Checklist

Revision checklist

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Jump to: Measurements · Mechanics · Materials · Waves · Quantum phenomena · Particles · Electricity · Periodic motion · Thermal physics · Gravitational fields · Electric fields · Capacitance · Magnetic fields · Nuclear physics

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Measurements

SI units and prefixes AQA 7408 3.1.1 · CIE 9702 1.1, 1.2 · OCR A H556 2.1.1, 2.1.2

Name the six SI base quantities used at A-level and their units.
Recognise derived units as combinations of base units, and unpack one when asked.
Use the ten SI prefixes with standard form, and convert between units of the same quantity, such as J and eV, or J and kW h.

Uncertainty and error AQA 7408 3.1.2 · CIE 9702 1.3 · OCR A H556 2.2.1

Identify random and systematic errors and choose the treatment that actually reduces each one.
Use precision, accuracy, resolution, repeatability and reproducibility with their exam meanings.
Estimate, convert and combine uncertainties, and find the uncertainty in a gradient from error bars.

Estimation and orders of magnitude AQA 7408 3.1.3 · CIE 9702 1.1 · OCR A H556 2.1.1

State the order of magnitude of a quantity as the nearest power of ten.
Carry a small set of benchmark values and scale unfamiliar quantities against them.
Chain estimates through an equation to produce a derived estimate, and use it to audit a calculated answer.

Mechanics

Scalars and vectors AQA 7408 3.4.1.1 · CIE 9702 1.4 · OCR A H556 2.3.1

Classify quantities as scalars or vectors, using the standard paired examples.
Add two perpendicular vectors by calculation, and any vectors by scale drawing; resolve a vector into components at right angles, including on an inclined plane.
State and use the equilibrium condition for two or three coplanar forces acting at a point.

Moments and equilibrium AQA 7408 3.4.1.2 · CIE 9702 4.1, 4.2 · OCR A H556 3.2.3

Calculate the moment of a force as force times perpendicular distance from the point to the line of action.
Recognise a couple and calculate its moment as force times the separation of the lines of action.
Apply the principle of moments to balanced systems, using the centre of mass to place an object's weight.

Motion graphs and the SUVAT equations AQA 7408 3.4.1.3 · CIE 9702 2.1 · OCR A H556 3.1.1, 3.1.2

Use v = Δs/Δt and a = Δv/Δt, distinguishing average from instantaneous values.
Read gradients and areas from motion graphs for uniform and non-uniform acceleration.
Select and apply the right constant-acceleration equation, and recognise when none of them is valid.

Projectile motion AQA 7408 3.4.1.4 · CIE 9702 2.1 · OCR A H556 3.1.3

Explain the independence of horizontal and vertical motion in a uniform gravitational field.
Solve projectile problems by treating the two directions separately, linked only by time.
Describe qualitatively how air resistance changes a projectile's trajectory.

Newton's laws and the resultant force AQA 7408 3.4.1.5 · CIE 9702 3.1 · OCR A H556 3.2.1, 3.5.1

State and apply all three laws of motion in appropriate situations.
Use ΣF = ma for constant mass, starting from a labelled free-body diagram.
Identify genuine third-law pairs, and explain why weight and the normal contact force are not one.

Mass and weight AQA 7408 3.4.1.1 · CIE 9702 3.1 · OCR A H556 3.2.1

Distinguish mass, a scalar measured in kilograms, from weight, a force measured in newtons.
Use W = mg, with g as the gravitational field strength of the location.
Explain what a balance and a newton meter each measure, and how their readings change off Earth.

Drag and terminal speed AQA 7408 3.4.1.4 · CIE 9702 3.2 · OCR A H556 3.2.2

Describe friction, lift and drag qualitatively, including that air resistance increases with speed.
Explain terminal speed using Newton's laws, and sketch the velocity-time graph it produces.
Apply the same balance argument to a parachutist's two terminal speeds and to a vehicle's maximum speed.

Momentum and impulse AQA 7408 3.4.1.6 · CIE 9702 3.1, 3.3 · OCR A H556 3.5.1, 3.5.2

Calculate momentum as p = mv and apply conservation of linear momentum to one-dimensional collisions and explosions.
Use F = Δ(mv)/Δt and impulse FΔt = Δ(mv), including the area under a force-time graph.
Distinguish elastic from inelastic collisions, and explain contact-time safety design in terms of impulse.

Work, energy and power AQA 7408 3.4.1.7 · CIE 9702 5.1 · OCR A H556 3.3.1, 3.3.3

Calculate work done as W = Fs cos θ, including recognising forces that do no work or negative work.
Find work from the area under a force-displacement graph when the force varies.
Use P = ΔW/Δt = Fv, and efficiency as the ratio of useful output power to input power.

Conservation of energy AQA 7408 3.4.1.8 · CIE 9702 5.1, 5.2 · OCR A H556 3.3.1, 3.3.2

State the principle of conservation of energy and use it as an accounting identity.
Calculate kinetic energy and changes in gravitational potential energy.
Balance energy budgets that include work done against friction or drag.

Materials

Density and Hooke's law AQA 7408 3.4.2.1 · CIE 9702 4.3, 6.1, 6.2 · OCR A H556 3.2.4, 3.4.1, 3.4.2

Use ρ = m/V, including the conversion between g cm⁻³ and kg m⁻³.
Apply F = kΔL up to the limit of proportionality, and distinguish that limit from the elastic limit.
Find the energy stored from the area under a force-extension graph, and describe what changes past the elastic limit.

Stress, strain and the Young modulus AQA 7408 3.4.2.2 · CIE 9702 6.1 · OCR A H556 3.4.2

Define tensile stress and tensile strain, with their units.
Use the Young modulus as stress over strain, and as FL/AΔL, including finding it from a graph's gradient.
Interpret stress-strain curves, and describe one simple method for measuring the Young modulus of a wire.

Waves

Progressive waves AQA 7408 3.3.1.1 · CIE 9702 7.1 · OCR A H556 4.4.1

State what a progressive wave transfers, and what the particles of the medium do instead.
Define amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period and phase difference, and read each from the correct graph.
Use c = fλ and f = 1/T together to move between speed, frequency, wavelength and period.

Longitudinal, transverse and polarisation AQA 7408 3.3.1.2 · CIE 9702 7.2, 7.5 · OCR A H556 4.4.1, 4.4.2

Classify a wave as transverse or longitudinal from the direction of its oscillations.
Describe what a polarising filter does to unpolarised light, and what a second, crossed filter does next.
Explain why polarisation is evidence that light is transverse, and why sound can never be polarised.

Stationary waves AQA 7408 3.3.1.3 · CIE 9702 8.1 · OCR A H556 4.4.4

Describe how two travelling waves superpose to form a stationary wave, and define node and antinode.
Find the allowed wavelengths of a string fixed at both ends, and use the first-harmonic frequency equation.
State the amplitude and phase relationships that separate stationary waves from progressive ones.

Refraction and total internal reflection AQA 7408 3.3.2.3 · OCR A H556 4.4.2

Use refractive index as a speed ratio, and Snell's law to predict which way and how far a ray bends.
State both conditions for total internal reflection and calculate a critical angle.
Describe a step-index optical fibre, the jobs of the cladding, and what causes material and modal dispersion.

Diffraction and the single slit AQA 7408 3.3.2.2 · CIE 9702 8.2 · OCR A H556 4.4.1

Describe diffraction at a gap and state when the spreading is greatest.
Sketch the single-slit intensity pattern and describe how slit width and wavelength change it.
Describe the single-slit pattern produced by white light.

Interference and Young's double slit AQA 7408 3.3.2.1 · CIE 9702 8.3 · OCR A H556 4.4.3

Predict constructive or destructive interference from a path difference.
Explain what coherence means and why it is needed for a stable pattern.
Use w = λD / s on the double-slit experiment, and describe the white-light pattern.

Diffraction gratings AQA 7408 3.3.2.2 · CIE 9702 8.4 · OCR A H556 4.4.3

Explain why many slits produce sharper, brighter maxima than two.
Use d sin θ = nλ, finding d from the number of lines per millimetre.
Determine the highest order visible and give uses of diffraction gratings.

Quantum phenomena

The photoelectric effect AQA 7408 3.2.2.1 · CIE 9702 22.1, 22.2 · OCR A H556 4.5.1, 4.5.2

Describe the photoelectric observations that a wave model of light cannot explain.
Explain threshold frequency using photons, and use the terms work function and stopping potential.
Apply the photoelectric equation hf = φ + E_k(max).

Collisions of electrons with atoms AQA 7408 3.2.2.2 · CIE 9702 22.4 · OCR A H556 5.5.2

Distinguish excitation from ionisation in collisions between electrons and atoms.
Explain how excitation and ionisation operate inside a fluorescent tube.
Use the electronvolt, converting between eV and joules in both directions.

Energy levels and photon emission AQA 7408 3.2.2.3 · CIE 9702 22.4 · OCR A H556 5.5.2

Interpret line spectra as evidence for transitions between discrete energy levels.
Use hf = E₁ − E₂ for photon emission, with levels quoted in J or eV.
Explain why each element's line spectrum is unique.

Wave-particle duality AQA 7408 3.2.2.4 · CIE 9702 22.3 · OCR A H556 4.5.3

State the two-way evidence: electron diffraction for the wave nature of particles, the photoelectric effect for the particle nature of light.
Use the de Broglie wavelength λ = h/mv.
Explain how and why the amount of diffraction changes when a particle's momentum changes.

Particles

Constituents of the atom AQA 7408 3.2.1.1 · CIE 9702 11.1 · OCR A H556 6.4.1

Quote the charge and mass of the proton, neutron and electron in SI and relative units.
Calculate the specific charge of particles, nuclei and ions.
Use nuclide notation with Z and A, and explain what isotopes are and why isotopic data is useful.

Stable and unstable nuclei AQA 7408 3.2.1.2 · CIE 9702 11.1 · OCR A H556 6.4.1, 6.4.3

Explain the role of the strong nuclear force, including its attractive and repulsive ranges.
Write balanced equations for alpha and beta-minus decay.
Explain why the neutrino was hypothesised from the beta-decay energy spectrum.

Antimatter and photons AQA 7408 3.2.1.3 · CIE 9702 11.1 · OCR A H556 6.4.2, 6.4.4

Compare particles and antiparticles by mass, charge and rest energy in MeV.
Use the photon model E = hf = hc/λ.
Describe annihilation and pair production, including the minimum energies involved.

Particle interactions and exchange particles AQA 7408 3.2.1.4 · OCR A H556 6.4.2

Name the four fundamental interactions and the exchange-particle concept.
Identify the virtual photon and the W bosons as the exchange particles of the electromagnetic and weak interactions.
Draw and interpret simple diagrams for β⁻ and β⁺ decay, electron capture and electron-proton collisions.

Classification of particles AQA 7408 3.2.1.5 · CIE 9702 11.2 · OCR A H556 6.4.2

Classify particles as hadrons (baryons or mesons) or leptons, with the specified examples.
Use baryon number and the two lepton numbers as conserved quantum numbers.
Describe strange particles: produced by the strong interaction in pairs, decaying by the weak.

Quarks and antiquarks AQA 7408 3.2.1.6 · CIE 9702 11.2 · OCR A H556 6.4.2

Quote the charge, baryon number and strangeness of the u, d and s quarks and their antiquarks.
Build the proton, neutron, antiproton, antineutron, pions and kaons from quarks.
Describe the decay of the neutron in terms of its quarks.

Conservation laws AQA 7408 3.2.1.7 · CIE 9702 11.1, 11.2 · OCR A H556 6.4.2

Describe the quark character change in β⁻ and β⁺ decay.
Audit interactions against conservation of charge, baryon number, lepton number and strangeness.
Recognise that energy and momentum are conserved in every interaction.

Electricity

Current, charge and the direction problem AQA 7408 3.5.1.1 · CIE 9702 9.1, 9.2 · OCR A H556 4.1.1, 4.2.2

Use I = ΔQ/Δt, with the coulomb as the unit of charge.
Use V = W/Q, with the volt as a joule per coulomb.
State the definition R = V/I, and keep conventional current and electron flow straight.

Current-voltage characteristics AQA 7408 3.5.1.2 · CIE 9702 9.3 · OCR A H556 4.2.3

Sketch and interpret the I-V characteristics of an ohmic conductor, a filament lamp and a semiconductor diode.
State Ohm's law as the special case I ∝ V under constant physical conditions.
Read resistance from a characteristic as the ratio V/I at a point, never as a gradient of a curve.

Resistivity and superconductivity AQA 7408 3.5.1.3 · CIE 9702 9.3 · OCR A H556 4.2.4

Use ρ = RA/L, with the unit Ω m, to move between a wire's resistance and its material's resistivity.
Describe qualitatively how temperature affects the resistance of metals and of ntc thermistors, and give thermistor applications.
Describe superconductivity below a critical temperature, and its applications.

Circuits and Kirchhoff's laws AQA 7408 3.5.1.4 · CIE 9702 9.2, 10.2 · OCR A H556 4.1.1, 4.2.5, 4.3.1

Apply conservation of charge at junctions and conservation of energy round loops.
Use the series and parallel rules for current, pd and resistance, including cells in series and identical cells in parallel.
Choose and use the energy and power equations, E = IVt and the three forms of P.

Potential dividers AQA 7408 3.5.1.5 · CIE 9702 10.3 · OCR A H556 4.3.3

Explain why series resistors share the supply pd in the ratio of their resistances.
Calculate a divider's output, and supply a variable pd using a sliding contact.
Design sensing dividers using thermistors and LDRs, choosing which resistor the output is taken across.

EMF and internal resistance AQA 7408 3.5.1.6 · CIE 9702 10.1 · OCR A H556 4.2.2, 4.3.2

Define emf as the energy given to each unit of charge, ε = E/Q.
Use ε = I(R + r) and the terminal pd V = ε − Ir in circuits where r is not negligible.
Extract ε and r from a graph of terminal pd against current.

Periodic motion

Circular motion AQA 7408 3.6.1.1 · CIE 9702 12.1, 12.2 · OCR A H556 5.2.1, 5.2.2

Explain why constant-speed circular motion is accelerated motion requiring a centripetal force.
Use radian measure and ω = v/r = 2πf.
Apply a = v²/r = ω²r and F = mv²/r = mω²r, identifying what provides the force.

Simple harmonic motion AQA 7408 3.6.1.2 · CIE 9702 17.1 · OCR A H556 5.3.1

State and apply the SHM condition, a ∝ −x, and the defining equation a = −ω²x.
Use x = A cos ωt and v = ±ω√(A² − x²), with v_max = ωA and a_max = ω²A.
Sketch and connect the x, v and a against t graphs through their gradients.

SHM systems: pendulums and springs AQA 7408 3.6.1.3 · CIE 9702 17.1, 17.2 · OCR A H556 5.3.1, 5.3.2

Use T = 2π√(m/k) for a mass-spring system and T = 2π√(l/g) for a simple pendulum.
Describe how E_k, E_p and the total energy vary with displacement and with time.
Describe the effect of damping on an oscillation.

Forced vibrations and resonance AQA 7408 3.6.1.4 · CIE 9702 17.3 · OCR A H556 5.3.3

Distinguish free vibrations at the natural frequency from forced vibrations at the driving frequency.
Explain resonance as the response when driving frequency equals natural frequency.
Describe how damping changes the sharpness of resonance, with mechanical and stationary-wave examples.

Thermal physics

Thermal energy transfer and specific heat capacity AQA 7408 3.6.2.1 · CIE 9702 14.1, 14.3, 16.1, 16.2 · OCR A H556 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3

Define internal energy and describe how heating and working change it.
Explain why temperature holds constant during a change of state.
Calculate energy transfers with Q = mcΔθ and Q = ml.

Ideal gases and the gas laws AQA 7408 3.6.2.2 · CIE 9702 14.2, 15.1, 15.2 · OCR A H556 5.1.4

Use the empirical gas laws and explain how extrapolation locates absolute zero.
Apply pV = nRT and pV = NkT, choosing moles or molecules as the question demands.
Calculate work done at constant pressure with pΔV, and convert between molar and molecular mass.

Molecular kinetic theory AQA 7408 3.6.2.3 · CIE 9702 15.3 · OCR A H556 5.1.4

Contrast the empirical gas laws with the kinetic theory model, and cite Brownian motion as evidence for atoms.
Reproduce the derivation of pV = ⅓Nm(c_rms)² from the assumptions.
Use the average molecular kinetic energy ½m(c_rms)² = 3kT/2 = 3RT/2N_A.

Gravitational fields

The field concept AQA 7408 3.7.1 · CIE 9702 13.1 · OCR A H556 5.4.1

Define a force field as a region in which a body experiences a non-contact force.
State the origins of force fields: mass, static charge, and moving charge.
Compare gravitational and electrostatic forces: shared inverse-square form, one crucial difference.

Newton's law of gravitation AQA 7408 3.7.2.1, 3.7.2.2 · CIE 9702 13.2, 13.3 · OCR A H556 5.4.2

Use Newton's law of gravitation for point masses.
Define g as force per unit mass and use g = F/m.
Use g = GM/r² in a radial field, with r measured from the centre.

Gravitational potential AQA 7408 3.7.2.3 · CIE 9702 13.4 · OCR A H556 5.4.4

Define gravitational potential with its zero at infinity, and use ΔW = mΔV.
Use V = −GM/r and explain the significance of the negative sign.
Connect the g and V graphs: g = −ΔV/Δr, and ΔV as the area under g against r.

Orbits and satellites AQA 7408 3.7.2.4 · CIE 9702 13.2 · OCR A H556 5.4.3

Derive T² ∝ r³ from gravity as the centripetal force.
Account for a satellite's kinetic, potential and total energy, and use escape velocity.
Describe synchronous, geostationary and low orbits, including the geostationary plane and radius.

Electric fields

Coulomb's law and electric field strength AQA 7408 3.7.3.1, 3.7.3.2 · CIE 9702 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4 · OCR A H556 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3

Use Coulomb's law for point charges, with charged spheres acting from their centres.
Use E = F/Q, the uniform field E = V/d with its derivation, and the radial field of a point charge.
Predict the parabolic path of a charge entering a uniform field at right angles.

Electric potential AQA 7408 3.7.3.3 · CIE 9702 18.5 · OCR A H556 6.2.4

Define absolute electric potential with its zero at infinity, and use ΔW = QΔV.
Use the radial potential of a point charge, and read equipotential diagrams.
Translate between the E and V graphs: E = ΔV/Δr, and ΔV as the area under E against r.

Comparing electric and gravitational fields AQA 7408 3.7.1, 3.7.3.1 · OCR A H556 6.2.2

Pair the gravitational and electric equations and name what transfers between them.
State the structural difference: attraction only, against attraction or repulsion.
Compare the magnitudes of the two forces between subatomic particles, and interpret the answer.

Capacitance

Capacitors and energy stored AQA 7408 3.7.4.1, 3.7.4.2, 3.7.4.3 · CIE 9702 19.1, 19.2 · OCR A H556 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.3

Define capacitance with C = Q/V and use the parallel-plate formula.
Describe how a polar dielectric molecule rotates in the field and why that raises C.
Find stored energy from the Q–V graph and use all three energy forms.

Charging and discharging AQA 7408 3.7.4.4 · CIE 9702 19.3 · OCR A H556 6.1.3

Sketch and explain the Q, V and I against t graphs for discharge.
Sketch and explain the charging graphs, including the current's opposite behaviour.
Read gradients and areas: current from the Q–t gradient, charge from the I–t area.

The time constant and exponential decay AQA 7408 3.7.4.4 · CIE 9702 19.3 · OCR A H556 6.1.3

Calculate the time constant RC and read it from graphs.
Use the discharge and charging equations, and T½ = 0.69RC.
Determine RC from a log-linear plot, as in required practical 9.

Magnetic fields

Magnetic flux density and the force on a wire AQA 7408 3.7.5.1 · CIE 9702 20.1, 20.2 · OCR A H556 6.3.1

Use F = BIl for a wire perpendicular to the field, and Fleming's left hand rule for directions.
Define magnetic flux density and the tesla.
Describe the required-practical measurement of the force with a top-pan balance.

Force on a moving charge AQA 7408 3.7.5.2 · CIE 9702 20.3 · OCR A H556 6.3.2

Use F = BQv for a charge moving perpendicular to the field, with the correct direction for either sign.
Explain why the path is a circle and derive r = mv/BQ.
Describe the cyclotron: magnetic steering, electric acceleration, a widening spiral.

Magnetic flux and flux linkage AQA 7408 3.7.5.3 · CIE 9702 20.5 · OCR A H556 6.3.3

Use Φ = BA for an area normal to the field, in webers.
Use flux linkage NΦ, and NΦ = BANcosθ for a rotated coil, with θ to the normal.
Describe the required-practical investigation with a search coil and oscilloscope.

Electromagnetic induction: Faraday and Lenz AQA 7408 3.7.5.4 · CIE 9702 20.5 · OCR A H556 6.3.3

Use Faraday's law: the induced emf equals the rate of change of flux linkage.
Use Lenz's law for direction, and justify it by energy conservation.
Apply both to a moving conductor and to a uniformly rotating coil.

Alternating currents AQA 7408 3.7.5.5 · CIE 9702 21.1 · OCR A H556 6.3.3

Read peak, peak-to-peak and rms values from sinusoidal waveforms.
Use the rms relations and apply them to mains electricity.
Use an oscilloscope to measure voltages, time intervals and frequencies.

Transformers AQA 7408 3.7.5.6 · OCR A H556 6.3.3

Explain transformer operation through alternating flux and induced emf.
Use the turns-ratio and efficiency equations, and name the causes of inefficiency.
Calculate transmission-line power losses and explain the high-voltage grid.

Nuclear physics

Rutherford scattering and the nuclear atom AQA 7408 3.8.1.1, 3.8.1.2 · CIE 9702 11.1 · OCR A H556 6.4.1, 6.4.3

Describe the alpha scattering results and argue from them to a small, massive, positive nucleus.
Identify alpha, beta and gamma from absorption experiments and match each to its applications and hazards.
Use the inverse-square law for gamma with corrected count rates, as in required practical 12.

Radioactive decay and half-life AQA 7408 3.8.1.3, 3.8.1.4 · CIE 9702 11.1, 23.2 · OCR A H556 6.4.3

Use λ, A = λN and the exponential decay equations, converting a mass to a number of nuclei when needed.
Determine a half-life from decay curves and from log graphs.
Predict the decay mode of a nuclide from its position on the N against Z graph and write the decay equation.

Nuclear radius and density AQA 7408 3.8.1.5 · OCR A H556 6.4.1

Estimate a nuclear radius from the closest approach of an alpha particle using energy conservation.
Describe radius determination by electron diffraction and sketch the intensity against angle graph.
Use R = R₀A^(1/3) and show that it makes nuclear density the same for every nucleus.

Mass-energy and binding energy AQA 7408 3.8.1.6 · CIE 9702 11.1, 23.1 · OCR A H556 6.4.4

Convert between mass and energy using E = mc² and the 931.5 MeV value of the atomic mass unit.
Calculate a mass difference and a binding energy from nuclear masses.
Sketch the binding energy per nucleon curve and identify the fusion and fission release regions on it.

Fission and fusion AQA 7408 3.8.1.6, 3.8.1.7 · CIE 9702 23.1 · OCR A H556 6.4.4

Describe induced fission by thermal neutrons and balance a fission equation.
Explain the chain reaction and the meaning of critical mass.
Calculate the energy released in fission and fusion reactions from nuclear masses.

Nuclear reactors and safety AQA 7408 3.8.1.7, 3.8.1.8 · OCR A H556 6.4.4

State the functions of the moderator, control rods and coolant, with example materials and the factors behind each choice.
Use the elastic collision model to explain why moderators are light nuclei.
Describe the safety features of a reactor and the handling and storage of radioactive waste.

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