished and upright/ Pages 158–159
inverted
Supplement
• Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a virtual image by a single lens Pages 158–159
• Use and describe the use of a single lens as a magnifying glass Pages 158–159
• Show understanding of the terms real image and virtual image Pages 158–159
3.2.4 Dispersion of light
Core
• Give a qualitative account of the dispersion of light as shown by the action on light of a glass prism Page 145
including the seven colours of the spectrum in their correct order
Supplement
• Describe the main features of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength Pages 162–163
• State that all e.m. waves travel with the same high speed in a vacuum Page 162
• Describe the role of electromagnetic waves in: Pages 162–165
– radio and television communications (radio waves)
– satellite television and telephones (microwaves)
– electrical appliances, remote controllers for televisions and intruder alarms (infrared)
– medicine and security (X-rays)
• Demonstrate an awareness of safety issues regarding the use of microwaves and X-rays Page 165
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Supplement
• State that the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108 m/s and is approximately Page 162
the same in air
3.3 Sound
Core
• Describe the production of sound by vibrating sources Pages 132–133
• Describe the longitudinal nature of sound waves Page 132
• State the approximate range of audible frequencies for a healthy human ear is 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz Pages 136–137
• Show an understanding of the term ultrasound Pages 138–139
• Show an understanding that a medium is needed to transmit sound waves Pages 132–133
• Describe the forces between magnets, and between magnets and magnetic materials Pages 200–201
• Give an account of induced magnetism Pages 200–201
• Distinguish between magnetic and non-magnetic materials Pages 200–201
• Describe methods of magnetisation, to include stroking with a magnet, use of d.c. in a coil and Pages 200–201
hammering in a magnetic field
• Draw the pattern of magnetic field lines around a bar magnet Pages 202–203
• Describe an experiment to identify the pattern of field lines round a bar magnet Pages 202–203
• Distinguish between the magnetic properties of iron and steel Pages 200–201
• Distinguish between the design and use of permanent magnets and electromagnets Pages 206–207
Supplement
• Explain that magnetic forces are due to interactions between magnetic fields Pages 202–203
• Describe methods of demagnetisation, to include hammering, heating and use of a.c. in a coil Pages 200–201
4.2 Electrical quantities
4.2.1 Electric charge
Core
• Describe simple experiments to show the production and detection of electrostatic charges Pages 174–175
• State that there are positive and negative charges Page 172
• State that unlike charges attract and that like charges repel Page 172
• State that charging a body involves the addition or removal of electrons Page 174
• Distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators and give typical examples Page 172
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Supplement
• Show understanding that a current is a rate of flow of charge and recall and use the equation Page 178
Q
I= –
t
• Distinguish between the direction of flow of electrons and conventional current Page 179
4.2.3 Electro-motive force
Core
• State that the e.m.f. of a source of electrical energy is measured in volts Page 180
Supplement
• how understanding that e.m.f. is defined in terms of energy supplied by a source in driving charge
S Page 181
round a complete circuit
4.2.4 Potential difference
Core
• State that the potential difference across a circuit component is measured in volts Page 180
• Use and describe the use of a voltmeter Page 180
Supplement
• State that resistance = p.d./current and understand qualitatively how changes in p.d. or resistance Page 182
affect current
V
• Recall and use the equation R = –
l
Page 184
• Describe an experiment to determine resistance using a voltmeter and an ammeter Page 184
• Relate (without calculation) the resistance of a wire to its length and to its diameter Pages 186–187
Supplement
• Sketch and explain the current-voltage characteristic of an ohmic resistor and a filament lamp Pages 184–185
• Recall and use quantitatively the proportionality between resistance and length, and the inverse Pages 186–187
proportionality between resistance and cross-sectional area of a wire
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• Understand that electric circuits transfer energy from the battery or power source to the circuit Pages 178–179
components then into the surroundings
Supplement
• raw and interpret circuit diagrams containing sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
D Pages 178–192
lamps, ammeters voltmeters, magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and relays
Supplement
• Understand that the current at every point in a series circuit is the same Page 189
• Give the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series Pages 190–191
• State that, for a parallel circuit, the current from the source is larger than the current in each branch Pages 188–189
• State that the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than that of either resistor by Pages 188–189
itself
• State the advantages of connecting lamps in parallel in a lighting circuit Pages 188–189
Supplement
• Recall and use the fact that the sum of the p.d.s across the components in a series circuit is equal Pages 188–189
to the total p.d. across the supply
• Recall and use the fact that the current from the source is the sum of the currents in the separate Pages 188–189
branches of a parallel circuit
• Recall and use the fact that the sum of the p.d.s across the components in a series circuit is equal Pages 188–189
to the total p.d. across the supply
• Calculate the effective resistance of two resistors in parallel Pages 190–191
4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components
Core
• Describe the action of a diode and show understanding of its use as a rectifier Page 230
• Recognise and show understanding of circuits operating as light sensitive switches and
temperature-operated alarms (using a relay or a transistor) Pages 232–233
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• Explain and use the terms digital and analogue in terms of continuous variation and high/low states Pages 228–229
• Describe the action of NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR gates Pages 234–237
• Design and understand simple digital circuits combining several logic gates Pages 234–237
• Use truth tables to describe the action of individual gates and simple combinations of gates Pages 234–237
4.4 Dangers of electricity
Core
• how understanding that a conductor moving across a magnetic field or a changing magnetic field
S Page 212
linking with a conductor can induce an e.m.f. in the conductor
• Describe an experiment to demonstrate electromagnetic induction Pages 212–213
• State the factors affecting the magnitude of an induced e.m.f.t Page 213
Supplement
• State and use the relative directions of force, field and induced current Pages 212–213
• Show understanding that the direction of an induced emf opposes the change causing it Pages 212–213
4.5.2 ac generator
Core
• Distinguish between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.) Page 219
Supplement
• Describe and explain a rotating-coil generator and the use of slip rings Page 216
• Sketch a graph of voltage output against time for a simple a.c. generator Page 216
• Relate the position of the generator coil to the peaks and zeros of the voltage output Page 216
4.5.3 Transformer
Core
• Describe the construction of a basic iron-cored transformer as used for voltage transformations Page 219
• Recall and use the equation (Vp /Vs) = (Np /Ns) Page 219
• Understand the terms step-up and step-down Pages 220
• Describe the use of the transformer in high-voltage transmission of electricity Pages 220–221
• Give the advantages of high-voltage transmission Pages 222–223
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Supplement
• Describe the pattern of the magnetic field due to currents in straight wires and in solenoids Pages 204–205
• Describe applications of the magnetic effect of current, including the action of a relay Pages 206–207
Supplement
• State the qualitative variation of the strength of the magnetic field over salient parts of the pattern Page 202
• tate that the direction of a magnetic field line at a point is the direction of the force on the N pole
S Pages 202–203
of a magnet at that point
• Describe the effect on the magnetic field of changing the magnitude and direction of the current Page 206
4.5.5 Force on a current-carrying conductor
Core
• Describe an experiment to show that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic Pages 208–209
field, including the effect of reversing:
(i) the current
(ii) the direction of the field
Supplement
• Describe an experiment to show the corresponding force on beams of charged particles Pages 238–239
• State and use the relative directions of force, field and current Pages 208–210
4.5.6 dc motor
Core
• tate that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect and that the effect
S Page 209
is increased by increasing the number of turns on the coil , increasing the current, increasing the
strength of the magnetic field
Supplement
• Relate this turning effect to the action of an electric motor including the action of a split-ring Pages 210–211
commutator
5. Atomic physics
5.1 The nuclear atom
5.1.1 Atomic model
Core
• Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a positive nucleus and negative electrons Pages 244–245
Supplement
• escribe how the scattering of α-particles by thin metal foils provides evidence for the nuclear
D Page 246
atom
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5.1.2 Nucleus
Core
• Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons and neutrons Pages 244–245
• State the charges of protons and neutrons Pages 244–245
• Use the term proton number Page 244
• Use the term nucleon number Page 244
• Use the term nuclide and use the nuclide notation A
Z
X Pages 244–245
• Use and explain the term isotope Pages 244–245
Supplement
• State the meaning of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion Pages 254–257
• Balance equations involving nuclide notation Pages 250–251
5.2 Radioactivity
5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity
Core
• Describe their deflection in electric fields and in magnetic fields Pages 246–247
• Interpret their relative ionising effects Pages 246–247
• Give and explain examples of practical applications of α, β and γ-emissions Pages 258–259
5.2.3 Radioactive decay
Core
• Use equations involving nuclide notation to represent changes in the composition of the nucleus Pages 250–251
when particles are emitted
5.2.4 Half-life
Core
• Use the term half-life in simple calculations, which might involve information in tables or decay Pages 252–253
curves
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Supplement
• Calculate half-life from data or decay curves from which background radiation has not been Pages 252–253
subtracted
5.2.5 Safety precautions
Core
• Recall the effects of ionising radiations on living things Page 248
• Describe how radioactive materials are handled, used and stored in a safe way Pages 254–255
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