Paper 1

• What format is the specification presented in?

  Two column format
• What does the left-hand column of the specification contain?

  Content all students must cover
• What do WS, MS, and AT refer to in the specification?

  Working scientifically, Mathematical requirements, Use of apparatus
• What is the purpose of the overview at the beginning of each topic?

  To encourage an overarching approach
• Is the overview directly assessed?

  No, it is not directly assessed
• What indicates content applicable only to physics?

  (physics only)
• What indicates content applicable only to Higher Tier?

  (HT only)
• Why is it good practice to teach mathematical skills throughout the course?

  Some skills are only assessed in certain areas
• Where can details of required practicals be found?

  Practical assessment (page 87)
• How will Working scientifically and Use of apparatus skills be assessed?

  Across all papers
• What may questions in paper 2 draw on?

  Energy changes and transfers
• When did the concept of energy emerge?

  In the 19th century
• What was the initial use of the concept of energy?

  To explain work output of steam engines
• What critical problems are associated with fossil fuels?

  Limits to use and global warming
• Who is working to reduce energy usage?

  Physicists and engineers
• What is a system in physics?

  An object or group of objects
• What happens to energy storage when a system changes?

  There are changes in energy storage
• What are common situations where energy storage changes?

  • An object projected upwards
  • A moving object hitting an obstacle
  • An object accelerated by a constant force
  • A vehicle slowing down
  • Bringing water to a boil in an electric kettle
• How can students calculate changes in energy in a system?

  By heating, work done by forces, current flow
• What is the equation for kinetic energy?

  $E_k =$$0.5 \times m \times v^2$
• What units are used for kinetic energy?

  Joules, J
• What is the equation for elastic potential energy?

  $E_e =$$0.5 \times k \times e^2$
• What is the equation for gravitational potential energy?

  $E_p =$$m \times g \times h$
• What does specific heat capacity measure?

  Energy to raise temperature of 1 kg
• What is the equation for change in thermal energy?

  $\Delta E =$$m \times c \times \Delta \theta$
• What is the purpose of the required practical activity on specific heat capacity?

  To link energy store decrease to temperature increase
• What are standard circuit diagram symbols used for?

  To draw and interpret circuit diagrams
• What must a circuit include for electrical charge to flow?

  A source of potential difference
• What are the main energy resources available on Earth?

  • Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
  • Nuclear fuel
  • Bio-fuel
  • Wind
  • Hydro-electricity
  • Geothermal
  • Tides
  • Sun
  • Water waves
• What is a renewable energy resource?

  One that can be replenished as used
• What are the uses of energy resources?

  Transport, electricity generation, heating
• What should students be able to distinguish between?

  Renewable and non-renewable energy resources
• Why are some energy resources more reliable than others?

  Due to their availability and consistency
• What environmental impact should students describe?

  Impact from using different energy resources
• What can science identify regarding energy resources?

  Environmental issues arising from their use
• What is electric charge?

  A fundamental property of matter
• What allows the design of components and circuits?

  Understanding microstructure of materials
• What is the definition of power?

  Rate at which energy is transferred
• What is the equation for power?

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

  Watts, W