Edexcel GCSE Physics: Revision Notes

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Concise revision notes for the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) exam

1. Key Concepts of Physics

Units & Prefixes

Conversions & Standard Form

2. Motion & Forces: Basics

Vector & Scalar Basics

Examples of Vectors & Scalars

Speed, Distance & Time

Equations of Motion

Velocity-Time Graphs

Measuring Speed

Freefall & Acceleration

Newton’s Laws

Weight, Mass & Gravity

Practical: Investigating F=ma

Circular Motion

Mass & Inertia

3. Motions & Forces: Collisions

Momentum

Conservation of Momentum

Force & Momentum

Human Reaction Time

Stopping Distances

The Dangers of Collisions

Calculating Stopping Distances

4. Conservation of Energy

KE & GPE

Energy Transfers

Closed Systems

Energy Loss

Efficiency

Energy Resources

5. Waves

Waves

Transverse & Longitudinal Waves

The Wave Equation

Measuring Wave Speed

Measuring Distance (Higher Tier)

Waves & Materials

Wave Refraction

The Transmission of Sound (Higher Tier)

Ultrasound & Infrasound (Higher Tier)

Sound Speed & Frequency

Practical: The Suitability of Equipment to Measure Waves

6. Light & The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Light

Light & Surfaces

Lenses

Electromagnetic Waves

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

EM Waves & Matter

Thermal Radiation

Radiation & Temperature Change

Practical: Investigating Thermal Radiation

The Dangers of EM Waves

Uses of EM Waves

EM Waves & Atoms

7. Radioactivity: Basics

Inside the Atom

Atomic Structure

Protons, Neutrons & Electrons

Ions

Radiation

Background Radiation

Detecting Radiation

Properties of Radiation

History of the Atom

Beta Decay

Decay & Transformations

Half-Life

Half-life Calculations

8. Radioactivity: Uses

Uses of Radiation

Dangers of Radiation

Half-life & Risk

Handling Radiation Safely

Medical Uses of Radiation

Nuclear Power

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear Reactors

Energy & Waste

Nuclear Fusion

The Conditions for Fusion

9. Astronomy

Gravity & Weight

The Solar System

Orbits

Theories of the Universe

Redshift

The Cosmic Microwave Background

The Lifecycles of Stars

Observing the Universe

10. Energy – forces doing work

Energy Stores

Energy Transfers

Work & Energy

GPE & KE

Dissipation of Energy

Power

Efficiency

11. Forces & Their Effects

Types of Forces

Force as a Vector

Moments

Applying Moments

Reducing Energy Loss

12. Electricity & Circuits

Atomic Structure

Electric Circuits

Potential Difference

Current

Resistance

Practical: Constructing Circuits

Electric Components

Testing Components

13. Electricity: In the Home

Electric Heating

Uses & Dangers of Electric Heating

Energy & Power

Electricity & Power

AC & DC

Mains Electricity

Mains Wiring

Mains Potential

Mains Appliances

14. Static Electricity

Electric Charge

Static in Everyday Life

Uses & Dangers of Static

Electric Fields

15. Magnetism & The Motor Effect

Magnetic Materials

Magnetic Fields

Electromagnetism

The Motor Effect (Higher Tier)

Electric Motors (Higher Tier)

16. Electromagnetic Induction

EM Induction (Higher Tier)

Factors Affecting EM Induction (Higher Tier)

Other Devices (Higher Tier)

Transformers (Higher Tier)

The Transformer Equation (Higher Tier)

The National Grid

High Voltage Transmission (Higher Tier)

17. Particle model

Solids, Liquids & Gases

Density

Practical: Investigating Density

Understanding Density

Heating a System

Thermal Energy

Insulation

Practical: Heating Water & Ice

Kinetic Theory

Absolute Zero

Compressing Gases

Pressure & Volume

Gases & Work (Higher Tier)

18. Forces & Matter

Changing Shape

Stretching a Spring

Practical: Investigating Springs

Pressure in Fluids

Pressure & Forces

Pressure in Liquids

Upthrust