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GCSE Physics Paper 2 Study Guide

Apr 24, 2025

AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2 Overview

This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive review of topics 5 to 7, specifically focusing on Forces, Waves, and Magnetism, concluding with Space (P8), which is exclusive to the triple physics curriculum.

Forces

  • Definition: A force is any push or pull, classified as either:
    • Contact forces (e.g., pushing a door)
    • Non-contact forces (e.g., magnetism, gravity)
  • Vector Representation: Forces can be represented by vectors, showing direction and magnitude.
    • Resultant Force: Sum of all forces acting on an object.
    • Balanced Forces: No change in velocity, synonymous with Newton’s First Law.

Scalars vs Vectors

  • Scalars: Only have magnitude (e.g., speed, distance).
  • Vectors: Have both magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity, displacement).

Weight and Gravity

  • Weight: Force due to gravity, calculated as mass  gravitational field strength (9.8 N/kg).

Work Done & Energy

  • Equation: Work done = Force × Distance
  • For lifting objects, use gravitational potential energy: mass × g × height.

Hooke's Law

  • Law: F = k × e (Force = spring constant × extension)
  • Elastic Potential Energy: ½ k e²

Pressure

  • Equation: Pressure = Force/Area
  • Units: Pascals (Pa)

Newton’s Laws of Motion

  1. First Law: An object remains at constant velocity unless acted upon by a resultant force.
  2. Second Law: F = ma (Force = mass × acceleration)
  3. Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Momentum

  • Definition: Momentum = mass × velocity
  • Conservation: Total momentum before = total momentum after a collision.

Waves

  • Types:
    • Longitudinal (e.g., sound waves): Oscillations parallel to wave direction.
    • Transverse (e.g., light waves): Oscillations perpendicular to wave direction.

Wave Properties

  • Wavelength (λ), Frequency (f), Amplitude
  • Speed of wave (v): Calculated using v = f × λ

Electromagnetic Spectrum

  • Range: Radio waves to gamma rays
  • Higher frequency waves carry more energy.

Reflection and Refraction

  • Reflection: Angle of incidence = angle of reflection
  • Refraction: Change in wave direction due to speed change when passing through different media.

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

  • Magnetic Fields: Produced by magnets and current-carrying wires.
  • Motor Effect: A current-carrying wire in a magnetic field experiences a force: F = BIL
  • Generators: Convert mechanical to electrical energy via the dynamo effect.

Transformers

  • Purpose: Alter the voltage of electrical energy using coils and an iron core.
  • Types: Step-up (increase voltage) and Step-down (decrease voltage)

Space (Triple Only)

  • Solar System: Comprises the sun, planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
  • Star Life Cycle: From nebula to main sequence, red giant, and supernova.
  • Big Bang Theory: Supported by redshift and cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR).

Exam Preparation Tips

  • Familiarize yourself with equations and concepts.
  • Practice using formula sheets and solving problems step-by-step.
  • Review practical experiments and their relevance to theoretical principles.

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