Mini Physics updates
Updated
New and updated lessons, practice and pages, newest first.
- Circular motionHub · H2 Physics
Connect radians and angular velocity to inward acceleration, then build force models for level bends, banked bends and vertical circles.
- Circular-motion force modelsLesson · H2 Physics
Build circular-motion force models from real interactions, a radial direction and Newton's second law.
- Radians and angular displacementLesson · H2 Physics
Track angular displacement in radians and calculate arc distance, including motion that reverses direction.
- Centripetal acceleration and resultant forceLesson · H2 Physics
Explain inward acceleration in uniform circular motion and apply a = v²/r = rω² and the corresponding resultant-force equations.
- Angular speed, period and frequencyLesson · H2 Physics
Connect angular speed to period, frequency and tangential speed, and distinguish it from signed angular velocity.
- Elastic and inelastic collisionsLesson · H2 Physics
Compare elastic and sticking collisions, use signed momentum and relative speeds, and distinguish contact impulse from total momentum change.
- D.C. CircuitsHub · H2 Physics
A Level D.C. Circuits hub covering circuit diagrams, resistance and I–V curves, internal resistance, resistor networks, potential dividers, capacitors and RC transients.
- Capacitor networks: charge and voltage sharingLesson · H2 Physics
Find the combined capacitance of capacitors in series and parallel, and solve charge/voltage distribution problems (A Level Physics).
- Circuit symbols and meter connectionsLesson · H2 Physics
Recall A Level circuit symbols and draw or interpret diagrams containing sources, meters, resistors, sensors, diodes and capacitors.
- Resistance, resistivity and I–V characteristicsLesson · H2 Physics
Define resistance, use V = IR and R = ρL/A, interpret resistor and filament-lamp I–V characteristics, and explain the temperature effect in metals.
- Internal resistance and terminal p.d.Lesson · H2 Physics
Relate e.m.f., terminal potential difference and internal resistance using V = ε − Ir, and solve power/efficiency problems for sources (A Level Physics).
- Kirchhoff's First LawLesson · H2 Physics
Apply Kirchhoff’s first law (sum of currents at a junction is zero) to solve circuit junction current problems (A Level Physics).
- Kirchhoff's Second LawLesson · H2 Physics
Apply Kirchhoff’s second law (sum of potential changes around a closed loop is zero) using a clear sign convention for e.m.f. and resistors (A Level Physics).
- Potential dividers and sensor outputsLesson · H2 Physics
Use the potential divider relationship to find output voltages in series resistor networks, including thermistor and LDR sensing circuits (A Level Physics).
- RC charging and dischargingLesson · H2 Physics
Use τ = RC and exponential equations to describe and calculate how charge, current and capacitor voltage change in RC charging/discharging circuits (A Level Physics).
- Resistors in series and parallelLesson · H2 Physics
Calculate combined resistance for series and parallel resistor networks and solve one-source circuits using current and potential-difference relationships.
- Thermistors, diodes and conductionLesson · H2 Physics
Explain why semiconductor resistivity decreases with temperature and interpret the I–V characteristics of an NTC thermistor and semiconductor diode.
- A source charging a batteryLesson · H2 Physics
Solve a charging circuit with internal resistances using Kirchhoff’s laws, then find power supplied by the source and power absorbed by the recharged battery (A Level Physics).
- A multi-loop bridge circuitLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Solve a bridge circuit using Kirchhoff’s laws to find branch currents, V_ab, and the equivalent resistance (A Level Physics).
- Opposing sources in a single loopLesson · H2 Physics
Solve a single-loop circuit with multiple sources and internal resistances using Kirchhoff’s second law, then find V_ab and power supplied/absorbed by each source (A Level Physics).
- Electric FieldsHub · H2 Physics
A Level Physics electric fields hub: Coulomb's Law, electric potential, uniform fields, and capacitance.
- Acceleration Due to an Electric FieldLesson · H2 Physics
Use F = qE and a = qE/m for charged particles in uniform fields, including kinematics and energy methods (A Level Physics).
- CapacitanceLesson · H2 Physics
Use C = Q/V and the V–Q graph area to solve capacitance and energy stored in a capacitor questions (A Level Physics).
- Coulomb's LawLesson · H2 Physics
Use Coulomb’s law to calculate the electric force between point charges, including direction (attraction/repulsion) and inverse-square scaling (A Level Physics).
- Electric Field Strength of a Point ChargeLesson · H2 Physics
Define electric field strength, calculate the field due to point charges, determine direction, and apply vector superposition.
- Electric PotentialLesson · H2 Physics
Define electric potential as work done per unit charge from infinity, use V = (1/4πϵ0)Q/r, and apply E = −dV/dr (A Level Physics).
- Electric Potential EnergyLesson · H2 Physics
Relate electric potential energy to potential using U = qV, use U = kQq/r for point charges, and apply work–energy links for moving charges (A Level Physics).
- Equipotential LinesLesson · H2 Physics
Explain equipotential lines/surfaces, relate them to electric field lines, and use E as the negative potential gradient (A Level Physics).
- Uniform Electric Fields (Parallel Plates)Lesson · H2 Physics
Use E = V/d and F = qE to analyse uniform electric fields and the motion of charged particles between parallel plates (A Level Physics).
- Electromagnetic forcesHub · H2 Physics
A Level Electromagnetic Forces hub covering fields due to currents, forces on wires and moving charges, current balances, particle deflection and velocity selection.
- Current Balance (Measuring Magnetic Flux Density)Lesson · H2 Physics
Use a current balance to measure magnetic flux density B from mass changes, including reversed-current readings, correct directions and units (A Level Physics).
- Charged-particle deflection in electric and magnetic fieldsLesson · H2 Physics
Analyse charged-particle beam deflection in uniform electric and magnetic fields using qE, B|q| v and circular/projectile motion methods (A Level Physics).
- Magnetic Fields Due to CurrentsLesson · H2 Physics
Use standard results for B due to a long straight wire, circular coil centre and long solenoid, and solve B and force-per-length questions (A Level Physics).
- Magnetic Flux DensityLesson · H2 Physics
Define magnetic flux density B in tesla, use F = BIl sinθ, and solve force and B calculations for wires in magnetic fields (A Level Physics).
- Charged-particle motion in a magnetic fieldLesson · H2 Physics
Use F = B|q| v sinθ and circular-motion ideas to analyse the motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field, including helical paths (A Level Physics).
- Velocity selection with crossed fieldsLesson · H2 Physics
Use crossed electric and magnetic fields to select particles of speed v = E/B, with clear force directions and exam-style calculations (A Level Physics).
- Electromagnetic InductionHub · H2 Physics
A Level Electromagnetic Induction hub covering magnetic flux and linkage, Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws, motional e.m.f., simple applications and ideal transformers.
- 7 steps to solving electromagnetic induction problemsLesson · H2 Physics
Choose average or instantaneous e.m.f., apply Lenz’s law with a defined view, and check the geometry of moving-rod calculations in A Level Physics.
- Eddy CurrentsLesson · H2 Physics
Explain how eddy currents are induced by changing flux, why they cause heating and magnetic braking, and how lamination/slits reduce losses (A Level Physics).
- Electric guitar pickups: turning vibration into a signalLesson · H2 Physics
Explain a magnetic guitar pickup using changing flux linkage, and relate string motion to induced e.m.f. with a clearly stated small-motion model.
- E.m.f. Induced in a Moving ConductorLesson · H2 Physics
Derive and use ε = Blv for a straight conductor moving in a uniform magnetic field, including direction via Fleming’s right-hand rule (A Level Physics).
- Transformer losses and imperfect couplingLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Distinguish winding and core heating from imperfect magnetic coupling, calculate efficiency, and explain loss-reduction features (A Level Physics).
- Faraday's and Lenz's LawsLesson · H2 Physics
Use Faraday’s law ε = −d(NΦ)/dt and Lenz’s law to find induced e.m.f. and predict its direction from changing flux linkage (A Level Physics).
- Features of an A.C. TransformerLesson · H2 Physics
Identify transformer parts and use the ideal transformer ratios Vs/Vp = Ns/Np and VpIp = VsIs to solve basic transformer questions (A Level Physics).
- Residual-current protection: detecting a leakage pathLesson · H2 Physics
Explain how a current-transformer sensor detects imbalance, distinguish instantaneous and r.m.s. currents, and state the limits of residual-current protection.
- Induction StoveLesson · H2 Physics
Explain eddy-current heating in an induction pan, distinguish conductivity from cookware compatibility, and use clearly stated heating models in A Level Physics.
- Magnetic FluxLesson · H2 Physics
Define magnetic flux Φ and flux linkage NΦ, use Φ = BA cosθ and NΦ = NBA cosθ, and interpret surface orientation and calculate signed flux (A Level Physics).
- Movement sensors: from motion to an induction signalLesson · H2 Physics
Explain how movement sensors use changing flux linkage to induce an e.m.f., and how signal size depends on the rate of change (A Level Physics).
- Power DistributionLesson · H2 Physics
Use P = VI and Ploss = I²R to explain high-voltage transmission and solve questions on transmission current, power loss and efficiency (A Level Physics).
- Ideal Transformer Operation and RatiosLesson · H2 Physics
Explain how an a.c. transformer works via changing flux and Faraday’s law, and use Vs/Vp = Ns/Np with power conservation in exam problems (A Level Physics).
- Eddy-current rail braking: force, speed and energyLesson · H2 Physics
Explain how a moving field pattern induces braking currents, account for the lost kinetic energy, and state the limits of a low-speed model.
- Nuclear physicsHub · H2 Physics
H2 Physics lessons and revision covering nuclear structure, radioactive decay, beta decay, mass–energy, binding energy, fission, fusion and radiation hazards.
- Radioactive decay calculations: activity and half-lifeReference · H2 Physics
Connect radioactive activity to undecayed nuclei, use exponential decay and half-life, and interpret background-corrected graphs.
- Atomic mass and the mass unit uLesson · H2 Physics
Distinguish nucleon number, isotopic mass and relative atomic mass; convert between atomic mass units and kilograms.
- Binding energy: separation energy and mass defectLesson · H2 Physics
Define nuclear binding energy, relate it to mass defect using E_b = Δm c^2, and use it to compare nuclear stability (A Level Physics).
- Binding energy per nucleon: curve and reaction practiceLesson · H2 Physics
Read the binding-energy-per-nucleon curve, distinguish averages from totals and compare complete fusion and fission energy accounts.
- Fission chain reactionsLesson · H2 Physics
Distinguish emitted neutrons from successful fission triggers, calculate a simple next-generation count and compare moderator, control-rod and coolant roles.
- Fusion conditionsLesson · H2 Physics
Explain Coulomb repulsion, temperature, density and confinement, and distinguish fusion energy per event from reaction rate and nuclear power.
- Mass defect: choose the right massesLesson · H2 Physics
Choose consistent nuclear or atomic masses, calculate mass defect and convert it to binding energy with the correct units.
- Mass–energy equivalence: calculate energy changesLesson · H2 Physics
Use mass–energy equivalence to calculate nuclear energy changes, check units and signs, and scale energy per reaction to energy per kilogram of fuel.
- Beta decay and the antineutrino: conservation practiceLesson · H2 Physics
Explain why beta particles have a continuous range of kinetic energies and how the antineutrino preserves energy and momentum in beta-minus decay.
- Nuclear fissionLesson · H2 Physics
Balance fission equations, explain energy release using total binding energy and calculate how many fissions supply a given energy.
- Nuclear fusionLesson · H2 Physics
Balance fusion equations, compare total binding energies and calculate the energy released in deuterium–tritium fusion using consistent masses.
- Nuclear reaction equations: counts and energy checksLesson · H2 Physics
Balance nuclear equations using nucleon number and charge, then use rest-mass differences to interpret energy release or input.
- Alpha-particle scattering and evidence for the nucleusLesson · H2 Physics
Connect alpha-particle scattering observations to the nuclear model, and explain why rare large turns require a compact, massive scattering centre.
- Random decay and count-rate measurementsLesson · H2 Physics
Explain fluctuating radioactive counts, distinguish count rate from activity, and correct for background using matching time units.
- The nuclear atom and nuclide notationLesson · H2 Physics
Read proton and nucleon numbers, identify isotopes, and count electrons in neutral atoms and ions.
- OscillationsHub · H2 Physics
Build the SHM restoring model, read motion and energy graphs, then compare damping and steady forced response.
- DampingLesson · H2 Physics
Describe damping as energy loss in oscillations, compare light/critical/heavy damping, and explain why critical damping is useful (A Level Physics).
- Natural and driving frequencyLesson · H2 Physics
Define natural and driving frequency, distinguish free from forced oscillations, and identify the steady forced-response frequency (A Level Physics).
- Periodic motion and oscillation quantitiesLesson · H2 Physics
Describe free oscillations, define period, frequency, angular frequency and phase, and plan reliable timing measurements (A Level Physics).
- ResonanceLesson · H2 Physics
Explain resonance using forced oscillations, interpret amplitude–frequency response curves, and discuss useful vs dangerous resonance (A Level Physics).
- SHM graphs and phaseLesson · H2 Physics
Use and interpret x–t, v–t and a–t relationships in simple harmonic motion, including phase and phase difference (A Level Physics).
- Simple harmonic motionLesson · H2 Physics
Use the defining equation a = −ω²x, apply SHM displacement/velocity relations, and describe energy changes in SHM (A Level Physics).
- Projectile MotionLesson · H2 Physics
Use perpendicular components to calculate ideal projectile motion, horizontal range and maximum height.
- Quantum PhysicsHub · H2 Physics
A Level Quantum Physics hub covering photons, matter waves, wavefunctions, uncertainty, the infinite square well and atomic line spectra.
- Bohr’s historical model and atomic transitionsLesson · H2 Physics
Use Bohr’s one-electron model to understand discrete energy levels, recognise its limits, and calculate photon energy from a permitted level gap.
- How a Coolidge X-ray tube worksLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Follow thermionic emission, electron acceleration and target interactions in a Coolidge X-ray tube, and distinguish voltage from tube current (optional H2 extension).
- Einstein’s equation and stopping potentialLesson · H2 Physics
Calculate maximum photoelectron energy and stopping potential, and interpret threshold, gradient and extrapolated intercepts.
- Electron diffraction and single-particle interferenceLesson · H2 Physics
Explain electron diffraction, individual detections and two-path interference, and distinguish smaller diffraction angles from reduced fringe contrast.
- Hydrogen energy levels and photon transitionsLesson · H2 Physics
Read negative hydrogen energies, calculate transition and ionisation energies, and explain how a spectral series approaches its wavelength limit.
- Why continuous energy transfer misses the photoelectric evidenceLesson · H2 Physics
Compare continuous-absorption predictions with photoelectric observations and explain the evidence using photons.
- Continuous and characteristic X-ray spectraLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Learn how an X-ray spectrum forms: continuous bremsstrahlung plus characteristic lines, and how accelerating voltage sets the cut-off wavelength (optional enrichment for A Level Physics).
- Heisenberg uncertainty: spreads and estimatesLesson · H2 Physics
Relate localisation to momentum spread, use the H2 uncertainty estimate, and distinguish a scale estimate from an exact statistical bound.
- Emission and absorption line spectraLesson · H2 Physics
Connect spectral lines to permitted level gaps, distinguish emission from absorption, and use the occupied initial state to select possible transitions.
- Photoelectric observations and controlled comparisonsLesson · H2 Physics
Distinguish photoelectric observations from photon explanations, and compare intensity, frequency, current and stopping potential.
- Particle in a box: standing waves and energy levelsLesson · H2 Physics
Use boundary nodes to derive infinite-well states and energies, interpret probability density, and compare level spacing and confinement.
- Photoelectric effect and threshold frequencyLesson · H2 Physics
Explain photoelectric emission using photon energy, threshold frequency and the different effects of intensity and frequency.
- Quantum TunnellingLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Understand quantum tunnelling as a wavefunction effect: finite transmission through a potential barrier even when energy is below barrier height (optional enrichment for A Level Physics).
- Reflection and transmission of matter wavesLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Understand reflection and transmission of a matter wave at a potential barrier, including reflection and transmission probabilities (optional enrichment for A Level Physics).
- Scanning tunnelling microscopeLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
See how a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) uses electron tunnelling current to map conducting surfaces with near-atomic resolution (optional enrichment for A Level Physics).
- Wavefunctions and the Schrödinger equationLesson · H2 Physics
Understand what the wavefunction represents, how probability density works, and how to normalise simple wavefunctions; Schrödinger equation is included as optional context (A Level Physics).
- Explaining photoelectric emission with photonsLesson · H2 Physics
Follow energy in one photon interaction and explain the threshold, prompt emission, maximum electron energy and emission rate.
- Wave–particle evidence and de Broglie wavelengthLesson · H2 Physics
Connect localised detections with wave patterns, calculate photon and matter wavelengths, and distinguish their energy–momentum relations.
- Wavefunction & Probability Density (Normalisation)Lesson · H2 Physics
Use |ψ|^2 as a probability density and calculate normalisation constants for square and sinusoidal wavefunctions (A Level Physics).
- X-ray photon energy limitsLesson · A-Level H2 Physics topic extensions / GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Use electron energy gain eV to calculate maximum X-ray photon energy and frequency, minimum wavelength and the voltage needed for a chosen cut-off (optional H2 extension).
- Waves and superpositionHub · H2 Physics
A Level Physics waves hub: wave graphs, phase, intensity, polarisation, superposition, interference, diffraction and standing waves.
- Diffraction through gaps and around edgesLesson · H2 Physics
Explain diffraction as spreading of waves, and predict when diffraction is significant using the wavelength-to-aperture size idea (A Level Physics).
- Diffraction grating calculationsLesson · H2 Physics
Use the diffraction grating equation d sinθ = nλ, convert line density to grating spacing, and find maximum order (A Level Physics).
- Intensity ratios and spherical spreadingLesson · H2 Physics
Define intensity as power per unit area, use I ∝ A², and apply the inverse-square law for point sources (A Level Physics).