iGCSE Physics Edexcel
Full course content, a smart revision plan and instant past paper feedback for iGCSE Physics Edexcel.
Content Overview
76 topics in 8 modules
☑️ Astrophysics 12 topics
- Understanding of celestial observations
- Knowledge of our Solar System including planets, asteroid belt and Kuiper Belt
- Stellar distances and parallax motion
- Celestial coordinates and position in the sky
- Understanding of different types of stars
- Principles of spectroscopy and Doppler effect
- Michelle star life cycles
- The structure and scale of the universe
- Concepts and effects of dark matter and dark energy
- Evidence for the Big Bang theory and cosmic microwave background radiation
- Basics of astrobiology: possibility of extra-terrestrial life
- Interpretation of Hubble's law and the expansion of the universe
☑️ Forces and Motion 10 topics
- Speed, velocity and acceleration
- Knowledge of displacement, distance and time
- Interpreting velocity-time graphs
- Gravitational forces
- Weight and mass knowledge
- Forces effects and descriptions
- Resultant Forces
- Motion in a circle
- Work done
- Energy and efficiency
☑️ Electricity 9 topics
- Standard units
- Current and charge
- Potential difference, resistance and Ohm's Law
- Series and parallel circuits
- Power, energy and potential difference
- Domestic electricity
- Alternating current and direct current
- Mains electricity safety
- Electrical fields
☑️ Waves 9 topics
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
- Wave properties
- Electromagnetic spectrum
- Reflection and refraction
- Sound waves and their applications
- Seismic waves
- Light and color
- Radio waves and microwaves
- Infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays
☑️ Energy Resources and Energy Transfer 8 topics
- Energy forms and energy transformation
- Energy conservation
- Work and power
- Heating effect of current
- Thermal conductivity
- Solar Power and wind power
- Geothermal and hydroelectric power
- Nuclear power
☑️ Solids, Liquids and Gases 9 topics
- Density and pressure
- Changes in state
- The gas laws
- Pressure differences
- Particle model
- Explaining pressure in fluids
- Thermal energy transfer
- Convection and radiation
- Heat Transfer in Solids
☑️ Magnetism and Electromagnetism 9 topics
- Magnetic fields
- Electromagnetism
- AC and DC generators
- Transformers
- Magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor
- The motor effect
- Electromagnetic induction
- Uses of transformers,
- Magnetic field patterns
☑️ Radioactivity and Particles 10 topics
- Atomic structure
- Types of radiation and changes in the nucleus
- Detecting and measuring radiation
- Effects and uses of radiation
- Fission and fusion
- Background radiation
- Nuclear equations
- Radioactive decay
- Half life
- Electromagnetic spectrum
iGCSE Physics Edexcel Revision Content
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iGCSE Physics Edexcel - Forces and Motion - Speed, velocity and acceleration Content Preview
Forces and Motion
Speed, velocity and acceleration
Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
Speed
- Speed is the measure of how quickly an object moves.
- It is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.
- The unit of speed is metres per second (m/s) but it can also be expressed in km/h or mph.
- Calculating speed involves using the formula: speed = distance / time
Velocity
- Velocity, on the other hand, is speed in a given direction.
- It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
- Therefore, if an object changes direction but keeps the same speed, its velocity has changed.
- Just like speed, velocity uses the unit metre per second (m/s).
Acceleration
- Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object.
- An object can be accelerating if it is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.
- It is a vector quantity, which means it has both speed and direction.
- The unit for acceleration is metres per second squared (m/s²).
- Calculating acceleration involves using the formula: acceleration = change in velocity / time taken
- If an object is slowing down rather than speeding up, we say it has negative acceleration, which is also known as deceleration.
Relationship between Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
- The speed of an accelerating object increases over time.
- If the velocity of an object changes, whether in magnitude or direction, it is accelerating.
- Understanding the difference between speed and velocity can help explain why objects moving at constant speed can still experience acceleration - it’s because their direction is changing.
- All three: speed, velocity, and acceleration are fundamental to understanding the principles of force and motion.
Question: A train travels 200 metres in 50 seconds, then changes direction and travels another 200 metres in 50 seconds. What is the speed and velocity of the train?
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