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Edexcel A-level Physics (9PH0) revision

Everything here is free and covers Edexcel 9PH0: illustrated notes for every topic, original exam-style questions with mark schemes, the practicals, flashcards and printable workbooks. The explanations are written once and shared by every board; this page is where you find out exactly which of them Edexcel asks you for.

Start with the topic notes · exam-style questions with mark schemes · the practicals · the equations · the definitions · flashcards · a revision checklist · where the real past papers are.

Specification map

Every point of the Edexcel outline, in the board's own order, linked to the lesson that covers it. 182 of 191 points map onto the library; anything that does not is marked rather than hidden.

What that number is: a count of statements this library teaches somewhere. It is not a depth audit, so a mapped row means the topic is here and not that it is covered to the length the paper may demand. Where you find a row thinner than your exam needs, tell us and it goes on the list.

1 · WORKING AS A PHYSICIST

1 The distinction between base and derived quantities and their SI units · SI units and prefixes
2 Demonstrate their knowledge of practical skills and techniques for both familiar and unfamiliar experiments · SHM systems: pendulums and springs · Thermal energy transfer and specific heat capacity · Rutherford scattering and the nuclear atom
3 Estimate values for physical quantities and use their estimate to solve problems · Estimation and orders of magnitude
4 The limitations of physical measurement and apply these limitations to practical situations · Uncertainty and error
5 Communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology · not covered yet
6 Applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks · Rutherford scattering and the nuclear atom · Nuclear reactors and safety
7 The role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity · Wave-particle duality
8 The ways in which society uses science to inform decision making · Nuclear reactors and safety

2 · MECHANICS

9 Use the equations for uniformly accelerated motion in one dimension: s = ((u + v)t)/2, v = u + at, s = ut + (1/2)at², v² = u² + 2as · Motion graphs and the SUVAT equations · Projectile motion
10 Draw and interpret displacement-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs · Motion graphs and the SUVAT equations
11 The physical quantities derived from the slopes and areas of displacement-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs, including cases of non-uniform acceleration, and how to use those quantities · Motion graphs and the SUVAT equations
12 Scalar and vector quantities, know examples of each type of quantity and recognise vector notation · Scalars and vectors
13 Resolve a vector into two components at right angles to each other by drawing and by calculation · Scalars and vectors
14 Find the resultant of two coplanar vectors at any angle to each other by drawing, and at right angles to each other by calculation · Scalars and vectors
15 Make use of the independence of vertical and horizontal motion of a projectile moving freely under gravity · Projectile motion
16 Draw and interpret free-body force diagrams to represent forces on a particle or on an extended but rigid body · Newton's laws and the resultant force
17 Use Σ F = ma, and understand how to use this equation in situations where m is constant (Newton's second law of motion), including Newton's first law of motion where a = 0, objects at rest or travelling at constant velocity; the term terminal velocity is expected · Newton's laws and the resultant force · Drag and terminal speed
18 Use the equations for gravitational field strength g = F/m and weight W = mg · Mass and weight
19 CORE PRACTICAL 1: Determine the acceleration of a freely-falling object · Core practical 1: g by free fall
20 Newton's third law of motion and know the properties of pairs of forces in an interaction between two bodies · Newton's laws and the resultant force
21 Momentum is defined as p = mv · Momentum and impulse
22 The principle of conservation of linear momentum, understand how to relate this to Newton's laws of motion and understand how to apply this to problems in one dimension · Momentum and impulse
23 Use the equation for the moment of a force, moment of force = Fx, where x is the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force and the axis of rotation · Moments and equilibrium
24 Use the concept of centre of gravity of an extended body and apply the principle of moments to an extended body in equilibrium · Moments and equilibrium
25 Use the equation for work ΔW = FΔs, including calculations when the force is not along the line of motion · Work, energy and power
26 Use Ek = (1/2)mv² for the kinetic energy of a body · Conservation of energy
27 Use ΔEgrav = mgΔh for the difference in gravitational potential energy near the Earth's surface · Conservation of energy
28 Know, and understand how to apply, the principle of conservation of energy, including use of work done, gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy · Conservation of energy
29 Use the equations relating power, time and energy transferred or work done, P = E/t and P = W/t · Work, energy and power
30 Use: efficiency = useful energy output/total energy input, efficiency = useful power output/total power input · Work, energy and power

3 · ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

31 Electric current is the rate of flow of charged particles and be able to use I = ΔQ/Δt · Current, charge and the direction problem
32 Use V = W/Q · Current, charge and the direction problem
33 Resistance is defined by R = V/I and that Ohm's law is the special case when I ∝ V for constant temperature · Current-voltage characteristics
34 How the distribution of current in a circuit is a consequence of charge conservation · Circuits and Kirchhoff's laws
35 How the distribution of potential differences in a circuit is a consequence of energy conservation · Circuits and Kirchhoff's laws
36 Derive the equations for combining resistances in series and parallel using the principles of charge and energy conservation, and use those equations · Circuits and Kirchhoff's laws
37 Use P = VI and W = VIt, and derive and use related equations, for example P = I²R and P = V²/R · Circuits and Kirchhoff's laws
38 Sketch, recognise and interpret current-potential difference graphs for components, including ohmic conductors, filament bulbs, thermistors and diodes · Current-voltage characteristics
39 Use R = ρl/A · Resistivity and superconductivity
40 CORE PRACTICAL 2: Determine the electrical resistivity of a material · Resistivity and superconductivity
41 Use I = nqvA to explain the large range of resistivities of different materials · Current, charge and the direction problem
42 How the potential along a uniform current-carrying wire varies with the distance along it · Potential dividers
43 The principles of a potential-divider circuit and understand how to calculate potential differences and resistances in such a circuit · Potential dividers
44 Analyse potential-divider circuits where one resistance is variable, including thermistors and light-dependent resistors (LDRs) · Potential dividers
45 The definition of electromotive force (e.m.f.), understand what is meant by internal resistance and know how to distinguish between e.m.f. and terminal potential difference · EMF and internal resistance
46 CORE PRACTICAL 3: Determine the e.m.f. and internal resistance of an electrical cell · EMF and internal resistance
47 How changes of resistance with temperature may be modelled in terms of lattice vibrations and number of conduction electrons, and how to apply this model to metallic conductors and negative temperature coefficient thermistors · Resistivity and superconductivity
48 How changes of resistance with illumination may be modelled in terms of the number of conduction electrons, and how to apply this model to light-dependent resistors · Resistivity and superconductivity

4 · MATERIALS

49 Use density ρ = m/V · Density and Hooke's law
50 Use the relationship upthrust = weight of fluid displaced · Fluids: pressure, upthrust and viscosity
51 Use the equation for viscous drag (Stokes' law), F = 6πηrv; this equation applies only to small spherical objects moving at low speeds with laminar flow, or in the absence of turbulent flow, and viscosity is temperature dependent · Fluids: pressure, upthrust and viscosity
52 CORE PRACTICAL 4: Use a falling-ball method to determine the viscosity of a liquid · not covered yet
53 Use the Hooke's law equation ΔF = kΔx, where k is the stiffness of the object · Density and Hooke's law
54 Use the relationships; tensile or compressive stress = force / cross-sectional area; tensile or compressive strain = change in length / original length; Young modulus = stress / strain · Stress, strain and the Young modulus
55 Draw and interpret force-extension and force-compression graphs; the terms limit of proportionality, elastic limit, yield point, elastic deformation and plastic deformation, and apply them to those graphs · Density and Hooke's law
56 Draw and interpret tensile or compressive stress-strain graphs, and understand the term breaking stress · Stress, strain and the Young modulus
57 CORE PRACTICAL 5: Determine the Young modulus of a material · Stress, strain and the Young modulus
58 Calculate elastic strain energy Eel in a deformed material sample using ΔEel = (1/2)FΔx and the area under the force-extension graph. Estimating the area, and so the energy change, is expected for both linear and non-linear force-extension graphs · Density and Hooke's law

5 · WAVES AND PARTICLE NATURE OF LIGHT

59 The terms amplitude, frequency, period, speed and wavelength · Progressive waves
60 Use the wave equation v = fλ · Progressive waves
61 Describe longitudinal waves in terms of pressure variation and the displacement of molecules · Longitudinal, transverse and polarisation
62 Describe transverse waves · Longitudinal, transverse and polarisation
63 Draw and interpret graphs representing transverse and longitudinal waves, including standing/stationary waves · Longitudinal, transverse and polarisation · Stationary waves
64 CORE PRACTICAL 6: Determine the speed of sound in air using a 2-beam oscilloscope, signal generator, speaker and microphone · not covered yet
65 What is meant by wavefront, coherence, path difference, superposition, interference and phase · Interference and Young's double slit
66 Use the relationship between phase difference and path difference · Progressive waves
67 What is meant by a standing/stationary wave, understand how such a wave is formed and know how to identify nodes and antinodes · Stationary waves
68 Use the equation for the speed of a transverse wave on a string, v = √(T/μ) · Stationary waves
69 CORE PRACTICAL 7: Investigate the effects of length, tension and mass per unit length on the frequency of a vibrating string or wire · Core practical 7: frequency of a vibrating string
70 Use the equation for intensity of radiation, I = P/A · Progressive waves
71 That at the interface between medium 1 and medium 2, n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2, where refractive index is n = c/v · Refraction and total internal reflection
72 Calculate critical angle using sin C = 1/n · Refraction and total internal reflection
73 Predict whether total internal reflection will occur at an interface · Refraction and total internal reflection
74 Measure the refractive index of a solid material · Refraction and total internal reflection
75 The term focal length of converging and diverging lenses · Lenses and images
76 Use ray diagrams to trace the path of light through a lens and locate the position of an image · Lenses and images
77 Use the equation for power of a lens, P = 1/f · Lenses and images
78 For thin lenses in combination, P = P1 + P2 + P3 + … · Lenses and images
79 The terms real image and virtual image · Lenses and images
80 Use the equation 1/u + 1/v = 1/f for a thin converging or diverging lens, using the real-is-positive convention · Lenses and images
81 That magnification = image height / object height and m = v/u · Lenses and images
82 What is meant by plane polarisation · Longitudinal, transverse and polarisation
83 What is meant by diffraction and use Huygens' construction to explain what happens to a wave when it meets a slit or an obstacle · Diffraction and the single slit
84 Use nλ = d sin θ for a diffraction grating · Diffraction gratings
85 CORE PRACTICAL 8: Determine the wavelength of light from a laser or other light source using a diffraction grating · Core practical 8: wavelength from a diffraction grating
86 How diffraction experiments provide evidence for the wave nature of electrons · Wave-particle duality
87 Use the de Broglie equation λ = h/p · Wave-particle duality
88 Waves can be transmitted and reflected at an interface between media · Ultrasound imaging
89 How a pulse-echo technique can provide information about the position of an object and how the amount of information obtained may be limited by the wavelength of the radiation or by the duration of the pulses · Ultrasound imaging
90 How the behaviour of electromagnetic radiation can be described in terms of a wave model and a photon model, and how these models developed over time · Wave-particle duality
91 Use E = hf, which relates photon energy to wave frequency · The photoelectric effect
92 The absorption of a photon can result in the emission of a photoelectron · The photoelectric effect
93 The terms threshold frequency and work function, and be able to use hf = φ + (1/2)mvmax² · The photoelectric effect
94 Use the electronvolt (eV) to express small energies · SI units and prefixes · The photoelectric effect · Collisions of electrons with atoms
95 How the photoelectric effect provides evidence for the particle nature of electromagnetic radiation · The photoelectric effect
96 Atomic line spectra in terms of transitions between discrete energy levels and understand how to calculate the frequency of radiation that could be emitted or absorbed in a transition between energy levels · Energy levels and photon emission

6 · FURTHER MECHANICS

97 Use impulse = FΔt = Δp (Newton's second law of motion) · Momentum and impulse
98 CORE PRACTICAL 9: Investigate the relationship between the force exerted on an object and its change of momentum · not covered yet
99 Apply conservation of linear momentum to problems in two dimensions · Momentum and impulse
100 CORE PRACTICAL 10: Use ICT to analyse collisions between small spheres, for example ball bearings on a table top · not covered yet
101 Determine whether a collision is elastic or inelastic · Momentum and impulse
102 Derive and use Ek = p²/(2m) for the kinetic energy of a non-relativistic particle · Momentum and impulse
103 Express angular displacement in radians and degrees, and convert between these units · Circular motion
104 What is meant by angular velocity and be able to use v = ωr and T = 2π/ω · Circular motion
105 Use vector diagrams to derive a = v²/r = rω² for centripetal acceleration, and understand how to use these equations · Circular motion
106 A resultant force (centripetal force) is required to produce and maintain circular motion · Circular motion
107 Use F = ma = mv²/r = mrω² for centripetal force · Circular motion

7 · ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS

108 An electric field (force field) is defined as a region where a charged particle experiences a force · The field concept
109 Electric field strength is defined as E = F/Q, and be able to use this equation · Coulomb's law and electric field strength
110 Use F = Q1Q2/(4πε0r²) for the force between two charges · Coulomb's law and electric field strength
111 Use E = Q/(4πε0r²) for the electric field due to a point charge · Coulomb's law and electric field strength
112 The relation between electric field and electric potential · Electric potential
113 Use E = V/d for an electric field between parallel plates · Coulomb's law and electric field strength
114 Use V = Q/(4πε0r) for a radial field · Electric potential
115 Draw and interpret diagrams using field lines and equipotentials to describe radial and uniform electric fields · Electric potential
116 Capacitance is defined as C = Q/V, and be able to use this equation · Capacitors and energy stored
117 Use W = (1/2)QV for the energy stored by a capacitor, derive it from the area under a graph of potential difference against charge stored, and derive and use W = (1/2)CV² and W = (1/2)Q²/C · Capacitors and energy stored
118 Draw and interpret charge and discharge curves for resistor-capacitor circuits, and understand the significance of the time constant RC · Charging and discharging · The time constant and exponential decay
119 CORE PRACTICAL 11: Use an oscilloscope or data logger to display and analyse the potential difference (p.d.) across a capacitor as it charges and discharges through a resistor · Core practical 11: charge and discharge
120 Use Q = Q0e^(-t/RC) and derive and use related equations for exponential discharge in a resistor-capacitor circuit: I = I_0e^(-t/RC) and V = V_0e^(-t/RC), and the corresponding log equations ln Q = ln Q_0 - t/RC, ln I = ln I_0 - t/RC and ln V = ln V_0 - t/RC · The time constant and exponential decay
121 And use the terms magnetic flux density B, flux φ and flux linkage Nφ · Magnetic flux and flux linkage
122 Use F = Bqv sin θ and apply Fleming's left-hand rule to charged particles moving in a magnetic field · Force on a moving charge
123 Use F = BIl sin θ and apply Fleming's left-hand rule to current-carrying conductors in a magnetic field · Magnetic flux density and the force on a wire
124 The factors affecting the e.m.f. induced in a coil when there is relative motion between the coil and a permanent magnet · Electromagnetic induction: Faraday and Lenz
125 The factors affecting the e.m.f. induced in a coil when there is a change of current in another coil linked with this coil · Transformers
126 Use Lenz's law to predict the direction of an induced e.m.f., and how the prediction relates to energy conservation · Electromagnetic induction: Faraday and Lenz
127 Use Faraday's law to determine the magnitude of an induced e.m.f. and be able to use the equation combining Faraday's and Lenz's laws: E = -d(Nφ)/dt · Electromagnetic induction: Faraday and Lenz
128 What is meant by frequency, period, peak value and root-mean-square value when applied to alternating currents and potential differences · Alternating currents
129 Use Vrms = V0/√(2) and Irms = I0/√(2) · Alternating currents

8 · NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE PHYSICS

130 What is meant by nucleon number (mass number) and proton number (atomic number) · Constituents of the atom
131 How large-angle alpha-particle scattering gives evidence for a nuclear model of the atom and how understanding of atomic structure has changed over time · Rutherford scattering and the nuclear atom
132 Electrons are released in thermionic emission and how they can be accelerated by electric and magnetic fields · Cathode rays and the electron
133 The role of electric and magnetic fields in particle accelerators (linac and cyclotron) and detectors (general principles of ionisation and deflection only) · Force on a moving charge
134 Derive and use r = p/(BQ) for a charged particle in a magnetic field · Force on a moving charge
135 Apply conservation of charge, energy and momentum to interactions between particles and interpret particle tracks · Conservation laws
136 Why high energies are required to investigate the structure of nucleons · Nuclear radius and density
137 Use ΔE = c²Δm in situations involving the creation and annihilation of matter and antimatter particles · Antimatter and photons
138 Use MeV and GeV for energy, MeV/c² and GeV/c² for mass, and convert between these and SI units · Antimatter and photons
139 Situations in which the relativistic increase in particle lifetime is significant; use of relativistic equations is not required · The consequences of special relativity
140 That in the standard quark-lepton model particles can be classified as baryons, for example neutrons and protons, which are made from three quarks, mesons such as pions, made from a quark and an antiquark, leptons such as electrons and neutrinos, which are fundamental, and photons, and that the symmetry of the model predicted the top quark · Classification of particles
141 That every particle has a corresponding antiparticle and be able to use the properties of a particle to deduce the properties of its antiparticle, and the reverse · Antimatter and photons · Quarks and antiquarks
142 Use conservation of charge, baryon number and lepton number to determine whether a particle interaction is possible · Conservation laws
143 Write and interpret particle equations given the relevant particle symbols · Particle interactions and exchange particles · Conservation laws

9 · THERMODYNAMICS

144 Use ΔE = mcΔθ and ΔE = LΔm · Thermal energy transfer and specific heat capacity
145 CORE PRACTICAL 12: Calibrate a thermistor in a potential-divider circuit as a thermostat · not covered yet
146 CORE PRACTICAL 13: Determine the specific latent heat of a phase change · not covered yet
147 Internal energy as the random distribution of potential and kinetic energy amongst molecules · Thermal energy transfer and specific heat capacity
148 Absolute zero and how the average kinetic energy of molecules is related to absolute temperature · Ideal gases and the gas laws
149 Derive and use pV = (1/3)Nm<c²> using the kinetic-theory model · Molecular kinetic theory
150 Use pV = NkT for an ideal gas · Ideal gases and the gas laws
151 CORE PRACTICAL 14: Investigate the relationship between pressure and volume of a gas at fixed temperature · Core practical 14: pressure and volume at constant temperature
152 Derive and use (1/2)m<c²> = (3/2)kT · Molecular kinetic theory
153 What is meant by a black-body radiator and be able to interpret radiation curves for such a radiator · Black-body radiation and spectral classes
154 Use the Stefan-Boltzmann law L = σAT⁴ for black-body radiators · Black-body radiation and spectral classes
155 Use Wien's law λmaxT = 2.898 × 10⁻³ m K for black-body radiators · Black-body radiation and spectral classes

10 · SPACE

156 Use I = L/(4πd²), where L is luminosity and d is distance from the source · Star brightness and magnitude
157 How astronomical distances can be determined using trigonometric parallax · Star brightness and magnitude
158 How astronomical distances can be determined from the intensity received from standard candles, which are objects of known luminosity · Star brightness and magnitude · The HR diagram and stellar evolution
159 Sketch and interpret a simple Hertzsprung-Russell diagram relating stellar luminosity to surface temperature · The HR diagram and stellar evolution
160 Relate the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to the life cycle of stars · The HR diagram and stellar evolution
161 How movement of a wave source relative to an observer or detector gives rise to a shift in frequency (the Doppler effect) · The Doppler effect and Hubble's law
162 Use redshift z = Δλ/λ ≈ Δf/f ≈ v/c for a source of electromagnetic radiation moving relative to an observer, and v = H0d for objects at cosmological distances · The Doppler effect and Hubble's law
163 The controversy over the age and ultimate fate of the universe associated with the value of the Hubble constant and the possible existence of dark matter · The Doppler effect and Hubble's law

11 · NUCLEAR RADIATION

164 Nuclear binding energy and be able to use ΔE = c²Δm in calculations of nuclear mass, including mass deficit, and energy · Mass-energy and binding energy · Fission and fusion
165 Use the atomic mass unit (u) to express small masses and convert between this and SI units · Mass-energy and binding energy
166 Nuclear fusion and fission with reference to the binding-energy-per-nucleon curve · Mass-energy and binding energy · Fission and fusion
167 The mechanism of nuclear fusion and the need for very high matter densities and temperatures to bring about and maintain nuclear fusion · Fission and fusion
168 There is background radiation and how to take appropriate account of it in calculations · Rutherford scattering and the nuclear atom
169 The relationships between the nature, penetration, ionising ability and range in different materials of alpha, beta and gamma radiation · Rutherford scattering and the nuclear atom
170 Write and interpret nuclear equations given the relevant particle symbols · Stable and unstable nuclei · Radioactive decay and half-life · Fission and fusion
171 CORE PRACTICAL 15: Investigate the absorption of gamma radiation by lead · not covered yet
172 The spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay · Radioactive decay and half-life
173 Determine half-lives graphically and use the equations for radioactive decay: A = λN, dN/dt = -λN, λ = (ln 2)/t_(1/2), N = N_0e^(-λt), A = A_0e^(-λt) · Radioactive decay and half-life

12 · GRAVITATIONAL FIELDS

174 A gravitational field (force field) is defined as a region where a mass experiences a force · The field concept
175 Gravitational field strength is defined as g = F/m, and be able to use this equation · Newton's law of gravitation
176 Use F = Gm1m2/r² (Newton's law of universal gravitation) · Newton's law of gravitation
177 Derive and use g = Gm/r² for the gravitational field due to a point mass · Newton's law of gravitation
178 Use Vgrav = -Gm/r for a radial gravitational field · Gravitational potential
179 Compare electric fields with gravitational fields · The field concept · Comparing electric and gravitational fields
180 Apply Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation to orbital motion · Orbits and satellites

13 · OSCILLATIONS

181 The condition for simple harmonic motion is F = -kx, and hence understand how to identify situations in which simple harmonic motion will occur · SHM systems: pendulums and springs
182 Use a = -ω²x, x = A cos ωt, v = -Aω sin ωt, a = -Aω² cos ωt, T = 1/f = 2π/ω and ω = 2πf for a simple harmonic oscillator · Simple harmonic motion
183 Use T = 2π√(m/k) for a mass-spring simple harmonic oscillator and T = 2π√(l/g) for a simple pendulum · SHM systems: pendulums and springs
184 Draw and interpret a displacement-time graph for an oscillating object and know that the gradient at a point gives the velocity at that point · Simple harmonic motion
185 Draw and interpret a velocity-time graph for an oscillating object and know that the gradient at a point gives the acceleration at that point · Simple harmonic motion
186 What is meant by resonance · Forced vibrations and resonance
187 CORE PRACTICAL 16: Determine the value of an unknown mass using the resonant frequencies of the oscillation of known masses · not covered yet
188 Apply conservation of energy to damped and undamped oscillating systems · SHM systems: pendulums and springs
189 The distinction between free and forced oscillations · Forced vibrations and resonance
190 How the amplitude of a forced oscillation changes at and around the natural frequency of a system and know, qualitatively, how damping affects resonance · Forced vibrations and resonance
191 How damping and the plastic deformation of ductile materials reduce the amplitude of oscillation · Forced vibrations and resonance

Each row is a short label for one outcome of the board's own list, written to be found and followed rather than quoted; some sit close to the board's wording and some are our paraphrase. The codes are the board's so you can look the outcome up. A link means the lesson teaches that outcome, not the group it sits in, and it does not promise the same depth the board asks for. The specification itself is the authority: check it when a mark depends on it.