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Key Concepts for AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1

May 22, 2025

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AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 Key Points

Overview

  • Suitable for AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 (Topics 1 to 4):
    • Energy
    • Electricity
    • Particles
    • Atomic Structure (Nuclear Physics)
  • Relevant for Foundation Tier Double Combined Trilogy and Triple or Separate Physics

Energy

  • Concept: Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it's conserved.

  • Types of Energy Stores:

    • Kinetic Energy: (E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2) (mass in kg, velocity in m/s)
    • Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): (E_p = mgh) (gravitational field strength: 9.8 or 10 N/kg)
    • Elastic Potential Energy: (E_e = \frac{1}{2}ke^2) (spring constant k, extension e)
    • Thermal Energy: (E = mc\Delta T) (SHC = specific heat capacity)
    • Chemical Potential Energy: In food/fuels, no specific formula

  • Energy Transfer: Occurs from one store to another; in closed systems, total energy remains constant.

    • Roller Coaster example: GPE converts to KE
    • Work done against friction/air resistance explains energy loss.

  • Power and Efficiency:

    • Power: (P = \frac{E}{t}) (measured in Watts)
    • Efficiency: (\text{Efficiency} = \frac{\text{useful energy out}}{\text{total energy in}})

Electricity

  • Basics:

    • Electricity is the flow of charge (electrons) in a circuit.
    • Total energy transferred: affected by voltage and current.

  • Components:

    • Circuit Symbols: Cells, batteries, bulbs, resistors
    • Current (I): Rate of flow of charge ((I = \frac{Q}{t}))
    • Potential Difference (V): Energy per coulomb ((V = \frac{E}{Q}))
    • Resistance (R): Opposition to current (Ohm's Law (V = IR))

  • Types of Circuits:

    • Series Circuits:
      • Total PD shared, current same, total resistance is sum.
    • Parallel Circuits:
      • PD same across components, current shared, total resistance decreases.

  • Advanced Components:

    • Diode/LED: Allow current in one direction.
    • Thermistor/LDR: Resistance changes with temperature/light.

  • Power in Circuits: (P = VI) or (P = I^2R)

National Grid

  • Transmission:
    • Uses high voltages via step-up and step-down transformers to reduce energy loss as heat.

Atomic Structure and Nuclear Physics

  • Basic Structure:

    • Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
    • Isotopes vary in the number of neutrons.

  • Radioactivity:

    • Types of Radiation: Alpha (α), Beta (β), Gamma (γ)
    • Decay Equations:
      • Alpha: Reduces atomic number by 2, mass number by 4.
      • Beta: Neutron converts to proton, emits electron.
    • Half-Life: Time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei to decay.

  • Nuclear Processes:

    • Fission: Splitting of heavy nuclei into lighter ones (release energy).
    • Fusion: Combining lighter nuclei into heavier ones (e.g., in the Sun).

This summary provides an overview of key concepts and equations necessary for understanding AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1. For more detailed understanding, refer to each section's specific equations and principles in your study materials.

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