Physics
Physics A2
Students are taught OCR Advanced GCE Physics specification A. This consists of three modules.
Unit:
Physics A2 – 2824 – Forces, Fields and Energy
Unit Topics:
- Dynamics – Newton’s Laws of Motion, conservation of momentum
- Work and Energy – conservation of energy, conversion of energy from one form to another, work done
- Motion in a Circle – kinematics of uniform circular motion, centripetal acceleration
- Oscillations – simple harmonic motion, damped and forced oscillations, resonance
- Gravitational Fields – concept of gravitational field, force between point masses, gravitational field of a point mass
- Electric Fields - concept of electric field, force between point charges, electric field of a point charge, uniform electric fields
- Capacitors – capacitance, capacitors in series and parallel, energy stored in a charged capacitor, discharge of a capacitor
- Electromagnetism – force on a current carrying conductor, force on a moving charge, circular orbits
- Electromagnetic Induction – magnetic flux, magnetic flux linkage, laws of electromagnetic induction
- Thermal Physics – internal energy, temperature scales, specific heat capacity, the ideal gas equation, kinetic energy of a molecule
- The Nuclear Atom – probing matter, the nucleus, isotopes, mass difference and nuclear binding energy, nuclear processes
- Radioactivity – types of ionising radiation, hazards and safety precautions, radioactive decay
Unit Assessment:
Unit assessed by 1 hour 30 min written examination, accounting for 15% of the total A-level. The examination contains questions comprising both structured parts and parts which require more extended answers. The distribution of marks is approximately 75 marks for the structured parts and 15 marks for the extended answers. Quality of written communication is assessed within those parts of the questions which require more extended answers.
Unit:
Physics A2 – 2825 – Cosmology
Unit Topics:
- Models of the Known Universe – early models, Newton’s law of Gravitation, scale of the Universe
- Stars and Galaxies – magnitude of stars and galaxies, temperature of stars, evolution of stars, structure of galaxies
- Structure of the Universe – Olber’s Paradox, The Cosmological Principle, age of the Universe, Hubble’s Law
- Information from Stellar Observation – line spectra, effect of Earth’s atmosphere, observation platforms, Doppler shift
- How the Universe May Evolve – evolution of the Universe, possible fate of the Universe
- Relativity – theory of general relativity, theory of special relativity
Unit Assessment:
Unit assessed by 1 hour 30 min written examination, accounting for 15% of the total A-level. The examination contains questions comprising both structured parts and parts which require more extended answers. Approximately 30 marks are allocated to questions which involve the analysis of data and/or comprehension. These synoptic questions/part questions require candidates to draw on their knowledge of modules studied in AS Physics and module 2824 of A2 Physics.
Unit:
Physics A2 – 2826 – Unifying Concepts in Physics and Practical Skills
Unit Topics:
No specific topics are covered, the unit is designed to consolidate candidates’ knowledge and understanding of topics covered throughout AS and A2 physics, and to test practical skills.
Unit Assessment:
The unit is assessed in two parts.
- 1 hour 15 min written examination, accounting for 10% of the total A-level. The examination contains questions which require extended writing. Candidates are expected to draw together knowledge, understanding and skills from AS Physics and module 2824 and to show connections between different aspects of physics.
- 1 hour 30 min practical examination, accounting for 10% of the total A-level. In the week before the examination candidates are required to plan a task set by OCR in the context of the units they have studied and submit a 500 word written plan. In the examination candidates are asked to carry out a practical experiment (Question 1) which will be set in the same general context as that used for the planning exercise, but will not be the same task. Thus, while the research work carried out for the planning task may assist candidates in their interpretation of the results of the experiment, they will not be asked to carry out the investigation they have planned. Question 2 in the Practical Test is also a practical experiment, shorter in length than the first question.
Physics AS
Students are taught OCR Advanced GCE Physics specification A. This consists of three units.
Unit:
Physics AS – G481 – Mechanics
Unit Topics:
- Motion – physical quantities and units, scalars and vectors, kinematics, linear motion
- Forces in Action – force, non-linear motion, equilibrium, car safety
- Work and Energy – work and conservation of energy, kinetic and potential energies, power, behaviour of springs and materials
Unit Assessment
The unit is assessed by a 1 hour examination, accounting for 30% of the total AS level (15% of the full A-level).
Unit
Physics AS – G482 – Electrons, Waves and Photons
Unit Topics
- Electric Current – charge and current
- Resistance – circuit symbols, e.m.f. and p.d., resistance, resistivity, power
- DC Circuits – series and parallel circuits, practical circuits
- Waves – wave motion, electromagnetic waves, interference, stationary waves
- Quantum Physics – energy of a photon, the photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, energy levels in atoms
Unit Assessment
The unit is assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute examination, accounting for 50% of the total AS level (25% of the full A-level).
Unit
Physics AS – G483 – Practical Skills in Physics 1
Unit Topics
This unit develops practical and investigative skills developed within contexts encountered during AS Physics.
Candidates are required to carry out three tasks:
- Qualitative task (10 marks) – carry out a practical task using instructions supplied by OCR. Demonstrate skilful and safe practical techniques using suitable qualitative methods. Make, record and communicate valid observations; organise results suitably.
- Quantitative task (20 marks) - carry out a practical task using instructions supplied by OCR. Demonstrate and describe safe and skilful practical techniques for a quantitative experiment. Make, record and communicate reliable measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy. Analyse the experimental results. Interpret and explain the experimental results.
- Evaluative task (10 marks) - This task will extend the quantitative task. Candidates will evaluate the quality of the data and procedures. Evaluative tasks will not require additional data collection. Evaluate the results and their impact on the experimental methodology. Assess the reliability and accuracy of the experiment by calculating percentage differences and uncertainties. Evaluate the methodology with a view to improving experimental precision and accuracy. Identify weaknesses in the experimental methodology and measurements. Understand and suggest improvements to the experimental procedures and measurements.
Unit Assessment
Candidates will carry out each of the 3 tasks under controlled conditions. Each task will be internally assessed using a mark scheme provided by OCR. The three tasks together make up 20% of the total AS level mark (10% of the full A-level).