PHYSICS
International GCSE
Scheme of Work
There are very few changes from previous versions to this version of the document. It may be that
specific topic order will vary from that in this document, in order to accommodate clashes between
multiple classes wishing to use the same equipment, but this can be decided upon at the start of the
academic year.
This document will be reviewed at the end of this academic year. Please note suggestions for
amendments and additions within the pages, especially those where iPads will provide a particular
benefit to the students’ learning, so that they might be included in the next edition.
Italics are used to denote material which is not in the Edexcel specification, but should be taught if
time permits.
Based on the time allocations suggested in the specification and experience from 2011-2014, the
outlined scheme of work is divided as follows:
3rd Year
34 weeks;
4th Year
34 weeks;
5th Year
23 weeks.
This division should allow for the fact that the 5th year will lose nearly 1 term, due to the cumulative
effect of the mid-sessional examinations and the summer examination period, and still allow for time
to be given to revision.
The equations and relationships which are expected to be known as well as used are listed at the end
of each section in this booklet.
Should any class make faster than expected progress, page 43 of the specification lists a number of
suggested investigations which could be undertaken. Equally there is a wealth of material on the
Bloodhound SSC website, which may be of particular interest this year.
It is worth being familiar with pages 22-24 of the specification. These outline the nature of the two
assessments and may be of use in preparing the students for the examinations.
GTP
September 2014
Course Order
3rd Year
Electrostatics
4 weeks
Kinematics I
5 weeks
Heat & Energy Transfers
6 weeks
Mechanics I
6 weeks
Waves
5 weeks
Mechanics II
4 weeks
Electromagnetic Spectrum
4 weeks
Kinematics II
4th Year
Astronomy
3 weeks
Electrical Circuits
5 weeks
Communication – Light
5 weeks
Communication – Sound
4 weeks
Forces
4 weeks
Momentum
3 weeks
Electricity in the Home
6 weeks
Energy of Motion
4 weeks
Kinematics II
5th Year
Radioactivity – Introduction
3 weeks
Radioactivity – Uses
5 weeks
Magnetism & Electromagnetism
5 weeks
Gas Laws
3 weeks
Mid-sessional Examination
Electromagnetic Induction
4 weeks
Particles & Nuclear Power
3 weeks
Third Year
Electrostatics
4 weeks
Specification Reference: 2.19-2.25
Identify common materials which are electrical conductors or insulators, including metals and
plastics
Describe experiments to investigate how insulating materials can be charged by friction
Explain that positive and negative electrostatic charges are produced on materials by the loss and
gain of electrons
Understand that there are forces of attraction between unlike charges and forces of repulsion
between like charges
Explain electrostatic phenomena in terms of movement of electrons
Explain the potential dangers of electrostatic charges, e.g. when fuelling aircraft and tankers
Explain some uses of electrostatic charges, e.g. in photocopiers and inkjet printers
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 8, pp. 66-72; p90 Qu 5
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 20-21
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 8, pp. 20-23
Computer/iPad
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/balloons
Balloons and static electricity
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/travoltage
John Travoltage
Video
e-stream “Static Electricity – Scientific Eye” 19 mins
DVD 12: Electrostatics 1 and Electrostatics 2
Kinematics I
5 weeks
Specification Reference: 1.1-1.8
Use the following units: kilogram (kg), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), metre/second2 (m/s2), newton
(N), second (s), kilogram metre/second (kg m/s) newton per kilogram (N/kg)
Plot and interpret distance-time graphs
Know and use the relationship between average speed, distance moved and time:
average speed = distance moved / time taken
Describe experiments to investigate the motion of everyday objects such as toy cars or tennis balls
Know and use the relationship between acceleration, velocity and time:
acceleration = change in velocity / time taken
a = (v-u)/t
Plot and interpret velocity-time graphs
Determine acceleration from the gradient of a velocity-time graph
Determine the distance travelled from the area between a velocity-time graph and the time axis
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 1, pp. 1-11; p 57 Qu 2 & 3
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp 8 & 9
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 1, pp 1-3
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book p. 17: Velocity Qu. 1-3;
Force, Acceleration & Velocity Qu. 1-4
Computer/iPad
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/moving-man
Comprehensive simulation producing motion graphs
(not iPad compatible)
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
Motion graphs: displacement, velocity and
acceleration
The displacement-time graph game
Video
Heat & Energy Transfers
6 weeks
Specification Reference: 4.2-4.8; 5.7-5.9
Describe energy transfers involving the following forms of energy: thermal (heat), light, electrical,
sound, kinetic, chemical, nuclear and potential (elastic and gravitational)
Understand that energy is conserved
Know and use the relationship:
efficiency = useful energy output / total energy input
Describe a variety of everyday and scientific devices and situations, explaining the fate of the input
energy in terms of the above relationship, including their representation by Sankey diagrams
Describe how energy transfer may take place by conduction, convection and radiation
Explain the role of convection in everyday phenomena
Explain how insulation is used to reduce energy transfers from buildings and the human body
Understand the changes that occur when a solid melts to form a liquid, and when a liquid evaporates
or boils to form a gas
Describe the arrangement and motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases
Understand the significance of Brownian motion, as supporting evidence for particle theory
Specific heat capacity & latent heat
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapters 15 & 16, pp. 127-140, p. 141, Qu. 1-7; Chapter 20, pp. 169171; p. 161 Qu 4-6; p. 176 Qu 1 & 2
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 35, p. 36 Qu. 1-3, pp. 37-40, p. 45 Qu 1-4
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapters 15 & 16 pp. 49-54; Chapter 20 pp. 65-67
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book pp. 18-19; pp. 46-47
Computer/iPad
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
Energy conversions and efficiency
Energy transfer: bounce quiz
Conduction of heat in solids
Relative conductivities of metal rods
Convection Currents
States of matter
Venn diagram: States of matter
Brownian motion
Diffusion
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/states-of-matter
Appropriate content but scope for well
beyond IGCSE (not iPad compatible)
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gas-properties
Can be used to demonstrate Brownian
motion (not iPad compatible)
Video
DVD 3, 10-13
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG6NEpJ6FXw
Reflection of sunlight frying eggs
Mechanics I
6 weeks
Specification Reference: 1.9-1.13; 1.16; 1.25-1.31
Describe the effects of forces between bodies such as changes in speed or direction
Identify different types of force such as gravitational or electrostatic
Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities
Understand that force is a vector quantity
Find the resultant force of forces that act along a line
Know and use the relationship between weight, mass and g
weight = mass x g
W = mg
Know and use the relationship between the moment of a force and its distance from the pivot:
moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot
Recall that the weight of a body acts through its centre of gravity
Know and use the principle of moments for a simple system of parallel forces acting in one plane
Understand that the upward forces on a light beam, supported at its ends, vary with the position of a
heavy object placed on the beam
Describe experiments to investigate how extension varies with applied force for helical springs,
metal wires and rubber bands
Understand that the initial linear region of a force-extension graph is associated with Hooke’s Law
Describe elastic behaviour with the ability of a material to recover its original shape after the forces
causing the deformation have been removed
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 2, pp. 12-20; Chapter 5, pp. 42-48; pp. 57-58, Qu. 1,
6, 7 & 8
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 7, 10, 12, 16
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 2, pp. 3-5; Chapter 5, pp. 10-12
Computer/iPad
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC) Vectors and scalars (not on iPad)
Moments: Princess on rollerskates
Space cadet
Case studies in Newton’s laws: The horse and cart
Space shepherd
phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/forces-and-motion-basics/latest/forces-and-motion-basics_en.html
Introduction to resultant forces and
acceleration
phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/balancing-act/latest/balancing-act_en.html Introduction to moments
building up to calcualtions
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/mass-spring-lab
Masses & Springs simulation (not
iPad compatible)
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics/motion
Many relevant simulations on PhET,
possibly more useful at a later stage
(not all iPad compatible)
Video
Vectors video
Waves
5 weeks
Specification Reference: 3.1-3.9
Use the following units: degree (o), hertz (Hz), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), second (s)
Understand the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves and describe experiments to
show longitudinal and transverse waves in, for example, ropes, springs and water
Define amplitude, frequency, wavelength and period of a wave
Understand that waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter
Know and use the relationship between the speed, frequency and wavelength of a wave:
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
v = f
Use the relationship between frequency and time period:
frequency = 1/ time period
f = 1/T
Use the above relationships in different contexts including sound waves and electromagnetic waves
Understand that waves can be diffracted when they pass an edge
Understand that waves can be diffracted through gaps, and that the extent of the diffraction depends
on the wavelength and the physical dimension of the gap
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 11, pp. 91-94, 96-98
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 27 & 28
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 11, pp. 34-37
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book p. 30
Computer/iPad
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/wave-on-a-string
www.falstad.com/ripple/ Virtual ripple tank.
Video
Describing Waves
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
Venn diagram: light and sound waves
Mechanics II
4 weeks
Specification Reference: 5.2-5.6
Know and use the relationship between density, mass and volume:
density = mass / volume
 = m/V
Describe experiments to determine density using direct measurements of mass and volume
Know and use the relationship between pressure, force and area:
pressure = force / area
p = F/A
Understand that the pressure at a point in a gas or liquid which is at rest acts equally in all directions
Know and use the relationship for pressure difference:
pressure difference = height x density x g
p = hg
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 19, pp. 162-168; p. 178, Qu 2,3
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 44
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 19, pp. 63-65
Computer/iPad
phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/under-pressure/latest/under-pressure_en.html
PhET pressure with depth simulation
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/buoyancy
Video
PhET buoyancy simulation (not iPad comatible)
Electromagnetic Spectrum
4 weeks
Specification Reference: 3.10-3.13; 3.15-3.16
Understand that light is part of a continuous electromagnetic spectrum which includes radio,
microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma ray radiations and that all these waves all
travel at the same speed in free space
Identify the order of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of decreasing wavelength and increasing
frequency, including the colours of the visible spectrum
Explain some of the uses of electromagnetic radiations, including:
radio waves: broadcasting and communications
microwaves: cooking and satellite transmissions
infrared: heaters and night vision equipment
visible light: optical fibres and photography
ultraviolet: fluorescent lamps
x-rays: observing the internal structure of objects and materials and medical applications
gamma rays: sterilising food and medical equipment
Understand the detrimental effects of excessive exposure of the human body to electromagnetic
waves, including:
microwaves: internal heating of body tissue
infra-red: skin burns
ultraviolet: damage to surface cells and blindness
gamma rays: cancer, mutation
and describe simple protective measures against the risks
Use the law of reflection (the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection)
Construct ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a virtual image in a plane mirror
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 11, 12&13, pp. 95-108; p116, Qu. 1&2
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 29-30
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 12, pp. 37-38; Chapter 13, p. 40
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book p. 31, Radio waves & Microwaves
Computer/iPad
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
The electromagnetic spectrum: visual
database
Moonlander: electromagnetic spectrum game
The electromagnetic spectrum bounce quiz
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/reflection/balloonPop/balloonPop.html
(not iPad compatible)
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/reflection/virtualImage/virtualImage.html
(not iPad compatible)
Video
e-stream – The Physics of Light (29 minutes)
Video 5
Kinematics II
This could be delivered through project work on Bloodhound SSC
Introduce and use equations
s = ½ (u + v)t
v2 = u2 + 2as
s = ut + ½ at2
v = u + at
Relate suvat equations to displacement-time and velocity-time graphs
Show independence of horizontal and vertical motion
Books
Computer/iPad
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
phet.colorado.edu/sims/projectile-motion/projectile-motion_en.html
www.bloodhoundssc.com/education.cfm
Video
The equations of motion: solver
(not iPad compatible)
Third Year Equations To Learn
1
average speed = distance moved / time taken
2
acceleration = change in velocity / time taken
a = (v-u)/t
3
moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot
4
efficiency = useful energy output / total energy input
5
density = mass / volume
 = m/V
6
pressure = force / area
p = F/A
7
pressure difference = height x density x g
p = hg
8
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
v = f
Fourth Year
Astronomy
3 weeks
Specification Reference: 1.16,1.32-1.36
Know and use the relationship between weight, mass and g
weight = mass x g
W = mg
Understand gravitational field strength, g, and recall that it is different on other planets and the
Moon from that on Earth
Explain that gravitational force
causes moons to orbit planets
causes planets to orbit the Sun
causes artificial satellites to orbit the earth
causes comets to orbit the Sun
Describe the differences in the orbits of comets, moons and planets
Use the relationship between orbital speed, orbital radius and time period
orbital speed = 2 x  x orbital radius / time period
v = 2r/T
Understand that
the universe is a large collection of billions of galaxies
a galaxy is a large collection of billions of stars
our solar system is in the Milky Way galaxy
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 6, pp. 49-56, p. 58 Qu. 10,11
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 15, Qu. 1-2
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 6, pp. 12-14
Gateway P5a_1 Data on Planets
Computer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/gravity/gravity.html
A game, but gives sense of gravity acting
towards centre of body
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/solarSystem/Planets_eTrumps/eTrumps_planets.html
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/solarSystem/Planets_%20HigherLower/planets_HL.html
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/solarSystem/SolarSystem.htm
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gravity-and-orbits
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/my-solar-system
Allows a wide variety of orbital
systems to be observed
joshworth.com/dev/pixelspace/pixelspace_solarsystem.html
Scale model of solar system
Video
e-stream – Solar System (18 minutes)
DVD 3, Video 17 – Solar System Starting Science – Scale model of Solar System
e-stream - Wonders of Solar System
Good but long and lots beyond specification
e-stream - Wonders of the Universe
Yet more Cox
e-stream - Horizon: Is Everything We Know About The Universe Wrong?
Way beyond spec, but good.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEheh1BH34Q
Size scale of planets and stars
Electrical Circuits
5 weeks
Specification Reference: 2.1; 2.8-2.18
Use the following units: ampere (A), coulomb (C), joule (J), ohm (), second (s), volt (V), watt (W)
Explain why a series or parallel circuit is more appropriate for particular applications, including
domestic lighting
Understand that the current in a series circuit depends on the applied voltage and the number and
nature of other components
Describe how current varies with voltage in wires, resistors, metal filament lamps and diodes, and
how this can be investigated experimentally
Describe the qualitative effect of changing resistance on the current in a circuit
Describe the qualitative variation of resistance of LDRs with illumination and of thermistors with
temperature
Know that lamps and LEDs can be used to indicate the presence of current in a circuit
Know and use the relationship between voltage, current and resistance
voltage = current x resistance
V = IR
Understand that current is the rate of flow of charge
Know and use the relationship between charge, current and time
charge = current x time
Q = It
Know that electric current in solid metallic conductors is a flow of negatively charged electrons
Understand that:
voltage is the energy transferred per unit charge passed
the volt is the joule per coulomb
Potential divider experimental set up and operation with thermistor and LDR.
Introduce the equation
V2 = VIN x R2/(R1 + R2)
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 9&10, pp. 74-88; p. 89 Qu. 2&3
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 22-26
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 9&10, pp. 23-30
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book pp. 52-53
Cmbridge IGCSE p 76 (NOT 5,7,8)
Computer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/circuitPairs1/circuitPairs1.html
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc
Remember lamp symbol
Allows circuits to be built and
measurements taken
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/circuitBuilder/circuitBuilder.html
More simple circuit tool
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/ohms-law
Nice, simple, visual tool
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/resistance-in-a-wire
Goes beyond specification, but good
Video
e-stream – Semiconductors, Diodes and Transistors (22 minutes)
Communication – Light
5 weeks
Specification Reference: 3.14; 3.17-3.25
Understand that light waves are transverse waves which can be reflected, refracted and diffracted
Describe experiments to investigate the refraction of light, using rectangular blocks, semi-circular
blocks and triangular prisms
Know and use the relationship between refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction:
n = sin i / sin r
Describe an experiment to determine the refractive index of a glass block
Describe the role of total internal reflection in transmitting information along optical fibres and in
prisms
Explain the meaning of critical angle c
Know and use the relationship between critical angle, and refractive index:
sin c = 1/n
Understand the relationship between analogue and digital signals
Describe the advantages of using digital signals rather than analogue signals
Describe how digital signals can carry more information
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 12,13, pp. 103-117, p. 126 Qu. 1&2
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 31-32
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 12, 13, pp. 39-43
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book p. 31 Radio waves, Microwaves & Infra-red
CGP OCR Gateway Workbook pp. 112-116
Computer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/refraction/refraction/refraction.html
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/bending-light
Video
e-stream – The Physics of Light (29 minutes)
Communication – Sound
4 weeks
Specification Reference: 3.26-3.32
Understand that sound waves are longitudinal waves which can be reflected, refracted and diffracted
Understand that the frequency for human hearing is 20 Hz – 20 000 Hz
Describe an experiment to measure the speed of sound in air
Understand how an oscilloscope and microphone can be used to display a sound wave
Describe an experiment using an oscilloscope to determine the frequency of a sound wave
Relate the loudness of a sound to the amplitude of vibration
NB Test features wave equation from the 3rd year
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 14, pp. 118-125
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 33 & 34
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 14, pp. 43-45
Computer
www.csupomona.edu/~pbsiegel/ideas oscilloscope java applet
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/LightSoundVenn/LightSoundVenn.html
Video
DVD 7 Sound (lively folk band!)
a)
b)
Hearing the sound
Sound
Forces
4 weeks
Specification Reference: 1.14-1.15; 1.17-1.19
Understand that friction is a force that opposes motion
Know and use the relationship between unbalanced force, mass and acceleration
force = mass x acceleration
F = ma
Describe the forces acting on falling objects and explain why falling objects reach a terminal velocity
Describe experiments to investigate the forces acting on falling objects, such as sycamore seeds or
parachutes.
Describe the factors affecting vehicle stopping distance including speed, mass, road condition and
reaction time
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 2, pp. 12-18, 21,-22; Chapter 3, pp. 23-33
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE 10-11, 13, 15
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 2 & 3, pp. 3-7
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book p. 16
Computer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/vectors/vectorsScalars/vectorsScalars.htm
Scalar-vector quiz
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/the-ramp
Video
e-stream – Newton’s Laws of Motion (26 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsJpUCWfyPE&feature=relmfu
11 minutes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqcWnKkEOLs&feature=relmfu
2 minutes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rfmb3uuLE8&feature=relmfu
9 minutes
Atlantis shuttle flight videos – a little slow in places, but gives some examples of forces from a
different context, could be the basis for students producing posters of forces during the flight
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eTw35ZD1lg
Momentum
3 weeks
Specification Reference: 1.20-1.24
Know and use the relationship between momentum, mass and velocity:
momentum = mass x velocity
p = mv
Use the ides of momentum to explain safety features
Use the conservation of momentum to calculate mass, velocity or momentum of objects
Use the relationship between force, change in momentum and time taken:
force = change in momentum / time taken
Demonstrate and understanding of Newton’s third law
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 4, pp. 34-41; p58 Qu. 9
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 14
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 4, pp. 8-10
Computer
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/collision-lab
PhET simulation of balls colliding, can show
momenta vectors
www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/econdary/teachers/science/ks4/lesson1/ (Forces revision)
www.dft.gov.uk/think/education/econdary/teachers/science/ks3/lesson1/ (Seat belts and safety
features)
Video
e-stream – Physics of car crashes (18 minutes)
e-stream – Collisions (18 minutes)
Electricity in the Home
6 weeks
Specification Reference: 2.2-2.7; 4.16-4.17
Understand and identify the hazards of electricity including the frayed cables, long cables, damages
plugs, water around the sockets, and pushing metal objects into sockets
Understand the uses of insulation, double insulation, earthing, fuses and circuit breakers in a range of
domestic appliances
Understand that a current in a resistor results in the electrical transfer of energy and an increase in
temperature, and how this can be used in a variety of domestic contexts
Know and use the relationship:
power = current x voltage
P = IV
and apply the relationship to the selection of appropriate fuses
Use the relationship between energy transferred, current, voltage and time:
energy transferred = current x voltage x time
E = IVt
Understand the difference between mains electricity being alternating current (a.c.) and direct
current (d.c.) being supplied by a cell of battery
Describe the energy transfers involved in generating electricity using:
wind; water; geothermal resources; solar heating systems; solar cells; fossil fuels; nuclear
power
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of methods of large-scale electricity production from
various renewable and non-renewable resources
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 7, pp. 59-65; p. 89-90, Qu. 4 & 6
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 17-19; p. 36 Qu. 4
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 7, pp.18-20
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book pp. 54-55
Computer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/electricityBills/electricityBills.html
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/plug/plug.html
Calculate energy and cost
of household appliances
Revise plug wiring
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/nuclearPower/prosAndCons/ProsAndCons.html
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/powerStation/powerStation.html
Video
e-stream – Electrical Distribution (24 minutes)
e-stream – Catching the Sun – The Physics of Solar Energy (18 minutes)
Energy of Motion
4 weeks
Specification Reference: 4.1; 4.9-4.15
Use the following units; kilogram (kg), joule (J), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), metre/second 2
(m/s2), newton (N), second(s), watt (W)
Know and use the relationship between work, force and distance moved in the direction of the
force:
work done = force x distance moved
W= Fd
Understand that work done is equal to energy transferred
Know and use the relationship
gravitational potential energy = mass x g x height
GPE = mgh
Know and use the relationship
kinetic energy = ½ x mass x speed2
KE = ½ mv2
Understand how conservation of energy produces a link between gravitational potential energy,
kinetic energy and work
Describe power as the rate of transfer of energy or rate of doing work
Use the relationship between power, work done (energy transferred) and time taken
power = work done / time taken
P = W/t
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 17, pp. 142-149; p. 160 Qu. 2&3
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 41
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 17, pp. 54-57
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book pp. 50-51
Computer
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-skate-park
Energy-time and energy-position graphs
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/the-ramp
Choose “More Features”. Shows energy
associated with motion over time
Video
e-stream – Energy Rules! The Conservation of Energy and Momentum
Physics Shared Area – General resources – Thorpe Park Videos – Various Stealth and Colossus
Videos
Kinematics II
This could be delivered through project work on Bloodhound SSC or possibly through
the physics of rollercoasters/theme parks.
Introduce and use equations
s = ½ (u + v)t
v2 = u2 + 2as
s = ut + ½ at2
v = u + at
Relate suvat equations to displacement-time and velocity-time graphs
Show independence of horizontal and vertical motion
Books
Computer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/Physics/motion/equationSolver/equationSolver.html
phet.colorado.edu/sims/projectile-motion/projectile-motion_en.html
www.bloodhoundssc.com/education.cfm
Video
Third & Fourth Year Equations To Learn
Third Year
1
average speed = distance moved / time taken
2
acceleration = change in velocity / time taken
a = (v-u)/t
3
moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot
4
efficiency = useful energy output / total energy input
5
density = mass / volume
 = m/V
6
pressure = force / area
p = F/A
7
pressure difference = height x density x g
p = hg
8
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
v = f
Fourth Year
9
weight = mass x g
W = mg
10
voltage = current x resistance
V = IR
11
charge = current x time
Q = It
12
n = sin i / sin r
13
sin c = 1/n
14
force = mass x acceleration
F = ma
15
momentum = mass x velocity
p = mv
16
power = current x voltage
P = IV
17
work done = force x distance moved
W= Fd
18
gravitational potential energy = mass x g x height
GPE = mgh
19
kinetic energy = ½ x mass x speed2
KE = ½ mv2
Fifth Year
Radioactivity - Introduction
3 weeks
Specification Reference: 7.1-7.8
Use the following units: Becquerel (Bq), centimetre (cm), hour (h), minute (min), second (s)
Describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons and use symbols
such as 146C to describe particular nuclei
Understand the term atomic (proton) number, mass (nucleon) number and isotope
Understand that alpha and beta particles and gamma rays are ionising radiations emitted from
unstable nuclei in a random process
Describe the nature of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays and recall that they may be
distinguished in terms of penetrating power
Describe the effect on the atomic and mass numbers of a nucleus of the emission of each of the
three main types of radiation
Understand how to complete balanced nuclear equations
Understand that ionising radiations can be detected using a photographic film or a Geiger-Muller
detector
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 23 & 24, pp. 199-210; pp. 232-235, Qu. 1, 4, 7
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 50-51
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 23 & 24, pp. 82-84
Cambrdge IGCSE Teachers’ Resources Worksheet 11
Computer
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/beta-decay
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/alpha-decay
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/chemistry/atomicStructure/atomicStructure.html
www.iop.org/resources/videos/education/classroom/radioactivity/page_51912.html
Video
e-stream – Radioactivity (15 minutes)
Radioactivity – Uses
5 weeks
Specification Reference: 7.9-7.14
Explain the sources of background radiation
Understand that the activity of a radioactive source decreases over a period of time and is measured
in becquerels
Understand the term ‘half-life’ and understand that it is different for different radioactive isotopes
Use the concept of half-life to carry out simple calculations on activity
Describe the uses of radioactivity in medical and non-medical tracers, in radiotherapy and in
radioactive dating of archaeological specimens and rocks
Describe the dangers of ionising radiations, including:
radiation can cause mutations in living organisms
radiation can damage cells and tissue
the problems arising in the disposal of radioactive waste
and describe how the associated risks can be reduced
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 24 & 25, pp. 210-225; pp. 232-233, Qu. 3, 5, 6
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 52-54
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 24 & 25, pp. pp. 85-87
Out of the blocks: Science Activity Book pp. 20-21
Computer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/radioactivity/halflife/halflife.html
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/beta-decay
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/alpha-decay
Video
e-stream – Nuclear Radiation (22 minutes)
e-stream – IoP Teaching Medical Physics (in sections of varying length)
Magnetism & Electromagnetism
5 weeks
Specification Reference: 6.1 – 6.14
Use the following units: ampere (A), volt (V), watt (W)
Understand that magnets repel and attract other magnets, and attract magnetic substances
Describe the properties of magnetically hard and soft materials
Understand the term ‘magnetic field line’
Understand that magnetism is induced in some materials when they are placed in a magnetic field
Describe experiments to investigate the magnetic field pattern for a permanent bar magnet and that
between two bar magnets
Describe how to use permanent magnets to produce a uniform magnetic field pattern
Understand that electric current in a conductor produces a magnetic field round it
Describe the construction of electromagnets
Sketch and recognise magnetic field patterns for a straight wire, a flat circular coil and a solenoid
when each is carrying a current
Understand that there is a force on a charged particle when it moves in a magnetic field as long as its
motion is not parallel to the field
Understand that a force is exerted on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field, and how this effect
is applied in simple d.c. electric motors and loudspeakers
Use the left hand rule to predict the direction of the resulting force when a wire carries a current
perpendicular to a magnetic field
Describe how the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field increases with the
strength of the field and with the current
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 21, pp. 179-189; p. 195, Qu. 1-2
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 46 & 47
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 21-22, pp. 73-77
Computer
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
Magnetic field line plotter
The magnetic field of a bar magnet
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/faraday
(not iPad compatible)
Video
e-stream – DC Motors (25 minutes)
Gas Laws
3 weeks
Specification Reference: 5.1; 5.10-5.17
Use the following units: degrees Celsius (˚C), kelvin (K), joule (J), kilogram (kg), kilogram/metre3
(kg/m3), metre (m), metre2 (m2), metre3 (m3), metre/second (m/s), metre/second2 (m/s2), newton
(N), pascal (Pa)
Understand that molecules in a gas have random motion and that they exert a force and hence
pressure on the walls of the container
Understand why there is an absolute zero of temperature which is -273 ˚C
Describe the Kelvin scale of temperature and be able to convert between the Kelvin and Celsius
scales
Understand that an increase in temperature results in an increase in the speed of gas
Understand that the kelvin temperature of the gas is proportional to the average kinetic energy of its
molecules
Describe the qualitative relationship between pressure and Kelvin temperature for a gas in a sealed
container
Use the relationship between the pressure and Kelvin temperature of a fixed mass of gas at constant
volume:
p1/T1 = p2/T2
Use the relationship between the pressure and volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant
temperature:
p1V1 = p2V2
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 20, pp. 171-177; p. 176, Qu. 3&4; p. 178, Qu. 4&5
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 45, Qu. 5-8
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 20, pp. 65-69
Computer
www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=24
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/BrownianMotion/BrownianMotion.html
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gas-properties
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/states-of-matter-basics
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/states-of-matter
Video
Electromagnetic Induction
4 weeks
Specification Reference: 6.15-6.20
Understand that a voltage is induced in a conductor or a coil when it moves through a magnetic field
or when a magnetic field changes through it and describe the factors which affect the size of the
induced voltage
Describe the generation of electricity by the rotation of a magnet within a coil of wire and of a coil
of wire within a magnetic field; also describe the factors which affect the size of the induced voltage
Describe the structure of a transformer, and understand that a transformer changes the size of an
alternating voltage by having different numbers of turns on the input and output sides
Explain the use of step-up and step-down transformers in the large scale generation and transmission
of electrical energy
Know and use the relationship between input (primary) and output (secondary) voltages and turns
ratio for a transformer:
input (primary)voltage
output
VP
VS
=
=
(secondary)voltage
primary turns
secondary turns
nP
nS
Know and use the relationship:
input power = output power
VPIP = VSIS
for 100% efficiency
N.B.
Also cover 4.16 & 4.17 if not delivered in the Fourth Year
Describe the energy transfers involved in generating electricity using:
wind; water; geothermal resources; solar heating systems; solar cells; fossil fuels; nuclear
power
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of methods of large-scale electricity production from
various renewable and non-renewable resources
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 22, pp. 189-195; p. 196, Qu. 3 & 4
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE pp. 48-49
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Chapter 22, pp. 77-80
Computer/iPad
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
The power station
The transformer
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/nuclearPower/prosAndCons/ProsAndCons.html
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/faraday (not iPad compatible)
Video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTM2Ck6XWHg
e-stream
National Grid Power Surge (5 minutes)
Electricity Distribution (24 minutes)
Catching the Sun – The Physics of Solar Energy (18 minutes)
DC Motors (25 minutes)
Particles & Nuclear Power
3 weeks
Specification References: 7.15-7.20
Describe the results of Geiger and Marsden’s experiments with gold foil and alpha particles
Describe Rutherford’s nuclear model of the atom and how it accounts for the results of Geiger and
Marsden’s experiment and understand the factors (charge and speed) which affect the deflection of
alpha particles by a nucleus
Understand that a nucleus of U-235 can be split (the process of fission) by collision with a neutron,
and that this process releases energy on the form of kinetic energy of the fission products
Understand that the fission of U-235 produces two daughter nuclei and a small number of neutrons
Understand that a chain reaction can be set up if the neutrons produced by one fission strike other
U-235 nuclei
Understand the role played by the control rods and moderator when the fission process is used as
an energy source to generate electricity
Books
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Student Book Chapter 26, pp. 226-231; p. 232, Qu. 2
Longman Physics Homework for Edexcel IGCSE p. 55, Qu. 3-5
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: Revision Guide Ch. 26, pp. 87-89
Computer
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/nuclear-fission
(not iPad compatible)
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/rutherford-scattering (not iPad compatible)
www.echalk.co.uk/Science/physics/fission/fission.html
(not iPad compatible)
Physics Revision Games (iPad)/echalk (PC)
The power station
Video
e-stream
Countdown to Chernobyl (21 minutes)
Nuclear Power (31 minutes)
Reconstructing 1st Nuclear Pile (19 minutes)
Nuclear Chemistry – Inside the Atom (20 minutes)
All Equations To Learn
Third Year
1
average speed = distance moved / time taken
2
acceleration = change in velocity / time taken
a = (v-u)/t
3
moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot
4
efficiency = useful energy output / total energy input
5
density = mass / volume
 = m/V
6
pressure = force / area
p = F/A
7
pressure difference = height x density x g
p = hg
8
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
v = f
Fourth Year
9
weight = mass x g
W = mg
10
voltage = current x resistance
V = IR
11
charge = current x time
Q = It
12
n = sin i / sin r
13
sin c = 1/n
14
force = mass x acceleration
F = ma
15
momentum = mass x velocity
p = mv
16
power = current x voltage
P = IV
17
work done = force x distance moved
W= Fd
18
gravitational potential energy = mass x g x height
GPE = mgh
19
kinetic energy = ½ x mass x speed2
KE = ½ mv2
Fifth Year
20
input (primary)voltage
output
=
(secondary)voltage
VP
VS
21
=
nP
nS
input power = output power
VPIP = VSIS
for 100% efficiency
primary turns
secondary turns