AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2 Review

Overview

• Covers topics for Higher and Foundation Tier: Double Combined Trilogy and Triple Physics (Separate Physics)
• Topics 5 to 7: Forces, Waves, Magnetism
• Topic 8: Space (Triple Physics only)

Forces

Basic Concepts

• Force: Any push or pull on an object
  • Contact Forces: Objects physically touching (e.g., pushing a door)
  • Non-Contact Forces: Forces like magnetism, electrostatic forces, gravity
• Vectors: Represent forces with arrows indicating direction and magnitude
• Resultant Force: Sum of all forces acting on an object
• Scalar Quantities: Measurements with magnitude but no direction (e.g., speed, distance)

Newton’s Laws of Motion

• First Law: Object stays at constant velocity if forces are balanced
• Second Law: F = ma (Force = mass x acceleration)
• Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

Key Formulas

• Weight: Weight = mass x gravitational field strength (G)
• Work Done: Work done = force x distance moved
• Spring Force: F = k x e (Force = spring constant x extension)
• Pressure: Pressure = force / area

Important Experiments

• Measuring work done
• Hooke's Law with springs
• Investigating moments (turning forces)

Waves

Basic Concepts

• Wave Types: Transfer energy without transferring matter
  • Longitudinal Waves: Oscillations parallel to energy transfer (e.g., sound waves)
  • Transverse Waves: Oscillations perpendicular to energy transfer (e.g., light waves)
• Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, wavelength, frequency, speed
  • Wave Speed: v = fλ (wave speed = frequency x wavelength)
  • Frequency: f = 1/T (frequency = 1 / period)

Practical Applications

• Ripple tanks for measuring wave properties
• Measuring the speed of sound using echoes and microphones
• Constructive and destructive wave interference

Electromagnetic Waves

• EM Spectrum: Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, UV, X-rays, gamma rays
• Applications: Communications, medical imaging, heating

Reflection and Refraction

• Reflection: Angle of incidence = angle of reflection
• Refraction: Change in direction and speed when waves pass through different mediums

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Basic Concepts

• Permanent Magnets: Metals that produce a magnetic field
• Induced Magnets: Metals that become magnetic in a magnetic field
• Magnetic Fields: Visualized using iron filings or mini compasses

Electromagnetism

• Current and Magnetic Fields: Current-carrying wires produce magnetic fields
• The Motor Effect: Electric current in a magnetic field experiences a force (F = BIL)
• Fleming’s Left Hand Rule: Predicts the direction of force in motors
• Electric Motors and Generators:
  • Motors: Convert electrical energy to mechanical energy
  • Generators: Convert mechanical energy to electrical energy

Practical Applications

• Loudspeakers for sound production
• Transformers for voltage regulation in power grids
  • Step-Up Transformers: Increase voltage, decrease current
  • Step-Down Transformers: Decrease voltage, increase current
• Understanding and designing circuits with transformers

Space (Triple Physics Only)

Basic Concepts

• Our Solar System: Sun, 8 planets, moons, asteroid belt
• Nebula: Clouds of dust and gas where stars form
• Life Cycle of Stars: Nebula → Main Sequence → Red Giant/Super Red Giant → Supernova → White Dwarf/Neutron Star/Black Hole
• Orbits: Circular (geostationary satellites) and elliptical

The Big Bang Theory

• Redshift: Evidence that galaxies are moving away from each other
• Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR): Radiation detected from all directions, supporting the Big Bang

Practical Applications

• Satellites for GPS and communications
• Understanding gravity and orbits for space missions

Study Tips

• Pause and review each section to grasp key points
• Focus on understanding diagrams and graphs related to waves, forces, and electromagnetism
• Practice calculations using key formulas provided

Good luck on your exam!