A LevelPhysicsOCRRevision Notes

OCR A Level Physics Revision Notes

Exam code: H556

Master what matters with our OCR A Level Physics revision notes—expertly written to match your syllabus and maximise your exam success. From mechanics to quantum physics, our clear explanations, examiner insights, and downloadable PDFs help you revise efficiently and with confidence. Save My Exams provides trusted, high-quality study resources that build understanding, boost grades, and make your exam preparation as stress-free as possible. Walk into your physics exam fully prepared and ready to excel.

1. Development of Practical Skills in Physics

Experimental Design

Control Variables

Refining of Experimental Design

Investigative Approaches & Methods

Using Practical Equipment & Materials

Appropriate Units for Measurements

Presenting & Interpreting Results

Analysing Quantitative Data

Plotting & Interpreting Graphs

Evaluating Results & Drawing Conclusions

Observations & Measurements

Presenting in a Scientific Way

Use of Software & Tools

Research & Citation Skills

Precision, Accuracy & Experimental Limitations

Significant Figures

Methods to Increase Accuracy

Using Appropriate Instruments & Techniques

Analogue Apparatus & Interpolation

Use of Digital Instruments

Stopwatch & Light Gates

Calipers, Micrometers & Vernier Scales

Signal Generators & Oscilloscope

Using a Laser or Light Source

Computer Modelling & Data Logger

Ionising Radiation & Detectors

2. Foundations in Physics

Physical Quantities

Homogeneity of Physical Equations & Powers of Ten

Labelling Graphs & Tables

Sources of Uncertainty

Calculating Uncertainties

Determining Uncertainties from Graphs

Scalars & Vectors

Combining Vectors

Resolving Vectors

3. Forces & Motion

Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration

Displacement & Velocity-Time Graphs

SUVAT Equations

Investigating Motion & Collisions

Acceleration & Free Fall

Braking & Reaction Times

Projectile Motion

Force & Acceleration

Tension, Normal force, Upthrust & Friction

Motion in One & Two Dimensions

Terminal Velocity

Investigating Terminal Velocity

Couples & Torque

Archimedes' Principle

Conservation of Energy

Gravitational Potential Energy

Deformation & Compression

Force-Extension Graphs

Elastic Potential Energy

Stress, Strain & Tensile Strength

Young's Modulus

Stress-Strain Graphs

Elastic & Plastic Deformation

Newton's Three Laws of Motion

Linear Momentum

Impulse on a Force-Time Graph

Conservation of Momentum

4. Electrons, Waves & Photons

Electric Current & Charge

Electric Current & Electron Flow

Kirchhoff's First Law

Current in a Current Carrying Conductor

Conductors, Semiconductors & Insulators

Circuit Symbols & Diagrams

Ohm's Law & I-V Characteristics

Investigating Electrical Characteristics of Components

The Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR)

Determining the Resistivity of a Metal

Electrical Energy

Kirchhoff's Second Law

Kirchhoff's Laws in Circuits

Resistors in Series & Parallel Circuits

Series & Parallel Circuits

Circuits with Multiple Sources of e.m.f

E.m.f & Internal Resistance

Calculating E.m.f

Determining Internal Resistance

E.m.f & Potential Difference

Energy Transfer

Potential Divider Circuits

Variable Resistance Components

Investigating Potential Divider Circuits

Progressive Waves: Longitudinal & Transverse

Calculating Frequency

The Wave Equation

Graphical Representations of Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

Intensity of a Wave

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Total Internal Reflection

Graphical Representation of Superposition

Two-Source Interference

Young Double-Slit Experiment

Determining the Wavelength of Light

Stationary Waves

Stationary vs Progressive Waves

Nodes & Antinodes

Determining the Speed of Sound in Air in a Resonance Tube

The Photoelectric Effect

Demonstrating the Photoelectric Effect

The Photoelectric Equation

Work Function & Threshold Frequency

Maximum Kinetic Energy & Intensity

The Electronvolt

Determining the Planck Constant

Electron Diffraction

The de Broglie Equation

5. Newtonian World & Astrophysics

Thermal Equilibrium

Measurement of Temperature

Solids, Liquids & Gases

Brownian Motion

Internal Energy

Specific Heat Capacity

Specific Latent Heat

The Avogadro Constant

Ideal Gas Equation

Kinetic Theory of Gases

Kinetic Theory of Gases Equation

The Boltzmann Constant

Average Kinetic Energy of a Molecule

Internal Energy of an Ideal Gas

Time period & Frequency

Angular Velocity

Centripetal Force

Centripetal Acceleration

Investigating Circular Motion

Describing Oscillations

Angular Frequency

Conditions for Simple Harmonic Motion

Time Period & Frequency

Acceleration & Displacement

Free & Forced Oscillations

Examples of Forced Oscillations & Resonance

Gravitational Fields

Gravitational Field Lines

Gravitational Field Strength

Newton's Law of Gravitation

Kepler's Three Laws of Motion

Circular Orbits in Gravitational Fields

Geostationary Orbits

Gravitational Potential

Calculating Gravitational Potential

Force-Distance Graph

Gravitational Potential Energy

Escape Velocity

Definitions of Astronomical Objects

Evolution of a Low-Mass Star

White Dwarfs & the Chandrasekhar Limit

Evolution of a Massive Star

Neutron Stars & Black Holes

The Hertzsprung - Russell (HR) Diagram

Electron Energy Levels

Emission Spectra & Energy Levels

Identifying Elements Within Stars Using Spectral Lines

Continuous, Emission Line & Absorption Line Spectrum

Transmission Diffraction Grating

Wien's Displacement Law

Estimating the Radius of Stars

Units for Astronomical Distances

Stellar Parallax

The Cosmological Principle

The Doppler Effect

An Expanding Universe

The Age of the Universe

Evolution of the Universe

Dark Energy & Dark Matter

6. Particles & Medical Physics

Electron Flow in Charging & Discharging

Capacitors in Series & Parallel Circuits

Circuits Containing Capacitors & Resistors

Energy Stored by a Capacitor

Capacitor Charge & Discharge

Capacitor Charge & Discharge Equations

Modelling Capacitor Discharge

Electric Fields

Electric Field Lines

Electric Field Strength

Electric Field Strength of a Point Charge

Electric vs Gravitational Fields

Motion of Charged Particles in an E Field

Electric Potential

Calculating Electric Potential

Capacitance of an Isolated Sphere

Force-Distance Graph

Electric Potential Energy

Magnetic Fields

Magnetic Fields Lines

Fleming's Left-Hand Rule

Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

Magnetic Flux Density

Force on a Moving Charge

Motion of Charged Particles in a B Field

Velocity Selector

Magnetic Flux Linkage

Faraday's & Lenz's Laws

Calculating Induced E.m.f

Alpha Particle Scattering Experiment

Atomic Structure

AZX Notation & Isotopes

The Strong Nuclear Force

Nuclear Radius & Density

Hadrons & Leptons

The Quark Model

Beta Minus & Beta Plus Decay

Quarks in Particle Decay Equations

Radioactive Decay

Alpha, Beta & Gamma Radiation

Alpha & Beta Decay Equations

Activity & The Decay Constant

Radioactive Decay Equations

Modelling Radioactive Decay

Radioactive Dating

Energy & Mass Equation

Particle-Antiparticle Pairs

Mass Defect & Binding Energy

Calculating Binding Energy

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear Fission Reactor & Waste

Balancing Nuclear Equations

X-ray Attenuation Mechanisms

Calculating X-ray Attenuation

Medical Tracers

The Piezoelectric Effect & the Ultrasound Transducer

Acoustic Impedance

Reflection of Ultrasound

Doppler Effect in Ultrasound

Exam boards

Study tools

Related links