AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 Summary

This guide covers AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, suitable for High Room Foundation Tier, Double Combined Trilogy, and Triple/Separate Physics. Topics include Energy, Electricity, Particles, and Atomic Structure.

Energy

• Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only conserved.
• Types of Energy Stores:
  • Kinetic Energy: Calculated as ( E = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 ).
  • Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): ( E = mgh ).
  • Elastic Potential Energy: ( E = \frac{1}{2} k e^2 ).
  • Thermal Energy: Calculated with specific heat capacity (SHC) ( E = mc\Delta T ).
• Energy Transfers: In a closed system, energy can be equated across different stores.
• Practical - Specific Heat Capacity: Using an electric heater, measure energy input and temperature change.

Power and Efficiency

• Power: Rate of energy transfer, ( P = \frac{E}{t} ).
• Efficiency: Useful energy output divided by total energy input.

Energy Sources

• Finite Sources: Fossil fuels, nuclear energy.
• Renewable Sources: Wind, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, biofuels.

Electricity

• Basic Concepts:
  • Current: Flow of electrons, measured in amperes (A).
  • Potential Difference (PD): Energy per charge, measured in volts (V).
  • Resistance: Opposition to flow, measured in ohms (Ω).
• Circuits:
  • Series Circuits: Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances.
  • Parallel Circuits: Voltage is the same across all components.
  • Ohm’s Law: ( V = IR ).
  • IV Characteristics: Different components show different current-voltage relationships.
• AC vs DC: AC is alternating current (mains supply), DC is direct current (batteries).

National Grid

• Transformers: Used to step up voltage for transmission and step down for safe domestic use.

Particles and Matter

• Density: ( \text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}} ).
• States of Matter: Solid, liquid, gas.
• Internal Energy: Sum of kinetic and potential energy of particles.
• Changes of State: Energy required for changes calculated using latent heat.

Atomic Structure and Nuclear Physics

• Historical Models: Plum pudding model, Rutherford, Bohr, Chadwick's contributions.
• Isotopes: Atoms with the same number of protons but different neutrons.
• Radioactive Decay:
  • Alpha Decay: Emission of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
  • Beta Decay: Neutron turns into a proton and an electron.
  • Gamma Radiation: High-energy electromagnetic waves.
• Half-Life: Time for half of a radioactive sample to decay.
• Nuclear Reactions:
  • Fission: Splitting of a heavy nucleus.
  • Fusion: Joining of light nuclei.

These notes summarize the key concepts and equations necessary for understanding and preparing for the AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 exam.