Physics Mr Kerr

Physics

Aims and Objectives

The aim is to complete the study of the IGCSE content, and to revise material taught in previous years, in preparation for the IGCSE Physics examination. The new topics covered in Year 11 include Momentum, Molecules and Kinetics, Electromagnetic induction and Effects of Forces. As in previous years, pupils undertake a wide range of practical activities, and apply their physics to solve problems in a wide variety of circumstances, to and beyond the expectations of IGCSE. There is significant extension of topics from prior years, to take advantage of pupil’s greater mathematical skill. For example, we revisit refraction and introducing Snell’s law. There is no coursework element.

Please note that order of topics will vary due to equipment requirements. The below is for example only.

Exam Board: EdExcel IGCSE Physics (2017) Web link: EdExcel IGCSE Physics (2017) Course Code: 4PH1

Mock Exam dates:

Y11 Mock Exam week

Week/ Term Task

Momentum Some classes will have completed this topic in year 10, and will not repeat it.

A treatment of the concept of momentum, and its use in understanding motion.

Description

Autumn

Effects of forces A treatment of the turning and stretching effects of forces.

Molecules and Kinetics

Spring Electromagnetic induction

Spring and Summer

Revision and extension Further study of prior topics, and exam paper practice. Answer any appropriate question in any topic

Density, pressure, Brownian motion, specific heat capacity, the gas laws.

Principle of induction, generators, transformers and the national grid.

Pupils should be able to

Calculate momentum. Analyse collisions. Use rate of change of momentum in relation to vehicular safety. Apply Newton’s third law of motion.

Calculate moments. Solve one- and two-support problems. Find the centre of gravity of a lamina object. Use Hooke’s Law. Identify materials from force-extension curves. Distinguish elastic and inelastic deformation. Calculate pressure due to liquids, solids and gas. Describe Brownian motion, and its implications. Use heat capacity in calculations Use the kelvin temperature scale, and explain the concept of absolute zero. Use and explain the gas laws. Explain induction, and factors affecting induction. Understand the operation of generators, including effects such as rate of rotation. Explain the operation of transformers, their efficiency, and use the transformer law. Explain the role of transformers in the National Grid.

Pupils’ progress in IGCSE physics is best promoted by a detailed understanding of the course content, and practice in answering exam-style questions. The wide range of resources we provide is ample for this task. However, there are many excellent physics books to stretch and fascinate any pupil of physics, which will help them determine if this is a subject they wish to study further. A small sample, in no particular order:

Hawking, S. A Brief History of Time Feynman, R. Q.E.D.: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter Greene, B. The Elegant Universe Kaku, M. Hyperspace Gleick, J. Chaos