OCR A Level Physics A · H556
OCR A Level Physics revision guides
24 free guides, organised by the specification’s modules. Each one starts with the short answer, then gives the equations with units, the graphs, worked exam-style examples, the mistakes that cost marks and practice questions with answers.
Module 2
Foundations of physics
Quantities and units, measurements and uncertainties, scalars and vectors.
Guides for this module are being written. In the meantime, the topics are: Physical quantities and units, Making measurements and analysing data, Nature of quantities.
Module 3
Forces and motion
Motion, forces in action, work, energy and power, materials, and Newton's laws and momentum.
Newton's laws of motion and momentumMomentum and Impulse: Collisions, Explosions and Force-Time GraphsMomentum and impulse for OCR A Physics: F = Δp/Δt, conservation of momentum in 1D and 2D, collisions, explosions, crumple zones and worked examples.
MotionProjectile Motion A Level: SUVAT, Range and Time of FlightProjectile motion A Level for OCR A: resolving velocity, horizontal and angled launches, range, max height, air resistance, worked examples and practice.
MaterialsYoung Modulus Experiment: Stress, Strain and the Wire PracticalYoung modulus experiment for A Level Physics (OCR A): stress, strain, E = stress/strain, the long wire method, uncertainties and worked examples.
Module 4
Electrons, waves and photons
Charge and current, energy, power and resistance, electrical circuits, waves and quantum physics.
Electrical circuitsEMF and Internal Resistance: A-level Physics (OCR A) ExplainedEMF and internal resistance for OCR A Physics: ε = I(R + r), lost volts, the V-I graph, the practical, maximum power and cells, with worked examples.
Quantum physicsPhotoelectric Effect A Level: Equation, Graph and Questions (OCR A)The photoelectric effect for OCR A Physics: threshold frequency, work function, hf = φ + KEmax, the graph, de Broglie and worked examples.
Electrical circuitsPotential Divider Circuits: A-level Physics (OCR A) ExplainedPotential divider circuits for OCR A Physics: Vout = R₂/(R₁+R₂) × Vin, thermistor and LDR sensors, potentiometers, loading, worked examples.
Energy, power and resistanceResistance and Resistivity: A-level Physics (OCR A) ExplainedResistance and resistivity for OCR A Physics: R = V/I, R = ρL/A, I-V graphs, the resistivity practical, power and kWh, with worked examples.
WavesStationary Waves A Level: Nodes, Antinodes and HarmonicsStationary waves A Level explained for OCR A: formation, nodes, antinodes, harmonics, resonance tube, worked examples and practice questions.
Module 5
Newtonian world and astrophysics
Thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational fields, and astrophysics and cosmology.
Circular motionCentripetal Force and Acceleration: Circular Motion ExplainedCentripetal force and acceleration for OCR A Physics: radians, ω, v = ωr, F = mv²/r, bends, vertical circles, worked examples and practice questions.
Gravitational fieldsGravitational Field Strength and Potential: Equations, Graphs and ExamplesGravitational field strength and potential for OCR A Physics: g = −GM/r², Vg = −GM/r, escape velocity, graphs, worked examples and practice questions.
Astrophysics and cosmologyHubble's Law and RedshiftHubble's law and redshift for OCR A Physics: v = H₀d, Doppler shift, age of the universe, units, CMB, dark matter and worked exam questions.
Gravitational fieldsKepler's Third Law Derivation: Orbits, Satellites and Geostationary RadiusKepler's third law derivation for OCR A Physics: T² = 4π²r³/GM, geostationary radius, satellite energy, log-log graphs, worked examples and questions.
OscillationsSimple Harmonic Motion Equations: Graphs, Energy and Worked ExamplesSHM equations for OCR A Physics: a = −ω²x, v and x formulas, graphs, energy, damping and resonance, with worked examples and practice questions.
Thermal physicsSpecific Heat Capacity and Specific Latent HeatSpecific heat capacity and specific latent heat for OCR A Physics: E = mcΔθ, E = mL, heating curves, experiments and worked examples.
Astrophysics and cosmologyThe Hertzsprung-Russell DiagramThe Hertzsprung-Russell diagram explained for OCR A Physics: axes, star types, stellar evolution, Wien's law, Stefan's law and worked exam questions.
Thermal physicsThe Ideal Gas Equation (A-Level Physics)The ideal gas equation A level explained: pV = nRT, pV = NkT, kinetic theory, rms speed, gas law graphs and worked exam questions for OCR A Physics.
Module 6
Particles and medical physics
Capacitors, electric fields, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics, and medical imaging.
Medical imagingAcoustic Impedance and Ultrasound: A-Level Physics GuideAcoustic impedance and ultrasound for OCR A Physics: Z = ρc, reflection coefficient, gel, A- and B-scans, Doppler, worked examples and practice.
Nuclear and particle physicsBinding Energy and Mass Defect: A-Level Physics GuideBinding energy and mass defect for OCR A level Physics: E = mc², the binding energy per nucleon curve, fission and fusion, with worked examples.
CapacitorsCapacitor Discharge Equation: Time Constant, Graphs and Worked ExamplesCapacitor discharge equation for OCR A Physics: time constant, ln graphs, charging, worked examples and practice. Revise with step-by-step marking.
CapacitorsCapacitors in Series and Parallel: Rules, Energy Stored and Worked ExamplesCapacitors in series and parallel for OCR A Physics: derivations, energy stored, permittivity and worked problems. Revise with step-by-step marking.
Electric fieldsCoulomb's Law and Electric Field Strength: Equations and Worked ExamplesCoulomb's law and electric field strength for OCR A Physics: equations, field lines, potential, charged particles, worked examples and practice questions.
ElectromagnetismFaraday's Law and Lenz's Law: Electromagnetic Induction ExplainedFaraday's law and Lenz's law for OCR A Physics: flux linkage, ε = BLv, generators, transformers and worked examples. Revise with step-by-step marking.
ElectromagnetismForce on a Current-Carrying Conductor: Magnetic Flux Density GuideForce on a current carrying conductor for OCR A level Physics: F = BIL sin θ, the tesla, F = BQv, circular paths, worked examples and practice.
Nuclear and particle physicsRadioactive Decay Equation and Half-Life: A-Level Physics GuideRadioactive decay equation and half-life for OCR A level Physics: A = λN, ln graphs, carbon dating, worked examples and practice questions.