Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics Revision Notes 2016

Overview

• Comprehensive revision resources for Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics.
• Covers key topics across various physics domains.

Forces & Their Effects

Forces & Their Interactions

• Scalars & Vectors: Understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities.
• Contact & Non-Contact Forces: Differentiate between forces that require direct contact and those that do not.
• Mass & Weight: Distinguish between mass (amount of matter) and weight (gravitational force).
• Changing Shape: How forces can change the shape of objects.
• Force & Extension: Relationship between force applied and extension of material.
• Investigating Force & Extension: Experimentation with force and extension relationship.

Motion

• Distance-Time Graphs: Interpretation of motion through graphs.
• Speed & Velocity: Differences and calculations.

Resultant Forces

• Acceleration: Understanding how forces cause acceleration.
• Velocity-Time Graphs: Analyzing motion using these graphs.
• Newton’s Laws: Application and understanding of Newton’s First, Second, and Third Laws of Motion.

Momentum

• Momentum: Definition and calculation.
• Conservation of Momentum: Law of conservation in closed systems.
• Rate of Change of Momentum: Application in force calculations.

Safety in Public Transport

• Braking Force: Factors affecting stopping force.
• Stopping Distance: Calculation and factors influencing stopping distance.

Forces & Terminal Velocity

• Drag Forces: Forces acting against motion through fluids.
• Terminal Velocity: Concept of constant speed achieved when drag force equals gravitational force.

Centre of Mass

• Finding the Centre of Mass: Methods to determine center of mass.
• Stability: Factors affecting the stability of objects.

Moments & Levers

• Moments: Calculating turning effects of forces.
• Law of Moments & Stability: Principles governing moments.

Energy

Forces & Energy

• Work Done, Elastic & Gravitational Potential Energy: Definitions and calculations.
• Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion.
• Power: Rate of doing work.

Energy Transfers, Conservation & Dissipation of Energy

• Energy Transfers: Understanding different forms of energy transfer.
• Conservation & Dissipation of Energy: Energy conservation principles.

Energy Resources

• Fuels: Types and uses of different fuels.
• Energy Resources: Overview of renewable and non-renewable resources.

Waves

General Properties of Waves

• Transverse & Longitudinal Waves: Characteristics of different wave types.
• Wave Speed & Behaviour: How waves travel and interact.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Electromagnetic Spectrum & Infrared Radiation: Study of light waves.
• Uses and Dangers of EM Waves: Practical applications and risks.

Sound & Ultrasound

• Sound Waves & Ultrasound: Properties and uses in technology.

Reflection & Refraction

• Reflection & Refraction: Understanding these light phenomena.

Lenses & the Eye

• Lenses: Types and functions in focusing light.
• Structure of the Eye: How the eye processes light.

Particle Model of Matter

• Kinetic Theory: Understanding states of matter.
• Specific Heat & Latent Heat: Energy required for changing states.

Electricity & Magnetism

Electrical Circuits

• Charge, Current, Voltage, & Resistance: Fundamental concepts of electricity.
• Series & Parallel Circuits: Differences and applications.

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

• Magnetic Fields & Effects: Understanding magnetism principles.

Generating & Distributing Electricity

Electricity Transmission & Distribution

• The National Grid & Transformers: Overview of electricity distribution.

Using Electricity in the Home

• Direct & Alternating Current: Differences and uses.

Nuclear Physics

Atomic Structure

• Atomic Structure & Isotopes: Basics of nuclear makeup.

Ionizing Radiation

• Radioactive Decay & Half-Life: Understanding nuclear processes.

Space Physics

Life Cycle of a Star

• Star Formation & Main Sequence Stars: Evolution of stars.

Solar System & Orbital Motion

• The Solar System & Orbiting Bodies: Basic astronomy concepts.

Red Shift & the Expanding Universe

• The Doppler Effect & Red-Shift: Evidence for universe expansion.

Exam Preparation

• Past Papers and Study Tools: Use of past papers and tools for exam practice.