Summer Revision Topics

in Physics
 Exam lay-out
• 7 questions to answer ANY 3
• Exam: 3 hour duration
• Each question worth 25 marks.
• Each question in four parts, comprising: (roughly equal
marks for each part)
– DEFINITIONS
– FORMULAE
– MATHEMATICAL QUESTIONS
– CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS
– EXAMPLES
– DIAGRAMS
• All formulae & constants given, log tables given
 Light: ray & wave models
• Refraction, refractive index, normal, TIR
• Convex/concave lenses
• Formulae: u, v, f, M, P
• ray diagrams
• Dispersion, lens aberrations, RI & λ
• Microscope diagram
• Constructive/destructive interference,
diffraction, the nature of diffraction
• Diffraction formula, , d,  - how they relate
• Spectrometer – working parts & uses of –
 photon model & polarisation
• Photon model, evidence of photons – 3 expts.
• Conceptual description of a photon, dual nature
• Photon formulae – E, f, h,  - relationships between
variables
• Polarisation, EM wave, diagram
• Polaroid, reduction of light intensity
• Malus’s Law
• Applications: polarimetry,polarised light microscope
 THERMAL PHYSICS
• DEFINITIONS: T.E., system, surroundings, state variables
(T, P, V, m etc)
• TEMPERATURE SCALES: Celsius, Fahrenheit, kelvin
• THERMOMETERS: bimetallic strip, liquid in glass, CVGT,
thermocouple
• GAS LAWS: Boyle’s, Charles’, Gay-Lussac’s, Ideal Gas Law
• KINETIC THEORY OF GASES: postulates, links to gas laws,
kinetic energy of molecules, rms speed of molecules)
• THERMAL EXPANSION: linear expansion, volume
expansion
 Heat & Calorimetry
• DEFINITIONS: heat, temperature, energy
• PHASES OF MATTER: solid, liquid, gas, changes
of phase, links to SHC, LH, heat transfer mechs.
• THERMAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER: specific heat
capacity (SHC), latent heat (LH) of
transformation (fusion & vaporisation)
• CALORIMETRY CALCULATIONS: SI units!!! Heat
loss = heat gain
• METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER: conduction,
convection, radiation – mechanisms, examples
 RADIATION
• STRUCTURE OF THE NUCLEUS: nucleons, reasons for
radioactivity, nuclear structure & notation
• TYPES OF DECAY: alpha, beta, gamma – characterise
• RADIOACTIVITY: half-life, decay constant:
• T1/2 &  - relationship between variables
• Radioactive decay law, formula
• Radiation in the environment
• Beneficial uses of radioactivity
• Tracers – medical uses
 Check-list for calculations
• Before picking up a pen read the question carefully 3
times.
• Underline all info given, and the question asked.
Remember SI units, and consistency of units!
• Identify the physics topic or concept in the question
and write it down. Predict the nature of answer -
• Draw a clearly labelled diagram
• Choose the equations required
• Carry out the calculations
• Does your answer make sense? Interpret the answer
in light of the question asked. Don’t forget units!
 Check-list for conceptual questions

• Read the question carefully

• Links to real-world? Lab-work? Think-Pair-Share?
• Links to lecture material, formulae you know?
• Identify the physics in the question
• Think logically about the scenario
• Explain the scenario using sound physics, and
logic.
• Re-read your answer to see if it makes sense.