Physics

Course summary

Units (SL) U1 - D1: Core Topic 1: Measurements and uncertainties- Measurements, Uncertainties and errors in Physics and Kinematics. U2- D1: Core Topic 2: Mechanics - Motion, Forces, Work & Power, Momentum & Impulse U3- D1: Core Topic 3: Thermal physics Core Topic 3: Thermal concepts & Modelling a gas U4- D1: Core Topic 4: Waves Core-Vibrations & Oscillations, Travelling & Standing waves U5- D1: Core Topic 5: Electricity and magnetism-Electric fields, Heating & Magnetic effect of electric currents, Electric cells IA - D2: Students spend the first half term of D2 developing and carrying out their internal assessment, gathering data with the first draft of the IA due in November. (20% exam weighting) U6 - D2: Core Topic 6: Circular motion and gravitation -Centripetal Force & Newton’s law of gravitation U7 - D2: Core Topic 7: Atomic, nuclear and particle physics -Discrete energy and radioactivity, Nuclear reactions & the fundamental structure of matter U8 - D1: Core Topic 8: Energy production -Energy sources & Thermal energy transfer (reading undertaken over the summer holiday after D1) HL topics 9-12 are completed through D1 and D2 Topic 9: Wave phenomena -Simple harmonic motion, Single-slit diffraction, Interference, Resolution, Doppler effect Topic 10: Fields-Describing fields, Fields at work Topic 11: Electromagnetic induction – Electromagnetic induction, Power generation and transmission, Capacitance Topic 12: Quantum and nuclear physics – The interaction of matter with radiation, Nuclear physics HL Optional unit- Astrophysics- Stellar characteristics & evolution & Cosmology