ASPhysicsOCRRevision Notes

OCR AS Physics
Revision Notes

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