Ernest Rutherford is credited with proving that atoms have a small, dense and positively charged nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons. To be exact, it was Ernest Marsden who carried out the very first version of the famous gold foil experiment while working under the direction of Rutherford and Hans Geiger. Rutherford was not even … Continue reading Rutherford’s Gold Foil Experiment
Experimental data
One of the most important skills that is required for success in physics is the ability to handle experimental data in an appropriate way. This includes everything from correct use of units and equations to identifying anomalies, finding averages and recording calculations with the proper number of significant figures. All of these skills are tested … Continue reading Experimental data
SP8-9 Forces Doing Work (mini-test)
The first module of Y11 is now complete and to help you prepare for the assessment I have created a mini-test, complete with mark scheme and explanation. You can access the test by clicking here and the mark scheme is here. Work through the questions then check your answers to spot any errors or misconceptions … Continue reading SP8-9 Forces Doing Work (mini-test)
Forces moving forces
The idea of work done can be extremely useful when designing machines that make life easier and sometimes even enable us to do things that are "impossible". For example, it is fair to say that most humans are not capable of lifting masses of a tonne (1000 kg) or more. And yet that is indeed … Continue reading Forces moving forces
Is there anybody out there?
Nobody knows whether there is intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe, and some people joke that it may not even exist here on Earth, but it's still interesting to consider the probability of there being extra-terrestrial life out in space. The long-established basis for calculating the likelihood of Earthlings detecting radio signals from life elsewhere … Continue reading Is there anybody out there?
Paper-based exams in November
In advance of next week's GCSE results, Edexcel has announced details of real GCSE examinations that you will be able to take during November. This is important because if you want to take advantage of that opportunity then you must start preparing NOW! Send me an email as soon as possible if you think this … Continue reading Paper-based exams in November
Keep the cogs turning!
The phenomenon of "learning loss" during the long summer holidays is well known so to keep your physics cogs turning, here's a brief challenge. I took my camera to the Five Mile Road on Saturday and photographed cars going past. The camera was set to 5fps so every sixth picture should have been recorded exactly … Continue reading Keep the cogs turning!
Home Study Projects
Constantly going over things that you have already learned can get a bit boring so if you want to extend your knowledge over the summer holiday then it's a good idea to do so using some fresh material. Finding suitable resources can be tricky so let me suggest some materials that are provided online at … Continue reading Home Study Projects
Driven to Succeed?
New research published today (20th July) suggests that GCSE students who are determined to do well are more likely to achieve higher levels of success. This may be stating the obvious but let's not underestimate what it means... If you are moving from Y10 to Y11 after three months of disrupted schooling then there is … Continue reading Driven to Succeed?
Black Holes
In our course, we cover Black Holes only as the final product of a collapsed super-massive star but if you want to know more about these fascinating objects then I highly recommend the ten-minute video by Perimeter Institute. To view the video, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfdviKnUZOA&list=PL1608DAAD37A04B35 The same collection of videos also has a great six-minute … Continue reading Black Holes
Mr Tarrant's physbang 'blog 