Physics Paper One Foundation Level

Introduction

• Focus on foundation level physics; excludes higher-level content and separate science
• Utilize free resources (questions, flashcards, practice papers) online for practice

Prefixes in Physics

• Used to describe the order of magnitude of a quantity
• Important to convert to SI units (e.g., milliamps to amps)
• Common prefixes:
  • Terra (T): 10^12
  • Giga (G): 10^9
  • Mega (M): 10^6
  • Kilo (k): 10^3
  • Centi (c): 10^-2
  • Milli (m): 10^-3
  • Micro (µ): 10^-6
  • Nano (n): 10^-9
• Conversion example: 40 milliamps = 40 * 10^-3 amps*

Energy Stores and Systems

• System: Object or group of objects
• Closed System: Energy does not enter or leave
• Energy stores:
  • Kinetic
  • Gravitational Potential
  • Elastic Potential
  • Internal/Thermal
  • Chemical
  • Nuclear
  • Magnetic
  • Electrostatic
• Energy transfer methods:
  • Heating: Energy moves from hot to cold
  • Radiation: Energy as a wave (e.g., infrared)
  • Electrical work: Charge movement due to potential difference
  • Mechanical work: Movement due to force

Equations

• Kinetic Energy (KE): KE = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2
• Elastic Potential Energy (EPE): EPE = 0.5 * spring constant * extension^2
• Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): GPE = mass * gravitational field strength * height
• Specific Heat Capacity: Change in thermal energy = mass * specific heat capacity * temperature change
• Power:
  • Power = energy transferred / time
  • Power = work done / time
• Efficiency:
  • Efficiency = useful output energy / total input energy
  • Efficiency = useful power output / total power input

Renewable vs Non-renewable Energy

• Renewable: Can be replenished (e.g., wind, solar, geothermal)
• Non-renewable: Limited supply (e.g., fossil fuels, nuclear)
• Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of each type

Electricity

• Components: Switch, cell, battery, lamp, fuse, voltmeter, ammeter, thermistor, LDR, resistor, variable resistor, diode, LED
• Current Equation: Q = I * T
• Ohm’s Law: V = I * R
• Circuit Types: Series and Parallel

National Grid

• System of cables and transformers
• Step-up Transformers: Increase potential difference, decrease current
• Step-down Transformers: Decrease potential difference for safety

Density and States of Matter

• Density Equation: Density = mass / volume
• Describe particle model for solids, liquids, gases
• Experiments for finding density of regular and irregular objects

Atomic Structure

• Atom: Nucleus with protons (positive), neutrons (neutral), electrons (negative)
• Isotopes: Same protons, different neutrons
• Ions: Charged particles due to gain/loss of electrons
• Development of Atomic Model: From Dalton to Rutherford to Bohr

Radioactivity

• Types of radiation: Alpha, Beta, Gamma
• Radiation Penetration and Ionization:
  • Alpha: Low penetration, high ionization
  • Beta: Medium penetration, low ionization
  • Gamma: High penetration, very low ionization
• Half-life: Time for radioactive nuclei count to halve
• Contamination vs. Irradiation:
  • Contamination: Radioactive atoms on materials
  • Irradiation: Exposure to radiation
  • Protection: Limit exposure, use shielding

Note: These notes are a broad overview of the transcript provided. For specific equations, calculations, and examples, refer to the detailed sections of the lecture. It's also beneficial to practice with past paper questions to solidify understanding.