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
Radioactivity
The dangers of ionising radiation
- 2 things to know
- Paper 5
Overview
How ionising radiation damages cells and DNA, high and low doses, keeping dose, time and closeness to a source low, and school laboratory precautions.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
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Key term
Why should the total radiation dose a person receives be kept as low as possible?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
How does ionising radiation damage a living cell?
Model answer
It ionises the molecules inside the cell, breaking them apart and damaging the cell.
- 2
What can happen to a cell whose DNA has been damaged by ionising radiation?
Model answer
The DNA can mutate, and the cell may then divide uncontrollably to form a tumour.
- 3
What is the effect of a very high dose of ionising radiation on body tissue?
Model answer
It kills large numbers of cells, causing radiation burns and radiation sickness.
- 4
Why is even a low dose of ionising radiation still a risk?
Model answer
It can cause a mutation in a single cell that later develops into a cancer.
- 5
Why should the total radiation dose a person receives be kept as low as possible?
Model answer
Every extra dose adds to the chance of a mutation that could later cause cancer.
- 6
Why is the time spent close to a radioactive source kept as short as possible?
Model answer
The dose received builds up with time, so a shorter time means a smaller dose.
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