Combined Science Physics Foundation

GCSE physics – Year 10 Key Topics

⚡ 1. Energy

• Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes
  • Energy stores and systems
  • Changes in energy
  • Energy changes in systems
  • Power
• Conservation and dissipation of energy
  • Energy transfers in a system
  • Efficiency
• National and global energy resources
  • National and global energy resources

⚡ 2. Electricity

• Current, potential difference and resistance
  • Standard circuit diagram symbols
  • Electrical charge and current
  • Current, resistance and potential difference
  • Resistors
• Series and parallel circuits
  • Series and parallel circuits
• Domestic uses and safety
  • Direct and alternating potential difference
  • Mains electricity
• Energy transfers
  • Power
  • Energy transfers in everyday appliances
  • The National Grid
• Static electricity

⚡ 3. Particle model of matter

• Changes of state and the particle model
  • Density of materials
  • Changes of state
• Internal energy and energy transfers
  • Internal energy
  • Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity
  • Changes of state and specific latent heat
• Particle model and pressure
  • Particle motion in gases

⚡ 4. Atomic structure

• Atoms and isotopes
  • The structure of an atom
  • Mass number, atomic number and isotopes
  • The development of the model of the atom
• Atoms and nuclear radiation
  • Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation
  • Nuclear equations
  • Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay
  • Radioactive contamination
• Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
• Nuclear fission and fusion

GCSE physics – Year 11 Key Topics

⚡ 1. Forces

• Forces and their interactions
  • Scalar and vector quantities
  • Contact and non-contact forces
  • Gravity
  • Resultant forces
• Work done and energy transfer
  • Work done and energy transfer
• Forces and elasticity
  • Forces and elasticity
• Moments, levers and gears
  • Moments, levers and gears
• Pressure and pressure differences in fluids
• Forces and motion
  • Distance and displacement
  • Speed
  • Velocity
  • The distance–time relationship
  • Acceleration
  • Newton's First Law
  • Newton's Second Law
  • Newton's Third Law
  • Stopping distance
  • Reaction time
  • Factors affecting braking distance 1
  • Factors affecting braking distance 2
• Momentum
  • Momentum is a property of moving objects
  • Conservation of momentum

⚡ 2. Waves

• Waves in air, fluids and solids
  • Transverse and longitudinal waves
  • Properties of waves
• Electromagnetic waves
  • Types of electromagnetic waves
  • Properties of electromagnetic waves 1
  • Properties of electromagnetic waves 2
  • Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves
• Black body radiation

⚡ 3. Magnetism and electromagnetism

• Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
  • Poles of a magnet
  • Magnetic fields
• The motor effect
  • Electromagnetism
• Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid

What We Focus On In Tuition

• Clear explanation of physics concepts and explanations
• Focus on exam-relevant facts and calculations
• Practice with real GCSE exam questions
• Support for both Foundation & Higher tiers
• Confidence building for Grade 5–9 success