Physics
IGCSE · 32 topics available
Chapter 1 · Motion, Forces and Energy
Physical Quantities and Measurement
Measuring physical quantities with SI units and suitable instruments, and telling scalars from vectors.
OpenSpeed, Velocity and Acceleration
How distance, time and direction define speed, velocity and acceleration, read from motion graphs.
OpenMass and Weight
Mass is the matter in an object; weight is the gravitational force on it, linked by W = mg.
OpenDensity
Density is mass per unit volume (ρ = m/V); it decides whether objects float or sink.
OpenForces and Their Effects
Forces change shape, speed or direction; a resultant force gives acceleration via F = ma.
OpenTurning Effect of Forces (Moments)
A moment is the turning effect of a force: moment = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot.
OpenMomentum
Momentum is mass in motion (p = mv). In collisions and explosions total momentum is conserved.
OpenEnergy Stores and Transfers
Energy is stored in different ways and transferred between stores. It is conserved — never created or destroyed.
OpenWork and Power
Work is energy transferred by a force (W = Fd). Power is the rate of doing work (P = W/t).
OpenEnergy Resources
Energy resources can be renewable or non-renewable. Most electricity comes from generators driven by different sources.
OpenPressure
Pressure is force per unit area (p = F/A). In liquids, pressure increases with depth (p = ρgh).
OpenChapter 2 · Thermal Physics
Kinetic Particle Model of Matter
Matter is made of tiny particles in constant motion. Their arrangement and energy explain solids, liquids and gases.
OpenThermal Expansion of Matter
How solids, liquids and gases expand when heated, why it happens at particle level, and its everyday uses and problems.
OpenSpecific Heat Capacity
The energy needed to heat a substance, the equation Q = mcDT, and why water heats and cools slowly.
OpenMelting, Boiling and Evaporation
Changes of state, why temperature stays constant during them, and how evaporation differs from boiling and cools things.
OpenThermal Conduction, Convection and Radiation
The three ways thermal energy is transferred, how each works at particle level, and everyday examples like the vacuum flask.
OpenChapter 3 · Waves
General Properties of Waves
Transverse and longitudinal waves, the terms amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period, and the equation v = f lambda.
OpenReflection and Refraction of Light
The law of reflection, images in a plane mirror, refraction when light changes speed, and refractive index n = sin i / sin r.
OpenThin Converging Lenses
How a convex lens refracts light to form real and virtual images, and how magnification is calculated.
OpenThe Electromagnetic Spectrum
The family of transverse EM waves, their order by frequency, shared properties and everyday uses.
OpenSound
Sound as a longitudinal wave: how it travels, its speed, pitch, loudness, hearing range and echoes.
OpenChapter 4 · Electricity and Magnetism
Magnetism
Magnetic poles and fields, magnetic materials, permanent versus temporary magnets, and electromagnets.
OpenElectric Charge
Positive and negative charge, charging by friction, conductors and insulators, and the equation Q = It.
OpenCurrent, Voltage and Resistance
Current, voltage and resistance defined and measured, Ohm's law V = IR, and series and parallel circuits.
OpenElectrical Circuits and Components
How components join in series or parallel, and how ammeters, voltmeters, diodes, thermistors and LDRs behave.
OpenElectrical Safety
Fuses, circuit breakers, the earth wire and correct plug wiring keep people safe from shock and fire.
OpenElectromagnetic Effects
Electromagnetic induction, the motor effect, Fleming's left-hand rule and how transformers change AC voltages.
OpenChapter 5 · Nuclear Physics
The Nuclear Atom
Protons, neutrons and electrons; proton and nucleon number; isotopes; and Rutherford's nuclear model of the atom.
OpenRadioactivity
Alpha, beta and gamma radiation: their nature, penetration, ionising power, deflection and decay equations.
OpenHalf-Life
Half-life as the time for half the nuclei (or activity) to decay, with calculations, becquerels and dating.
OpenChapter 6 · Space Physics
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