Physical Science
Explore the syllabus structure and download notes, past papers and presentations, sorted by year.
29 topics
437 objectives
2 resources
Years covered: 2026
Syllabus Framework
C1.0Introduction to Chemistry
1
- OBJ-O1Use and describe how to use measuring cylinders, burettes and pipettes to measure the volume of liquids
C10.0Acids, bases and salts
16
- OBJ-O1Define acids and bases in terms of proton transfer, limited to aqueous solutions
- OBJ-O2List common examples of acids and bases
- OBJ-O3Define alkalis as soluble bases
- OBJ-O4Describe the characteristic properties of acids as in their reactions with metals, bases, carbonates and their effect on indicators, e.g. litmus paper, Universal indicator, phenolphthalein
- OBJ-O5Describe neutrality and relative acidity and alkalinity in terms of pH (whole numbers only) measured using Universal Indicator and pH chart
- OBJ-O6Use the ideas of acidity, alkalinity and neutrality to explain acid/base reactions
- OBJ-O7Describe and explain applications of neutralisation e.g. laboratory preparation of salts; use of lime to control acidity in soil and water; and antacids (e.g. bicarbonate of soda) to control stomach acid
- OBJ-O1Classify oxides as either basic or acidic related to metallic and non-metallic character of the element forming the oxide
- OBJ-O2Classify other oxides as neutral or amphoteric given sufficient information
- OBJ-O1Identify carbon dioxide using limewater
- OBJ-O2Identify hydrogen using a lighted splint
- OBJ-O3Identify oxygen using a glowing splint
- OBJ-O4Identify ammonia using damp litmus paper
- OBJ-O5Identify chlorine using damp litmus paper
- OBJ-O1Describe and prepare soluble salts from bases, carbonates, metals and ammonium salts
- OBJ-O2Prepare, separate and purify insoluble salts (see C4.1 – Methods of purification)
C11.0Metals
18
- OBJ-O1Define an alloy
- OBJ-O2State the composition of elements in the following alloys: brass, bronze, mild steel and stainless steel
- OBJ-O3Draw the structural diagrams to show how atoms of other elements can change the properties of the main element in an alloy
- OBJ-O4Explain why alloying affects the properties of metals
- OBJ-O5State the important uses of alloys: brass, bronze, mild steel and stainless steel
- OBJ-O6State the uses of aluminium (electrical cables, aircraft bodies and food containers), and copper (electrical wiring, cooking utensils) related to their properties
- OBJ-O7State the uses of zinc for galvanising and making brass
- OBJ-O1Place in order of reactivity: calcium, aluminium, copper, (hydrogen), iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc and gold by reference to their reactions, if any, with aqueous ions of other metals, reaction with: water, steam and dilute hydrochloric acid
- OBJ-O2Account for the apparent unreactivity of aluminium in terms of the oxide layer adhering to the metal
- OBJ-O3Deduce an order of reactivity from a given set of experimental results
- OBJ-O4Design experiments to investigate the order of reactivity of metals
- OBJ-O1Describe the ease in obtaining metals from their ores by relating the elements to the reactivity series
- OBJ-O2Name metals that occur native including copper and gold
- OBJ-O3Name the main ores of aluminium, copper and iron
- OBJ-O4Describe the essential reactions in the extraction of iron in the Blast Furnace
- OBJ-O5Outline the manufacture of aluminium from pure aluminium oxide using electrolysis
- OBJ-O6Describe the importance of conserving resources
- OBJ-O7Describe the environmental impact of the mining and extraction of metals on vegetation, human beings and animals
C12.0Electricity and chemistry
11
- OBJ-O1Describe electrolysis
- OBJ-O10Construct equations for the electrode reactions involved in the manufacture of aluminium, chlorine and sodium hydroxide
- OBJ-O11Describe the process of electroplating of metals
- OBJ-O2Draw a labelled circuit diagram for an electrolytic cell, using the terms electrode, electrolyte, anode and cathode
- OBJ-O3Distinguish between an aqueous solution and a molten compound
- OBJ-O4Describe the electrode products formed in the electrolysis of copper(II) chloride (aqueous solution) between inert electrodes (platinum or carbon)
- OBJ-O5Describe electrolysis in terms of the ions present and reactions at the electrodes in examples given
- OBJ-O6State the general principle that metals or hydrogen are formed at the negative electrode and that oxygen or halogens are formed at the positive electrode
- OBJ-O7Outline the manufacture of chlorine and sodium hydroxide from concentrated aqueous sodium chloride (starting materials and essential conditions should be given)
- OBJ-O8Describe the electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid (as essentially the electrolysis of water)
- OBJ-O9Predict the likely products of the electrolysis of a specified binary compound in the molten state or in aqueous solution
C13.0Non-metals
50
- OBJ-O1Describe the volume composition of air
- OBJ-O10State the adverse effects of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen on buildings
- OBJ-O11State the adverse effects of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen on plants
- OBJ-O12State the adverse effects of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, lead compounds and carbon monoxide on health
- OBJ-O13State the adverse effects of CFCs on the ozone layer
- OBJ-O14State the composition of catalytic converters in car exhaust systems (palladium, platinum and rhodium)
- OBJ-O15Explain the importance of catalytic converters in car exhaust systems to remove carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen
- OBJ-O16Describe the role of carbon dioxide in global warming
- OBJ-O17Describe the role of ozone in absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- OBJ-O2Describe the fractional distillation of liquid air to obtain oxygen gas, nitrogen gas and the noble gases for industrial use
- OBJ-O3Name common pollutants in air as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, lead compounds, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and excess carbon dioxide
- OBJ-O4Describe carbon monoxide as a pollutant from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds
- OBJ-O5Describe sulfur dioxide as a pollutant from the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur compounds, leading to acid rain
- OBJ-O6Describe oxides of nitrogen as pollutants from car exhausts
- OBJ-O7Describe lead compounds as pollutants from car exhausts
- OBJ-O8Describe excess carbon dioxide as a pollutant from the combustion of fuels
- OBJ-O9Describe CFCs as pollutants from aerosol sprays
- OBJ-O1Describe and perform a chemical test for water using anhydrous copper(II) sulfate or cobalt(II) chloride
- OBJ-O2Distinguish between the ion content of soft and hard water
- OBJ-O3Distinguish between temporary hardness and permanent hardness
- OBJ-O4State advantages and disadvantages of hard water as having health, domestic and industrial implications
- OBJ-O5Describe how hard water can be made soft by boiling, distillation and by using an ion exchanger
- OBJ-O6Describe, in outline, the purification of water in terms of filtration, sedimentation and chlorination
- OBJ-O1Name the uses of hydrogen in the manufacture of ammonia, margarine (see C14.6 – Organic Chemistry) and as a fuel in rockets
- OBJ-O2Describe the preparation, collection and properties of hydrogen
- OBJ-O3Describe formation of hydrogen as a product of electrolysis of water (see C12.7 – Electricity and Chemistry)
- OBJ-O1Describe the formation of carbon dioxide from the complete combustion of carbon-containing substances
- OBJ-O2Describe the formation of carbon dioxide as a product of respiration
- OBJ-O3Describe the formation of carbon dioxide as a product of the reaction between an acid and a carbonate
- OBJ-O4Describe the preparation, collection and properties of carbon dioxide
- OBJ-O5State the uses of carbon dioxide including use in fire extinguishers and fizzy drinks
- OBJ-O1Describe the combustion of elements e.g. magnesium
- OBJ-O2Describe the properties of oxygen
- OBJ-O3Describe the preparation and collection of oxygen using potassium manganate(VII) and hydrogen peroxide
- OBJ-O4State the uses of oxygen including use in oxygen tents, in hospitals and with acetylene in welding
- OBJ-O5Describe, in simple terms, respiration, combustion and rusting
- OBJ-O6Investigate the conditions necessary for rusting to occur
- OBJ-O7Describe methods of rust prevention: paint and other coatings e.g., galvanising to exclude oxygen
- OBJ-O8Explain sacrificial protection in terms of the reactivity of zinc and iron
- OBJ-O1Define allotropy
- OBJ-O2Name the allotropes of carbon as diamond, graphene and graphite
- OBJ-O3Describe the manufacture of calcium oxide (quick lime) in a kiln from calcium carbonate (limestone) in terms of the chemical reaction involved
- OBJ-O4State some uses of lime and slaked lime in treating acidic soil and neutralising acidic industrial waste products
- OBJ-O5Describe the uses of calcium carbonate in the manufacture of iron, glass and cement
- OBJ-O6Interpret the ease of decomposition of metal carbonates in terms of the reactivity series
- OBJ-O1Describe the preparation of nitrogen by fractional distillation of liquid air
- OBJ-O2Describe the essential conditions in the manufacture of ammonia by the Haber process
- OBJ-O3Explain why the conditions used in the manufacture of ammonia are essential to obtaining the best yield of ammonia
- OBJ-O4Name the uses of ammonia in the manufacture of fertilisers e.g. ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and in the manufacture of household detergents
- OBJ-O5Describe the need for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compounds in plant life
C14.0Organic chemistry
52
- OBJ-O1Name, and draw the structure of unbranched alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and acids containing up to six carbon atoms; and the products of the reactions stated in C14.5 -C14.8
- OBJ-O2Distinguish between the molecular and structural formula of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and acids
- OBJ-O3State the type of compound present given a chemical name, ending in -ane, -ene, -ol or -oic acid or a molecular structure
- OBJ-O1Name the use of liquefied petroleum gas as a fuel for cooking
- OBJ-O2Name the use of petrol as a fuel in petrol engines
- OBJ-O3Name the uses of the paraffin fraction in oil stoves and as aircraft fuel
- OBJ-O4Name the use of the diesel fraction as a fuel in diesel engines
- OBJ-O5Name the uses of the lubricating fraction for lubricants and for making waxes and polishes
- OBJ-O6Name the use of bitumen for making roads
- OBJ-O7Discuss the hazards associated with the use of petroleum fractions in terms of flammability and harm to the environment
- OBJ-O1Name as fuels coal, natural gas and petroleum
- OBJ-O2Name methane as the main constituent of natural gas
- OBJ-O3Describe petroleum as a mixture of hydrocarbons and its separation into useful fractions by fractional distillation
- OBJ-O1Describe the homologous series as a ‘family’ of similar compounds with similar properties due to the presence of the same functional group
- OBJ-O2Describe the general characteristics of a homologous series
- OBJ-O1Describe the catalytic and thermal cracking of alkanes
- OBJ-O2Explain why cracking of longer chain alkanes to manufacture alkenes and hydrogen is an important industrial process
- OBJ-O3Describe the properties of alkenes in terms of combustion
- OBJ-O4Describe the addition reactions of alkenes with bromine
- OBJ-O5Describe the addition reactions of alkenes with hydrogen
- OBJ-O6Describe the addition reactions of alkenes with steam
- OBJ-O7Distinguish between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons from molecular structures and by simple chemical tests (use of bromine and potassium manganate (VII))
- OBJ-O1Describe the formation of ethanol by the catalytic addition of steam to ethene
- OBJ-O2Describe the formation of ethanol (and carbon dioxide) by fermentation and its importance to the wine and brewing industry
- OBJ-O3Describe the properties of alcohols in terms of combustion and dehydration
- OBJ-O4State the use of ethanol as a solvent
- OBJ-O5State the use of ethanol as a fuel
- OBJ-O6State the use of ethanol for sterilisation
- OBJ-O7State the use of ethanol as a constituent of alcoholic beverages
- OBJ-O8State the advantage of using alcohol as a fuel over petrol
- OBJ-O1Describe macromolecules (polymers) in terms of large molecules built up from small units (monomers), different macromolecules having different units and/ or different linkages
- OBJ-O10Draw part-structures of fats (at least four monomer units)
- OBJ-O11Draw part-structures of proteins (at least four monomer units)
- OBJ-O12Draw part-structures of carbohydrates (at least four monomer units)
- OBJ-O13Identify monomers from the structures of given macromolecules with reference to structures in C14.9.7
- OBJ-O2Classify macromolecules as man-made/synthetic (poly(ethene), terylene, nylon) and natural (fats, proteins, carbohydrates)
- OBJ-O3State the monomers of the natural and synthetic macromolecules (carbohydrates, fats, nylon, poly(ethene), proteins and terylene)
- OBJ-O4Describe the formation of poly(ethene) as an example of addition polymerisation of monomer units
- OBJ-O5Explain why non-biodegradable plastics cause serious pollution problems
- OBJ-O6Describe the formation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, nylon and terylene macromolecules as examples of condensation polymerisation
- OBJ-O7Draw part-structures of poly(ethene) (at least four monomer units)
- OBJ-O8Draw part-structures of nylon (at least four monomer units)
- OBJ-O9Draw part-structures of terylene (at least four monomer units)
- OBJ-O1Describe the formation of ethanoic acid by the oxidation of ethanol using potassium dichromate(VI)
- OBJ-O2Describe the formation of ethanoic acid by the action of atmospheric oxygen
- OBJ-O3Describe the reaction of ethanoic acid with ethanol to give an ester (ethyl ethanoate), a sweet-smelling compound
- OBJ-O4Draw the structure of ethyl ethanoate
- OBJ-O5Identify the ester linkage structure in ethyl ethanoate
- OBJ-O6State the uses of esters as components of flavouring and perfumes
- OBJ-O1Describe the properties of alkanes (exemplified by methane) as being generally unreactive, except in terms of burning
- OBJ-O2Predict the structures of longer–chained alkanes given the number of carbon atoms
- OBJ-O3Explain physical trends in their density, state of matter, melting and boiling points
C2.0Particulate nature of matter
2
- OBJ-O1Describe the states of matter and explain their interconversions in terms of the kinetic particle theory
- OBJ-O2Describe the evidence for the movement of particles in gases and liquids i.e. diffusion and Brownian motion
C3.0Elements, compounds and mixtures
3
- OBJ-O1Define an atom, compound, element, mixture and a molecule
- OBJ-O2Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures
- OBJ-O3Identify elements, compounds and mixtures
C4.0Experimental techniques
8
- OBJ-O1Describe methods of purification by use of a suitable solvent, filtration, evaporation, crystallisation, distillation (simple and fractional), separating funnel and sublimation
- OBJ-O1Describe paper chromatography
- OBJ-O2Interpret simple chromatograms
- OBJ-O3Describe how chromatography techniques can be applied to colourless substances by exposing chromatograms to locating agents
- OBJ-O4Identify substances and test their purity by melting point and boiling point determination and by paper chromatography
- OBJ-O5Investigate the melting point and boiling point of pure and impure substances
- OBJ-O6Draw and interpret temperature/time graphs as a means of assessing purity
- OBJ-O7Interpret a cooling and a heating curve
C5.0Physical and chemical change
3
- OBJ-O1List the properties of a chemical change
- OBJ-O2List the properties of a physical change
- OBJ-O3Identify and describe physical and chemical changes
C6.0The Periodic Table
15
- OBJ-1.5redict the properties of other elements in the Group given data where appropriate
- OBJ-O1Describe the relationship between group number and the number of outer electrons
- OBJ-O2Describe lithium, sodium and potassium in Group I as a collection of relatively soft metals showing a trend in melting point, density and in reaction with water
- OBJ-O3Predict the properties of other elements in the Group given data, where appropriate
- OBJ-O4Describe chlorine, bromine and iodine in Group VII as a collection of diatomic non-metals showing a trend in colour and state of matter; and state their reactions with other halide ions
- OBJ-O6Identify trends in other groups given information about the elements concerned
- OBJ-O1Investigate the characteristic physical properties (density, fixed points, hardness, conductivity and colours of compounds) and chemical properties (variable oxidation states) of the transition metals and their compounds, exemplified by copper and iron
- OBJ-O2State the use of transition elements as catalysts
- OBJ-O1Describe the Periodic Table as a method of classifying elements and its use in predicting properties of elements
- OBJ-O2Explain, for the first 20 elements, the basis of the Periodic Table using the proton number and the simple structure of atoms (note that a copy of the Periodic Table will be provided in Papers 1 and 2.)
- OBJ-O3Describe the relationship between the periodic number and the number of shells
- OBJ-O4Describe the trend from metallic to non-metallic character across a Period
- OBJ-O5Identify alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens and noble gases
- OBJ-O1Describe the noble gases as being unreactive
- OBJ-O2Describe the uses of noble gases in providing an inert atmosphere, e.g., argon in lamps; helium for filling weather balloons
C7.0Atomic structure and bonding
21
- OBJ-O1Describe the formation of ions by electron loss or gain
- OBJ-O2Describe the formation of ionic bonds between the alkali metals and the halogens
- OBJ-O3Describe the formation of ionic bonds between metallic and non-metallic elements
- OBJ-O4Draw ‘dot and cross’ diagrams to show the formation of ionic bonds
- OBJ-O1Describe the simple structure of atoms in terms of neutrons, protons and electrons
- OBJ-O2State relative charges and approximate relative masses of protons, neutrons and electrons
- OBJ-O3Define proton (atomic) number and nucleon number A
- OBJ-O4Deduce information from the notation Z X for an atom
- OBJ-O5Describe the build-up of electrons in shells with special reference to the elements with protons numbers from 1 to 20
- OBJ-O6Describe the significance of the outermost electrons and the noble gas electronic configuration
- OBJ-O7Define isotopes (The ideas of the distribution of electrons in s- and p-orbitals and in d-block elements are not required.)
- OBJ-O1Describe the formation of single covalent bonds in H2, Cl2, H2O, CH4 and HCl as the sharing of pairs of electrons leading to the noble gas configuration
- OBJ-O2Draw ‘dot and cross’ diagrams to show the formation of single covalent bonds
- OBJ-O3Describe the electron arrangement in more complex molecules such as N2, C2H4, CH3OH and CO2
- OBJ-O4Investigate the differences in volatility (including melting point and boiling point), solubility and electrical conductivity between ionic and covalent compounds
- OBJ-O1Describe the structure of graphite
- OBJ-O2Describe the structure of diamond
- OBJ-O3Describe the structure of graphene
- OBJ-O4Relate these structures to their melting points, conductivities, hardness and uses
- OBJ-O1Describe metallic bonding
- OBJ-O2Use metallic bonding to describe the electrical conductivity and malleability of metals
C8.0Stoichiometry
14
- OBJ-O1Use the symbols of the elements and write the formulae of simple compounds found in the syllabus
- OBJ-O10Use molar gas volume taken as 24 dm3 at room temperature and pressure
- OBJ-O11Calculate stoichiometric reacting masses and volumes of gases and solutions, solution concentrations expressed in mol/dm3 or g/dm3 (Calculations based on limiting reactants may be examined. Questions on the gas laws and the conversions of gaseous volumes to different temperatures and pressures will not be examined.)
- OBJ-O12Calculate the empirical formulae of a compound
- OBJ-O13Deduce the molecular formulae from the empirical formulae given the molar mass
- OBJ-O14Determine limiting reactants in a chemical reaction
- OBJ-O2Deduce formulae of simple compounds from relative numbers of atoms present
- OBJ-O3Determine the formula of an ionic compound from the charges of the ions present
- OBJ-O4Construct word equations and simple balanced chemical equations
- OBJ-O5Deduce the balanced equation of a chemical reaction given relevant information
- OBJ-O6Define relative atomic mass (Ar), relative molecular mass (Mr) and relative formula mass (RFM)
- OBJ-O7Calculate Mr and RFM as the sum of the relative atomic masses
- OBJ-O8Calculate the percentage of mass of components of a compound
- OBJ-O9Use the mole and the Avogadro’s Constant
C9.0Chemical reactions
20
- OBJ-O1Describe the use of hydrogen as a fuel e.g. in rockets
- OBJ-O2Describe the use of uranium-235 as a source of energy
- OBJ-O3Describe the production of electrical energy from simple cells i.e. two electrodes in an electrolyte (this should be linked with the reactivity series)
- OBJ-O1Define speed of a reaction
- OBJ-O2Define a catalyst
- OBJ-O3Classify catalysts into inorganic and organic (enzymes)
- OBJ-O4Investigate the effect of concentration, particle size, catalysts (including enzymes) and temperature on the speed of reactions
- OBJ-O5Plot graphs and interpret data obtained from experiments concerned with speed of a reaction
- OBJ-O6Explain the effect of concentration, particle size, catalysts (including enzyme) and temperature on the speed of reactions in terms of the collision theory
- OBJ-O7Describe the application of the above factors to the danger of explosive combustion with fine powders (e.g. flour mills) and gases (e.g. mines)
- OBJ-O8Devise and explain a suitable method for investigating the effect of a given variable on the speed of a reaction
- OBJ-O1Describe, using examples, exothermic and endothermic reactions
- OBJ-O2Describe bond breaking as endothermic and bond formation as exothermic
- OBJ-O3Describe net energy change of a reaction as either endothermic or exothermic given the relevant information
- OBJ-O4Perform an experiment to measure the energy released in combustion of fuels (e.g. ethanol) and foods (e.g. peanuts) with associated calculations to find the energy released per unit mass using the formula Q = mc T
- OBJ-O1Describe oxidation and reduction in terms of oxygen and hydrogen gain or loss
- OBJ-O2Describe oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer, limited to the formation of binary compounds
- OBJ-O3Identify redox reactions
- OBJ-O4Show awareness that light can provide the energy needed for certain chemical reactions, such as the use of silver salts in photography (reduction of silver ions to silver)
- OBJ-O5Show awareness that light provides the energy for photosynthesis, which produces glucose from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight
P1.0Introduction to Physics
8
- OBJ-O1Name quantities and their units including base SI units
- OBJ-O2Use and describe how to use metre rules, micrometer screw gauge, vernier callipers to determine length and volume of regular objects
- OBJ-O3Use and describe how to use clocks and other devices for measuring an interval of time including the period of a pendulum
- OBJ-O4Use suitable balances to measure mass of solids and liquids
- OBJ-O5Measure the volume of regular and irregular objects using the displacement method
- OBJ-O6Determine density
- OBJ-O7State that an object floats when put in a liquid of higher density than it
- OBJ-O8Work with significant figures (see Mathematical requirements on page 30)
P10.0Practical electricity
13
- OBJ-O1Describe how to wire a three pin-plug
- OBJ-O10Describe and explain the use of fuses as an electrical safety measure
- OBJ-O11Describe and explain the use of double insulation as an electrical safety measure
- OBJ-O12Describe and explain the use of earthing as an electrical safety measure
- OBJ-O13Describe and explain the use of switches as an electrical safety measure
- OBJ-O2Describe the uses of electricity in heating, lighting (including lamps in parallel) and motors
- OBJ-O3Recall and use the equations P = IV, E = IVt
- OBJ-O4Describe how a semiconductor such as silicon works
- OBJ-O5Describe how energy savers (light emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent lights) produce light
- OBJ-O6State the hazard of damaged insulation
- OBJ-O7State the hazard of overheating of cables
- OBJ-O8State the hazard of damp conditions
- OBJ-O9State the hazard of broken fluorescent lamps
P11.0Magnetism
6
- OBJ-O1State the properties of magnets
- OBJ-O2Describe magnetic induction
- OBJ-O3Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous materials
- OBJ-O4Describe experiments to identify the pattern of field lines round a bar magnet and two bar magnets
- OBJ-O5Distinguish between the magnetic properties of iron and steel
- OBJ-O6Explain magnetism using simple domain theory
P12.0Digital electronics
5
- OBJ-O1Explain and use the terms analogue and digital in terms of continuous variation and high/low states
- OBJ-O2Describe the action of NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR gates
- OBJ-O3Recall and use the symbols for logic gates
- OBJ-O4Design and interpret simple digital circuits combining several logic gates
- OBJ-O5Use truth tables to describe the action of individual gates and simple combinations of gates
P13.0Electromagnetic effects
19
- OBJ-O1State that a current carrying wire has a magnetic field
- OBJ-O2Distinguish between the design of permanent magnets and electromagnets
- OBJ-O3State the factors affecting the strength of an electromagnet
- OBJ-O1Describe an experiment which shows that a changing magnetic field can induce an e.m.f. in a circuit
- OBJ-O2State the factors affecting the magnitude of the induced e.m.f
- OBJ-O3Show understanding that the direction of an induced e.m.f. opposes the change causing it
- OBJ-O4Describe a rotating coil generator and the use of slip rings
- OBJ-O5Sketch a graph of voltage output against time for a simple a.c. generator
- OBJ-O6Describe the function of a diode as a rectifier
- OBJ-O1Describe the principle of operation of a transformer
- OBJ-O2Recall and use the equation (Vp/Vs) = (Np/Ns)
- OBJ-O3Recall and use the equation VpIp = VsIs (for 100% efficiency)
- OBJ-O4Describe energy loss in cables (no calculation)
- OBJ-O5Describe the use of the transformer in high voltage transmission of electricity
- OBJ-O6State benefits of high voltage transmission
- OBJ-O1State that a current carrying wire in a magnetic field experiences a force
- OBJ-O2Explain why a current carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect and that the effect is increased by increasing the number of turns in the coil and by increasing the current
- OBJ-O3Relate the turning effect of the current carrying coil to the action of an a.c. electric motor
- OBJ-O4Describe applications of an a.c. motor including the control of an automated gate, hairdryers, fans
P14.0Atomic Physics
21
- OBJ-O1Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons and neutrons
- OBJ-O2Use the term proton number (atomic number), Z
- OBJ-O3Use the term nucleon number (mass number), A A
- OBJ-O4Use the term nuclide and nuclide notation Z X
- OBJ-O5Use the term isotope
- OBJ-O6Give and explain examples of practical applications of isotopes
- OBJ-O1Show awareness of the existence of background radiation
- OBJ-O10Describe radioactive isotopes such as 235U as a source of energy
- OBJ-O11Describe how radioactive materials are handled, used and stored in a safe way
- OBJ-O2State that radioactive emissions occur randomly over space and time
- OBJ-O3State the meaning of radioactive decay
- OBJ-O4Describe the three types of radioactive emissions
- OBJ-O5Describe the detection of α-particles, β-particles and γ–rays using a GM tube and cloud chamber
- OBJ-O6State the nature of the three types of radioactive emissions
- OBJ-O7State the relative ionising effect of the three types of radioactive emissions
- OBJ-O8State the relative penetrating abilities of the three types of radioactive emissions
- OBJ-O9Describe their deflection in electric fields and magnetic fields
- OBJ-O1Use the nuclide notation in equations to show α and β decay
- OBJ-O2Use equations to represent changes in composition of the nucleus during radioactive decay
- OBJ-O3Define the term half-life
- OBJ-O4Use the term half-life in simple calculations which might involve information in tables or decay curves
P15.0LED Monitors
3
- OBJ-O1Describe the simple structure of an LED (P-N junction)
- OBJ-O2Describe the principle of the operation of an LED
- OBJ-O3Explain how a light-emitting diode produces a picture in flat screen monitors
P2.0Speed, velocity and acceleration
11
- OBJ-O1Define speed and velocity
- OBJ-O10Describe qualitatively the motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field with and without air resistance (including reference to terminal velocity)
- OBJ-O11Describe some applications on terminal velocity including reference to parachutes and hailstones
- OBJ-O2Calculate speed/velocity from: speed = total distance ÷ time
- OBJ-O3Identify speed as a scalar quantity and velocity as a vector quantity
- OBJ-O4Define acceleration
- OBJ-O5Recognise from a speed-time graph when a body is (a) at rest, (b) moving with constant speed, (c) moving with constant acceleration and calculate the acceleration
- OBJ-O6Plot and interpret speed-time graphs
- OBJ-O7Calculate the area under a speed-time graph to determine the distance travelled for motion with constant acceleration
- OBJ-O8State that the acceleration of free-fall, g, for a body near to the Earth is constant (g = 10 m/s2)
- OBJ-O9Recognise and interpret graphs of motion for which the acceleration is not constant
P3.0Mass and force
23
- OBJ-O1Define mass as the measure of the amount of matter in a body
- OBJ-O2Demonstrate an understanding that inertia is the property of mass to resist change in motion
- OBJ-O3State that weight is a force
- OBJ-O4Measure the weight of a body using appropriate balances
- OBJ-O5Describe, and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass
- OBJ-O6Calculate the weight of a body from its mass (w = mg)
- OBJ-O7Describe how weights (and hence masses) can be compared using a balance
- OBJ-O1Define the elasticity of an object
- OBJ-O2Perform and describe extension-load experiments
- OBJ-O3Plot and interpret extension-load graphs (Hooke’s Law as such is not required)
- OBJ-O4Identify and interpret the significance of the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for an extension-load graph
- OBJ-O5Use proportionality in simple calculations
- OBJ-O1Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give everyday examples
- OBJ-O2Calculate the moment of a force given the necessary information
- OBJ-O3Define centre of mass
- OBJ-O4Perform and describe an experiment to determine the position of the centre of mass of a plane lamina
- OBJ-O5Describe qualitatively the effect of the position of the centre of mass on the stability of simple objects
- OBJ-O6State the principle of moments
- OBJ-O7Perform and describe an experiment (involving vertical forces) to verify that there is no net moment on a body in equilibrium (including calculations)
- OBJ-O1Describe the ways in which a force may change the motion of a body
- OBJ-O2Describe friction
- OBJ-O3State the advantages and disadvantages of friction
- OBJ-O4Use the relationship between force, mass and acceleration (F = ma)
P4.0Work, energy and power
17
- OBJ-O1Recognise that work is done against an opposing force
- OBJ-O2Recall and use the equation work done = force x distance moved in the direction of force
- OBJ-O1Relate energy transfer to work done and state the unit of energy as the joule, J
- OBJ-O2Identify different forms of energy including kinetic and potential energy
- OBJ-O1Use the terms kinetic and potential energy in context
- OBJ-O10Recall and use the equations k.e.= ½ mv2 , p.e. = mgh
- OBJ-O11Identify examples of energy changes that are less than 100% efficient and explain why this happens
- OBJ-O2Give examples of conversion and conservation of energy and apply the principle of conservation to simple examples
- OBJ-O3Describe energy transfer in terms of work done and make calculations using Work = F x d
- OBJ-O4Describe the conversion of chemical/fuel energy (a regrouping of atoms) from one form to another
- OBJ-O5Describe the conversion of energy from water (hydroelectric energy, tides and waves)
- OBJ-O6Describe the conversion of geothermal energy
- OBJ-O7Describe the conversion of wind energy (windmills, wind turbines, sailing boats and ships)
- OBJ-O8Describe the conversion of nuclear energy (nuclear fission)
- OBJ-O9Describe the conversion of solar energy from nuclear fusion of atoms in the Sun
- OBJ-O1Define power as energy transferred (work done) per unit time
- OBJ-O2Recall and use the equation P = E/t = work/t in simple systems
P5.0Waves
32
- OBJ-O1Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibrations in ropes, springs and by experiments using water waves
- OBJ-O10Describe some applications of diffraction including radio transmissions
- OBJ-O11Recall and use the equation v = f λ
- OBJ-O2Name and identify longitudinal and transverse waves; and distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves
- OBJ-O3Define and draw wavefronts
- OBJ-O4State what is meant by wave speed, frequency, wavelength and amplitude
- OBJ-O5Identify a crest, trough, amplitude and wavelength in a wave diagram
- OBJ-O6Demonstrate the use of water waves to show reflection at a plane surface
- OBJ-O7Demonstrate the use of water waves to show refraction due to a change of speed
- OBJ-O8Demonstrate the use of water waves to show diffraction through a narrow gap and a wide gap
- OBJ-O9Describe reflection, diffraction and refraction in water
- OBJ-O1Perform and describe experiments to find the position of an optical image formed by a plane mirror
- OBJ-O10Perform simple constructions to show the action of a thin converging lens on light rays
- OBJ-O11Use and describe the use of a convex lens as a magnifying glass
- OBJ-O2State the characteristics of an optical image formed by a plane mirror
- OBJ-O3Perform simple constructions, measurements and calculations to show reflection of light and formation of images by a plane mirror
- OBJ-O4Use the law: angle of incidence = angle of reflection
- OBJ-O5Describe refraction, including the angle of refraction, in terms of the passage of light through a parallel sided glass block
- OBJ-O6Explain apparent depth using the refraction of light in water
- OBJ-O7Determine and calculate the refractive index using n = sin i / sin r
- OBJ-O8Describe the action of thin lenses (concave and convex lenses) on light rays
- OBJ-O9Perform an experiment to find the focal point and the focal length of a thin converging lens
- OBJ-O1Describe the main features of the electromagnetic spectrum and state that all electromagnetic (e.m.) waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum
- OBJ-O2State the approximate value of the speed of the electromagnetic waves in a vacuum
- OBJ-O3State the everyday applications of e.m. waves such as in microwave ovens, mobile phones, medical use, wireless communication (radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), etc
- OBJ-O4State the dangers of exposure to e.m. waves
- OBJ-O1State that sound waves are longitudinal
- OBJ-O2State the approximate range of audible frequencies
- OBJ-O3Explain why a medium is required for the transmission of sound waves
- OBJ-O4Relate the loudness and pitch of sound waves to amplitude and frequency
- OBJ-O5Describe how the reflection of sound may produce echoes
- OBJ-O6Describe an experiment to determine the speed of sound in air and make the necessary calculations
P6.0Thermal Physics
17
- OBJ-O1Describe, using the kinetic theory, the thermal expansion/contraction of solids, liquids and gases
- OBJ-O2Explain in terms of intermolecular forces why solids, liquids and gases expand with temperature at different rates
- OBJ-O3Identify and describe some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion/contraction including bimetallic strips in thermostats
- OBJ-O1Describe experiments to demonstrate the good and bad conductors of heat
- OBJ-O2Describe how thermal energy is transferred in solids in terms of molecular vibrations and free electrons
- OBJ-O3Relate convection in fluids to density changes and describe experiments to illustrate convection
- OBJ-O4Identify infra-red radiation as electromagnetic radiation
- OBJ-O5Describe experiments to show the properties of good and bad emitters and good and bad absorbers of infra- red radiation
- OBJ-O6Identify and explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation
- OBJ-O1Describe the difference between boiling and evaporation
- OBJ-O2State the meaning of melting point and boiling point in terms of energy input without change in temperature
- OBJ-O1Describe how a physical property which varies with temperature may be used for the measurement of temperature and state examples of such properties (volume, potential difference, resistance)
- OBJ-O2Describe how to determine the fixed points and use them to calibrate a thermometer
- OBJ-O3Describe the structure and function of liquid-in-glass thermometers
- OBJ-O4Demonstrate understanding of sensitivity, range and linearity
- OBJ-O5Describe the safe disposal of mercury-in-glass thermometers
- OBJ-O6Describe the structure and action of a thermocouple and show understanding of its use for measuring high temperatures and those which vary rapidly
P7.0Electrostatics
7
- OBJ-O1Describe simple experiments to show the production of electrostatic charges in terms of electron transfer
- OBJ-O2Describe the detection of electrostatic charges
- OBJ-O3State that there are positive and negative charges
- OBJ-O4State that like charges repel and unlike charges attract
- OBJ-O5State that charge is measured in Coulombs
- OBJ-O6Carry out and interpret experiments with the electroscope
- OBJ-O7Explain in simple terms the occurrence of the phenomenon of lightning
P8.0Electricity
12
- OBJ-O1Define current as the rate of flow of charge
- OBJ-O2Distinguish between conventional current flow and electron current flow
- OBJ-O3Recall and use the equation I = Q/t
- OBJ-O4Use and describe the use of ammeters and voltmeters in measuring current and potential difference
- OBJ-O5State that electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a source of electrical energy is measured in volts
- OBJ-O6Describe how e.m.f. is defined in terms of energy supplied by a source in driving a unit charge round a complete circuit
- OBJ-O7Distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference
- OBJ-O1State that resistance = p.d. ÷ current
- OBJ-O2Describe an experiment to determine V/I characteristics for ohmic (metallic) conductors
- OBJ-O3Plot and interpret the V/I characteristic graphs for ohmic (metallic) conductors
- OBJ-O4Recall and use the equation V = IR
- OBJ-O5Recall and use qualitatively the direct proportionality between resistance and the length and the inverse proportionality between resistance and cross-sectional area of a wire
P9.0Electric Circuits
9
- OBJ-O1State that current is the same at every point in a series circuit
- OBJ-O2State that for a parallel circuit, the current from the source is larger than the current in each branch
- OBJ-O3Determine the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series
- OBJ-O4State that the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than either resistor by itself
- OBJ-O5Recall and use the fact that the sum of the potential differences across the components in a series circuit is equal to the total p.d. across the source
- OBJ-O6Recall and use the fact that the current from the source is the sum of the currents in the separate branches of a parallel circuit
- OBJ-O7Calculate the effective resistance of two resistors in parallel
- OBJ-O8Recall and use the fact that the p.d. across separate branches of a parallel circuit is equal to p.d across a battery
- OBJ-O2Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable), ammeters, voltmeters, bells, fuses, lamps, relays and diodes as rectifiers