Physics

Course summary

Why study this subject? Physics is an intellectually challenging subject that rewards you with a deeper understanding of how the world works. It is the study of everything: from particles smaller than an atom to the entire Universe; from the Big Bang to how your Oyster Card works. Physics gives you the skills to think logically and to solve problems that arise in everyday life Year 12 Course content Section 1: Measurements and their errors -This section provides the student with a working knowledge of the specified fundamental (base) units of measurement. It deals with the need for practical work in the subject to be underpinned by an awareness of the nature of measurement errors and of their numerical treatment. Section 2: Particles and Radiation -This section introduces students both to the fundamental properties of matter, and to electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena. They will appreciate the importance of international collaboration in the development of new experiments and theories in this area of fundamental research. Section 3: Wave -GCSE studies of wave phenomena are extended through a development of knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and applications of travelling waves and stationary waves. Students will learn more about refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference. Section 4: Mechanics and Materials -This AS module is about the principles and applications of mechanics and materials. Vectors and their treatment are introduced followed by development of the student’s knowledge and understanding of forces, energy and momentum. The section continues with a study of materials considered in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. Section 5: Electricity -This section builds on and develops earlier study of these phenomena from GCSE. It provides opportunities for the development of practical skills at an early stage in the course and lays the groundwork for later study of the many electrical applications that are important to society. Section 6 Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics -The earlier study of mechanics is further advanced through a consideration of circular motion and simple harmonic motion (the harmonic oscillator). A further section allows the thermal properties of materials, the properties and nature of ideal gases, and the molecular kinetic theory to be studied in depth. Year 13 Course content Section 7 Fields and Their Consequences -The concept of field is one of the great unifying ideas in physics. The ideas of gravitation, electrostatics and magnetic field theory are developed within the topic to emphasise this unification. Many ideas from mechanics and electricity from earlier in the course support this and are further developed. Practical applications considered include: planetary and satellite orbits, capacitance and capacitors, their charge and discharge through resistors, and electromagnetic induction. These topics have considerable impact on modern society. Section 8 Nuclear Physics -This section builds on the work of Particles and radiation to link the properties of the nucleus to the production of nuclear power through the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei, and the link between energy and mass. Students should become aware of the physics that underpins nuclear energy production and also of the impact that it can have on society. Section 9 Option Topic: Astrophysics -This option applies fundamental physical principles to the study and interpretation of the Universe. Students gain deeper insight into the behaviour of objects at great distances from Earth and discover the ways in which information from these objects can be gathered. The underlying physical principles of the devices used are covered and some indication is given of the new information gained by the use of radio astronomy.