A Level Physics CCEA

This subject is broken down into 36 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Forces, Energy and Electricity 12 topics
  2. Waves, Photons and Astronomy 7 topics
  3. Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics 9 topics
  4. Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics 8 topics
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  • 4
    modules
  • 36
    topics
  • 13,586
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Physics

Forces, Energy and Electricity

Physical Quantities

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Physical Quantities

Physical Quantities

Basic Definitions

  • Physical quantities are measurable properties or qualities of a physical system.
  • Physical quantities are described by a numerical magnitude and a unit. They are broadly classified into two types: Scalar and Vector quantities.
  • Scalar quantities only have magnitude, for example time, speed and mass.
  • Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction, such as force, velocity, and displacement.

Scalar Quantities

  • Scalar quantities are completely specified by their magnitude alone.
  • Magnitudes are always positive and can be added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided like ordinary numbers.
  • Speed, energy, and power are some examples of scalar quantities.

Vector Quantities

  • Vector quantities are described by both magnitude and direction.
  • The vector sum or resultant of multiple vectors is found using the rules of vector addition.
  • Examples of vector quantities include force, velocity, acceleration, and momentum.

Units of Measurement

  • Units are standard quantities used to specify the magnitude of a physical quantity.
  • The International System of Units (SI) is a globally agreed system of measurements that includes seven base units: metre (m), kilogram (kg), second (s), ampere (A), kelvin (K), mole (mol) and candela (cd).
  • Derived units are combinations of base units, for example, force is measured in newtons (N), which are equivalent to kg m/s².

Dimensional Analysis

  • Dimensional analysis checks the validity of an equation by comparing the dimensions on both sides.
  • It helps in converting units from one system to another and in deriving relationships between different physical quantities.

Uncertainty and Significant Figures

  • Measurements always have some uncertainty, which is expressed in terms of error.
  • The reported value of a measurement should only include digits that are known with certainty, plus the first uncertain digit. These digits are known as significant figures.
  • When multiplying or dividing measurements, the final result should retain the smallest number of significant figures used in the calculation.

Course material for Physics, module Forces, Energy and Electricity, topic Physical Quantities

Physics

Waves, Photons and Astronomy

Astronomy

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Astronomy

Basic Concepts in Astronomy

  • Be familiar with celestial bodies such as stars, planets, moons, asteroids, galaxies, and understand their various characteristics.
  • Appreciate the concept of light-years as a measure of astronomical distance.
  • Understand the concept of a light-cone and the cosmic light horizon, which show the region of the universe that we can theoretically observe.

Properties of Stars

  • Comprehend the process of nuclear fusion as the primary source of energy in stars.
  • Understand the life cycle of stars from nebula to main-sequence stars to giant/red supergiant phase, ending in white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole stages, based on the star's mass.
  • Be able to use the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to understand the relationship between a star's temperature, colour, luminosity, and size.
  • Understand the concept of redshift and blueshift in light emitted from stars, as an indication of their velocity relative to the observer (Doppler Effect).

Planetary Systems

  • Have an in-depth understanding of our Solar System, including the properties and features of individual planets.
  • Understand the concepts of orbits, including the shapes of orbits (ellipses, parabolas, hyperbolas), the speed of planets in orbit, and the gravitational forces involved.
  • Know about Kepler's laws of planetary motion and be able to apply them.

Galaxies and Cosmology

  • Be aware of different types of galaxies including spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies.
  • Understand the Big Bang Theory, the most widely accepted cosmological explanation for the beginning and evolution of the universe.
  • Be able to describe the concept of cosmic microwave background radiation as evidence for the Big Bang Theory.
  • Comprehend the concept of dark matter and dark energy and their roles in the expansion of the universe.

Telescopes and Data Interpretation

  • Knowledge of how telescopes work, including refracting and reflecting telescopes and the difference between them.
  • Be able to understand and interpret astronomical data and images, including those from radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray telescopes.
  • Be aware of the impact of Earth's atmosphere on astronomical observations and the need for space-based observatories.

By mastering these areas, learners will have a thorough understanding of the 'Astronomy' component.

Course material for Physics, module Waves, Photons and Astronomy, topic Astronomy

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