Key term
AQA GCSE Physics 8463
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 contaminationBackground radiationUses of nuclear radiation, and how half-life affects hazardNuclear fission and nuclear fusion
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 GridStatic chargeElectric fields
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 springMoments, levers and gearsPressure at a surface, and the equation p = F over APressure in a column of liquid, upthrust and floatingAtmospheric pressureResolving 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 conservationChanges in momentum
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Topic overviewPoles of a magnetMagnetic fields around a magnetThe compass, and plotting a magnetic fieldElectromagnetismFleming's left-hand rule, motors and loudspeakersInduced potentialThe generator effect, alternators, dynamos and microphonesThe structure of a transformer and the turns ratioTransformer power, and using the transformer equations
Particle Model of Matter
Space Physics
Waves
Topic overviewTransverse and longitudinal waves, and the wave equationWave properties, and refraction at a boundaryReflection of wavesSound wavesUltrasound, echo sounding and seismic wavesTypes and uses of electromagnetic wavesRadio waves, and the hazards of ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma raysLensesVisible lightEmission and absorption of infrared radiation, and black bodies
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
The generator effect, alternators, dynamos and microphones
- 3 things to know
- Paper 2
Overview
The alternating current from an alternator and the direct current from a dynamo, the generator effect both rely on and how their construction differs, how each produces its output and the shape of its potential difference against time graph, the effect of turning the coil faster, and how a moving-coil microphone works.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
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Key term
Which effect do both an alternator and a dynamo rely on?
Key term
What is the key difference in construction between an alternator and a dynamo?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What kind of current does an alternator generate?
Model answer
Alternating current.
- 2
What kind of current does a dynamo generate?
Model answer
Direct current.
- 3
Which effect do both an alternator and a dynamo rely on?
Model answer
The generator effect.
- 4
What is the key difference in construction between an alternator and a dynamo?
Model answer
An alternator connects its coil through slip rings, while a dynamo connects its coil through a split-ring commutator.
- 5
Why must a generator's coil keep turning if it is to give a continuous output?
Model answer
Because a potential difference is induced only while the magnetic field through the coil is changing.
- 6
Explain how an alternator produces alternating current.
Model answer
The coil rotates in a magnetic field so the induced potential difference reverses every half turn, and the slip rings keep each end of the coil joined to the same contact, so the output keeps swapping direction.
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