GCSE Physics [AQA] - Paper 1

[1.1]

What can never happen to energy?

Energy can never be created or destroyed.

[1.1]

Name the 8 types of energy store.

Energy can be stored as:

- Thermal

- Chemical

- Kinetic

- Magnetic

- Elastic potential

- Electrostatic

- Nuclear

- Gravitational potential

[1.1]

What is a system?

A system is an object or group of objects where energy is transferred between them.

[1.1]

Give the 2 types of system and their properties.

Systems can either be open or closed, where an open allows energy and matter to enter and leave, while a closed does not.

[1.1]

What is another common term for energy transferred?

Energy transferred can also be described as work done.

[1.2]

Give the formula for kinetic energy.

Eₖ = ¹/₂mv²

Energy = ¹/₂ x Mass x Velocity²

[1.3]

Give the formula for gravitational potential energy.

Eₚ = mgh

Energy = Mass x Gravitational Strength x Height

[1.4]

Define internal energy.

Internal energy is the total energy stored in the particles of a system.

[1.4]

What are the 2 types of internal energy?

Internal energy can either be potential energy, or kinetic energy.

[1.4]

Define temperature.

Temperature is a measure of the average internal energy within a substance.

[1.4]

What is specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1°C.

[1.4]

Give the formula for specific heat capacity.

△E = mc△0

Energy change = Mass x Specific heat capacity x Temperature change

[1.6]

How does temperature spread in solids, fluids and empty space?

Temperature spreads in multiple ways:

- Solids - Conduction, vibrating particles pass energy

- Fluids - Convection, particles collide and spread energy

- Empty space - Radiation, waves carry energy

[1.7]

Give the 2 most common ways to reduce unwanted energy transfers.

Unwanted energy transfers are most commonly reduced through thermal insulation or lubrication.

[1.8]

Define power.

Power is the rate at which energy is transferred.

[1.8]

Give the formula for power.

P = e / t

Power = Energy / Time

[1.9]

What is efficiency?

Efficiency is a measure of how effectively energy is transferred.

[1.9]

Give the formula for efficiency.

Efficiency = Useful output / Total output

[1.10]

Give the 2 types of energy sources.

Energy sources can be categorised into:

- Renewable, replenished faster than it is used

- Non-renewable, replenished slower than it is used

[1.10]

What are the 3 forms of hydrocarbon?

Hydrocarbons can either be coal (solid), oil (liquid) or natural gas (gas).

[1.10]

How do hydrocarbons form?

Hydrocarbons form as a result of fossils being buried and compressed over millions of years.

[2.1]

What is an electrical circuit?

An electrical circuit is a closed loop consisting of a power source and a wire.

[2.1]

How are electrical circuits represented?

Electrical circuits are represented through circuit diagrams.

[2.1]

What is the purpose of cells and batteries?

The purpose of cells and batteries is to provide a current to a circuit.

[2.1]

Describe the symbol for a cell.

The symbol for a cell is two lines, with the longer one on the left (positive) and shorter one on the right (negative).

[2.1]

Describe the symbol for a battery.

The symbol for a battery is made up of multiple cell symbols, connected with a dashed line.

[2.1]

Describe the symbol for a lamp.

The symbol for a lamp is a circle containing an 'X'.

[2.1]

What is the purpose of switches?

The purpose of switches is to control whether electrons can flow through a circuit.

[2.1]

Describe the symbol for a switch.

The symbol for a switch is 2 circles, with a line between that changes based on whether the switch is open or closed.

[2.1]

What is current in a circuit?

In a circuit, current is a measure of the flow of electrons.

[2.1]

What is current measured in?

Current is measured in Amperes or Amps (A).

[2.1]

What is potential difference in a circuit?

In a circuit, potential difference is the force that drives the flow of electrons.

[2.1]

What is potential difference measured in?

Potential difference is measured in Volts (V).

[2.1]

What is resistance in a circuit?

In a circuit, resistance is the opposition to the flow of electrons.

[2.1]

What is resistance measured in?

Resistance is measured in Ohms (Ω).

[2.1]

Which way do electrons flow in a circuit and why?

In a circuit, electrons flow from the negative cell terminal to the positive one; this happens as electrons are negative and so they repel away from the negative terminal, and are attracted to the positive one.

[2.2]

Give the formula for potential difference.

V = IR

Potential difference = Current x Resistance

[2.2]

What is a significant factor of resistance?

A significant factor of resistance is temperature.

[2.3]

What is charge?

Charge is a measure of the flow of a current over a certain period of time.

[2.3]

What is charge measured in?

Charge is measure in Coulombs (C).

[2.3]

Give the equation for charge.

Q = It

Charge = Current x Time

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a fuse?

The purpose of a fuse is to break if too much current passes through it.

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a fuse.

The symbol for a fuse is a rectangle with the wire passing directly through it.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a diode?

The purpose of a diode is to only allow a current to flow in one direction.

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a diode.

The symbol for a diode is an arrow with a line at the tip across the wire, surrounded by a circle.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a light-emitting diode?

The purpose of a light-emitting diode is to emit light when a current travels across a certain direction.

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a light-emitting diode.

The symbol for a light-emitting diode is that of a diode, with 2 arrows pointing out towards the top right.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of an ammeter?

The purpose of an ammeter is to measure current.

[2.4]

How is an ammeter connected to a circuit?

An ammeter is connected in series to a circuit.

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for an ammeter.

The symbol for an ammeter is an 'A' surrounded by a circle.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a voltmeter?

[2.4]

How is a voltmeter connected to a circuit?

A voltmeter is connected in parallel to a circuit.

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a voltmeter.

The symbol for a voltmeter is a 'V' surrounded by a circle.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a fixed resistor?

The purpose of a fixed resistor is to provide a set amount of resistance.

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a fixed resistor.

The symbol for a fixed resistor is a rectangle with no wire passing through it.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a variable resistor?

The purpose of a variable resistor is to provide an easily modifiable amount of resistance.

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a variable resistor.

The symbol for a variable resistor is a rectangle with an arrow passing from the bottom left through to the top right.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a thermistor?

The purpose of a thermistor is to provide a varying amount of resistance based on temperature (where temperature and resistance have a negative correlation).

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a thermistor.

The symbol for a thermistor is a rectangle with a line travelling from the bottom left to the top right, with a small foot at the bottom.

[2.4]

What is the purpose of a light-dependant resistor?

The purpose of a light-dependant resistor is to provide a varying amount of resistance based on light (where light and resistance have a negative correlation).

[2.4]

Describe the symbol for a light-dependant resistor.

The symbol for a light-dependant resistor is a rectangle with no wire passing through, surrounded by a circle with 2 arrows pointing inwards at the top left.

[2.5]

What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?

Series circuits are comprised of a single wire loop, while parallel circuits have multiple.

[2.5]

Describe the potential difference and current across a series circuit.

In a series circuit:

- Current is constant

- Potential difference is shared across the components

[2.6]

Describe the potential difference and current across a parallel circuit.

In a parallel circuit:

- Current is shared across the components

- Potential difference is constant

[2.6]

How does resistance affect current across a path in a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, a higher resistance causes less current across that specific path.

[2.6]

How does the number of components in a parallel circuit affect total resistance?

As the number of components in a parallel circuit increases, the total resistance decreases as there are a greater number of paths for current to travel.

[2.6]

Give the 2 formulas for energy.

E = Pt

Energy = Power x Time

E = QV

Energy = Charge x Voltage

[2.7]

Give the 2 formulas for power.

P = IV

Power = Current x Voltage

P = I² x R

Power = Current² x Resistance

[2.8]

What is the National Grid?

The National Grid is the network of high-voltage power lines that distribute electricity.

[2.8]

How is electricity produced in power stations?

In power stations, electricity is produced through transferring thermal energy to electrical.

[2.8]

How does a high voltage reduce power loss in the National Grid?

In the National Grid, a high voltage compensates for a lower current; this is significant as lower currents generate less heat and therefore less resistance, meaning less electricity is lost to said resistance.

[2.9]

Give and describe the 2 types of current.

The 2 types of current are:

- Alternating (A.C), swaps between positive and negative

- Direct (D.C), constantly positive

[2.9]

Give the UK mains current type, frequency and voltage.

The UK mains supply is:

- Alternating current

- 50Hz

- 230V

[2.10]

Name the 3 wires and their colours within a plug.

Within a plug, there is a:

- Live wire (brown)

- Neutral wire (blue)

- Earth wire (green and yellow)

[2.10]

What is the purpose and voltage of the live wire?

The purpose of the live wire is to provide the electricity, with a voltage of 230V.

[2.10]

What is the purpose and voltage of the neutral wire?

The purpose of the neutral wire is to complete the circuit by carrying away a current, with a voltage of 0V.

[2.10]

What is the purpose and voltage of the earth wire?

The purpose of the earth wire is to stop the appliance becoming live in case of a fault through an alternative pathway, with a voltage of 0V.

[2.10]

Why is the live wire dangerous to touch?

The live wire is dangerous to touch as it has a large potential difference, and so touching it would cause a large current to flow through the person.

[2.11]

What is a surge?

A surge is a sudden increase in current.

[2.11]

What is the purpose of fuses and circuit breakers?

Fuses and circuit breakers break a circuit if the current reaches dangerously high levels, preventing it from flowing.

[2.11]

Describe a fuse.

A fuse is a thin wire that melts when too high of a current passes through it, breaking the circuit.

[2.11]

Describe a circuit breaker.

A circuit breaker is a component that trips when too high of a current passes through it, turning off the circuit and requiring a reset.

[2.11]

Give an advantage and disadvantage of fuses.

An advantage of fuses is that they are cheap and simple, however a disadvantage is that they must be replaced after being broken.

[2.11]

Give an advantage and disadvantage of circuit breakers.

An advantage of circuit breakers is that they are reusable after being tripped, however a disadvantage is that they are more expensive and complex than fuses.

[2.11]

How does double insulation prevent electric shocks?

Double insulation prevents electric shocks as plastic cannot conduct electricity, and so electricity can not be touched from the outer casing.

[2.12]

What is static electricity?

Static electricity is the build up of charge on materials, as electrons are transferred onto a material by friction and therefore causing a shift in charge.

[2.12]

How are sparks caused?

Sparks are caused by a build up of static electricity as the potential difference between the charged object and the Earth becomes too great.

[2.13]

Describe the field lines of a positive and negative electric field.

In an electric field:

- Positive, lines go out

- Negative, lines come in

[2.13]

What is an electrostatic force?

An electrostatic force is any force resulting from the interaction of electric charges.

[2.13]

What is ionisation in terms of electrical fields?

Ionisation is the process in which strong electrical fields can cause nearby air particles to ionise and lose electrons, forming positive particles that can conduct electricity.

[3.1]

Give the 3 states of matter.

Matter can either be a solid, liquid or gas.

[3.1]

What are the properties of a solid?

Solids main properties consist of:

- Strong forces

- Regular lattice structure

- Vibrating particles

[3.1]

What are the properties of a liquid?

Liquids main properties consist of:

- Average forces

- Fill a container

- Sliding particles

[3.1]

What are the properties of a gas?

Gases main properties consist of:

- Weak forces

- No structure

- Free-moving particles

[3.1]

What are the 2 processes by which solids and liquids interchange.

Solids and liquids interchange through melting and freezing.

[3.1]

What are the 2 processes by which liquids and gases interchange.

Liquids and gases interchange through evaporation and condensation.

[3.2]

Define density.

Density is the amount of mass in a substance per unit of volume.

[3.2]

Give the equation for density.

Density = Mass / Volume

[3.2]

Give the method for finding the density of a solid with a regular shape.

To find the density of a regular solid:

- Measure the mass via scales

- Calculate the volume of the object

- Use the formula to calculate density

[3.2]

Give the method for finding the density of a solid with no regular shape.

To find the density of an irregular solid:

- Set up a filled eureka can leading to a beaker

- Measure the mass via scales

- Add the object to the can and measure the volume of the water in the beaker

- Use the formula to calculate density