Paper 1

• What topics are covered in AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1?

  Energy, electricity, particles, atomic structure
• What is energy described as in physics?

  Energy is an idea that predicts interactions
• How is energy measured?

  In Joules
• What happens to energy in a closed system?

  Energy is conserved, not lost or gained
• What is the formula for kinetic energy?

  $E =$$\frac{1}{2} mv^2$
• What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

  $E =$$mgh$
• What does gravitational potential energy depend on?

  Mass, gravitational field strength, and height
• What does an increase in thermal energy indicate?

  Particles move faster, increasing kinetic energy
• What is the equation for specific heat capacity?

  $E =$$mc\Delta T$
• What is chemical potential energy?

  Energy stored in food or fuels
• What must happen for energy to be transferred in a system?

  Energy must move from one object to another
• What happens to gravitational potential energy as an object falls?

  It converts to kinetic energy
• What is the rearranged formula for speed in terms of kinetic energy?

  $v =$$\sqrt{\frac{2E_k}{m}}$
• What does the specific heat capacity practical measure?

  Change in temperature of a heated material
• What is the formula for power?

  $P =$$\frac{E}{t}$
• What is the unit for power?

  Watts (W)
• How is efficiency calculated?

  Useful energy out divided by total energy in
• What happens to energy in poorly insulated buildings?

  Heat is lost through walls and windows
• What are finite energy sources?

  Sources that cannot be replenished
• What is the role of a battery in a circuit?

  It provides chemical potential energy
• How is potential difference measured?

  With a voltmeter connected in parallel
• What is potential difference also known as?

  Voltage
• What does current measure in a circuit?

  The rate of flow of charge
• What does Ohm's law state?

  Voltage equals current times resistance
• How does resistance affect current in a circuit?

  Higher resistance results in lower current
• What happens to the resistance of a bulb when the current changes?

  The resistance changes, creating a curved graph
• What is the relationship between PD and current in a resistor?

  They are directly proportional.
• What does a straight line graph of PD and current indicate?

  It shows constant resistance.
• What happens when the battery is reversed in a circuit?

  Negative values for both PD and current.
• What does a constant gradient in a graph indicate about a resistor?

  It indicates constant resistance.
• What is the equation for resistance according to Ohm's Law?

  V = I × R
• How can resistance be calculated from an IV graph?

  By rearranging Ohm's Law to R = V / I.
• What happens to the resistance of a bulb compared to a resistor?

  The bulb shows changing resistance.
• Why does the resistance of metals change with increased PD and current?

  Due to increased collisions with ions.
• What is a thermistor's behavior with temperature changes?

  Resistance decreases with increased temperature.
• What is the function of a diode in a circuit?

  It allows current to flow in one direction.
• What is the difference between a diode and an LED?

  LED emits light while functioning as a diode.
• How does the length of a wire affect its resistance?

  Resistance is directly proportional to length.
• What are the rules for series circuits regarding PD, current, and resistance?

  • Total PD is shared among components.
  • Current is the same through all components.
  • Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances.
• If two resistors of 10 ohms each are in series with a 6V battery, what is the voltage across each resistor?

  3 volts across each resistor.