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A2

Physics

Subject Handbook

2015/16

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Introduction

Welcome to A2 Level Physics 2015-2016 Congratulations on getting your AS Physics and for continuing to study Physics into the A2

year! Either you would have already studied at Barnet & Southgate College or you will be

joining us from another college for the first time to complete your A2 studies. We hope

you will find A2 Physics at Barnet & Southgate College a stimulating and rewarding

experience.

Your AS qualification is at a level between GCSE and A Level. In the A2 year you will

generally find the material a little more challenging and abstract than last year, we’ll be

working through the topics a bit faster also. It is absolutely crucial that you maintain an

up-to-date and fully organised file containing your class notes and handouts. Success at A2

will depend on you being able to assess your own performance at AS and deciding where

improvements or changes need to be made throughout your A2 year.

This booklet will give you an outline of the A level course structure and of what you can

expect from the Physics department over the next year to help you through this journey

as well as what we will expect from you. We hope it will give you answers to some of the

questions you may have, but please do ask if you wish to clarify anything or have questions

about issues not addressed in the handbook.

Additional information about specific aspects of the course will be provided throughout

the year, but we hope this will give you an understanding of the course and enable you to

acquire the key study skills necessary for success.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and processing skills that you will

have developed in AS Physics (Edexcel). Students are expected to have achieved at least a

Grade D in AS Physics. We strongly recommend that you are studying A2 Mathematics

alongside your A2 in Physics. Just as in AS Physics you are required to communicate

effectively, be able to research and critically think about problems. You will learn theory

and develop relevant practical skills throughout the A2 course.

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Aims & Objectives A2 level physics aims for students to:

sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, physics.

develop essential knowledge and understanding in physics.

develop the skills needed for the use of this knowledge and understanding in new and

changing situations.

develop an understanding of the link between theory and experimentation.

appreciate how Physics has developed and is used in present day society.

show how Physics links with social, philosophical, economic, industrial and

environmental matters.

recognize the quantitative nature of Physics.

understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles.

bring together knowledge of ways in which different areas of Physics relate to each

other and study how scientific models develop.

In brief our aim is that, as well as preparing you for higher education courses or for a

career involving a knowledge of Physics, the course will stimulate an interest in the social

and economic implications of the applications of Physics in society. Applications of Physics

are emphasised throughout the course.

Practical work is carried out throughout the year and is assessed as coursework, this is

essentially an experimental investigation based on an application of Physics. The course will

help you to foster the development of investigational, manipulative and observational skills

and to allow for the application of principles and concepts for the design of experiments

and the interpretation of results.

We hope to fulfil these aims and to enable you to achieve your maximum potential in the

subject.

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A2 in Brief

A2 Physics is suitable for students who:

pass the AS exam in year one;

have an interest in, and enjoy Physics;

want to find out about how things in the physical world work;

enjoy applying their mind to solving problems;

enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative, logical thinking;

want to use Physics to support other qualifications or progress onto further studies or

employment.

The Syllabus The syllabus used at Barnet & Southgate College is that produced by Edexcel.

Edexcel Advanced GCE in Physics (9PH01).The AS syllabus for which you still may retake

units is, Edexcel Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Physics (8PH01)

A Reminder of AS Year

Three units, 1,2 & 3 must be taken to achieve the AS Level, they are:

Unit 1 – Physics on the go (6PH01)

This unit involves the study of mechanics (rectilinear motion, forces, energy and power) and materials

(flow of liquids, viscosity, Stokes’ Law, properties of materials, Young’s’ modulus and elastic strain

energy).

Part of this topic may be taught using applications that relate to, for example, sports. The other part

of this topic may be taught using, for example, a case study of the production of sweets and biscuits. It

may also be taught using the physics associated with spare part surgery for joint replacements and lens

implants.

Assessment:

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper of 1 hour 30 minutes duration, which will

consist of objective questions, short questions and long questions.

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Unit 2 – Physics at Work (6PH02) This unit involves the study of waves (including refraction, polarisation, diffraction and standing

(stationary) waves), electricity (current and resistance, Ohm’s law and non-ohmic materials, potential

dividers, emf and internal resistance of cells, and negative temperature coefficient thermistors) and

the wave/particle nature of light. Several different contexts may be used to teach parts of this unit

including music, Medical Physics, technology in space, solar cells and an historical study of the nature of

light.

Assessment:

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper of 1 hour 30 minutes duration, which will consist of objective questions, short questions and long questions.

Unit 3 – Exploring Physics (6PH03) This unit involves an experiment that is based on a physics-based visit or a case study of an application

of physics.

Assessment:

This unit is assessed by means of an experiment that is founded on either a physics based visit or a

case study of an application of physics. Students carry out a practical investigation and write a report

on their visit/case. This is carried out over three sessions that are under exam conditions. This is then

externally marked by Edexcel.

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Breakdown of the A2 Year The full A Level qualification is made up of the AS units plus three more units which are

studied at a higher level in the A2 year. You don’t necessarily have to take the full A Level

qualification; you can still get a certificate just for the AS, and your subject tutor will

advise you on what is best. If you do decide to take the second half of the course it will

cover the three units described below.

Unit 4 – Physics on the Move (6PH04) This unit involves the study of further mechanics (momentum and circular motion), electric and

magnetic fields, and particle physics. Several different contexts may be used to teach parts of this

unit including a modern rail transport system, communications and display techniques.

Particle physics is the subject of current research, involving the acceleration and detection of high-

energy particles. This area of the specification may be taught by exploring a range of contemporary

experiments.

Assessment:

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper of 1 hour 35 minutes duration, which will

consist of objective questions, short questions and long questions.

Unit 5 – Physics from Creation to Collapse (6PH05) This unit involves the study of thermal energy, nuclear decay, oscillations, astrophysics and cosmology.

Several different contexts may be used to teach parts of this unit including space technology, medical

physics and the construction of buildings in earthquake zones.

The astrophysics and cosmology section of this specification may be taught using the physical

interpretation of astronomical observations, the formation and evolution of stars, and the history and

future of the universe.

Assessment:

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper of 1 hour 35 minutes duration, which will

consist of objective questions, short questions and long questions.

Unit 6 – Experimental Physics (6PH06) This unit involves planning an experiment, carrying out an experiment and analysing experimental

results.

Assessment:

Students must plan an experiment and then carry out the experiment which may be their own plan, a

plan provided by Edexcel or a plan devised by the centre. Students must carry out this practical

investigation and write a report under exam conditions and then this is marked by Edexcel.

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Overview of AS and A2 Units

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Scheme of Assessment The scheme of assessment is in two parts. Three units make up the Advanced Subsidiary

(AS) assessment, and a further three (A2) units make up the six units required for

Advanced (A) GCE assessment. The three AS units have a total weighting of 50% of the

full A Level. Practical tests are held on different days to unit and topics tests.

Unit Number Unit Title and Method of Assessment

Level Time AS A Content

1 6PH01 Unit 1 Physics on the go

AS + A

1 h 30 min

40%

20% Structured questions, long and short

2 6PH02 Unit 2 Physics at Work

AS + A

1 h 30 min

40%

20% Structured questions, long and short

3 6PH03 Unit 3 Exploring Physics

AS + A

Approx Three Physics Lab sessions

20%

10%

Experimental write up based on a visit or a case study involving an application of physics (measurements, errors etc)

4 6PH04 Unit 4 Physics on the move

A 1h 35 min

40%

20% Structured questions, long and short.

5 6PH05

Unit 5 From creation to collapse

A 1h 35 min

40%

20% Long and short structured questions

6 6PH06 Unit 6: Synthesis Synoptic Test PHY6 (Terminal Unit)

A Approx Three Physics Lab Sessions

20%

10% Passage Analysis 45 min Three long structured questions 25 min each

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AS/A2 Syllabus Content

Concepts studied in AS and A2 Physics

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How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this qualification?

As well as studying A level Physics, this course will enable you to develop some Key Skills.

These Key Skills will be essential to you whatever you go on to do afterwards. You can

develop all the Key Skills when you study Physics. By keeping a well ordered set of class

notes, practical reports and homework problems, you will be able to use them as evidence

for accreditation for an AS in Key Skills.

The Key Skills are in two groups:

1. Three that form the Key Skills qualification which is worth the same as an AS

2. Three more that are called wider Key Skills – these are very important to show skills

that are valued by higher education and by employers.

Examples of Key Skills Development in Physics Communication

Taking part in discussions about investigations or issues

Preparing written documents for your practical work

Researching from books, CD-ROMs and the Internet

Application of number

Planning to collect results from your experiments and investigations and analysing

and presenting them in a suitable way

Carrying out calculations on the data collected in experiments and investigations

Interpreting the results from experiments and seeing how this relates to your plan

Information technology

Researching from CD-ROMs and the Internet

Using word processing software to present written reports and prepare

presentations about an investigation or an issue you have researched

Plan and design a spreadsheet to support your experiments, be able to select a

suitable graphical format to show trends and patterns in your data

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Working with others

Discussing in a group to plan a task such as a plan for an investigation or a

presentation to the group

Deciding who does what in the group and successfully completing the task by working

co-operatively

Reviewing the task and agreeing ways that you could have co-operated even better in

your group

Improving own learning and performance

Setting targets with a timetable to improve your learning or skills

Seek support and use different ways of learning

Monitoring the marks awarded for your work and taking action to improve them

Problem solving

Planning an investigations into some aspect of Physics to answer a question

Working out at least two different ways to solve a problem

Carrying out one of your plans and consider how well it is going so far

Deciding how to evaluate your plan and doing so

Lesson structure and Homework

The Physics teaching staff are Gary Stuart and George Georgiou. Both lecturers are

involved in teaching parts of the A2 and AS Physics courses.

A minimum of five hours per week per subject should be devoted to each subject studied

at A2/AS Level. This should be time spent going over the main lectures and finishing set

homework as well as generally getting to grips with the subject. Usually you will have one

set of problems and one practical write up each week. Usually you have one week to

complete the set homework and it is returned to you within two weeks.

If you have particular difficulty and cannot complete set work in time you must see your

subject tutor and negotiate a new course of action. Remember your tutor is more likely to

be sympathetic to your cause if you consult them before the deadline. Continued absences

and/or failure to produce work or work that is completed constantly below standard will

result in you being placed onto the colleges’ student disciplinary procedure, this could

eventually result in you being asked to leave the course.

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The delivery of Physics at Barnet & Southgate College employs a variety of teaching and

learning strategies. These include small and large group discussions, group presentations,

teacher-led sessions, research, videos and computer exercises using laptops. A wide range

is used in order to help you develop the skills necessary for success in A2 Physics. If at

any time you are unclear about anything then do ask. This is a new subject for you, it is a

difficult subject and it uses complex abstract concepts and terminology at times. We are

very aware that students can sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed, particularly in the first

few weeks. If you let us know when you are concerned then we will be able to reassure you.

Lessons range from those which deliver the core material in the syllabus, the group is

divided into smaller classes for practical (laboratory) sessions. Some lessons will be

problem solving sessions designed to back up the core material and others will focus on

exam techniques and tests.

As the course progresses, you will be asked for your continuous feedback on your

experience of learning. This will help us to reflect on the teaching/learning methods and

course design. You will also be asked to evaluate the course more formally via a

questionnaire, at the end of the first term and year.

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Books

Our recommended textbooks are prepared by Edexcel. They follow the arrangement of the

Edexcel AS/A2 Physics syllabus, and provide basic coverage of each of the units. It will be

possible to purchase the books through the local branch of Waterstones, who have been

asked to reserve a small amount of them. Much of the teaching will further develop the

contents of the books. Classwork and homework will on occasions be based around them. It

is therefore important that you obtain the book, “Edexcel AS Physics Students’ Book”.

These Edexcel resources are distributed by Pearson Education. The AS textbook comes

with a unique interactive CD-ROM, allowing you to use the book on screen and link directly

to useful resources such as key definitions and target sheets.

Author Title ISBN Publisher

Mike Benn Edexcel Physics 978-0340-88807-0 Hodder Graham George for A2 Education There are a number of good A2/AS Physics textbooks available that can also help support

your learning. Among other books which you may find helpful or preferable are:

Akrill T B and Physics 0-240-54242-X Hodder and Bennet G A G Stoughton and Millar C J Azzopardi F Accessible Physics 0-333-62780-6 Macmillan Stewart B for A Level

A Guided Course book Miles Hudson Edexcel A2 Physics 978-1-4082-0608-9 Edexcel Students’ Book (Pearson) Breithaupt J Physics 0-333-73302-9 Macmillan Duncan T Advanced Physics 0-71955199-4 John Murray You should have a personal copy of the recommended textbook and be prepared to refer to

other books if you need extra help with particular aspects of the course.

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An excellent magazine aimed at A Level Physics students is Physics Review, it contains

excellent coverage of the material in the syllabus with tips for answering exam questions.

This is highly recommended and can be obtained through the Physics department.

Physics Review ISSN 0959-8472 Philip Allan Publishers A comprehensive list of supplementary reading is provided in the handbook of articles

from Physics Review that will complement the core syllabus. Copies of Physics Review are

also obtainable from the Independent Learning Centre.

Past Papers and Exam Pro

You are also expected to obtain past examination papers to gain practice in answering exam

questions.

A full range of specimen papers, past papers and mark schemes is available from Edexcel

Publications. The test papers from the previous syllabus are still generally helpful for the

new specification.

The college network also provides you with the opportunity of accessing past papers using

Exam Pro online, follow the links under Computer Aided Learning.

Edexcel publications are available from:

Edexcel Publications Tel: 0800 579 579

Adamsway Fax: 01623 450 481

Mansfield E-mail:www.edexcel.org.uk/GCE2008

Notts

NG18 4LN

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A Quick Guide to Using Exam-Pro &

Exam-Wizard

Exam-Pro provides a database of real examination material from which questions, their mark schemes, chief

examiners' reports and the current syllabus can be viewed and then printed. To ensure that you can get

optimum use from the data, the questions have been analysed against the latest syllabus and can be accessed

against specific criteria which you can define. This is an important resource from which you can access and

practice past paper AS and A2 physics problems

You can access past papers in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Exam-Pro by following the links;

START / ALL PROGRAMS / ACADEMIC APPLICATIONS / COMPUTER AIDED LEARNING / SCIENCE /

EXAM WIZARD PHYSICS AS-A2

2. Select the topic, type and level of

question from the question finder

window here.

1. Read the initial guidance

window to help you with using

Exam-Pro

3. The question you selected is

highlighted here and appears in the

question viewer here

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4. Clicking

on the

green tick

brings up

the

answer to

your

question

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7. To print out the question and answers

Click the standard print icon in the tool bar as usual. You can

also export the mark scheme to a word document also and

e-mail it to yourself at home, you’ll then save on print credits!

6. Once you have selected a

question, clicking on the

create mark scheme button,

will automatically create the

answers to the question also

5. To print out the question

and answers click on the copy

to document button here.

You will find that the

question and answers will

appear in the Window at the

bottom left of the screen

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Physics on iLearn (the College’s Managed Learning Environment) @ Barnet & Southgate College Once you have access to the college computer network there are a number of physics resources available to

you. The schemes of work for your course are available on the college MoodLE. (The college will be changing to

iLearn in 2013 as its preferred virtual learning environment)

The resources on the MLE have a number of links to web sites that will be useful for your studies. One click is

enough also to take you to a number of virtual laboratories and simulations that will help support your physics

course.

Formulae Sheet A formulae sheet is always provided in the unit tests at the back of the exam scripts. In

class you will need to have this list available to you for problem solving, it is important that

you print a hard copy of the formulae sheet and have it available to you in your subject file

and in the lessons.

Essential Mathematics It is very useful though not essential to study A2 Mathematics alongside A2 Physics. You

will be expected to be familiar with nearly all the Mathematics studied at GCSE and in the

AS Physics course. There are regular Maths Workshops that you can drop into if you need

to brush up on certain things e.g. changing the subject of an equation.

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As the course progresses your maths skills will grow stronger. To help you further, there

are regular features in the Physics Review, that deal with the mathematics in physics

problem solving. The list is not compulsory reading, although all the articles are all relevant

and worthwhile.

Physics Conferences

At some point in the course students may be offered the opportunity to attend a physics

conference which will be addressed by the chief examiners of the Edexcel A2 Physics

course. The cost of the trip is £25 so you are advised to save up early for this trip. Think

of this as investing in your own education!

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