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Revision help links: OCR GCSE Gateway Combined Science physics PAPER 1

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Revision summary help for the OCR GCSE 9-1 Gateway Combined Science A 1st physics A exam paper - learning objectives for  (re-edit)

OCR Level 1/2 GCSE (Grade 9-1) in Combined Science A (Gateway Science) (J250) FT Paper 5/HT Paper 11 Physics - GCSE Gateway Combined Science Physics Topic P1 "Matter", Topic P2 "Forces", Topic P3 "Electricity and magnetism", Topic CS7 "Practical skills" for Gateway combined science 2020 physics exam papers onwards


LINK GCSE Gateway Combined Science 2nd physics paper P1-6, CS7

LINK for OCR Gateway Science GCSE PHYSICS A 1st paper P1-4, P9

LINK for OCR Gateway Science GCSE PHYSICS A 2nd paper P1-P9

GCSE Physics Revision notes

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See also OCR 21st Century Sciences B Revision Links

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INDEX for all links

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

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

  2. Make sure you know whether you are doing separate science OCR Gateway Science A GCSE grade 9-1 PHYSICS OR OCR GCSE Gateway Science A Combined Science 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) OCR GCSE Gateway 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 OCR GCSE Gateway 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 quite 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 OCR Gateway Science A GCSE 9-1 combined science 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 summary notes

Revision summaries for OCR GCSE Gateway Combined Science A  physics FT Paper 5 or HT Paper 11 (this page for Topics P1 to P3 + CS7)

What is assessed in this 1st physics paper?  (for OCR 9-1 GCSE Gateway Combined Science A - biology topics)

The 1st physics paper assesses Topics P1, P2, P3 and CS7

Revision SUMMARY for Topic P1 Matter

Containing sections 

P1.1 The particle model,  

P1.2 Changes of state

Revision SUMMARY for Topic P2: Forces

Containing sections

P2.1 Motion,  

P2.2 Newton’s Laws,  

P2.3 Forces in action

Revision SUMMARY for Topic P3 Electricity and Magnetism

This Combined Science Topic combines parts of Topic 3 and Topic 4 in the separate science GCSE Physics course.

Containing sections

P3.1 Static and charge,   

P3.2 Simple circuits, 

P3.3 Magnets and magnetic fields

Revision for CS7 Practical skills


OCR GCSE Gateway Combined Science physics FT Paper 6 or HT Paper 12 (separate page for Topics P4 to P6 + CS7 with assumed knowledge from P1 to P3)

What is assessed in this 2nd physics paper?  (for OCR 9-1 GCSE Gateway Combined Science A - biology topics)

The 2nd physics paper assesses Topics P4, P5, P6, CS7, BUT assumes knowledge of Topics P1, P2 and P3

Revision SUMMARY for Topic P4 Waves and radioactivity

Containing sections

P4.1 Wave behaviour, 

P4.2 The electromagnetic spectrum, 

P4.3 Radioactivity

Revision SUMMARY for Topic P5 Energy

Containing sections

P5.1 Work done,  

P5.2 Power and efficiency

Revision SUMMARY for Topic P6: Global challenges

Containing sections

P6.1 Physics on the move,  

P6.2 Powering Earth

Revision for CS7 Practical skills


Combined Science FT Paper 5 or HT Paper 11


Physics key ideas for all OCR Gateway Combined Science A physics papers

Physics is the science of the fundamental concepts of field, force, radiation and particle structures, which are inter-linked to form unified models of the behaviour of the material universe. From such models, a wide range of ideas, from the broadest issue of the development of the universe over time to the numerous and detailed ways in which new technologies may be invented, have emerged. These have enriched both our basic understanding of, and our many adaptations to, our material environment.

You should understand how, through the ideas of physics, the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas which are of universal application and which can be illustrated in the separate topics set out below. These ideas include:

• the use of models, as in the particle model of matter or the wave models of light and of sound

• the concept of cause and effect in explaining such links as those between force and acceleration, or between changes in atomic nuclei and radioactive emissions

• the phenomena of ‘action at a distance’ and the related concept of the field as the key to analysing electrical, magnetic and gravitational effects

• that differences, for example between pressures or temperatures or electrical potentials, are the drivers of change

• that proportionality, for example between weight and mass of an object or between force and extension in a spring, is an important aspect of many models in science

• that physical laws and models are expressed in mathematical form.


Topic P1: Matter  

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P1 "Matter", papers 5/11)

P1.1 The particle model

Appreciate that knowledge and understanding of the particle nature of matter is fundamental to Physics and an appreciation of matter in its different forms. You must also be aware of the subatomic particles, their relative charges, masses and positions inside the atom.

The structure and nature of atoms is essential to the further understanding of physics and is needed to explain many phenomena, for example those involving charge and transfer of charges, as well as radioactivity.

You should be aware of a simple atomic model, and that atoms are examples of particles and know the difference between atoms, molecules and compounds.

You should understand how density can be affected by the state materials are in.

Beware of confusing the different types of particles (subatomic particles, atoms and molecules) and making errors when converting between different units.

Be able to use different units in the measurement of volume.

Know and be able to apply the equation:

density (kg/m3) = mass (kg) / volume (m3)    d = m/v

P1.1a Be able to describe how and why the atomic model has changed over time including the Thomson, Rutherford (alongside Geiger and Marsden) and Bohr models. Check out the timeline showing the development of atomic theory and discussion of the different roles played in developing the atomic model and how different scientists worked together.

P1.1b Be able to describe the atom as a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons, with the nuclear radius much smaller than that of the atom and with almost all of the mass in the nucleus.

P1.1c Know the typical size (order of magnitude) of atoms and small molecules typically 1 x 10-10 m

Atomic Structure - nucleus, electrons, isotopes, history etc. Revision Notes

P1.1d Be able to define density. From measurements of length, volume and mass be able to calculate density.

See also the investigation of Archimedes’ Principal using eureka cans.

density (kg/m3) = mass (kg) / volume (m3)    d = m/v

P1.1e Be able to explain the differences in density between the different states of matter in terms of the arrangements of the atoms and molecules.

P1.1f Be able to apply the relationship between density, mass and volume to changes where mass is conserved.

The density of materials and the particle model of matter Revision Notes


P1.2 Changes of state

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P1 "Matter", papers 5/11)

A clear understanding of the foundations of the physical world forms a solid basis for further study of Physics. Understanding of the relationship between the states of matter helps to explain different types of everyday physical changes that we see around us.

You should be familiar with the structure of matter and the similarities and differences between solids, liquids and gases. You should have a simple idea of the particle model and be able to use it to model changes in particle behaviour during changes of state. You should be aware of the effect of temperature in the motion and spacing of particles and an understanding that energy can be stored internally by materials.

Common misconceptions - assuming atoms are always synonymous with particles, there is actually nothing between the particles, so its wrong to ‘fill’ the gaps with ‘air’ or ‘vapour’. Its not always easy to visualise the 3 dimensional arrangement of particles in all states of matter. You may find it challenging to understand how kinetic theory applies to heating materials and how to use the term temperature correctly, regularly confusing the terms temperature and heat. 

Be able to apply the following equations with the correct units:

change in thermal energy = mass x specific heat capacity x change in temperature

thermal energy for a change in state = mass x specific latent heat

P1.2a Be able to describe how mass is conserved when substances melt, freeze, evaporate, condense or sublimate.  Use of a data logger to record change in state and mass at different temperatures. 

Demonstration of distillation to show that mass is conserved during evaporation and condensation.

P1.2b Be able to describe that these physical changes differ from chemical changes because the material recovers its original properties if the change is reversed.

Particle theory models, internal energy, heat transfer in state changes and latent heat and particle motion in gases

P1.2c Be able to describe how heating a system will change the energy stored within the system and raise its temperature or produce changes of state.

Observation of the crystallisation of salol in water under a microscope. Use of thermometer with a range of -10 to 110°C, to record the temperature changes of ice as it is heated.

P1.2d Be able to define the term specific heat capacity and distinguish between it and the term specific latent heat. 

Investigation of the specific heat capacity of different metals or water using electrical heaters and a joulemeter.

P1.2e Be able to apply the relationship between change in internal energy of a material and its mass, specific heat capacity and temperature change to calculate the energy change involved.

Specific heat capacity: How to determine it, use of data, calculations and thermal energy stores Revision Notes

P1.2f Be able to apply the relationship between specific latent heat and mass to calculate the energy change involved in a change of state.

Measurement of the specific latent heat of vaporisation of water.

Measurement of the specific latent heat of melting of stearic acid.

Particle theory models, internal energy, heat transfer in state changes and latent heat and particle motion in gases and gas pressure (written more from a 'physics' point of view) Revision Notes

P1.2g Be able to explain how the motion of the molecules in a gas is related both to its temperature and its pressure - application to closed systems only.

Demonstration of the difference in pressure in an inflated balloon that has been heated and frozen.

Building manometers and using them to show pressure changes in heated/cooled volumes of gas.

P1.2h Be able to explain the relationship between the temperature of a gas and its pressure at constant volume (qualitative only).

Demonstration of the exploding can experiment. Building of Alka-Seltzer rockets with film canisters.

Particle theory models, internal energy, heat transfer in state changes and latent heat and particle motion in gases and gas pressure (written more from a 'physics' point of view) Revision Notes

Particle models of gases–liquids–solids, explaining properties, state changes (written more from a 'chemistry' point of view) revision notes


Topic P2: Forces

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P2 "Forces", papers 5/11)

P2.1 Motion

Having looked at the nature of matter which makes up objects, we move on to consider the effects of forces. The interaction between objects leads to actions which can be seen by the observer, these actions are caused by forces between the objects in question. Some of the interactions involve contact between the objects, others involve no contact.

You need to consider the importance of the direction in which forces act to allow understanding of the importance of vector quantities when trying to predict the action.

You should have a basic knowledge of the mathematical relationship between speed, distance and time.

You should also be able to represent this information in a distance-time graph and have an understanding of relative motion of objects.

Common misconceptions - you may find the concept of action at a distance challenging, there is a tendency to believe that a velocity must have a positive value and have difficulty in associating a reverse in direction with a change in sign. It is therefore important to make sure you are knowledgeable about the vector / scalar distinction. You need to be able to differentiate between scalar and vector quantities and the idea of objects with a changing direction not having a constant vector value. For example, objects moving in a circle. This issue also arises when trying to handle momentum and changes in momentum of objects colliding. 

Know and be able to apply the following formulae:

distance travelled (m) = speed (m/s) x time (s)

acceleration (m/s2) = change in speed (m/s) / time (s)

kinetic energy (J) = 0.5 x mass (kg) x (speed (m/s))2

Be able to apply:

(final velocity (m/s))2 - (initial velocity (m/s))2 = 2 x acceleration (m/s2) x distance (m)

P2.1a Be able to describe how to measure distance and time in a range of scenarios

P2.1b Be able to describe how to measure distance and time and be able to use these to calculate speed .

Calculations of the speeds of walkers and run a measured distance. Investigation of trolleys on ramps at an angle and whether this affects speed.

P2.1c Be able to make calculations using ratios and proportional reasoning to convert units and to compute rates including conversion from non-SI to SI units

P2.1d Be able to explain the vector- scalar distinction as it applies to displacement and distance, velocity and speed

P2.1e Be able to relate changes and differences in motion to appropriate distance-time, and velocity-time graphs, and interpret lines, slopes.

P2.1f (HT only) Be able to interpret enclosed area in velocity-time graphs and enclosed areas in such graphs 

P2.1g Be able to calculate average speed for non-uniform motion.

P2.1h Be able to apply formulae relating distance, time and speed, for uniform motion, and for motion with uniform acceleration. Practical - investigation of acceleration

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

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


P2.2 Newton’s Laws  

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P2 "Forces", papers 5/11)

Newton’s laws of motion essentially define the means by which motion changes and the relationship between these changes in motion with force and mass.

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

You should have an understanding of contact and non-contact forces influencing the motion of an object. You should be aware of Newtons and that this is the measure of force.

The new work here involves studying Newton's three laws of motion (his contribution to physics is recognised by have the unit of force named after him!).

You are expected to be able to use force arrows and have an understanding of balanced and unbalanced forces.

Common misconceptions - objects needing a net force for them to continue to move steadily and to understand that stationary objects also have forces acting on them. Be able to differentiate between scalar and vector quantities and the idea of objects with a changing direction not having a constant vector value, for example, objects moving in a circle. This issue also arises with the concept of momentum and changes in momentum of colliding objects. 

Know and be able to apply the following equations:

force (N) = mass (kg) x acceleration (m/s2),  F = ma

work done (J) = force (N) x distance (m) (along the line of action of the force)

power (W) = work done (J) / time (s)

(HT only) momentum (kg m/s) = mass (kg) x velocity (m/s)

P2.2a Know examples of ways in which objects interact electrostatics, gravity, magnetism and by contact (including normal contact force and friction)

P2.2b Be able to describe how such examples involve interactions between pairs of objects which produce a force on each object

FORCES 1. What are contact forces & non-contact forces?, scalar & vector quantities, free body force diagrams

P2.2c Be able to represent such forces as vectors including drawing free body force diagrams to demonstrate understanding of forces acting as vectors 

FORCES 3. Calculating resultant forces using vector diagrams and work done Revision Notes

Measurement of the velocity of ball bearings in glycerol at different temperatures or with ball bearings of differing sizes.

P2.2d Be able to apply Newton’s First Law to explain the motion of an object moving with uniform velocity and also an object where the speed and/or direction change including looking at forces on one body and resultant forces and their effects (qualitative only).

Demonstration of the behaviour of colliding gliders on a linear air track. Use of balloon gliders to consider the effect of a force on a body.

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

P2.2e (HT only) Be able to use vector diagrams to illustrate resolution of forces, a net force (resultant force), and equilibrium situations - scale drawings.

FORCES 3. Calculating resultant forces using vector diagrams and work done Revision Notes

P2.2f (HT only) Be able to describe examples of the forces acting on an isolated solid object or system - examples of objects that reach terminal velocity for example skydivers and applying similar ideas to vehicles. 

Practical to design and build a parachute for a mass, and measure its terminal velocity as it is dropped.

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

P2.2g (HT only) Be able to describe, using free body diagrams, examples where two or more forces lead to a resultant force on an object.

P2.2h (HT only) Be able to describe, using free body diagrams, examples of the special case where forces balance to produce a resultant force of zero (qualitative only).

FORCES 1. What are contact forces & non-contact forces?, scalar & vector quantities, free body force diagrams

P2.2i Be able to apply Newton's Second Law in calculations relating forces, masses and accelerations.

Practicals - use of light gates, weights and trolleys to investigate the link between force and acceleration.

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

P2.2j (HT only) Be able to explain that inertia is a measure of how difficult it is to change the velocity of an object and that the mass is defined as the ratio of force over acceleration.

Practical using light gates, weights and trolleys to investigate the link between force and acceleration.

P2.2k (HT only) Be able to define momentum and be able to describe examples of momentum in collisions - an idea of the conservation of momentum in elastic collisions.

Practicals - use of light gates, weights and trolleys to measure momentum of colliding trollies. Use of a water rocket to demonstrate that the explosion propels the water down with the same momentum as the rocket shoots up.

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

P2.2l Be able to use the relationship between work done, force, and distance moved along the line of action of the force and be able to describe the energy transfer involved.

Practical - measurement of work done by learners lifting weights or walking up stairs.

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

FORCES 3. Calculating resultant forces using vector diagrams and work done Revision Notes

P2.2m Be able to calculate relevant values of stored energy and energy transfers; convert between newton-metres and joules

P2.2n Be able to explain, with reference to examples, the definition of power as the rate at which energy is transferred.  

P2.2o Know and Be able to apply Newton’s Third Law - application to situations of equilibrium and non equilibrium

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

P2.2p (HT only) Be able to explain why an object moving in a circle with a constant speed has a changing velocity (qualitative only).

Practical demonstration of spinning a rubber bung on a string.

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


P2.3 Forces in action 

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P2 "Forces", papers 5/11)

Know that forces acting on an object can result in a change of shape or motion. Having looked at the nature of matter, we can now introduce the idea of fields and forces causing changes. This develops the idea that force interactions between objects can take place even if they are not in contact. They can also still result in an object changing shape or motion.

You should be familiar with forces associated with deforming objects, with stretching and compressing (springs).

You should have an understanding of forces acting to deform objects and to restrict motion.

You should already be familiar with Hooke’s Law and the idea that when work is done by a force; this results in an energy transfer and leads to energy being stored by an object.

You are expected to know that there is a force due to gravity and that gravitational field strength differs on other planets and stars.

You should be aware of moments acting as a turning force.

Common misconceptions - students commonly have difficulty understanding that the weight of an object is not the same as its mass from the use of the term ‘weighing’. The concept of force multipliers can also be challenging even though the basic concepts are ones covered at KS3.

Be able to recall and apply:

force exerted by a spring (N) = extension (m) x spring constant (N/m) 

gravity force (N) = mass (kg) x gravitational field strength, g (N/kg)

in a gravity field: potential energy (J) = mass (kg) x height (m) x gravitational field strength, g (N/kg) 

Be able to apply:

energy transferred in stretching (J)= 0.5 x spring constant (N/m) x (extension (m))2 

P2.3a Be able to explain that to stretch, bend or compress an object, more than one force has to be applied - apply to real life situations 

Practicals: Use of a liquorice bungee or spring to explore extension and stretching.

P2.3b Be able to describe the difference between elastic and plastic deformation (distortions) caused by stretching forces.

Practical - comparisons of behaviour of springs and elastic bands when loading and unloading with weights.

P2.3c Be able to describe the relationship between force and extension for a spring and other simple systems - graphical representation of the extension of a spring.  Investigation of forces on springs – Hooke’s law

P2.3d Be able to describe the difference between linear and non-linear relationships between force and extension.  Investigation of the elastic limit of springs and other materials.

P2.3e Be able to calculate a spring constant in linear cases

P2.3f Be able to calculate the work done in stretching.

Use of data from stretching an elastic band with weights to plot a graph to calculate the work done.

FORCES 4. Elasticity and energy stored in a spring

P2.3g Be able to describe that all matter has a gravitational field that causes attraction, and the field strength is much greater for massive objects

P2.3h Be able to define weight and describe how it is measured and describe the relationship between the weight of an object and the gravitational field strength (g).

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

Know that the gravitational field strength is known as g and has a value of 10N/kg.

Know that weight (N) = mass (kg) x g (N/kg).

Be able to calculate weight on different planets.

P2.3i Know the acceleration in free fall (9.8 m/s2)


Topic P3 Electricity and Magnetism   

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P2 "Forces", papers 5/11)

This Combined Science Topic combines parts of Topic 3 and Topic 4 in the separate science GCSE Physics course.

P3.1 Static and charge

This topic considers the interactions between matter and electrostatic fields. These interactions are derived from the structure of matter which was considered in the previous section. The generation of charge is considered. Charge is a fundamental property of matter. There are two types of charge which are given the names 'positive' and 'negative'. The effects of these charges are not normally seen as objects often contain equal amounts of positive and negative charge so their effects cancel each other out.

You should be aware of electron transfer leading to objects becoming statically charged and the forces between them.

You should also be aware of the existence of an electric field.

Common misconceptions You may have difficulty classifying materials as insulators or conductors. You may find it difficult to remember that positive charge does not move to make a material positive, rather it is the movement ('removal') of electrons.

P3.1a Be able to describe that charge is a property of all matter and that there are positive and negative charges. The effects of the charges are not normally seen on bodies containing equal amounts of positive and negative charge, as their effects cancel each other out. Practicals:  Use of charged rods to repel or attract one another. Use of a charged rod to deflect water or pick up paper. Discussion of why charged balloons are attracted to walls.

P3.1b Be able to describe the production of static electricity, and sparking, by rubbing surfaces, and evidence that charged objects exert forces of attraction or repulsion on one another when not in contact. Know and understand that static charge only builds up on insulators. Demonstration of, and uses of a Van de Graaff generator.

P3.1c Be able to explain how transfer of electrons between objects can explain the phenomena of static electricity.  Use of the gold leaf electroscope and a charged rod to observe and discuss behaviour.

P3.1d Know that current is a rate of flow of charge (electrons) and the conditions needed for charge to flow conditions for charge to flow including the source of potential difference and a closed circuit.

P3.1e Know that current has the same value at any point in a single closed loop

P3.1f Know and be able to use the relationship between quantity of charge, current and time

Know and be able to apply the equation: charge flow (C) = current (A) x time (s)

Static electricity and electric fields, uses and dangers of static electricity Revision Notes


P3.2 Simple circuits    

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P2 "Forces", papers 5/11)

Know that electrical currents depend on the movement of charge and the interaction of electrostatic fields. The electrical current, potential difference and resistance are all covered in this topic. The relationship between them is considered and you will represent this, using circuits.

You should have been introduced to the measurement of conventional current and potential difference in circuits.

You will have an understanding of how to assemble series and parallel circuits and a basic understanding of how they differ with respect to conventional current and potential difference.

You are expected to have an awareness of the relationship between potential difference, current and resistance and the units in which they are measured.

Common misconceptions - the concept of potential difference may be very difficult to grasp. You may find it difficult to understand the behaviour of charge in circuits and through components and how this relates to energy or work done within a circuit

Know and be able to recall and apply the following equations:

potential difference (V) = current (A) x resistance (Ω),   V = I x R

power (W) = potential difference (V) x current (A) = (current (A))2 x resistance (Ω),  P = V x I = I2 R

energy transferred (J) = charge (C) x potential difference (V)

energy transferred (J, kWh) = power (W, kW) x time (s, h)

P3.2a Be able to describe the differences between series and parallel circuits - position of measuring instruments in circuits and descriptions of the behaviour of energy, current and potential difference  Practical - building of circuits to measure potential difference and current in both series and parallel circuits.

P3.2b Be able to represent d.c. circuits with the conventions of positive and negative terminals, and the symbols that represent common circuit elements - diodes, LDRs and thermistors, filament lamps, ammeter, voltmeter, resistors  Practical building circuits from diagrams.

P3.2c Know that current (I) depends on both resistance (R) and potential difference (V) and the units in which these are measured including the definition of potential difference Practical - recording of p. d. across and current through different components and calculate resistances.

P3.2d Know and be able to apply the relationship between I, R and V, and that for some resistors the value of R remains constant but that in others it can change as the current changes.  Investigation of resistance in a wire. Investigation of the effect of length on resistance in a wire.

P3.2e Be able to explain that for some resistors the value of R remains constant but that in others it can change as the current changes

P3.2f Be able to explain the design and use of circuits to explore such effects including components such as wire of varying resistance, filament lamps, diodes, thermistors and LDRs

P3.2g Be able to use graphs to explore whether circuit elements are linear or non-linear. Investigation of I-V characteristics of circuit elements.

P3.2h Be able to use graphs and relate the curves produced to the function and properties of circuit elements including components such as wire of varying resistance, filament lamps, diodes, thermistors and LDRs  Use of wires, filament lamps, diodes, in simple circuits. Alter p.d. and keep current same using variable resistor. Record and plot results.

P3.2i Be able to explain why, if two resistors are in series the net resistance is increased, whereas with two in parallel the net resistance is decreased (qualitative explanation only).  Investigation of the brightness of bulbs in series and parallel.

P3.2j Be able to calculate the currents, potential differences and resistances in d.c. series and parallel circuits including components such as wire of varying resistance, filament lamps, diodes, thermistors and LDRs.  Investigation of resistance of a thermistor in a beaker of water being heated. Investigation of resistance of an LDR with exposure to different light intensities. Investigation of how the power of a photocell depends on its surface area and its distance from the light source.

P3.2k Be able to explain the design and use of such circuits for measurement and testing purposes

P3.2l Be able to explain how the power transfer in any circuit device is related to the potential difference across it and the current, and to the energy changes over a given time.

P3.2m Be able to apply the equations relating potential difference, current, quantity of charge, resistance, power, energy, and time, and solve problems for circuits which include resistors in series, using the concept of equivalent resistance.

1. Usefulness of electricity in the home, electrical energy transfer, cost & power calculations, P = IV = I2R, E = Pt

2. Electrical circuits and how to draw them, circuit symbols, parallel circuits, series circuits explained

3. Ohm's Law, experimental investigations of resistance, I-V graphs, calculations V = IR, Q = It, E = QV

4. Circuit devices and how are they used? (e.g. thermistor and LDR), relevant graphs gcse physics revision

5. More on series and parallel circuits, circuit diagrams, measurements and calculations gcse physics revision


P3.3 Magnets and magnetic fields  

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic P2 "Forces", papers 5/11)

Having an understanding of the flow of charge and its effects, we can now consider the links between movement of charge and magnetism. You will investigate magnets and magnetic fields around magnets and current-carrying wires.

You should have been introduced to magnets and the idea of attractive and repulsive forces.

You should have an idea of the shape of the fields around bar magnets.

You are expected to have an awareness of the magnetic effect of a current and electromagnets.

Common misconceptions - larger magnets will always be stronger magnets.

You may have difficulty understanding the concept of field line density being an indicator of field strength.

You should know that the geographic and magnetic poles are not located in the same place.

Be able to apply the following equations: (HT only)

force on a conductor (at right angles to a magnetic field) carrying a current (N) = magnetic flux density (T) x current (A) x length (m)

P3.3a Be able to describe the attraction and repulsion between unlike and like poles for permanent magnets including diagrams of magnetic field patterns around bar magnets to show attraction and repulsion.

Use of suspended magnets to show attraction and repulsion.

P3.3b Be able to describe the difference between permanent and induced magnets.

P3.3c Be able to describe the characteristics of the magnetic field of a magnet, showing how strength and direction change from one point to another including diagrams of magnetic field patterns around bar magnets to show attraction and repulsion and also depict how the strength of the field varies around them.

Practical - plotting of magnetic fields around different shaped magnets.

P3.3d Be able to explain how the behaviour of a magnetic (dipping) compass is related to evidence that the core of the Earth must be magnetic.

P3.3e Be able to describe how to show that a current can create a magnetic effect and describe the directions of the magnetic field around a conducting wire.

Investigation of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire using plotting compasses.

P3.3f Know that the strength of the field depends on the current and the distance from the conductor.

P3.3g Be able to explain how solenoid arrangements can enhance the magnetic effect.

Investigation of the magnetic field around a current-carrying solenoid using plotting compasses.

Investigation of the factors that can affect the magnetic effect e.g. number of turns, current, length and cross sectional area.

P3.3h (HT only) Be able to describe how a magnet and a current-carrying conductor exert a force on one another. Demonstration of the jumping wire experiment.

P3.3i (HT only) Be able to show that Fleming’s left-hand rule represents the relative orientations of the force, the conductor and the magnetic field

P3.3j (HT only) Be able to apply the equation that links the force on a conductor to the magnetic flux density, the current and the length of conductor to calculate the forces involved

P3.3k (HT only) Be able to explain how the force exerted from a magnet and a current-carrying conductor is used to cause rotation in electric motors including an understanding of how electric motors work but knowledge of the structure of a motor is not expected.

Practical - construction of simple motors.

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

10. Electromagnetism, solenoid coils, uses of electromagnets  gcse physics revision notes

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


Revision for CS7 Practical skills

(Revision for OCR Gateway Science GCSE 9-1 Combined Science A, 1st physics paper Topic CS7  "Practical skills", papers 5/11)


ALL OCR GCSE (Grade 9-1) Level 1/Level 2 GATEWAY SCIENCE A specifications and syllabus revision summary links


OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway science BIOLOGY A 1st GCSE BIOLOGY paper (separate science Topics B1-3)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway Combined Science A biology 1st combined science biology paper (Topics B1-3)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway science BIOLOGY A 2nd GCSE BIOLOGY paper (separate science Topics B4-6)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway Combined Science A biology 2nd combined science biology paper (Topics B4-6)


OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway science CHEMISTRY A 1st GCSE CHEMISTRY paper (separate science Topics C1-3)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway Combined Science A chemistry 1st combined science chemistry paper (Topics C1-3)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway science CHEMISTRY A 2nd GCSE CHEMISTRY paper (separate science Topics C4-6)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway Combined Science A chemistry 2nd combined science chemistry paper (Topics C4-6)


OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway science PHYSICS A 1st GCSE PHYSICS paper (separate science Topics P1-4)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway Combined Science A physics 1st combined science physics paper (Topics P1-4)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway science PHYSICS A 2nd GCSE PHYSICS paper (separate science Topics P5-8)

OCR (Grade 9-1) GCSE Gateway Combined Science A physics A 2nd combined science physics paper (Topics P5-8)


Watch out for HT Only sections AND make sure you know exactly which GCSE science course you are doing!

See also OCR 21st Century Sciences B Revision Links

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