Y12 AS Physics Course 2014-2015

Ms. C. Hamnett

INTRODUCTION to the

AS-AQA Physics course 2014-2015

and

TASKS for the SUMMER

Date:

Student Name/Surname

Student Signature

Parent/Carer

Name/Surname

Parent/Carer Signature

Content: Page

1. Welcome……………………………………………………………………………… 2

2. COURSE STRUCTURE…………………………………………………………… 3

3. HOW TO GET READY…………………………………………………………… 5

4. SUMMER TASKS…………………………………………………………………. 6

4.1 Task 1 - Particles…………………………………………………………… 6

4.2 Task 2 - Electricity………………………………………………………… 7

5. Useful information……………………………………………………………… 8

6. Revision for TASK 1 – Particle Physics…………………………………… 9

7. Revision for TASK 2 – Electricity …………………………………………… 14

Y12 AS Physics Course 2014-2015

Ms. C. Hamnett

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1. WELCOME

Dear Student,

Welcome to the Y12 Physics course. Our exam board here in Cheney is AQA Physics

A and information about both structure and content is available on

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/a-level/physics-a-2450 and will shortly be

available online at www.kerboodle.com (you will need to get updated login

credentials to access this), and also on your school website www.cheney.oxon.sch.uk

(into student > science > your course…). The same websites will be populated with a

various resources, like summaries or revision guidance, which will help you

throughout the year in keeping your studies constantly up to date.

From September 2014, two specialist teachers will be in charge of your learning. We

will begin by studying Particle Physics (1.1) and Electricity (1.3).

Before September 2014, we expect you to have completed the tasks explained in

this document, which you will bring back to your teacher together with this

document signed by one of your parents.

We wish you all an exciting and successful first year of A-Level Physics.

Your teachers,

Ms. C. Hamnett [cha@cheney.oxon.sch.uk],

Please note that due to exam board changes, you will not be able to sit exams in

January: from September 2013, all the exams for AS and A2 Physics will take place

in June.

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Ms. C. Hamnett

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2. COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is structured as below:

Unit 1 PHYA1: Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity (spec. 3.1) Unit 2 PHYA2: Mechanics, Materials and Waves (spec. 3.2) Unit 3 PHYA3: Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics (spec. 3.3)

More in detail:

Unit 1 PHYA1 Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity

This module involves 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. In

contrast, the study of electricity in this module builds on and develops previous GCSE studies

and provides opportunities for practical work and looks into important applications.

1.1 Particles and Radiation Constituents of the atom Stable and unstable nuclei Particles, antiparticles and photons Particle interactions Classification of particles Quarks and anti-quarks

1.2 Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Phenomena The photoelectric effect Collisions of electrons with atoms Energy levels and photon emission Wave-particle duality

1.3 Current Electricity Charge, current and potential difference Current / voltage characteristics Resistivity Circuits Potential divider Electromotive force and internal resistance Alternating currents Oscilloscope

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Unit 2 PHYA2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves

This AS unit is about the principles and applications of mechanics, materials and waves. The

first section introduces vectors and then develops knowledge and understanding of forces

and energy from GCSE Additional Science. In the second section, materials are studied in

terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. The final section extends GCSE studies on

waves by developing in-depth knowledge of the characteristics, properties and applications

of waves, including refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference

2.1. Mechanics Scalars and Vectors Moments Motion along a straight line Projectile motion Newton’s laws of motion Work, Energy and Power Conservation of Energy

2.2. Materials Bulk properties of solids The Young modulus

2.3. Waves Progressive waves Longitudinal and transverse waves Refraction at a plane surface Superposition of waves, stationary waves Interference Diffraction

Unit 3 PHYA3 Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics Candidates should carry out experimental and investigative activities in order to develop

their practical skills. Experimental and investigative activities should be set in contexts

appropriate to, and reflect the demand of the AS content. These activities should allow

candidates to use their knowledge and understanding of Physics in planning, carrying out,

analysing and evaluating their work. The specifications for Units 1 and 2 provide a range of

different practical topics which may be used for experimental and investigative skills. The

experience of dealing with such activities will develop the skills required for the assessment

of these skills in the Unit. Examples of suitable experiments that could be considered

throughout the course will be provided in the Teachers’ Resource Bank. We use ISAs, the

Centre Assessed route.

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3. HOW TO GET READY

The Physics AS-course is a demanding one and we want you to be successful at it.

The following is a quick check list in order to get ready for September 2013.

Before the course:

1. Get familiar with the course content and its units/sub-units. A quick browse of

them here http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-2450-W-SP.PDF would be

ideal.

2. Complete your summer task as soon as possible. You are fresh from your exams

and it is now much easier for you to complete it sooner rather than later.

3. Get a solid ring-binder, some subject dividers and a refill pad for it (lined or

squared paper). This is necessary for the course to keep your notes organised.

During the course

1. Always stay on top of your course. Organize your timetable allowing lots of time

for reading over notes, practicing and revising.

2. Keep all the content of any of your subject in a single location/file.

3. Read around the subject – a reading list is available for you, and read the New

Scientist which we subscribe to here at school

4. Take part in the enrichment activities offered for free – there are Physics

Masterclasses, public lectures and trips galore including Stargazing and CERN,

linking to your course content so make the most of these opportunities.

5. Start a brand-new log of your activities, by creating a file in a word editor, and

updating it regularly, keeping track of your activities, studies, interests etc...

6. Use kerboodle, a resource for you to give you extra practice and help

7. Come to A-level club, held weekly in W10, to do homework ask questions and

get help and support.

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4. SUMMER TASKS

In September 2014, your AS Physics course will begin studying Unit 1.1 (Particles)

and Unit 1.3 (Electricity). You will have to complete 1 task for each topic, as outlined

below. In September, you are expected to bring back to school both tasks

completed, with the writing parts printed out and tucked in your folder/ring-binder,

together with a signed version of this document.

Every task is divided in 3 parts:

1) A revision task (GCSE based): to self-assess your confidence with the topic.

2) A research task: to exploit your independent study and writing skills.

3) An ICT task: designed to be peer-assessed and probe your presentation skills.

4.1 TASK 1: Particle Physics

Part 1 Short revision: RADIOACTIVE DECAY (Page 9-13)

Part 2 Research Task: WHAT’S INSIDE AN ATOMIC NUCLEUS?

What are the basic “ingredients” of matter? How did we discover them?

Research format: 2 sides of an A4 sheet, with NAME of the STUDENT, DATE

and TITLE at the top. Please do only use ARIAL 12pt and double space for the

document. If 2 sheets are used, please staple them together. Suggested

Sources:

http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk/STFC/16plus/partich1pg2.html

http://www.absorblearning.com/chemistry/demo/units/LR302.html

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-nucleus-the-center-of-an-atom.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_nucleus

Part 3 Create a PRESENTATION with PowerPoint (or similar: max 3 slides), to show

the results of your RESEARCH to your class. Please follow the guidelines below

[PRESENTATION GUIDELINES].

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4.2 TASK 2: ELECTRICITY

Part 1 Short revision: SIMPLE CIRCUITS (page 14)

Part 2 Research Task: WHAT ARE CURRENT AND VOLTAGE AND HOW DO WE

MODEL THEM? Compare different models of current flowing in a circuit and

discuss briefly pros and cons.

Research format: 2 sides of an A4 sheet, with NAME of the STUDENT, DATE

and TITLE at the top. Please do only use ARIAL 12pt and double space for the

document. If 2 sheets are used, please staple them together. Suggested

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel_pre_2011/electricityintheory/v

oltagecurrentresistancerev2.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ocr_gateway_pre_2011/living_future/3_

fuels_for_power1.shtml

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvcwCttJjtI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity

Part 3 Create a PRESENTATION with PowerPoint (or similar: max 3 slides), to show

the results of your RESEARCH to your class. Please follow the guidelines below

[PRESENTATION GUIDELINES].

PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

Create a PRESENTATION with PowerPoint (or similar: max 3 slides), to show the results

of your RESEARCH to your class.

The presentation must follow these guidelines:

1) Duration between 3 to 6 minutes.

2) Not too much text on the slides.

3) An introduction, an explanation and a conclusive assessment of your peers

understanding (i.e. a summative question).

4) A final OPEN question, opening to debate/discussion would be ideal.

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5. Useful Info

We use a wide range of textbooks and online resources during the course. You will

be able to access online the AQA textbooks for AS Physics by logging in

www.kerboodle.com. However, if you still feel the need of a printed textbook you

might want to have a look at the following ones:

- CGP

- Advanced Physics for You

- AQA Nelson Thornes book – some samples will be shown to you in class.

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6. Revision for PARTICLES [ATOMIC STRUCTURE and DECAY]

Q1.The ‘plum pudding’ model of the atom was used by scientists in the early part of the 20th century to explain atomic structure.

(a) Those scientists knew that atoms contained electrons and that the electrons had a negative charge. They also knew that an atom was electrically neutral overall.

What did this allow the scientists to deduce about the ‘pudding’ part of the atom?

...................................................................................................

.....................

...................................................................................................

.....................(1)

(b) An experiment, designed to investigate the ‘plum pudding’ model, involved firing alpha particles at a thin gold foil.

If the ‘plum pudding’ model was correct, then most of the alpha particles would go straight through the gold foil. A few would be deflected, but by less than 4 °. The results of the experiment were unexpected. Although most of the alpha particles did go straight through the gold foil, about 1 in every 8 000 was deflected by more than 90 °.

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Why did this experiment lead to a new model of the atom, called the nuclear model, replacing the ‘plum pudding’ model?

...................................................................................................

.....................

...................................................................................................

.....................(1)

(c) The diagram shows the paths, A, B and C, of three alpha particles. The

total number of alpha particles deflected through each angle is also given.

(i) Using the nuclear model of the atom, explain the three paths, A, B and C.

A

..........................................................................................

B

..........................................................................................

C ..........................................................................................

(3)

(ii) Using the nuclear model, the scientist E. Rutherford devised an equation to predict the proportion of alpha particles that would be deflected through various angles.

The results of the experiment were the same as the predictions made by Rutherford.

What was the importance of the experimental results and the predictions being the same?

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................................................................................(1) (Total 6 marks) Q2.(a) Atoms of the isotope bismuth-212 decay by emitting either an alpha particle or a beta particle. The equation represents what happens when an atom of bismuth-212 decays by beta emission into an atom of polonium-212.

(i) The bismuth atom and the polonium atom have the same mass number (212).

What is the mass number of an atom?

.......................................................................................... (1)

(ii) Beta decay does not cause the mass number of an

atom to change.

Explain why not.

......................................................................................... (2)

(b) When an atom of bismuth-212 emits an alpha particle, the atom decays into an atom of thallium.

An alpha particle is the same as a helium nucleus. The symbol below represents an alpha particle.

(i) The equation below represents the alpha decay of bismuth-212.

Complete the equation by writing the correct number in each of the two boxes.

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(2)

(ii) It is impossible for the alpha decay of bismuth-212 to produce the same element as the beta decay of bismuth-212.

Explain why.

.......................................................................................... (2) (Total 7 marks)

Q3. When the nucleus of a radium-225 atom decays, it changes

into a nucleus of actinium-225.

What type of radiation is emitted by radium-225?

Explain the reason for your answer.

........................................................................................................... (Total 3 marks)

Q4. The diagrams show two different models of an atom.

‘Plum pudding’ model Model used today

(a) The particles labelled ‘Xߣ in the plum pudding model are also included in the model of the atom used today.

What are the particles labelled ‘X’ ?

..................................................

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(1)

(b) Scientists decided that the ‘plum pudding’ model was wrong and needed replacing.

Which one of the following statements gives a reason for

deciding that a scientific model needs replacing?

Tick ( ) one box.

The model is too simple.

The model has been used by scientists for a long time.

The model cannot explain the results from a new experiment.

(1)

(c) The table gives information about the three types of particle that are in the model of the atom used today.

Particle Relative mass Relative charge

1 +1

very small –1

1 0

Complete the table by adding the names of the particles. (2) (Total 4 marks)

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7. Revision for ELECTRICITY

Q1. The drawing shows a 230 V electric light bulb.

The filament is made of high-resistance wire. The connecting wires in the light bulb have a low resistance.

(a) The light bulb is switched on. Explain what happens when there is current in the filament.

.................................................................................................. (2)

(b) Why must the connecting wires have a low resistance?

.................................................................................................. (1)

(c) State two properties of glass that make it a good material to support the connecting wires. Choose your answers from the words in the box.

conductor insulator opaque soft

strong transparent weak

(2) (Total 5 marks)

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Q2. (a) The diagram shows the voltage-current graphs for three

different electrical components.

Which one of the components A, B or C could be a 3 volt

filament lamp? Explain the reason for your choice.

.................................................................................................. (3)

(b) Using the correct symbols draw a circuit diagram to show how a battery, ammeter and voltmeter can be used to find the resistance of the wire shown.

(3)

(c) When correctly connected to a 9 volt battery the wire has a current of 0.30 amperes flowing through it.

(i) Give the equation that links current, resistance and voltage.

.......................................................................................... (1)

(ii) Calculate the resistance of the wire. Show clearly how you work out your answer and give the unit.

..........................................................................................

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Resistance = ......................................................... (3)

(iii) When the wire is heated, the current goes down to 0.26 amperes. State how the resistance of the wire has changed.

......................................................................................... (1)

(Total 11 marks)

Q3. During car journeys, the driver will often become

electrostatically charged. This is more noticeable on dry days than on damp, humid days.

(a) Explain what happens to cause the driver to become charged.

.................................................................................................. (2)

(b) Scientists were asked to find out whether the build-up of charge on the driver depends on the type of material used to make the driver’s clothes. The results of the investigation are given in the table.

Material Humidity Temperature in C Charge on the driver

in millicoulombs

Nylon 48% 18 3.0 to 3.2

Wool 48% 18 2.4 to 2.5

Cotton 48% 18 1.4 to 1.7

Humidity is a measure of how much water vapour the air can hold.

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(i) Why was it important that the scientists controlled the humidity?

......................................................................................... (1)

(ii) Does the data in the table show that the charge on the driver would always be less if they were to wear cotton clothing?

Give a reason for your answer.

......................................................................................... (1)

(Total 4 marks)

Q4. The diagram shows a simple type of car rear window heater.

The six heating elements are exactly the same.

Each heating element has a resistance of 5 Ω. The current passing through each element is 0.4 A.

(i) Calculate the total resistance of the six heating elements.

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

..................................................................................................

Total resistance = .............................. ohms (2)

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(ii) Why is the current passing through each element the same?

.................................................................................................. (1)

(iii) What is the total current passing through the whole circuit?

.................................................................................................. (1)

(iv) How is the 12 volt potential difference of the car battery shared between the six heating elements?

……………………………………….................................... (1)

(Total 5 marks)

Q5. A small torch uses a single cell to make the bulb light up.

(a) Label the symbol for a cell and the symbol for a bulb (lamp)

(2)

(b) The graphs show the voltage across two different types of cell as they transfer the last bit of their stored energy through the torch bulb.

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Describe the differences that the graphs show between the two types of cell.

.................................................................................................. (3)

(c) The diagram shows how bright the torch bulb is for different voltages.

From the point when the voltage of each cell starts to fall, how long will the bulb stay lit:

(i) with the ordinary cell?

..........................................................................................

(ii) with the nicad cell?

.......................................................................................... (4)

(Total 9 marks)

Q6. (a) An appliance in a house has a transformer. The

transformer is used to reduce the voltage to the level needed by the appliance.

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The diagram shows the transformer.

(i) Name the material used for the core of the transformer.

.......................................................................................... (1)

(ii) The transformer has 10 000 turns on the input side and 2000 turns on the output side. If the mains voltage of 240 volts is applied to the input,

calculate the output voltage. You may find the following information helpful:

.......................................................................................... (3)

(b) Explain, in terms of magnetic fields, how a transformer works.

.................................................................................................. (4)

(c) A 12 V car battery is connected to the input leads of the transformer. It is hoped to reduce the voltage to 2.4 V in order to run a small motor. When the output voltage is measured it is found to be zero.

Explain why the output voltage is zero.

.................................................................................................. (2)

(Total 10 marks)

Q7. The diagram shows the fuel gauge assembly in a car.

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• The sliding contact touches a coil of wire and moves over it. • The sliding contact and the coil form a variable resistor. • The sliding contact is connected to a float via a pivot. • The fuel gauge indicator is an ammeter. • When the petrol level changes, the resistance of the circuit

changes. • This causes the pointer in the fuel gauge indicator to move.

(a) Use standard symbols to draw a circuit diagram for the fuel gauge assembly.

(3)

(b) How will the current in the circuit change as the level of petrol in the tank falls?

..................................................................................................

Explain the reason for your answer.

.................................................................................................. (2)

(Total 5 marks)