A2 Physics A quick guide…

A LEVEL results 2004: AS Physics (Year 12): 21% of students achieved a grade A 44% of students achieved grades A - B 94% of students achieved grades A - E A2 Physics (Year 13): 46% of students achieved a grade A 73% of students achieved grades A - B 100 % of students achieved grades A - E

A2 CURRICULUM The A2 Units (worth 50% overall): UNIT 4 – Fields, Particles Physics & Communications UNIT 5 (i) – Astrophysics & Engineering UNIT 5 (ii) – Individual Research Project UNIT 6 – Synoptic paper 1h 30m written testWorth 15% 1h 30m written testWorth 15% 1h written testWorth 10% Takes 2-3 weeks.Worth 10%

UNIT 4 - MOVING WITH PHYSICS (A2) Transport on Track - A look at how modern rail transport uses physics ideas such as magnetism, induction, momentum & capacitance. The Medium is the Message - Aircraft instrumentation & communication are explained using theories on fibre optics, digital circuits and electric & magnetic fields. Probing the Heart of the Matter - A look into the cutting edge world of atomic & particle physics, including the latest ideas on radiation, nuclear fission, quarks & leptons and matter.

UNIT 5 (i) - A2 Coursework (PROJECT) This is an extended practical project, carried out over 2-3 weeks. Students will undertake their own mini-research investigation on a chosen area of PHYSICS, with guidance from staff. Key skills being assessed will be: RESEARCH PLANNING IMPLEMENTING OBSERVING & RECORDING INTERPERTING & EVALUATING COMMUNICATION

UNIT 5 (i) - A2 Coursework (PROJECT) Previous Project titles include: Resonance in vibrating buildings Efficiency of common transformers How density of gas in bubbles affect terminal velocity Absorption of beta radiation in aircraft aluminium hulls Investigating ‘turn on’ time for LED’s Microwave transmission through simulated brain tissue The design of wind turbines Momentum losses in different shoe materials What affects the note from a ‘singing wine glass’? How angle of attack affects lift on a model wing Magnetic braking of cars using eddy currents

UNIT 5 (i) - A2 Coursework (PROJECT) Katie initiates lift on her mark IV model wing:

UNIT 5 (ii) - PHYSICS FROM CREATION TO COLLAPSE (A2) Build or Bust? - A look into modern building design & engineering, and how principles such as simple harmonic motion, waves & resonance apply to sound-proofing and withstanding earthquake damage. Reach for the Stars - The final section concerns astronomy & cosmology, and deals with the evolution and life cycles of stars and the Universe, how our models of both have changed through out the years (such as the BIG BANG) and the role played by gravity.

UNIT 6 – SYNOPTIC PAPER (A2) The synoptic paper is the final written test, and covers all of the AS + A2 work. There are several questions that link areas of physics, in 3 sections: COMPREHENSION – A short (half-page) passage on cutting edge physics (eg, Gravity Waves), followed by some linked questions. DATA-HANDLING – Some questions involving graph plotting and working out values for new constants. SHORT QUESTIONS – Several short questions that link several areas together.