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Syllabus Overview

Browse all topics and subtopics from the full 0625 Physics syllabus.

▶ 1. Motion, Forces and Energy 74 Points

▶ 1.1 — Physical quantities and measurement techniques 7 Points
Core
Supplement
▶ 1.2 — Motion 13 Points
Core
Supplement
▶ 1.3 — Mass and weight 5 Points
Core
Supplement
- Supp. 1.3.5 — Describe and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass
▶ 1.4 — Density 4 Points
Core
Supplement
- Supp. 1.4.4 — Determine whether one liquid will float on another liquid based on density data given that the liquids do not mix
▶ 1.5 — Forces 21 Points
▶ 1.5.1 — Effects of forces 12 Points

Core

Core 1.5.1.1 — Know that forces may produce changes in the size and shape of an object
Core 1.5.1.2 — Sketch, plot and interpret load–extension graphs for an elastic solid and describe the associated experimental procedures
Core 1.5.1.3 — Determine the resultant of two or more forces acting along the same straight line
Core 1.5.1.4 — Know that an object either remains at rest or continues in a straight line at constant speed unless acted on by a resultant force
Core 1.5.1.5 — State that a resultant force may change the velocity of an object by changing its direction of motion or its speed
Core 1.5.1.6 — Describe solid friction as the force between surfaces that may impede motion and produce heating
Core 1.5.1.7 — Know that friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a liquid
Core 1.5.1.8 — Know that friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a gas (air resistance)

Supplement

Supp. 1.5.1.9 — Define the spring constant as force per unit extension; recall and use the equation k = F/x
Supp. 1.5.1.10 — Define and use the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for a load–extension graph and identify this point on the graph (an understanding of the elastic limit is not required)
Supp. 1.5.1.11 — Recall and use F = ma and know that acceleration is in the same direction as the force
Supp. 1.5.1.12 — Describe, qualitatively, motion in a circular path due to a force perpendicular to the motion as: (a) speed increases if force increases, with mass and radius constant (b) radius decreases if force increases, with mass and speed constant (c) an increased mass requires an increased force to keep speed and radius constant ( F = mv^2 is not required)
▶ 1.5.2 — Turning effect of forces 6 Points

Core

Core 1.5.2.1 — Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give everyday examples
Core 1.5.2.2 — Define moment = force × perpendicular distance from pivot; recall and use the equation
Core 1.5.2.3 — Apply the principle of moments to situations with one force each side of the pivot, including balancing of a beam
Core 1.5.2.4 — State that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant moment, an object is in equilibrium

Supplement

Supp. 1.5.2.5 — Apply the principle of moments to other situations, including those with more than one force each side of the pivot
Supp. 1.5.2.6 — Describe an experiment to demonstrate that there is no resultant moment on an object in equilibrium
▶ 1.5.3 — Centre of gravity 3 Points

Core

Core 1.5.3.1 — State what is meant by centre of gravity
Core 1.5.3.2 — Describe an experiment to determine the position of the centre of gravity of an irregularly shaped plane lamina
Core 1.5.3.3 — Describe, qualitatively, the effect of the position of the centre of gravity on the stability of simple objects
▶ 1.6 — Momentum 4 Points
Core
▶ 1.7 — Energy, work and power 16 Points
▶ 1.7.1 — Energy 6 Points

Core

Core 1.7.1.1 — State that energy may be stored as kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic (strain), nuclear, electrostatic and internal (thermal)
Core 1.7.1.2 — Describe how energy is transferred betweenstores during events and processes, including examples of transfer by forces (mechanical work done), electrical currents (electrical work done), heating, and by electromagnetic, sound and other waves
Core 1.7.1.3 — Know the principle of the conservation of energy and apply this principle to simple examples including the interpretation of simple flow diagrams

Supplement

Supp. 1.7.1.4 — Recall and use the equation for kinetic energy Eₖ = ½mv²
Supp. 1.7.1.5 — Recall and use the equation for the change in gravitational potential energy ΔEₚ = mgΔh
Supp. 1.7.1.6 — Know the principle of the conservation of energy and apply this principle to complex examples involving multiple stages, including the interpretation of Sankey diagrams
▶ 1.7.2 — Work 2 Points

Core

Core 1.7.2.1 — Understand that mechanical or electrical work done is equal to the energy transferred
Core 1.7.2.2 — Recall and use the equation for mechanical working W = Fd = ΔE
▶ 1.7.3 — Energy resources 7 Points

Core

Core 1.7.3.1 — Describe how useful energy may be obtained, or electrical power generated, from: (a) chemical energy stored in fossil fuels (b) chemical energy stored in biofuels (c) water, including the energy stored in waves, in tides and in water behind hydroelectric dams (d) geothermal resources (e) nuclear fuel (f) light from the Sun to generate electrical power (solar cells) (g) infrared and other electromagnetic waves from the Sun to heat water (solar panels) and be the source of wind energy including references to a boiler, turbine and generator where they are used
Core 1.7.3.2 — Describe advantages and disadvantages of each method in terms of renewability, availability, reliability, scale and environmental impact
Core 1.7.3.3 — Understand, qualitatively, the concept of efficiency of energy transfer

Supplement

Supp. 1.7.3.4 — Know that radiation from the Sun is the main source of energy for all our energy resources except geothermal, nuclear and tidal
Supp. 1.7.3.5 — Know that energy is released by nuclear fusion in the Sun
Supp. 1.7.3.6 — Know that research is being carried out to investigate how energy released by nuclear fusion can be used to produce electrical energy on a large scale
Supp. 1.7.3.7 — Define efficiency as: (a) (%) efficiency = (useful energy output) (total energy input) (× 100%) (b) (%) efficiency = (useful power output) (total power input) (× 100%) recall and use these equations
▶ 1.7.4 — Power 1 point

Core

Core 1.7.4.1 — Define power as work done per unit time and also as energy transferred per unit time; recall and use the equations (a) P = W / t (b) P = ∆E / t
▶ 1.8 — Pressure 4 Points
Core
Supplement
- Supp. 1.8.4 — Recall and use the equation for the change in pressure beneath the surface of a liquid ∆p = ρg∆h

▶ 2. Thermal physics 46 Points

▶ 2.1 — Kinetic particle model of matter 14 Points
▶ 2.1.1 — States of matter 2 Points

Core

Core 2.1.1.1 — Know the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases
Core 2.1.1.2 — Know the terms for the changes in state between solids, liquids and gases (gas to solid and solid to gas transfers are not required)
▶ 2.1.2 — Particle model 8 Points

Core

Core 2.1.2.1 — Describe the particle structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, separation and motion of the particles and represent these states using simple particle diagrams
Core 2.1.2.2 — Describe the relationship between the motion of particles and temperature, including the idea that there is a lowest possible temperature (−273 °C), known as absolute zero, where the particles have least kinetic energy
Core 2.1.2.3 — Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its particles and their collisions with a surface
Core 2.1.2.4 — Know that the random motion of microscopic particles in a suspension is evidence for the kinetic particle model of matter
Core 2.1.2.5 — Describe and explain this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random collisions between the microscopic particles in a suspension and the particles of the gas or liquid

Supplement

Supp. 2.1.2.6 — Know that the forces and distances between particles (atoms, molecules, ions and electrons) and the motion of the particles affects the properties of solids, liquids and gases
Supp. 2.1.2.7 — Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a force per unit area
Supp. 2.1.2.8 — Know that microscopic particles may be moved by collisions with light fast-moving molecules and correctly use the terms atoms or molecules as distinct from microscopic particles
▶ 2.1.3 — Gases and the absolute scale of temperature 4 Points

Core

Core 2.1.3.1 — Describe the effect on gas pressure of a change of temperature at constant volume (qualitative, in terms of particles)
Core 2.1.3.2 — Describe the effect on gas pressure of a change of volume at constant temperature (qualitative, in terms of particles)
Core 2.1.3.3 — Convert temperatures between kelvin and degrees Celsius; recall and use T(K) = θ(°C) + 273

Supplement

Supp. 2.1.3.4 — Recall and use pV = constant for a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, including graphical representation
▶ 2.2 — Thermal properties and temperature 15 Points
▶ 2.2.1 — Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases 3 Points

Core

Core 2.2.1.1 — Describe qualitatively the thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases at constant pressure
Core 2.2.1.2 — Describe some everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion

Supplement

Supp. 2.2.1.3 — Explain the relative magnitudes of expansion of solids, liquids and gases in terms of particle arrangement and motion as temperature rises
▶ 2.2.2 — Specific heat capacity 4 Points

Core

Core 2.2.2.1 — Know that a rise in temperature increases an object's internal energy

Supplement

Supp. 2.2.2.2 — Describe an increase in temperature in terms of an increase in average kinetic energy of particles
Supp. 2.2.2.3 — Define specific heat capacity and recall/use c = ΔE / (mΔθ)
Supp. 2.2.2.4 — Describe experiments to measure specific heat capacity of solids and liquids
▶ 2.2.3 — Melting, boiling and evaporation 8 Points

Core

Core 2.2.3.1 — Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy input without a change in temperature
Core 2.2.3.2 — Know the melting and boiling temperatures for water at standard atmospheric pressure
Core 2.2.3.3 — Describe condensation and solidification in terms of particles
Core 2.2.3.4 — Describe evaporation in terms of escape of more energetic particles
Core 2.2.3.5 — Know that evaporation causes cooling

Supplement

Supp. 2.2.3.6 — Describe differences between boiling and evaporation
Supp. 2.2.3.7 — Describe how temperature, surface area and air movement affect evaporation
Supp. 2.2.3.8 — Explain cooling of an object in contact with an evaporating liquid
▶ 2.3 — Transfer of thermal energy 17 Points
▶ 2.3.1 — Conduction 4 Points

Core

Core 2.3.1.1 — Describe experiments to demonstrate the properties of good and bad thermal conductors

Supplement

Supp. 2.3.1.2 — Describe thermal conduction in solids in terms of lattice vibrations and free electrons in metals
Supp. 2.3.1.3 — Explain why conduction is poor in gases and most liquids in terms of particles
Supp. 2.3.1.4 — Know that many solids conduct thermal energy better than insulators but less well than good conductors
▶ 2.3.2 — Convection 2 Points

Core

Core 2.3.2.1 — Know that convection is an important method of thermal energy transfer in liquids and gases
Core 2.3.2.2 — Explain convection in terms of density changes, with experiments illustrating convection
▶ 2.3.3 — Radiation 9 Points

Core

Core 2.3.3.1 — Know that thermal radiation is infrared radiation and that all objects emit it
Core 2.3.3.2 — Know that thermal energy transfer by radiation does not require a medium
Core 2.3.3.3 — Describe experiments to distinguish good and bad emitters of infrared radiation
Core 2.3.3.4 — Describe experiments to distinguish good and bad absorbers of infrared radiation

Supplement

Supp. 2.3.3.5 — Describe how emission rate depends on surface temperature and area
Supp. 2.3.3.6 — Describe how surface colour (black/white) and texture (dull/shiny) affect emission, absorption and reflection of IR radiation
Supp. 2.3.3.7 — Know that an object stays at constant temperature when energy received equals energy emitted
Supp. 2.3.3.8 — Know what happens when energy received is more or less than energy emitted
Supp. 2.3.3.9 — Know how Earth's temperature is affected by balance between incoming and outgoing radiation
▶ 2.3.4 — Consequences of thermal transfer 2 Points

Core

Core 2.3.4.1 — Explain everyday applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation (e.g. pans, heating a room)

Supplement

Supp. 2.3.4.2 — Explain more complex applications of conduction, convection and radiation where multiple types occur (e.g. fire, car radiator)

▶ 3. Waves 56 Points

▶ 3.1 — General properties of waves 10 Points
Core
Supplement
- Supp. 3.1.9 — Describe how wavelength and gap size affect diffraction through a gap
- Supp. 3.1.10 — Describe how wavelength affects diffraction at an edge
▶ 3.2 — Light 24 Points
▶ 3.2.1 — Reflection of light 4 Points

Core

Core 3.2.1.1 — Define and use normal, angle of incidence and angle of reflection
Core 3.2.1.2 — Describe the formation of an image in a plane mirror and state its characteristics
Core 3.2.1.3 — State angle of incidence equals angle of reflection; recall and use this

Supplement

Supp. 3.2.1.4 — Use constructions, measurements and calculations for reflection by plane mirrors
▶ 3.2.2 — Refraction of light 9 Points

Core

Core 3.2.2.1 — Define and use normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction
Core 3.2.2.2 — Describe an experiment showing refraction through transparent blocks
Core 3.2.2.3 — Describe the passage of light through transparent materials at boundaries
Core 3.2.2.4 — State meaning of critical angle

Supplement

Supp. 3.2.2.5 — Describe internal reflection and total internal reflection with examples
Supp. 3.2.2.6 — Define refractive index as ratio of wave speeds in two media
Supp. 3.2.2.7 — Recall and use n = sin(i) / sin(r)
Supp. 3.2.2.8 — Recall and use n = 1 / sin(c)
Supp. 3.2.2.9 — Describe use of optical fibres, especially in telecommunications
▶ 3.2.3 — Thin lenses 8 Points

Core

Core 3.2.3.1 — Describe action of thin converging and diverging lenses on a parallel beam
Core 3.2.3.2 — Define and use focal length, principal axis and principal focus
Core 3.2.3.3 — Draw and use ray diagrams for real images formed by a converging lens
Core 3.2.3.4 — Describe image characteristics using enlarged/same size/diminished, upright/inverted, real/virtual
Core 3.2.3.5 — Know a virtual image is formed by extrapolating diverging rays backwards

Supplement

Supp. 3.2.3.6 — Draw ray diagrams for virtual images formed by a converging lens
Supp. 3.2.3.7 — Describe use of a single lens as a magnifying glass
Supp. 3.2.3.8 — Describe use of converging and diverging lenses to correct long- and short-sightedness
▶ 3.2.4 — Dispersion of light 3 Points

Core

Core 3.2.4.1 — Describe dispersion of light illustrated by refraction through a prism
Core 3.2.4.2 — Know the 7 colours of visible spectrum in order of frequency and wavelength

Supplement

Supp. 3.2.4.3 — Recall that visible light of a single frequency is monochromatic
▶ 3.3 — Electromagnetic spectrum 10 Points
Core
- Core 3.3.1 — Know main regions of EM spectrum in order of frequency and wavelength
- Core 3.3.2 — Know that all EM waves travel at the same high speed in a vacuum
Supplement
▶ 3.4 — Sound 12 Points
Core
Supplement

▶ 4. Electricity and magnetism 76 Points

▶ 4.1 — Simple phenomena of magnetism 11 Points
Core
Supplement
- Supp. 4.1.10 — Explain that magnetic forces are due to interactions between magnetic fields
- Supp. 4.1.11 — Know that relative magnetic field strength is represented by spacing of field lines
▶ 4.2 — Electrical quantities 32 Points
▶ 4.2.1 — Electric charge 10 Points

Core

Core 4.2.1.1 — State that there are positive and negative charges
Core 4.2.1.2 — State that like charges repel and unlike charges attract
Core 4.2.1.3 — Describe simple experiments showing production of electrostatic charges by friction and their detection
Core 4.2.1.4 — Explain that charging by friction involves transfer of electrons only
Core 4.2.1.5 — Describe an experiment to distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators
Core 4.2.1.6 — Recall and use a simple electron model to explain difference between conductors and insulators, giving examples

Supplement

Supp. 4.2.1.7 — State that charge is measured in coulombs
Supp. 4.2.1.8 — Describe an electric field as a region where an electric charge experiences a force
Supp. 4.2.1.9 — State that direction of the electric field is the direction of the force on a positive test charge
Supp. 4.2.1.10 — Describe simple electric field patterns around point charges, charged spheres and parallel plates
▶ 4.2.2 — Electric current 6 Points

Core

Core 4.2.2.1 — Know that electric current is related to charge flow
Core 4.2.2.2 — Describe the use of analogue and digital ammeters with different ranges
Core 4.2.2.3 — Describe electrical conduction in metals in terms of movement of free electrons
Core 4.2.2.4 — Know the difference between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.)
Core 4.2.2.5 — State that conventional current flows from positive to negative and electron flow is opposite

Supplement

Supp. 4.2.2.6 — Define electric current I = Q/t
▶ 4.2.3 — Electromotive force and potential difference 7 Points

Core

Core 4.2.3.1 — Define e.m.f. as electrical work done per unit charge by a source
Core 4.2.3.2 — Know that e.m.f. is measured in volts
Core 4.2.3.3 — Define potential difference (p.d.) as work done per unit charge through a component
Core 4.2.3.4 — Know that p.d. is measured in volts
Core 4.2.3.5 — Describe the use of voltmeters (analogue and digital) with different ranges

Supplement

Supp. 4.2.3.6 — Recall and use E = W/Q
Supp. 4.2.3.7 — Recall and use V = W/Q
▶ 4.2.4 — Resistance 5 Points

Core

Core 4.2.4.1 — Recall and use R = V/I
Core 4.2.4.2 — Describe experiment to determine resistance using ammeter and voltmeter
Core 4.2.4.3 — State qualitatively how resistance depends on length and cross-sectional area of a wire

Supplement

Supp. 4.2.4.4 — Sketch and explain I–V graphs for resistor, filament lamp and diode
Supp. 4.2.4.5 — State resistance ∝ length and 1/area for metallic conductors
▶ 4.2.5 — Electrical energy and electrical power 4 Points

Core

Core 4.2.5.1 — Know that circuits transfer energy from source to components and surroundings
Core 4.2.5.2 — Recall and use P = IV
Core 4.2.5.3 — Recall and use E = IVt
Core 4.2.5.4 — Define the kilowatt-hour and calculate cost of electrical appliances
▶ 4.3 — Electric circuits 15 Points
▶ 4.3.1 — Circuit diagrams and circuit components 2 Points

Core

Core 4.3.1.1 — Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing a wide range of components and describe their behaviour

Supplement

Supp. 4.3.1.2 — Draw and interpret diagrams containing diodes and LEDs
▶ 4.3.2 — Series and parallel circuits 10 Points

Core

Core 4.3.2.1 — Know that current is the same at every point in a series circuit
Core 4.3.2.2 — Know how to construct and use series and parallel circuits
Core 4.3.2.3 — Calculate combined e.m.f. of sources in series
Core 4.3.2.4 — Calculate combined resistance of resistors in series
Core 4.3.2.5 — State that current from the source in a parallel circuit is larger than current in each branch
Core 4.3.2.6 — State that combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than either alone
Core 4.3.2.7 — State advantages of connecting lamps in parallel
Core 4.3.2.8 — Explain that currents entering a junction equal currents leaving a junction
Core 4.3.2.9 — Calculate combined resistance of two resistors in parallel

Supplement

Supp. 4.3.2.10 — Use Kirchhoff-type ideas: current conservation, p.d. addition in series, equal p.d. in parallel branches
▶ 4.3.3 — Action and use of circuit components 3 Points

Core

Core 4.3.3.1 — Know that p.d. across a conductor increases as resistance increases for constant current

Supplement

Supp. 4.3.3.2 — Describe the action of a variable potential divider
Supp. 4.3.3.3 — Recall and use V1/V2 = R1/R2 for a potential divider
▶ 4.4 — Electrical safety 5 Points
Core
▶ 4.5 — Electromagnetic effects 13 Points
▶ 4.5.4 — Force on a current-carrying conductor 3 Points

Core

Core 4.5.4.1 — Describe experiment showing force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field and effect of reversing current or field

Supplement

Supp. 4.5.4.2 — Recall and use relative directions of force, magnetic field and current
Supp. 4.5.4.3 — Determine direction of force on charged particle beams in a magnetic field
▶ 4.5.5 — The d.c. motor 2 Points

Core

Core 4.5.5.1 — Know that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect, increased by more turns, stronger field or higher current

Supplement

Supp. 4.5.5.2 — Describe the operation of an electric motor including split-ring commutator and brushes
▶ 4.5.6 — The transformer 8 Points

Core

Core 4.5.6.1 — Describe the construction of a simple transformer with a soft-iron core
Core 4.5.6.2 — Use terms primary, secondary, step-up and step-down
Core 4.5.6.3 — Recall and use Vp/Vs = Np/Ns
Core 4.5.6.4 — Describe the use of transformers for high-voltage electricity transmission
Core 4.5.6.5 — State advantages of high-voltage transmission

Supplement

Supp. 4.5.6.6 — Explain operation of a simple iron-cored transformer
Supp. 4.5.6.7 — Recall and use IpVp = IsVs for 100% efficient transformers
Supp. 4.5.6.8 — Recall and use P = I^2R to explain lower cable losses at high voltage

▶ 5. Nuclear physics 31 Points

▶ 5.1 — The nuclear model of the atom 11 Points
▶ 5.1.1 — The atom 3 Points

Core

Core 5.1.1.1 — Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus
Core 5.1.1.2 — Know how atoms may form positive ions by losing electrons or negative ions by gaining electrons

Supplement

Supp. 5.1.1.3 — Describe how alpha-particle scattering supports the nuclear model by showing: a very small nucleus, mostly empty space, a massive nucleus, and a positively charged nucleus
▶ 5.1.2 — The nucleus 8 Points

Core

Core 5.1.2.1 — Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons and neutrons
Core 5.1.2.2 — State the relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons as +1, 0 and −1 respectively
Core 5.1.2.3 — Define proton number (Z) and nucleon number (A) and calculate number of neutrons
Core 5.1.2.4 — Use nuclide notation A/Z X
Core 5.1.2.5 — Explain what is meant by an isotope and state that elements may have more than one isotope

Supplement

Supp. 5.1.2.6 — Describe nuclear fission and fusion as splitting or joining of nuclei, including nuclide equations and qualitative changes in mass and energy
Supp. 5.1.2.7 — Know the relationship between proton number and nuclear charge
Supp. 5.1.2.8 — Know the relationship between nucleon number and relative mass of a nucleus
▶ 5.2 — Radioactivity 20 Points
▶ 5.2.1 — Detection of radioactivity 5 Points

Core

Core 5.2.1.1 — Know what is meant by background radiation
Core 5.2.1.2 — Know major sources of background radiation: radon gas, rocks/buildings, food/drink, cosmic rays
Core 5.2.1.3 — Know that ionising radiation can be measured using a detector and counter
Core 5.2.1.4 — Use count rate measured in counts/s or counts/min

Supplement

Supp. 5.2.1.5 — Use background radiation measurements to determine corrected count rate
▶ 5.2.2 — The three types of nuclear emission 4 Points

Core

Core 5.2.2.1 — Describe emission of nuclear radiation as spontaneous and random in direction
Core 5.2.2.2 — Identify alpha, beta, and gamma emissions by recalling their nature, ionising effect, and penetrating ability (β taken as β−)

Supplement

Supp. 5.2.2.3 — Describe deflection of α, β, and γ radiation in electric and magnetic fields
Supp. 5.2.2.4 — Explain relative ionising effects in terms of kinetic energy and charge
▶ 5.2.3 — Radioactive decay 5 Points

Core

Core 5.2.3.1 — Know radioactive decay is a spontaneous random change in an unstable nucleus that may emit α, β, and/or γ radiation
Core 5.2.3.2 — State that α- or β-decay changes the nucleus into that of a different element

Supplement

Supp. 5.2.3.3 — Know isotopes may be radioactive due to excess neutrons or because nuclei are too heavy
Supp. 5.2.3.4 — Describe effects of α, β, and γ emissions on nucleus including increased stability and reduction in excess neutrons
Supp. 5.2.3.5 — Use decay equations in nuclide notation to show α, β and γ emissions
▶ 5.2.4 — Half-life 3 Points

Core

Core 5.2.4.1 — Define half-life and use definition in simple calculations (no background correction)

Supplement

Supp. 5.2.4.2 — Calculate half-life from data or decay curves where background radiation is not subtracted
Supp. 5.2.4.3 — Explain how type of radiation and half-life determine appropriate isotopes for smoke alarms, food irradiation, sterilisation, thickness control, cancer diagnosis/treatment
▶ 5.2.5 — Safety precautions 3 Points

Core

Core 5.2.5.1 — State effects of ionising radiation on living things including cell death, mutations, cancer
Core 5.2.5.2 — Describe safe movement, use and storage of radioactive materials

Supplement

Supp. 5.2.5.3 — Explain safety precautions in terms of reducing exposure time, increasing distance and using shielding

▶ 6. Space physics 33 Points

▶ 6.1 — The Earth and the Solar System 14 Points
▶ 6.1.1 — The Earth 4 Points

Core

Core 6.1.1.1 — Know that the Earth rotates on its tilted axis once every 24 hours and use this to explain day/night and the apparent daily motion of the Sun
Core 6.1.1.2 — Know that the Earth orbits the Sun once every ~365 days and use this to explain the seasons
Core 6.1.1.3 — Know that the Moon orbits the Earth in about one month and use this to explain the phases of the Moon

Supplement

Supp. 6.1.1.4 — Define average orbital speed v = 2πr / T and recall and use this equation
▶ 6.1.2 — The Solar System 10 Points

Core

Core 6.1.2.1 — Describe the Solar System as containing: the Sun, eight planets in order, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets and other small bodies
Core 6.1.2.2 — Know that the four inner planets are small and rocky, and the four outer planets are large and gaseous, explained using an accretion model involving gravity and rotating gas/dust clouds
Core 6.1.2.3 — Know that gravitational field strength at a planet’s surface depends on its mass and decreases with distance
Core 6.1.2.4 — Calculate time for light to travel significant Solar System distances
Core 6.1.2.5 — Know that the Sun contains most of the mass of the Solar System, explaining why planets orbit the Sun
Core 6.1.2.6 — Know that gravitational attraction of the Sun provides the force keeping objects in orbit

Supplement

Supp. 6.1.2.7 — Know that planets, minor planets and comets have elliptical orbits and that the Sun is not at the centre unless orbit is circular
Supp. 6.1.2.8 — Analyse data on planetary orbital distance, orbital duration, density, temperature and gravitational field strength
Supp. 6.1.2.9 — Know that the Sun’s gravitational field decreases with distance and that planetary orbital speeds decrease with distance
Supp. 6.1.2.10 — Know that objects in elliptical orbits travel faster when closer to the Sun and explain using conservation of energy
▶ 6.2 — Stars and the Universe 19 Points
▶ 6.2.1 — The Sun as a star 2 Points

Core

Core 6.2.1.1 — Know that the Sun is a medium-sized star made mostly of hydrogen and helium and emits most of its energy as infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiation

Supplement

Supp. 6.2.1.2 — Know that stars are powered by nuclear reactions and that stable stars produce energy by fusion of hydrogen to helium
▶ 6.2.2 — Stars 6 Points

Core

Core 6.2.2.1 — State that galaxies contain many billions of stars
Core 6.2.2.2 — Know that the Sun is a star in the Milky Way
Core 6.2.2.3 — Know that other stars in the Milky Way are much further from Earth than the Sun is
Core 6.2.2.4 — Know that astronomical distances may be measured in light-years

Supplement

Supp. 6.2.2.5 — Know that one light-year = 9.5 × 10^15 m
Supp. 6.2.2.6 — Describe the life cycle of a star: formation in gas/dust clouds, protostar collapse, stable star, hydrogen depletion, red giant/supergiant, supernova or planetary nebula, white dwarf, neutron star or black hole, and formation of new stars
▶ 6.2.3 — The Universe 11 Points

Core

Core 6.2.3.1 — Know that the Milky Way is one of many billions of galaxies; diameter ~100,000 light-years
Core 6.2.3.2 — Describe redshift as an increase in observed wavelength from receding stars and galaxies
Core 6.2.3.3 — Know that light from distant galaxies is redshifted compared to light emitted on Earth
Core 6.2.3.4 — Know that redshift is evidence that the Universe is expanding and supports the Big Bang Theory

Supplement

Supp. 6.2.3.5 — Know that microwave radiation of a specific frequency is observed everywhere and is called cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR)
Supp. 6.2.3.6 — Explain that CMBR was produced shortly after the Big Bang and was stretched into microwaves as the Universe expanded
Supp. 6.2.3.7 — Know that speed of a galaxy moving away can be found from redshift data
Supp. 6.2.3.8 — Know that distance to a far galaxy can be determined using brightness of a supernova
Supp. 6.2.3.9 — Define the Hubble constant H₀ = v / d and recall/use the equation
Supp. 6.2.3.10 — Know that the current estimate for H₀ is 2.2 × 10⁻¹⁸ s⁻¹
Supp. 6.2.3.11 — Know that the equation v/d = 1/H₀ provides an estimate for the age of the Universe and supports that all matter originated at a single point

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IGCSE Physics (0625) Resources