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ASPhysicsOCRRevision Notes

OCR AS Physics Revision Notes

Exam code: H156

Concise resources for the OCR AS Physics course.

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 of 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

3.3.1 Force & Acceleration

3.3.3 Tension, Normal force, Upthrust & Friction

3.3.4 Motion in One & Two Dimensions

3.3.5 Drag Forces

3.3.6 Terminal Velocity

3.3.7 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

Exam boards

Study tools

Related links