How long do you think it takes to get to cruising altitude on a long-haul flight? Aircraft travel has become so smooth that you could be forgiven for thinking that within 20 minutes, at the most, you're in level flight. And you would probably also think that the aircraft's speed is fairly constant from about … Continue reading Flight facts
physbang is back!
After a two-month break, I've decided to revive physbang - and with a refreshed design. There will still be posts of general interest but the focus for GCSE content will now be on AQA's Trilogy syllabus as that's the course I'm now teaching. My first new post is in hand and will appear very shortly...
What next?
Those of you who were in my last Y11 classes have now finished your GCSE Physics course but I hope this won't be the end of your physics learning. I've previously given some ideas about ways to extend your physics knowledge (see the Just for Fun category) and I'm going to give a few more … Continue reading What next?
Results week!
Earlier than usual, GCSE results will be announced on Thursday and I'm sorry that I won't be in school to see your reactions. Some of you will be delighted and some of you will be disappointed: that's always the way so please don't think this year is any different in that respect. Of course, this … Continue reading Results week!
Cool calculations
It's a hot day and you want a cold drink: how long will it take for your chosen beverage to be chilled to its ideal temperature? Fortunately, there's a neat little online calculator that will give you the answer and save you the effort of constantly checking to see whether the drink is ready to … Continue reading Cool calculations
Summer Challenge
You may have better things to do during the summer vacation but, in case you find yourself getting bored, I have an investigation that you might like to tackle. The work is open to all of my students, both those of you who are still studying the GCSE course and those who have just finished … Continue reading Summer Challenge
Energy: the biggest “big idea”
Physics, let alone all the sciences put together, covers such a vast range of knowledge that it's useful to identify a small number of "big ideas" that link across a greater number of concepts. And energy is undoubtedly the biggest of these "big ideas". When it comes to revising energy, the breadth of its impact … Continue reading Energy: the biggest “big idea”
Interpreting graphs
Graphs are a great way of presenting information in a format that is easy to understand but it's important you can describe them accurately as this skill is commonly tested in GCSE Physics papers and it ought to be an easy way to accumulate marks. I recommend a three-step approach, as outlined below. 1. Always … Continue reading Interpreting graphs
Resistance theory
Often it is true in physics that if you can understand one thing then it will automatically help you to understand something else. A good example of this occurs in resistance, where the model of resistance in a wire links directly to the behaviour of circuits that have resistors arranged either in series or in … Continue reading Resistance theory
Revision resources
If you are a member of one of my Y11 classes for 2020-1 then you'll now be on the final straight of your Physics studies. It's a slightly sad time for me because you are the last cohort taking the pure Physics course and I'm especially keen that you all do as well as you … Continue reading Revision resources
Mr Tarrant's physbang 'blog 