Physics

Course summary

The Physics A Level course offers students the opportunity to lay the groundwork for future studies at university – for example, in science and engineering. There is good coverage of a range of physics topics such as quantum phenomena, waves, mechanics, electricity, fields, radioactivity, and thermal physics. Measurements and their errors This is a continuing study for a student of physics. It comprises a working knowledge of the fundamental units of measurement, the nature of errors in practical work, and their numerical treatment. Particles and radiation An introduction to the fundamental properties of matter, electromagnetic radiation, and quantum phenomena. Waves GSCE studies of wave phenomena are extended through the development of knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and applications of progressive and stationary waves. Mechanics and materials This comprises an extension of the study of forces, energy, and momentum from the GCSE level, along with bulk properties and tensile strength. Electricity This builds and develops upon GCSE studies and lays the groundwork for later study of electrical applications. Further mechanics and thermal physics The earlier study of mechanics is further advanced through consideration of circular motion and simple harmonic motion. Thermal properties, the nature of ideal gases and molecular kinetic theory are introduced and studied in depth. Fields and their consequences Fields is one of the great unifying ideas in physics and here it is developed in detail. The ideas of gravitational, electrostatic, and magnetic fields are studied, and unifying links to other earlier parts of the course are emphasized here. Nuclear physics This builds on the earlier work done on particles and radiation that link to the properties of the nucleus and the production of nuclear power. Additional option choice One of five option choices are studied – • Astrophysics • Medical Physics • Engineering Physics • Turning points in physics • Electronics