It is important that you can describe and explain how static electricity is used, or avoided, in some real-life situations. A good way to recall example uses and dangers is to start from what they have in common; The uses all exploit electrostatic forces, which may either attract or repel objects.The dangers all involve sparks. … Continue reading Static Electricity: Uses and Dangers
Equation Skills
One of the most important sets of skills you must have to succeed in GCSE Physics examinations is the ability to learn, understand and use equations. With that in mind, I am creating a series of study booklets that you can use to improve your expertise in these areas. The first installment, covering the equation … Continue reading Equation Skills
Levers and Gears
We have covered the theory of work done so now it’s time to look at some simple machines that trade force against distance to make tasks easier than they would otherwise be. In this post we will look at levers and gears, which "magnify" forces by moving a smaller force through a larger distance. This … Continue reading Levers and Gears
Energy is not Power!
Suppose that two identical twins decide to go upstairs in their house: one twin runs up the stairs whereas the other twin walks up the stairs. Which twin transfers the greatest amount of energy? Almost everybody says the twin who runs transfers more energy because she goes faster. This is a common misconception. In fact, … Continue reading Energy is not Power!
Work Done and GPE
The basics of energy stores and transfers are covered in a separate post (click here to refresh your memory if necessary). We now need to think specifically about ways in which energy can be transferred by the action of forces. For the purposes of GCSE Physics, we will restrict our thoughts to mechanical forces but … Continue reading Work Done and GPE
Energy Stores and Transfers
Energy is the property of a system that enables it to do work. This is often stated bluntly as; “energy makes thing work”. There is a fundamental law in physics, which states that the total amount of energy in a system always remains constant. Energy cannot be created and it cannot be destroyed. Energy can, … Continue reading Energy Stores and Transfers
Velocity-time graphs
We have extended our knowledge of graphs of motion by looking at velocity-time graphs. If you require more information then please read p23 in your CGP Complete Revision and Practice book (GCSE Edexcel Phyics). It is now time for you to test your knowledge and understanding. This is a compulsory homework task that you must … Continue reading Velocity-time graphs
Distance-Time graphs
We have covered the theory of distance-time graphs in class. If you require more information then please read p22 in your CGP Complete Revision and Practice book. It is now time for you to test your knowledge and understanding. This is a compulsory homework task that you must complete before your next Physics lesson. The … Continue reading Distance-Time graphs
“Equation triangles”
There are about 30 equations that you need to be able to use in the GCSE Physics course. You are required to remember most of these equations as only a few are guaranteed to be included in the formula sheet for the examination. As it happens, the exam board has, so far, provided most of … Continue reading “Equation triangles”
Scalars and Vectors
You must know the definitions of a scalar and a vector. A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude only (it has no direction). Common examples include; temperature, speed, mass and distance. A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Common examples include; forces, velocity, acceleration and electric current. There are a … Continue reading Scalars and Vectors
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