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”
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
Compare and Contrast
A really useful revision tactic (and also quite a common type of exam question) involves looking at the differences that exist between two related things in the same area of physics. These comparisons can be very simple, such as the definitions of scalars and vectors, or they can be more complicated, such as competing theories … Continue reading Compare and Contrast
Happy Holidays!
It's tempting to think that happiness comes from not being in school over the Christmas break but I want you to think further ahead than the next two weeks. I want you to think about next summer and how happy you will be with a good grade in your GCSE Physics examination! Thinking ahead is … Continue reading Happy Holidays!
Power is the Rate of Change of Energy
There are two booklets available on physbang.com to help you revise the equations that you are expected to know by the end of Y10. These booklets were posted a few months ago (click here to read that post and download the booklets) but it has since been pointed out that one equation is missing: sorry … Continue reading Power is the Rate of Change of Energy
Tricky “relationships”
Sometimes in an exam paper you will see a question that reads something like: "State the relationship between speed, distance and time". This can seem confusing unless you know that, in this context, the word "relationship" means equation. So what you are really being asked to do is write the equation that contains the quantities … Continue reading Tricky “relationships”
BBC Bitesize – Paper 1 Revision
November's trial examination will include everything in Paper 1. This means everything that was due to be covered in Y10 - and that in turn means a fair amount of content that you had to study at home during the lockdown. Now you are about to be tested on what you know and it is … Continue reading BBC Bitesize – Paper 1 Revision
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)
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
Mr Tarrant's physbang 'blog 