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AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics 8464
Atomic Structure
Topic overviewThe structure of an atomMass number, atomic number and isotopesFrom the plum pudding model to the nuclear modelChadwick, the neutron, and comparing the modelsRadioactive decay and nuclear radiationNuclear equationsHalf-lives and the random nature of radioactive decayRadioactive contamination
Electricity
Topic overviewCircuit symbols, electrical charge and currentCurrent, resistance and potential differenceOhmic conductors, filament lamps, diodes and thermistorsLight-dependent resistors, and investigating resistanceCurrent and potential difference in series and parallelConstructing circuits, and calculating in series circuitsDirect and alternating potential difference, and mains electricityPower and efficiencyAppliances, and the energy transferred by electrical workPower, and the power ratings of domestic appliancesThe National Grid
Energy
Forces
Topic overviewScalars, vectors, forces and the resultant forceGravityWork done and energy transferStretching, compressing, and the spring constantLinear and non-linear extension, and work done on a springResolving forces and free body diagramsDistance, displacement and speedThe speed of sound, and the distance-speed-time equationVelocity and the distance-time relationshipAcceleration, deceleration and velocity-time graphsArea under a velocity-time graph, and the uniform acceleration equationNewton's First LawNewton's Second and Third LawsStopping distance and reaction timeFactors affecting braking distanceBraking force, deceleration and the dangers of stopping quicklyMomentum and its conservation
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Particle Model of Matter
Waves
- 4 subtopics
- 12 things to know
- Physics Paper 2
What Waves covers
Waves is examined in Physics Paper 2. It covers transverse and longitudinal waves, and the wave equation, wave properties, and refraction at a boundary, types and uses of electromagnetic waves and radio waves, and the hazards of ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.
Where it is assessed
Physics Paper 2
Combined Science: Trilogy, Physics Paper 2: 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks, 16.7% of the qualification.
Check the AQA specification ↗The 4 subtopics
Each one has its own page.
- Transverse and longitudinal waves, and the wave equationThe two wave types and how their oscillations differ, compressions and rarefactions, why the medium is not carried along, the wave equation v = f λ, and measuring the speed of sound and of ripples.Open →
- Wave properties, and refraction at a boundaryAmplitude, wavelength, frequency and period, the equation linking period and frequency, the hertz, wave speed and the wave equation with calculations, what can happen to electromagnetic waves meeting a substance, why waves refract and change direction at a boundary, and comparing the infrared emitted by different surfaces using a cube of hot water.Open →
- Types and uses of electromagnetic wavesElectromagnetic waves as transverse waves that transfer energy, the continuous spectrum and a single speed in a vacuum, the order of the groups by wavelength and frequency, the colours of visible light, energy transferred to an absorber, the uses of radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays, and why some suit their uses.Open →
- Radio waves, and the hazards of ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma raysHow oscillations in a circuit produce radio waves and induce a current in a receiver, where gamma rays originate, what radiation dose measures, and the harm ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays do to tissue.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Your recallNot started
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Define the amplitude, wavelength and frequency of a wave, and say how its period is related to its frequency.
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Compare the oscillations in transverse and longitudinal waves, using ripples on a pond as the example of a transverse wave.
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What type of wave is every electromagnetic wave?
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Why does an alternating current in an aerial send out a radio wave?
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What are the two types that all waves can be classified as?
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What is meant by saying that the electromagnetic spectrum is continuous?
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What is produced in a receiving aerial when a radio wave is absorbed by it?
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Give an example of a transverse wave that can be seen on water.
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Name the four quantities used to describe the motion of a wave.
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List the groups of the electromagnetic spectrum in order from the longest wavelength to the shortest.
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What kinds of change can result in an electromagnetic wave being generated or absorbed?
Take Waves further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
Transverse vs Longitudinal
Transverse: oscillations at right angles to the direction of energy transfer. Longitudinal: Oscillations along the same direction as the energy transfer.
Compression vs Rarefaction
Compression: region where the particles of a longitudinal wave are squashed together. Rarefaction: Region where the particles of a longitudinal wave are spread furthest apart.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What are the two types that all waves can be classified as?
Model answer
Transverse and longitudinal.
- 2
In which type of wave do the oscillations happen at right angles to the direction the wave travels?
Model answer
In a transverse wave.
- 3
Give an example of a transverse wave that can be seen on water.
Model answer
Ripples on a water surface.
- 4
In which direction does the water move as a ripple travels across the surface of a pond?
Model answer
Up and down, at right angles to the direction in which the ripple travels.
- 5
What name is given to the regions of a longitudinal wave where the particles are squashed close together?
Model answer
Compressions.
- 6
What name is given to the regions of a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread furthest apart?
Model answer
Rarefactions.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Waves revision questions
- What does Waves cover in AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics?
- 4 subtopics: transverse and longitudinal waves, and the wave equation, wave properties, and refraction at a boundary, types and uses of electromagnetic waves and radio waves, and the hazards of ultraviolet, x-rays and gamma rays. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Waves organised?
- By the AQA 8464 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Waves, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
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