OCR A-Level Physics

_{< A-level Physics}

This A-level physics book is designed to follow the OCR GCE Physics A specification. For the OCR B 'Advancing Physics' specification, see A-level Physics (Advancing Physics). You can use this book as a revision guide, or as another explanation of concepts that you may not fully understand.

Before you begin this course, it is recommended that you understand some of the basic concepts covered in GCSE Science, and have an understanding of the SI unit system (Appendix A).

If you find any mistakes, errors, broken links, or if you are able to make the content easier to understand, please do not hesitate to edit and expand on existing content.

Current Specification - H556 - First teaching 2015, with first assessment 2017

AS/A-level Year 1 Modules

Module 3: Forces and Motion

• 3.1: Motion
• 3.2: Forces in Motion
• 3.3: Work, Energy and Power
• 3.4: Materials
• 3.5: Newton's Laws of Motion and Momentum

Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons

• 4.1: Electricity
• 4.2: Waves
• 4.3: Quantum Physics

A-level Year 2 Modules

Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics

• 5.1: Thermal Physics
• 5.2: Circular Motion and Oscillations
• 5.3: Gravitational Fields
• 5.4: Astrophysics & Cosmology

Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics

• 6.1: Capacitors
• 6.2: Electric Fields
• 6.3: Electromagnetism
• 6.4: Nuclear Physics
• 6.5: Medical Imaging

Useful resources

• Course information: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physics-a-h156-h556-from-2015/

• Data sheet: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/536433-data-sheet.pdf
• Exam hints for students: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/598164-exam-hints-for-students.pdf
• Revision checklist: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/590403-student-revision-checklist.docx

Old Specification - H558 - for teaching from September 2013

This section follows the OCR Advanced GCE in Physics A (H558)

The new specification contains the following modules. This course is split into 6 units. There are 4 exams and 2 practical assessments which are counted as coursework. The AS and A2 modules add up to make the course. AS makes up 50% of the course and A2 makes up the other 50%. Each year, candidates will be assessed on their practical skills. each practical assessment counts towards 10% of the A level and the first assessment counts towards 20% of the AS grade.

AS Modules

• Mechanics
• Electrons, Waves and Photons

A2 New Specification Modules

• The Newtonian World
• Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics

Old Specification Modules

The old syllabus for Physics A had the following modules:

AS Modules

• Force(s) and Motion
• Electrons, Waves and Photons
• Wave Properties

A2 Core Modules

• Forces, Fields and Energy
• Unifying Concepts in Physics

A2 Option Modules

You are only required to complete one of the optional modules.

• Cosmology
• Health Physics
• Materials
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Telecommunications

In both AS and A2, practical modules have to be completed, consisting of qualitative, quantitative and evaluative sections. At A2 level, in the second year of study, you must take the two core A2 modules along with one of the option modules.

Appendices

Appendix A

• The SI System of Units

Appendix B

• Equation Sheet

Appendix C

• Glossary of Terms