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AQA
Why do an Easter Revision course in Physics at Ashbourne?
The Physics Easter Revision course will be taught by Dr Barry Rhule. Barry has a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from CNNA and a PhD in Physics from the University of London. He is a member of the London Mathematical Society and has been teaching Maths and Physics at Ashbourne for over ten years. Students will benefit from the expertise and enthusiasm of Barry as well as from the small class sizes and the individual attention that each student receives as part of the Easter Revision programme at Ashbourne.
There will be revision of the following areas:
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity’.
Students study two contrasting topics in physics; particle physics and electricity. Through the study of these topics, students should gain an awareness of the on-going development of new ideas in physics and of the application of in-depth knowledge of well-established topics such as electricity. Particle physics introduces students to the fundamental properties and nature of matter, radiation and quantum phenomena.
Unit 2
AS unit 2 is called ‘Mechanics, Materials and Waves’.
Students study the principles and applications of mechanics, materials and waves. The first section introduces vectors and then develops knowledge and understanding of forces and energy. In the second section, materials are studied in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. The final section develops in-depth knowledge of the characteristics, properties and applications of waves, including refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference.
Unit 3
AS unit 3 is called Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics
Students will carry out experimental and investigative activities in order to develop their practical skills. These activities will allow students to use their knowledge and understanding of Physics in planning, carrying out, analyzing and evaluating their work.
There will be revision of the following areas:
Unit 4
A2 unit 4 is called ‘Fields and Further Mechanics’
Students build on the key ideas and knowledge covered in AS Physics. The first section advances the study of momentum and introduces circular and oscillatory motion and covers gravitation. Electric and magnetic fields are covered, together with basic electromagnetic induction. Electric filed lead into capacitors and how quickly they charge and discharge through a resistor. Magnetic fields lead into the generation and transmission of alternating current.
Unit 5
A2 unit 5 is called ‘Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and an Optional Topic’
This module consists of two sections. The first part of section A ‘Nuclear and Thermal Physics’ looks at the characteristics of the nucleus. In the second part of section A, the thermal properties of materials and the properties and nature of gases are studied in depth. Section B offers an opportunity to study one of the following optional topics to gain deeper understanding and awareness of a selected branch of physics. The branches are: Astronomy and Cosmology; Medical Physics; Applied Physics; Turning points in physics.
Unit 6
A2 Unit 6 is called ‘Investigate and Practical skills in Physics’.
Students will carry out experimental and investigative activities in order to develop their practical skills. These activities will allow students to use their knowledge and understanding of physics in planning, carrying out, analyzing and evaluating their work.