Revision summary help for the 9-1 AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 2nd physics exam paper learning objectives for exam papers  (re-edit)

AQA GCSE science 8464/P/2F

and

8464/P/2H 2020 exam paper onwards

AQA GCSE Grade 9-1 Combined Science Trilogy 8464 Physics Paper 6 2F 2H - AQA (Grade 9-1) GCSE Combined Science TRILOGY Physics Paper 2 Topic 22 "Forces", Topic 23 "Waves", Topic 24 "Magnetism and electromagnetism"

LINK for AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy physics paper 1

LINK for AQA 9-1 GCSE PHYSICS 1 Paper 1

LINK for AQA 9-1 GCSE PHYSICS 2 paper 2

GCSE Physics Revision Notes

 For ALL other exam papers, use and bookmark the link below

INDEX for all links

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING POINTS before using my AQA 9-1 GCSE science pages

1. ALL my unofficial GCSE (Grade 9-1) revision help summaries are based on the NEW 2016 official AQA (Grade 9-1) GCSE PHYSICS/combined science trilogy physics specifications.

2. Make sure you know whether you are doing separate science AQA GCSE grade 9-1 PHYSICS OR AQA GCSE grade 9-1 Combined Science Trilogy physics and double check your exam table from school, college or academy.

3. Also, make sure you know whether you are entered for a higher tier (HT) or a foundation tier (FT) AQA GCSE science-physics course, so watch out for the (HT only) 'markers'.

4. I hope my revision pages help as you get to know my website, its very big and not always easy to navigate, but it is no substitute for making good lesson notes, trying your best on homework questions, studying your textbook, doing past papers of AQA GCSE combined science/physics for exam question practice and, above all, attentive to your teacher's teaching!

5. I know from feedback that my gcse science summary revision pages have proved useful but they do not guarantee a high grade, that all depends on you and the factors mentioned in point 4. above. Please note that my GCSE science revision pages are designed to be used for online convenience, so, beware, printouts could be long!
6. It is really important that YOU cross-check, from my web pages, the learning objectives from the syllabus-specification with YOUR own lesson/revision notes and textbooks for YOUR AQA GCSE 9-1 combined science trilogy physics course.

7. 'Doc b's chemistry' is a big website so the Google [SEARCH] box at the bottom of each index or revision notes page can be VERY USEFUL - sometimes its better than the indexes for finding things!

8. When it comes to the final exam papers, at that point, YOU ARE THEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GRADE YOU ACHIEVE, not your teachers or me or my website (which isn't perfect!), so make sure you are properly prepared!

9. If there is anything about the website you are unhappy with, or you think there is an error, or you think something hasn't been covered adequately, please politely email me with your query to chem55555@hotmail.com

10. NOTE on grades: Foundation Tier FT grades 1 to 5  and  Higher Tier HT grades 4 to 9. In terms of old grades the following is an approximate comparison: grades 7-9 (A-A*), 4-6 (C-B), 1-3 (G-D), U (U) (from OFQUAL Jan 2018)

Syllabus-specification CONTENT INDEX of revision note summaries

TOPIC revision summaries for AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 1 (separate page)

What's assessed in this paper?    (the 'sub-topic' numbers are just based on a simple numerical order)

SUMMARY Topic 1/18 Energy    (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Physics paper 1)

SUMMARY Topic 2/19 Electricity    (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Physics paper 1)

SUMMARY Topic 3/20 Particle model of matter    (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Physics paper 1)

SUMMARY Topic 4/21 Atomic structure   (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Physics paper 1)

TOPIC revision summaries for AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics 2 (this page)

What's assessed in this paper?    (the 'sub-topic' numbers are just based on a simple numerical order)

SUMMARY Topic 22 Forces    (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Physics paper 2)

Topic 5.1 Forces and their interactions

Topic 5.2 Work done and energy transfer

Topic 5.3 Forces and elasticity

Topic 5.4 Moments, levers and gears

Topic 5.5 Pressure and pressure differences in fluids

SUMMARY Topic 23 Waves    (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Physics paper 2)

Topic 6.1 Waves in air, fluids and solids

Topic 6.2 Electromagnetic waves

SUMMARY Topic 24 Magnetism & electromagnetism  (AQA GCSE Comb. Sci. Trilogy Physics paper 2)

Topic 7.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields

Topic 7.2 The motor effect

SUBJECT CONTENT of the syllabus-specification:  GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics

TOPICS for AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6

Topic 22 Forces  

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Appreciate that engineers analyse forces when designing a great variety of machines and instruments, from road bridges and fairground rides to atomic force microscopes. Anything mechanical can be analysed in this way. Recent developments in artificial limbs use the analysis of forces to make movement possible.

Topic 5.1 Forces and their interactions

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Topic 5.1.1 Scalar and vector quantities

Know that scalar quantities have magnitude only.

Vector quantities have magnitude and an associated direction.

A vector quantity may be represented by an arrow. The length of the arrow represents the magnitude, and the direction of the arrow the direction of the vector quantity.

FORCES 1. What is a force? - contact forces and non-contact forces, scalar and vector quantities Revision Notes

Topic 5.1.2 Contact and non-contact forces

Know that a force is a push or pull that acts on an object due to the interaction with another object. All forces between objects are either:

contact forces – the objects are physically touching

non-contact forces – the objects are physically separated.

Examples of contact forces include friction, air resistance, tension and normal contact force.

Examples of non-contact forces are gravitational force, electrostatic force and magnetic force.

Force is a vector quantity.

You should be able to describe the interaction between two objects and the force produced on each object and the forces to be represented as vectors.

FORCES 1. What is a force? - contact forces and non-contact forces, scalar and vector quantities Revision Notes

Topic 5.1.3 Gravity

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Know that weight is the force acting on an object due to gravity. The force of gravity close to the Earth is due to the gravitational field around the Earth.

The weight of an object depends on the gravitational field strength at the point where the object is.

The weight of an object can be calculated using the equation: weight = mass × gravitational field strength

W = m g    

weight, W, in newtons , N; mass, m, in kilograms, kg; gravitational field strength, g, in newtons per kilogram, N/kg

(Note that in any calculation the value of the gravitational field strength (g) will be given.)

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

The weight of an object may be considered to act at a single point referred to as the object's ‘centre of mass’.

The weight of an object and the mass of an object are directly proportional. W m

Weight is measured using a calibrated spring-balance (a newtonmeter).

You should recognise and be able to use the symbol for proportionality .

FORCES 2. Mass and the effect of gravity on it - weight, (mention of work done and GPE) Revision Notes

Topic 5.1.4 Resultant forces

Know that a number of forces acting on an object may be replaced by a single force that has the same effect as all the original forces acting together. This single force is called the resultant force.

You should be able to calculate the resultant of two forces that act in a straight line.

(HT only) You should be able to:

describe examples of the forces acting on an isolated object or system

use free body diagrams to describe qualitatively examples where several forces lead to a resultant force on an object, including balanced forces when the resultant force is zero.

(HT only) A single force can be resolved into two components acting at right angles to each other. The two component forces together have the same effect as the single force.

(HT only) You should be able to use vector diagrams to illustrate resolution of forces, equilibrium situations and determine the resultant of two forces, to include both magnitude and direction (scale drawings only).

FORCES 3. Calculating resultant forces and work done Revision Notes

Topic 5.2 Work done and energy transfer  

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Know that when a force causes an object to move through a distance work is done on the object. So a force does work on an object when the force causes a displacement of the object. The work done by a force on an object can be calculated using the equation:

work done = force × distance moved along the line of action of the force,  W = F s

work done, W, in joules; J; force, F, in newtons, N; distance, s, in metres m

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

Know that one joule of work is done when a force of one newton causes a displacement of one metre.

1 joule = 1 newton metre

You should be able to convert between newton-metres and joules.

You should be able to describe the energy transfer involved when work is done.

Work done against the frictional forces acting on an object causes a rise in the temperature of the object.

FORCES 3. Calculating resultant forces and work done Revision Notes

See also Types of energy, energy stores, mechanical work done and power calculations gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.3 Forces and elasticity

You should be able to:

give examples of the forces involved in stretching, bending or compressing an object

explain why, to change the shape of an object (by stretching, bending or compressing), more than one force has to be applied – this is limited to stationary objects only

describe the difference between elastic deformation and inelastic deformation caused by stretching forces.

The extension of an elastic object, such as a spring, is directly proportional to the force applied, provided that the limit of proportionality is not exceeded.

force = spring constant × extension,  F = k e

force, F, in newtons, N;     spring constant, k, in newtons per metre, N/m;      extension, e, in metres, m

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

This relationship also applies to the compression of an elastic object, where ‘e’ would be the compression of the object.

A force that stretches (or compresses) a spring does work and elastic potential energy is stored in the spring. Provided the spring is not inelastically deformed, the work done on the spring and the elastic potential energy stored are equal.

You should be able to:

describe the difference between a linear and non-linear relationship between force and extension

calculate a spring constant in linear cases

interpret data from an investigation of the relationship between force and extension

calculate work done in stretching (or compressing) a spring (up to the limit of proportionality) using the equation:

elastic potential energy = 0.5 x spring constant × (extension)²,  E_e = ¹/₂ke²

You should be able to apply this equation which is given on the Physics equation sheet.

You should be able to calculate relevant values of stored energy and energy transfers.

You should have done the practical activity 6 investigating the relationship between force and extension for a spring.

FORCES 4. Elasticity and energy stored in a spring

Topic 5.4 Forces and motion   

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Topic 5.4.1 Describing motion along a line

Topic 5.4.1.1 Distance and displacement

Know that distance is how far an object moves. Distance does not involve direction. Distance is a scalar quantity.

Displacement includes both the distance an object moves, measured in a straight line from the start point to the finish point and the direction of that straight line. Displacement is a vector quantity.

You should be able to express a displacement in terms of both the magnitude and direction.

Throughout this section on forces and motion you should be able to use ratios and proportional reasoning to convert units and to compute rates.

Speed and velocity - the relationship between distance and time, distance-time graphs gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.1.2 Speed  

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Know that speed does not involve direction. Speed is a scalar quantity.

The speed of a moving object is rarely constant. When people walk, run or travel in a car their speed is constantly changing.

The speed that a person can walk, run or cycle depends on many factors including: age, terrain, fitness and distance travelled.

Typical values may be taken as: walking  ̴ 1.5 m/s, running  ̴ 3 m/s, cycling  ̴ 6 m/s.

You should be able to recall typical values of speed for a person walking, running and cycling as well as the typical values of speed for different types of transportation systems.

It is not only moving objects that have varying speed. The speed of sound and the speed of the wind also vary. A typical value for the speed of sound in air is 330 m/s.

You should be able to make measurements of distance and time and then calculate speed.

For an object moving at constant speed the distance travelled in a specific time can be calculated using the equation:

distance travelled = speed × time,   s = v t

distance, s, in metres, m;     speed, v, in metres per second, m/s;     time, t, in seconds (secs, s)

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

You should be able to calculate average speed for non-uniform motion.

Speed and velocity - the relationship between distance and time, distance-time graphs gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.1.3 Velocity  

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

The velocity of an object is its speed in a given direction. Velocity is a vector quantity.

You should be able to  explain the vector–scalar distinction as it applies to displacement, distance, velocity and speed.

(HT only) You should be able to explain qualitatively, with examples, that motion in a circle involves constant speed but changing velocity.

Speed and velocity - the relationship between distance and time, distance-time graphs gcse physics revision notes

Mass and the effect of gravity force on it - weight, (mention of work done, GPE and circular motion)

Topic 5.4.1.4 The distance-time relationship

Know if an object moves along a straight line, how far it is from a certain point can be represented by a distance–time graph.

The speed of an object can be calculated from the gradient of its distance–time graph.

(HT only) If an object is accelerating, its speed at any particular time can be determined by drawing a tangent and measuring the gradient of the distance–time graph at that time.

You should be able to draw distance–time graphs from measurements and extract and interpret lines and slopes of distance–time graphs, translating information between graphical and numerical form.

You should be able to determine speed from a distance–time graph.

Speed and velocity - the relationship between distance and time, distance-time graphs gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.1.5 Acceleration

Know that the average acceleration of an object can be calculated using the equation:

acceleration = change in velocity / time taken, a = Δv / t

acceleration, a, in metres per second squared, m/s²

change in velocity, Δv, in metres per second, m/s; time; t, in seconds, s

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

An object that is speeding up is accelerating.

An object that slows down (decelerates) has a negative acceleration - decelerating.

You should be able to estimate the magnitude of everyday accelerations.

The acceleration of an object can be calculated from the gradient of a velocity–time graph.

(HT only)  The distance travelled by an object (or displacement of an object) can be calculated from the area under a velocity–time graph.

You should be able to:

draw velocity–time graphs from measurements and interpret lines and slopes to determine acceleration

 (HT only) interpret enclosed areas in velocity–time graphs to determine distance travelled (or displacement)

(HT only) measure, when appropriate, the area under a velocity–time graph by counting squares.

The following equation applies to uniform acceleration:

(final velocity)² − (initial velocity)² = 2 × acceleration × distance,

 v² − u² = 2 a s

final velocity, v, in metres per second, m/s;      initial velocity, u, in metres per second, m/s;

acceleration, a, in metres per second squared, m/s²;      distance, s, in metres, m

Near the Earth’s surface any object falling freely under gravity has an acceleration of about 9.8 m/s²

You should be able to apply this equation which is given on the Physics equation sheet.

An object falling through a fluid initially accelerates due to the force of gravity. Eventually the resultant force will be zero and the object will move at its terminal velocity.

Acceleration, velocity-time graph interpretation and calculations, problem solving gcse physics revision notes

Acceleration, friction, drag effects and terminal velocity experiments gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.2 Forces, accelerations and Newton's Laws of motion

Topic 5.4.2.1 Newton's First Law

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Know Newton’s First Law: If the resultant force acting on an object is zero and:

the object is stationary, the object remains stationary

the object is moving, the object continues to move at the same speed and in the same direction. So the object continues to move at the same velocity.

So, when a vehicle travels at a steady speed the resistive forces balance the driving force.

So, the velocity (speed and/or direction) of an object will only change if a resultant force is acting on the object.

You should be able to apply Newton’s First Law to explain the motion of objects moving with a uniform velocity and objects where the speed and direction changes.

(HT only) The tendency of objects to continue in their state of rest or of uniform motion is called inertia.

Newton's First, Second and Third Laws of Motion, inertia and F = ma calculations gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.2.2 Newton's Second Law

Know Newton’s Second Law: The acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force acting on the object, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

The second law as an equation is ...

resultant force = mass × acceleration,     F = m a

force, F, in newtons, N

mass, m, in kilograms, kg; acceleration

a, in metres per second squared, m/s²

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

You should recognise and be able to use the symbol for proportionality.

(HT only) You should be able to explain that:

(HT only) inertial mass is a measure of how difficult it is to change the velocity of an object.

(HT only) inertial mass is defined by the ratio of force over acceleration.

You should recognise and be able to use the symbol that indicates an approximate value or answer, ~.

You should be able to estimate, the speed, accelerations and forces involved in large accelerations for everyday road transport.

Required practical activity 7: You should have investigated the effect of varying the force on the acceleration of an object of constant mass, and the effect of varying the mass of an object on the acceleration produced by a constant force.

Newton's First, Second and Third Laws of Motion, inertia and F = ma calculations gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.2.3 Newton's Third Law   (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Physics 2 paper 2)

You should know Newton’s Third Law:

Whenever two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other are equal and opposite.

You should be able to apply Newton’s Third Law to examples of equilibrium situations.

Newton's First, Second and Third Laws of Motion, inertia and F = ma calculations gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.3 Forces and braking

Topic 5.4.3.1 Stopping distance

Know the stopping distance of a vehicle is the sum of the distance the vehicle travels during the driver’s reaction time (thinking distance) and the distance it travels under the braking force (braking distance).

For a given braking force the greater the speed of the vehicle, the greater the stopping distance.

Reaction times and stopping distances gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.3.2 Reaction time

Know that reaction times vary from person to person. Typical values range from 0.4 s to 0.9 s.

A driver’s reaction time can be affected by tiredness, drugs and alcohol. Distractions may also affect a driver’s ability to react.

You should be able to:

explain methods used to measure human reaction times and recall typical results

interpret and evaluate measurements from simple methods to measure the different reaction times of students (you should have done a simple experiment measuring the effect of distractions on reaction time)

evaluate the effect of various factors on thinking distance based on given data.

Reaction times and stopping distances gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.3.3 Factors affecting braking distance 1

Know that the braking distance of a vehicle can be affected by adverse road and weather conditions and poor condition of the vehicle. Adverse road conditions includes wet or icy conditions. Poor condition of the vehicle is limited to the vehicle's brakes or tyres.

You should be able to:

explain the factors which affect the distance required for road transport vehicles to come to rest in emergencies, and the implications for safety

estimate how the distance required for road vehicles to stop in an emergency varies over a range of typical speeds.

Reaction times and stopping distances gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.4.3.4 Factors affecting braking distance 2

Know that when a force is applied to the brakes of a vehicle, work done by the friction force between the brakes and the wheel reduces the kinetic energy of the vehicle and the temperature of the brakes increases.

The greater the speed of a vehicle the greater the braking force needed to stop the vehicle in a certain distance.

The greater the braking force the greater the deceleration of the vehicle. Large decelerations may lead to brakes overheating and loss of control.

You should be able to:

explain the dangers caused by large decelerations

(HT only)  estimate the forces involved in the deceleration of road vehicles in typical situations on a public road.

Reaction times and stopping distances gcse physics revision notes

Topic 5.5 Momentum (HT only)   

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 22 "Forces")

Topic 5.5.1 Momentum is a property of moving objects (HT only)

Know that momentum is a property of moving objects and momentum is defined by the equation:

momentum = mass × velocity,    p = m v

momentum, p, in kilograms metre per second, kg m/s

mass, m, in kilograms, kg;        velocity, v, in metres per second, m/s

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

Elastic and non-elastic collisions, momentum calculations and Newton's 2nd law of motion gcse physics revision

Topic 5.5.2 Conservation of momentum (HT only)

Know that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event. This is called conservation of momentum.

You should be able to use the concept of momentum as a model to describe examples of momentum in an event such as a collision

You should have investigated collisions between laboratory trollies using light gates, data loggers or ticker timers to measure and record data.

Elastic and non-elastic collisions, momentum calculations and Newton's 2nd law of motion gcse physics revision

Topic 23 Waves

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 23 "Waves")

Wave behaviour is common in both natural and man-made systems. Waves carry energy from one place to another and can also carry information. Designing comfortable and safe structures such as bridges, houses and music performance halls requires an understanding of mechanical waves. Modern technologies such as imaging and communication systems show how we can make the most of electromagnetic waves.

Topic 6.1 Waves in air, fluids and solids  

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 23 "Waves")

Topic 6.1.1 Transverse and longitudinal waves

Know that waves may be either transverse or longitudinal. In a transverse wave the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

The ripples on a water surface are an example of a transverse wave.

In a longitudinal wave the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Longitudinal waves show areas of compression and rarefaction. Sound waves travelling through air are longitudinal.

You should be able to describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.

You should be able to describe evidence that, for both ripples on a water surface and sound waves in air it is the wave and not the water or air itself that travels.

This is limited to simple evidence such as air does not move away from a vibrating tuning fork to create a vacuum.

General introduction to the types and properties of waves, ripple tank expts, how to do wave calculations

Topic 6.1.2 Properties of waves

Know that waves are described by their amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period.

The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of a point on a wave away from its undisturbed position.

The wavelength of a wave is the distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave.

The frequency of a wave is the number of waves passing a point each second.

You should have had the opportunity to make observations of waves in fluids in order to identify the suitability of apparatus to measure speed, frequency and wavelength.

period = 1 / frequency,    T = 1 / f,     units period, T, in seconds, s; frequency, f, in hertz, Hz

You should be able to apply this equation which is given on the Physics equation sheet.

The wave speed is the speed at which the energy is transferred (or the wave moves) through the medium.

All waves obey the wave equation:

wave speed = frequency × wavelength,   v = f λ

wave speed, v, in metres per second, m/s;  frequency, f, in hertz, Hz;  wavelength, λ, in metres, m

You should be able to recall and apply this equation.

You should be able to:

identify amplitude and wavelength from given diagrams

describe a method to measure the speed of sound waves in air

describe a method to measure the speed of ripples on a water surface.

In required practical activity 8 you should have made observations to identify the suitability of apparatus to measure the frequency, wavelength and speed of waves in a ripple tank and waves in a solid and take appropriate measurements.

General introduction to the types and properties of waves, ripple tank expts, how to do wave calculations

Sound waves - properties explained, uses of sound including ultrasound Revision Notes

Topic 6.2 Electromagnetic waves   

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 23 "Waves")

Topic 6.2.1 Types of electromagnetic waves

Know that electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer energy from the source of the waves to an absorber.

Electromagnetic waves form a continuous spectrum and all types of electromagnetic wave travel at the same velocity through a vacuum (space) or air.

The waves that form the electromagnetic spectrum are grouped in terms of their wavelength and their frequency. Going from long to short wavelength (or from low to high frequency) the groups are: radio, microwave, infrared, visible light (red to violet), ultraviolet, Xrays and gamma rays.

Our eyes detect visible light and so only detect a limited range of electromagnetic waves.

You should be able to give examples that illustrate the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic radiation, types, properties, uses and the spectrum of visible light Revision Notes

Topic 6.2.2 Properties of electromagnetic waves 1

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 23 "Waves")

(HT only) Know that different substances may absorb, transmit, refract or reflect electromagnetic waves in ways that vary with wavelength.

(HT only) Some effects, for example refraction, are due to the difference in velocity of the waves in different substances.

You should be able to construct ray diagrams to illustrate the refraction of a wave at the boundary between two different media.

(HT only) You should be able to use wave front diagrams to explain refraction in terms of the change of speed that happens when a wave travels from one medium to a different medium.

You should have done practical activity 10 to investigate how the amount of infrared radiation absorbed or radiated by a surface depends on the nature of that surface.

Reflection, refraction and diffraction of visible light, diagrams and explanations Revision Notes

Refraction and diffraction of visible light, diagrams and explanations Revision Notes

Topic 6.2.3 Properties of electromagnetic waves 2

(HT only) Radio waves can be produced by oscillations in electrical circuits.

(HT only) When radio waves are absorbed they may create an alternating current with the same frequency as the radio wave itself, so radio waves can themselves induce oscillations in an electrical circuit.

Changes in atoms and the nuclei of atoms can result in electromagnetic waves being generated or absorbed over a wide frequency range. Gamma rays originate from changes in the nucleus of an atom.

Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays can have hazardous effects on human body tissue. The effects depend on the type of radiation and the size of the dose. Radiation dose (in sieverts) is a measure of the risk of harm resulting from an exposure of the body to the radiation.

1000 millisieverts (mSv) = 1 sievert (Sv)

You will not be required to recall the unit of radiation dose.

You should be able to draw conclusions from given data about the risks and consequences of exposure to radiation.

Ultraviolet waves can cause skin to age prematurely and increase the risk of skin cancer.

X-rays and gamma rays are ionising radiation that can cause the mutation of genes and cancer.

Electromagnetic radiation, types, properties, uses and the spectrum of visible light Revision Notes

Detection of radioactivity, its measurement and radiation dose units Revision Notes

The dangers of radioactive emissions - health and safety issues and ionising radiation Revision Notes

Topic 6.2.4 Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves

Know that electromagnetic waves have many practical applications. For example:

radio waves – television and radio (including Bluetooth)

microwaves – satellite communications, cooking food

infrared – electrical heaters, cooking food, infrared cameras

visible light – fibre optic communications

ultraviolet – energy efficient lamps, sun tanning

X-rays – medical imaging and treatments.

(HT only) You should be able to give brief explanations why each type of electromagnetic wave is suitable for the practical application.

Electromagnetic radiation, types, properties, uses and the spectrum of visible light Revision Notes

Topic 24 Magnetism and electromagnetism

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 24 "Magnetism and electromagnetism")

Electromagnetic effects are used in a wide variety of devices. Engineers make use of the fact that a magnet moving in a coil can produce electric current and also that when current flows around a magnet it can produce movement. It means that systems that involve control or communications can take full advantage of this.

Topic 7.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 24 "Magnetism and electromagnetism")

Topic 7.1.1 Poles of a magnet

Know the poles of a magnet are the places where the magnetic forces are strongest. When two magnets are brought close together they exert a force on each other. Two like poles repel each other. Two unlike poles attract each other. Attraction and repulsion between two magnetic poles are examples of non-contact force.

A permanent magnet produces its own magnetic field. An induced magnet is a material that becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field. Induced magnetism always causes a force of attraction. When removed from the magnetic field an induced magnet loses most/all of its magnetism quickly.

You should be able to describe:

the attraction and repulsion between unlike and like poles for permanent magnets

the difference between permanent and induced magnets.

9. Magnetism - magnetic materials - temporary (induced) and permanent magnets - uses gcse physics revision

Topic 7.1.2 Magnetic fields

Know that the region around a magnet where a force acts on another magnet or on a magnetic material (iron, steel, cobalt and nickel) is called the magnetic field.

The force between a magnet and a magnetic material is always one of attraction.

The strength of the magnetic field depends on the distance from the magnet. The field is strongest at the poles of the magnet.

The direction of the magnetic field at any point is given by the direction of the force that would act on another north pole placed at that point. The direction of a magnetic field line is from the north (seeking) pole of a magnet to the south (seeking) pole of the magnet.

A magnetic compass contains a small bar magnet. The Earth has a magnetic field. The compass needle points in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field.

You should be able to:

describe how to plot the magnetic field pattern of a magnet using a compass

draw the magnetic field pattern of a bar magnet showing how strength and direction change from one point to another

explain how the behaviour of a magnetic compass is related to evidence that the core of the Earth must be magnetic.

9. Magnetism - magnetic materials - temporary (induced) and permanent magnets - uses gcse physics revision

Topic 7.2 The motor effect

(revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Physics Paper 6, Topic 24 "Magnetism and electromagnetism")

Topic 7.2.1 Electromagnetism

Know that when a current flows through a conducting wire a magnetic field is produced around the wire. The strength of the magnetic field depends on the current through the wire and the distance from the wire.

Shaping a wire to form a solenoid increases the strength of the magnetic field created by a current through the wire. The magnetic field inside a solenoid is strong and uniform.

The magnetic field around a solenoid has a similar shape to that of a bar magnet. Adding an iron core increases the strength of the magnetic field of a solenoid. An electromagnet is a solenoid with an iron core.

You should be able to:

describe how the magnetic effect of a current can be demonstrated

draw the magnetic field pattern for a straight wire carrying a current and for a solenoid (showing the direction of the field)

explain how a solenoid arrangement can increase the magnetic effect of the current.

10. Electromagnetism - solenoid coils - design and uses of electromagnets  gcse physics revision notes

Topic 7.2.2 Fleming's left-hand rule (HT only)

When a conductor carrying a current is placed in a magnetic field the magnet producing the field and the conductor exert a force on each other. This is called the motor effect.

The direction of the force on the conductor is reversed if either the direction of the current or the direction of the magnetic field is reversed. The direction of the force on the conductor can be identified using Fleming's left-hand rule.

You should be able to show that Fleming's left-hand rule represents the relative orientation of the force, the current in the conductor and the magnetic field. .

The size of the force on the conductor depends on:

the magnetic flux density

the current in the conductor

the length of conductor in the magnetic field.

For a conductor at right angles to a magnetic field and carrying a current:

force = magnetic flux density × current × length,    F = B I L

force F, in newtons, N;       magnetic flux density, B, in tesla, T;       current, I, in amperes, A

(amp is acceptable for ampere);       length, L, in metres, m

You should be able to apply this equation which is given on the Physics equation sheet.

11. Motor effect of an electric current, electric motor, loudspeaker, Fleming's left-hand rule, F = BIL

Topic 7.2.3 Electric motors (HT only)

A coil of wire carrying a current in a magnetic field tends to rotate. This is the basis of an electric motor.

You should be able to explain how the force on a conductor in a magnetic field causes the rotation of the coil in an electric motor.

11. The motor effect of an electric current, applications - electric motor gcse physics revision notes