Physics Lessons
Notes, derivations and required-practical write-ups for every point of the A-Level specification. Pick a topic to see its lessons.
Year 1
01
Working as a PhysicistUnits, measurements, uncertainties and scientific method
SI units & quantities
Estimation & orders of magnitude
Measurement & uncertainty
Combining uncertainties
02
Particles & RadiationAtomic structure, antiparticles, forces and the classification of particles
Constituents of the atom
Stable & unstable nuclei
Particles, antiparticles & photons
Fundamental forces & exchange particles
Classification of particles: hadrons & leptons
Quarks & antiquarks
Conservation laws in particle interactions
03
Electromagnetic Radiation & Quantum PhenomenaThe photoelectric effect, wave–particle duality and atomic line spectra
The photoelectric effect
Wave–particle duality
Ionisation, excitation & the electron volt
Atomic line spectra
04
MechanicsMotion, forces, energy and momentum
Scalars & vectors
Moments, couples & centre of mass
Motion graphs & equations of motion
Projectile motion
Terminal velocity
Newton’s laws of motion
Momentum & conservation
Work, energy & power
05
Electric CircuitsCurrent, resistance, e.m.f. and circuit analysis
Current, charge & potential difference
Resistance & Ohm’s law
I–V characteristics
Resistivity
Series & parallel circuits
Potential dividers
E.m.f. & internal resistance
06
MaterialsDensity and the mechanical properties of solids
Density & upthrust
Hooke’s law & the Young modulus
Stress, strain & elastic energy
Material behaviour & the stress–strain graph
07
Waves & the Particle Nature of LightWave behaviour, superposition, refraction and diffraction
Wave properties & the wave equation
Longitudinal & transverse waves
Superposition & standing waves
Interference & Young’s double-slit experiment
Diffraction & the diffraction grating
Refraction & total internal reflection
Year 2
08
Further MechanicsMomentum in 2D and circular motion
Impulse & momentum in collisions
Elastic & inelastic collisions
Circular motion & angular velocity
Centripetal force & acceleration
09
OscillationsSimple harmonic motion, resonance and damping
Simple harmonic motion
SHM equations & graphs
Energy in SHM
Free & forced oscillations
Damping & resonance
10
Gravitational & Electric FieldsNewtonian gravity, orbits, electric field strength and potential
Newton’s law of gravitation
Gravitational field strength
Gravitational potential
Orbits & Kepler’s laws
Electric field strength
Electric potential
Coulomb’s law
11
CapacitorsCapacitance, capacitor networks and charging/discharging
Capacitance & capacitor networks
Dielectrics
Discharging capacitors
Charging capacitors
12
Magnetic FieldsField patterns, the motor effect, charged particles, electromagnetic induction, alternators, AC and transformers
Magnetic fields
Charged particles in magnetic fields
Electromagnetic induction & Faraday’s law
Alternators
Alternating currents
Transformers
13
ThermodynamicsHeat, temperature, ideal gases and kinetic theory
Internal energy & temperature
Specific heat capacity & latent heat
The ideal gas laws
The kinetic theory of gases
Root-mean-square speed
14
Nuclear PhysicsRutherford scattering, nuclear size and mass–energy equivalence
The nuclear atom & Rutherford scattering
Nuclear radius and density
Mass–energy equivalence (E = mc²)
Fission, fusion & binding energy
15
Nuclear RadiationRadioactive decay, half-life and nuclear equations
Types of radioactive decay
Nuclear equations
Radioactive decay & half-life