Key term
Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Physics 1SC0
Key Concepts of Physics
Motion and Forces
Topic overviewScalar and vector quantitiesExamples of vectors and scalars, and velocitySpeed, distance, time and distance-time graphsAcceleration and the equation v squared minus u squaredVelocity-time graphs and free fallMeasuring speed in the laboratory, and typical everyday speedsNewton's first law, and investigating force, mass and accelerationNewton's second and third lawsWeight, mass and gravitational field strengthReaction time, stopping distance and large decelerationsFactors affecting stopping distance and reaction time
Conservation of Energy
Waves
Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Topic overviewProperties of electromagnetic wavesInvestigating refraction in glass blocksThe groups of the electromagnetic spectrumThe continuous spectrum, and what our eyes can detectHow radiation is generated, and why danger rises with frequencyHarmful effects of excessive exposure to radiationUses of electromagnetic radiation
Radioactivity
Topic overviewThe atom and the size of atomsIsotopes, atomic number and mass numberRelative masses and charges of subatomic particlesElectron orbits and energy levelsForming ions, and how the atomic model changedTypes of ionising radiationBackground radiation and detecting radioactivityAlpha, beta and gamma, and their penetrating powerBeta-minus and beta-plus decayEffects of decay on atomic number and mass numberBalancing nuclear equationsActivity and the becquerelHalf-life and the randomness of decayHalf-life calculationsThe dangers of ionising radiationSafety precautions, contamination and irradiation
Energy – Forces Doing Work
Topic overviewEnergy stores and energy transfer diagramsChanging a system's energy, and measuring work doneWork done and the energy changes it causesGravitational potential and kinetic energy calculationsDissipation and wasted energyPower as the rate of energy transferThe watt, and calculating efficiency
Forces and Their Effects
Electricity and Circuits
Topic overviewThe atom, and drawing circuit diagramsSeries and parallel circuitsPotential difference and the voltmeterEnergy transferred by moving chargeCurrent, charge and measuring currentResistance and the equation V = IRResistors in series and in parallelDesigning circuits to test componentsInvestigating resistance in circuitsCurrent-potential difference graphs for componentsLight-dependent resistors and thermistorsThe heating effect of an electric currentUses of the heating effect, and the equation E = IVtPower as energy transferred per secondCalculating electrical powerEnergy transfer in domestic devices, and power ratingsDirect and alternating currentAlternating current and the UK mains supplyLive and neutral wires, earthing and fusesFuses in the live wire, mains voltages and electrical dangers
Magnetism and the Motor Effect
Electromagnetic Induction
Particle Model
Topic overviewKinetic theory and differences in densityCalculating density, and investigating itChanges of state and internal energySpecific heat capacitySpecific latent heat and thermal insulationInvestigating the specific heat capacity of waterGas pressure and the motion of particlesAbsolute zero and the kelvin scale
Electricity and Circuits
Uses of the heating effect, and the equation E = IVt
- 2 things to know
- Paper 6
Overview
Kettles, toasters and filament lamps using the heating effect, its drawbacks in cables, wiring, laptops and battery devices, and energy transferred from current, potential difference and time.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
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Evaluation
Why is the heating effect of a current a disadvantage in the cables that carry electricity to homes?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Give one useful application of the heating effect of an electric current.
Model answer
An electric kettle uses it to heat water, and a toaster and a hair dryer use it in the same way.
- 2
Why is the heating effect of a current a disadvantage in the cables that carry electricity to homes?
Model answer
Energy is wasted as thermal energy in the cables instead of reaching the homes.
- 3
Give one hazard caused by the heating effect of an electric current in household wiring.
Model answer
Overheated wiring can melt its insulation and start a fire.
- 4
Why is the heating effect of a current a problem inside a laptop?
Model answer
The heat produced can damage the components, so a fan or a heat sink is needed to carry it away.
- 5
How is the heating effect of a current used deliberately in a filament lamp?
Model answer
The current makes the filament so hot that it glows and gives out light.
- 6
Why is the heating effect of a current a disadvantage in a battery-powered device?
Model answer
Energy wasted in heating the components drains the battery faster without doing anything useful.
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