Physics

Course summary

The A-level Physics course consists of eight compulsory topics and one optional topic. 1. Measurements and Their Errors Knowledge of fundamental units of measurement is taught, alongside the nature of measurement errors and the ability to make reasonable numerical estimations. 2. Particles and Radiation This topic introduces students both to the fundamental properties of matter, and to electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena. 3. Waves GCSE studies of wave phenomena are extended through a development of knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and applications of travelling waves and stationary waves. 4. Mechanics and Materials This topic develops student’s knowledge and understanding of forces, energy and momentum. Materials are considered in terms of their properties and tensile strength. 5. Electricity This section builds on the earlier study of electricity phenomena from GCSE. It develops students understanding of circuits and their properties. 6. Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics The study of mechanics is continued with circular motion and simple harmonic motion. Thermal properties of materials, ideal gases, and kinetic theory are also studied in depth. 7. Fields and Their Consequences The ideas of gravitation, electrostatics and magnetic field theory are considered with applications that include planetary orbits, capacitors, and electromagnetic induction. 8. Nuclear Physics This topic looks at the production of nuclear power through the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei, and the link between energy and mass. 9. Optional Topic A final optional topic will be taught from one of the following: Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics, or Electronics.