Cambridge International AS/A Level Physics Study and Revision Guide

244 Pages·2022·11.689 MB·English

by  Richard Woodside and Martin Williams

Cambridge International AS & A Level
Physics Student’s Book Third Edition
Confidently navigate the updated Cambridge
International AS & A Level Physics (9702) syllabus
with a structured approach that ensures the
development of scientific analytical skills.
» Enable students to monitor and boost progress
with short ‘self-assessment’ questions
throughout the student text, with answers
provided at the back of the book.
» Build scientific communication skills and
vocabulary in written responses with a variety of
exam-style questions.
» Encourage understanding of historical context
and scientific applications with extension boxes
in the student text.
» Have confidence that lessons cover the syllabus
completely with a free Scheme of Work available
online.
Cambridge International AS & A Level
Physics Practical Skills Workbook
Reinforce learning and strengthen understanding
of the key concepts covered in the revised syllabus;
ideal as course companions or homework and
revision books for use throughout the course.
» Support students’ learning and provide guidance
on practical skills with extra practice questions
and activities, tailored to topics in the Student
Book.
» Keep track of students’ work with ready-to-go
write-in exercises which once completed can
also be used to recap learning for revision.
» Offer extra support for the mathematical and
statistical parts of the course.
Cambridge International
AS & A Level
Physics
Third edition
Richard Woodside
Martin Williams
99778811339988334444440022..iinnddbb 11 0099//1122//2211 1122::3355 PPMM
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ISBN: 978 1 3983 4440 2
© Richard Woodside, Martin Williams 2022
First published in 2012
Second edition published in 2015
This edition published in 2022 by
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Everyone has to decide his or her own revision Countdown to my exams
My revision planner Countdown to my exams
strategy, but it is essential to review your work, learn
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Glossary 236
4 Check your answers at www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Study and Revision Guide 5
your progress
AS LEVEL 1 Physical quantities and units
1 homogeneity of equations
Use the revision planner on page 4 to plan your revision, Physical quantities and units Idsfai fmyfoeeur.e anrte q nuoatn tsiutriee sw thoe cthheerc ka nit .e qTuhaet iuonni tiss ocno rbreoctth, syiodue sc aonf tuhsee etqhuea utnioints mouf stth eb e the
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Yeoacuth oc ta conhp aeiclcs kho ey kaoedueirnp ag tn risanwc tekh rosef byoooukr. rYeovuis imonay b fyi ntdic kiti nhge lopfffu l Ati12 3 nhn seseufuutdWtWkN owrnnnniiehmrtliiiehhcOe rotttei ewsiieinoogr cc v Wq,o=ffttrhhe uoosfa ma d m oopan ncmt Taffnehu eca iswe,ttestensE shhilsm d ti etdd t=eeSyo×,r.ee e a nv ffpkeTftatf oooigiroi=cxnonll lew cllYpunekioo enrsm edgOwwl=egqer ×fesr ii uUmrennia ,ssaom tqgg se R irmwauo− neaa×2 naSad edrr tttseereh,Eit− og rjse2bboLniy voaaiue:neFrssql e deebuk, ag aqquk stumuneieoaail st vnnnu−si2:tt?nniitittyies a.sn?d its unit, the watt (W), is a StitscanhoounTte nbdob Uts frnbiotneDeiartuamgsuYkeeat ae tuwTuti sv ianJnIeitPni s ttfigss−on1 , rdp; du iJtoocsh sweaeeisntn ni.d v e uOHdthebWaAab ne ecs rennei mOisw, sutt50‘n× mwt .ahhsta6R 0ah1luigyee0e n0n0e lKp 0trtg0co d −oi ons01h uaEp0si9 u0natrl0dt’tiDpm d0rtaaeem0,ug na0de f0nteaeEolrd 0 0 bni farwa0ocdr0Xydmnr anoWi 0 dastl1Am a. h0a 0pstfr= 0n Mho ava mtd 50rareeo tmp.0Ptarl 6 yeotnf0ot .Lh h×cwoy f0le ea t Ea0e1drr r r 0nro0gimqeg 9 nue1suq iW m6ttuaioass ncirb tr ta0i eveo=if.detr0n ty,1 re 0 py .iir6nis0o ss t w0 ×5tmhwh0 e 6e1arir0 s00.ild tl0 0− cte1q0 e0ac9u0 n0sicam 0e0na0a 0st1l0 i0. at6 p00i ,oe0s Wiisi0snn . i0t gdse 0l iaextv0so ip dd1 arui6eergs edcsie ts.jb us feyttosh xa1tliplni0sofrd1 iwei9ean.esdr ddsw; ttafbhhotyiirt ssmsa , ii. sn SMmnfb1toh.yu6Tiraa sma mdt×Ut ae1bq .1D k 0ue1iw0ef−raY −xhssyn1 =o 9 etTai, nuin 1rtrI ye0esaPd +mtlrioxiavek.fien tdedemdi i nnavb girded bir n yg
to add your own notes as you work through each topic. 8 check your answers at www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Study and Revision Guide 9
Features to help you succeed
STUDY TIPS WORKED EXAMPLES
tips are given throughout the book to help you Working through examples of calculations will
polish your exam technique to help maximise your help to improve your maths skills and develop your
achievement in the exam. confidence and competence.
KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS PRACTICAL SKILLS
Clear, concise definitions of essential key terms are
these encourage an investigative approach to the
provided where they first appear and in the glossary.
practical work required for your course.
END OF CHAPTER CHECK
REVISION ACTIVITIES
Quick-check bullet lists for each topic.
Activities to help you understand each topic in an
interactive way.
EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS
NOW TEST YOURSELF
Guidance on preparing for examination is followed
by example As questions and A Level questions
short, knowledge-based questions provide at the end of each section. each question has
the first step in testing your learning. Go to sample answers and comments indicating how
www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras the answers could be improved – available at
for the answers. www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Study and Revision Guide 3
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My revision planner
Countdown to my exams 5
Introduction 6
AS LEVEL
1 Physical quantities and units 8
2 Kinematics 17
3 Dynamics 27
4 Forces, density and pressure 36
5 Work, energy and power 44
6 Deformation of solids 51
7 Waves 56
8 Superposition 66
9 Electricity 76
10 D.C. circuits 83
11 Particle physics 93
AS Level experimental skills and investigations 101
AS exam-style questions 109
A LEVEL
12 Motion in a circle 115
13 Gravitational fields 120
14 Temperature 127
15 Ideal gases 132
16 Thermodynamics 138
17 Oscillations 140
18 Electric fields 148
19 Capacitance 156
20 Magnetic fields 163
21 Alternating currents 179
22 Quantum physics 184
23 Nuclear physics 194
24 Medical physics 202
25 Astronomy and cosmology 214
A Level experimental skills and investigations 223
A Level exam-style questions 230
Glossary 236
4 Check your answers at www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras
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CountdoWn to My exAMs
Countdown to my exams
6–8 weeks to go 1 week to go
» Start by looking at the syllabus – make sure you » Try to fit in at least one more timed practice of
know exactly what material you need to revise an entire past paper and seek feedback from your
and the style of the examination. Use the revision teacher, comparing your work closely with the mark
planner on page 4 to familiarise yourself with the scheme.
topics. » Check the revision planner to make sure you haven’t
» Organise your notes, making sure you have covered missed out any topics. Brush up on any areas of
everything on the syllabus. The revision planner difficulty by talking them over with a friend or
will help you to group your notes into topics. getting help from your teacher.
» Work out a realistic revision plan that will allow you » Attend any revision classes put on by your teacher.
time for relaxation. Set aside days and times for all Remember, teachers are experts at preparing people
the subjects that you need to study, and stick to for examinations.
your timetable.
» Set yourself sensible targets. Break your revision
the day before
down into focused sessions of around 40 minutes,
divided by breaks. This Study and Revision Guide the examination
organises the basic facts into short, memorable
sections to make revising easier.
» Flick through this Study and Revision Guide for
useful reminders, for example the study tips, key
2–5 weeks to go terms and end of chapter checks.
» Check the time and place of your examination.
» Make sure you have everything you need – extra
» Read through the relevant sections of this book
pens and pencils, tissues, a watch, bottled water,
and refer to the study tips, key terms and end
sweets.
of chapter checks. Tick off the topics as you feel
» Allow some time to relax and have an early night to
confident about them. Highlight those topics you
ensure you are fresh and alert for the examination.
find difficult and look at them again in detail.
» Test your understanding of each topic by working
through the ‘Now test yourself’ questions. Look My exams
up the answers at www.hoddereducation.com/
cambridgeextras. Paper 1
» Make a note of any problem areas as you revise, and
Date: Time:
ask your teacher to go over these in class.
» Look at past papers. They are one of the best ways Location:
to revise and practise your exam skills. Check
Paper 2
your answers with your teacher. Write or prepare
planned answers to the exam-style questions Date: Time:
provided in this book and then check your answers
Location:
against the sample answers and comments at
Paper 3
www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras.
» Use the revision activities to try different revision Date: Time:
methods. For example, you can make notes using
Location:
mind maps, spider diagrams or flash cards.
» Track your progress using the revision planner and Paper 4
give yourself a reward when you have achieved your
Date: Time:
target.
Location:
Paper 5
Date: Time:
Location:
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Study and Revision Guide 5
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Introduction
This revision guide is written to support students following the Cambridge
International AS & A Level Physics 9702 course. The assessment of the AS Level is
based on examination papers 1 to 3, while at A Level the results from the AS papers
are combined with two further papers, Papers 4 and 5. Details of each examination
are set out below.
As Level
Paper 1 1 hour 15 minutes 40 marks
» 40 multiple-choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content
» 31% of the AS Level, 15.5% of the A Level
» Half the questions test knowledge and understanding; the remainder test
handling, applying and evaluating information.
Paper 2 1 hour 15 minutes 60 marks
» Structured questions (usually 7 or 8) based on the AS Level syllabus content
» 46% of AS Level, 23% of A Level
Paper 3 2 hours 40 marks
» Advanced practical skills
» Practical work and structured questions
» There are two questions based on the experimental skills outlined in the
practical assessment section of the syllabus.
» 23% of the AS Level, 11.5% of the A Level
A Level
Paper 4 2 hours 100 marks
» Structured questions (usually 12) based on the A Level syllabus content;
knowledge of material from AS Level will be required.
» 38.5% of the A Level
Paper 5 1 hour 15 minutes 30 marks
» Planning, analysis and evaluation
» There are two questions based on the experimental skills outlined in the
practical assessment section of the syllabus.
» 11.5% of the A Level
Papers 1, 2 and 4 have a data page and a formulae page at the beginning.
Strategies for answering multiple-choice
questions
» Read the stem of the question carefully so that you are clear about what the
question is asking.
» Read each alternative answer fully, do not just scan for key words.
» Eliminate those answers that you are certain are definitely wrong. This strategy
limits the range of answers to select from.
» Link the content of the answer to the key elements in the stem of the question.
» Do not rush. There are 75 minutes to answer 40 questions – it is better to answer
30 questions correctly by using time sensibly rather than 40 questions incorrectly
because you have rushed.
6 Check your answers at www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras
99778811339988334444440022..iinnddbb 66 0099//1122//2211 1122::3355 PPMM
intRoduCtion
» Do not spend too much time on a single question – if you find that you
are struggling with a question, move on to the next one and return to the
unanswered one later.
» Answer all questions, even those where you are unsure what the answer should
be – in these cases use your best judgement to select an answer.
» Practise timed questions – use past paper questions to practise your timing.
Answering structured questions
Each question will be subdivided into several parts based around a common theme.
At A Level, the subsections may test objectives from different sections of the
syllabus. In many structured questions, a value or information found in one part
is used in subsequent parts. Half the questions test knowledge and understanding,
while the remainder test handling, applying and evaluating information. For
example, the first part of a question may require you to state a definition or write
an equation. This will be followed by a description, often with some data. At AS
Level, you will be expected to use the data along with the definition or equation
from the first part of the question. At A Level, you might be required to make short
written statements including descriptions or explanations, carry out calculations,
sketch a graph or draw a simple diagram.
AS Level practical assessment
There are two questions of 1 hour each. For each question, there will be some
apparatus available and instructions about how the apparatus is to be put together,
followed by instructions about what readings to take.
The mark distribution for each skill tested varies according to the question:
Skill Question 1 Question 2
Manipulation, measurement and observation 7 5
Presentation of data and observations 6 2
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation 4 10
In each case, the examiner will allocate the remaining 3 marks across the skills.
The paper will not test your knowledge and understanding of any of the subject
content. See pages 101–108 for further details.
A Level practical assessment
There are two questions in paper 5, each worth 15 marks (see also pages 223–229).
The first question requires you to plan an experiment to investigate an aspect of
physics given in the question. In the second question, you will be given data to
analyse and evaluate. Each question is designed to test different practical skills:
Skill Question 1 Question 2
Planning 15 –
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation – 15
Command words
Command words are used in examination questions to help you understand what
is expected in the answer. Check your syllabus and make sure you know what each
command word requires you to do. The syllabus is available on the Cambridge
International website at www.cambridgeinternational.org.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics Study and Revision Guide 7
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AS LEVEL
1
Physical quantities and units
SI units
base quantities
All quantities in science consist of a numerical magnitude and a unit. SI units are
KEY TERMS
based on the units of seven SI base quantities, of which you need to be familiar
with five: SI units (système
international d’unités)
» mass – kilogram (kg) are carefully defined
» length – metre (m) units that are used
» time – second (s) throughout the scientific
» temperature – kelvin (K) world for measuring all
» electric current – ampere (A) quantities.
Base quantities are
Although it is not formally an SI unit, the degree Celsius (°C) is often used as a
fundamental quantities
measure of temperature.
whose units are used to
derive all other units.
Each of these units has a precise definition. You do not need to remember the
details of these definitions.
derived units
» The units of all other quantities are derived from the base units.
KEY TERMS
» For example, speed is found by dividing the distance travelled by the time taken.
Therefore, the unit of speed is metres (m) divided by seconds (s). Base units are the units
» At O Level or IGCSE, you will probably have written this unit as m/s. Now that of the base quantities.
you are taking your studies a stage further, you should write it as m s−1. Derived units are
combinations of base
WORKED EXAMPLE units.
the unit of force is the newton. What is this in base si units?
Answer
the newton is defined from the equation:
force = mass × acceleration
unit of mass = kg
unit of acceleration = m s−2
insert into the defining equation:
units of newton = kg × m × s−2 or kg m s−2
NOW TEST YOURSELF
STUDY TIP
1 the quantity power is a derived quantity and its unit, the watt (W), is a
derived unit. express watts in base units. to break watts down
into base units, use
2 Which of the following are base quantities?
the format J s−1; then
time, speed, volume, energy
substitute in for J and
3 Which of the following are base units? continue using positive
kilogram, metre squared, joule, kelvin and negative indices.
8 Check your answers at www.hoddereducation.com/cambridgeextras
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