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Physics (Single Science) - WJEC

Easy-to-understand homework and revision materials for your GCSE Physics (Single Science) WJEC (A* to G) studies and exams

Part of Physics (Single Science)

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Electricity, energy and waves

  • Electric circuits – WJEC

    Engineers connect components in electrical circuits in series or parallel to make a range of useful circuits. We can calculate the voltage, current and resistance in these circuits.

  • Generating electricity – WJEC

    Electricity is a convenient source of energy and can be generated in a number of different ways using either fossil fuels or renewable and sustainable technologies.

  • Making use of energy – WJEC

    Heat energy can be transferred from areas of high energy to areas of lower energy by conduction, convection and radiation. Understanding how to control these processes helps reduce energy consumption.

  • Domestic electricity – WJEC

    Domestic electricity explores electrical circuits and the safety devices around the home, like fuses and circuit breakers, the ring main circuit and the functions of the live, neutral and earth wires.

  • Features of waves – WJEC

    Key terms for the features of waves are introduced, and the properties and uses of the EM spectrum, wave speed calculations and satellite communication are also covered.

  • The total internal reflection of waves – WJEC

    This topic explores the conditions necessary for total internal reflection of light. It discusses applications of total internal reflection using optical fibres, like medical uses and communication.

  • Seismic waves – WJEC

    Earthquakes produce shockwaves called seismic waves. These waves can be detected using seismographs. Some seismic waves are surface waves, while others can travel through the Earth.

  • Kinetic theory – WJEC

    Learn about kinetic theory, which includes using the Celsius and Kelvin scales, the relationship between pressure, temperature and volume in gas, and energy changes when changes in state occur.

  • Electromagnetism – WJEC

    If electric current flows in a coil, it experiences a force and moves. Spinning a magnet in a coil of wire generates electricity. Transformers change the size of alternating voltages.

Forces, space and radioactivity

  • Distance, speed and acceleration – WJEC

    The motion of an object can be predicted by analysing the forces that act on the object. Balanced forces have no effect, while unbalanced forces can lead to change in acceleration.

  • Newton’s Laws – WJEC

    In 1687, Isaac Newton created three laws of motion to describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it, and how the body moves in response to those forces.

  • Work and energy – WJEC

    Work and energy looks at GPE, KE and elastic energy, and how they are conserved. It also looks at the relationship between force and extension, as well as how car features absorb energy in a crash.

  • Further motion concepts – WJEC

    Moving objects have momentum, and forces cause it to change. The total momentum in an explosion or collision is conserved and stays the same. Equations of motion apply to uniformly accelerated motion.

  • Stars and planets – WJEC

    The Earth forms part of a family of eight planets which orbit around the Sun. This solar system forms part of a huge collection of stars which form the Universe and are also known as galaxies.

  • The Universe – WJEC

    The study of atomic absorption spectra allows us to determine the chemical make-up of stars. It shows that galaxies are moving away from us in an expanding Universe.

  • Types of radiation – WJEC

    Three subatomic particles have different charges and masses. Radioactive particles decay and release alpha, beta and gamma radiation - natural and artificial sources of background radiation.

  • Half-life – WJEC

    Radioactive isotopes are used for blood flow monitoring, cancer treatment, paper mills, carbon dating and smoke alarms. Each isotope used in these applications has a characteristic half-life.

  • Nuclear decay and nuclear energy – WJEC

    Nuclear fission is the splitting of a radioactive nucleus to release energy. High-energy collisions between light nuclei can result in fusion, which releases energy.

Practical skills

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