1 Student book & Cambridge syllabus

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Student Book: Complete Physics for Cambridge

IGCSE®
Complete Physics for Cambridge IGCSE® Third edition

Complete For the

Physics
updated
syllabus

for Cambridge IGCSE®

Third edition

Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE® Physics (0625)

Stephen Pople

Stephen Pople

Oxford excellence for Cambridge IGCSE®

COMPLETE PHYSICS FOR CAMBRIDGE IGCSE Student Book

Syllabus overview

1. General physics
1.1 Length and time
Core

• Use and describe the use of rules and measuring cylinders to calculate a length or a volume Page 15
• Use and describe the use of clocks and devices for measuring an interval of time Page 15
• Measure and describe how to measure a short interval of time (including the period of a pendulum) Page 15
Supplement

• Use and describe the use of a mechanical method for the measurement of a small distance Page 14
(including use of a micrometer screw gauge)
1.2 Motion
Core

• Define speed and calculate speed from total Page 26

Distance Moved
average speed = Time Taken

• Plot and interpret a speed-time graph or a distance-time graph Page 28

• Recognise from the shape of a speed-time graph when a body is Page 29
– at rest
– moving with constant speed
– moving with changing speed
• Calculate the area under a speed-time graph to work out the distance travelled for motion with Page 29
constant acceleration
• Demonstrate some understanding that acceleration is related to changing speed Page 27
• State that the acceleration of free fall for a body near to the Earth is constant Page 32
Supplement

• Distinguish between speed and velocity Page 26

• Recognise linear motion for which the acceleration is constant and calculate the acceleration Page 27
• Recognise motion for which the acceleration is not constant Page 34
•  escribe qualitatively the motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field with and without air
D Page 37
resistance (including reference to terminal velocity)
• Define and calculate acceleration using change of Pages 26–27
Velocity
Time Taken

• Calculate speed from the gradient of a distance-time graph Pages 28–29

• Calculate acceleration from the gradient of a speed-time graph Pages 34–35
• Understand deceleration as a negative acceleration Pages 26–27

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1.3 Mass and weight

Core

• Show familiarity with the idea of the mass of a body Pages 12 and 42
• State that weight is a gravitational force Page 42
• Distinguish between mass and weight Pages 42–43
• Recall and use the equation W = mg Pages 42-43
• Demonstrate understanding that weights (and hence masses) may be compared using a balance Page 12
Supplement

• Demonstrate an understanding that mass is a property that ‘resists’ change in motion Page 17
• Describe, and use the concept of, weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass Page 17
1.4 Density
Core

• Recall and use the equation Pages 16–17

ρ= m
V
• Describe the determination of the density of an irregularly shaped solid by the method of Pages 18–19
displacement
• Predict whether an object will float based on density data Pages 18–21
• Describe an experiment to determine the density of a liquid and of a regularly shaped solid and Pages 18–21
make the necessary calculation
1.5 Forces
1.5.1 Effects of forces
Core

• State that a force may produce a change in size and shape of a body Page 39
• Plot extension/load graphs and describe the associated experimental procedure Pages 64–65
• Describe the ways in which a force may change the motion of a body Pages 38–39
• Find the resultant of two or more forces acting along the same line Pages 46–47
• Recognise that if there is no resultant force on a body it either remains at rest or continues at Page 36
constant speed in a straight line
• Understand friction as the force between two surfaces which impedes motion and results in Pages 40–41
heating Pages 40–41
• Recognise air resistance as a form of friction
Supplement

• State Hooke’s Law and recall and use the expression F = k x Page 65
• Recognise the significance of the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for an extension/load graph Page 64
• Recall and use the relation between force, mass and acceleration (including the direction), F = ma Pages 38–39
• Describe qualitatively motion in a curved path due to a perpendicular force (F = mv /r is not
2
Pages 52–53
required)
1.5.2 Turning effect
Core

• Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give everyday examples Pages 58–59
• Understand that increasing force or distance from the pivot increases the moment of a force Pages 58–59
• Calculate moment using the product force × perpendicular distance from the pivot Pages 58–59
• Apply the principle of moments to the balancing of a beam about a pivot Pages 60–61
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Supplement

• Apply the principle of moments to different situations Pages 62–63

1.5.3 Conditions for equilibrium
Core

• State that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant turning effect, a system is in Pages 58–59
equilibrium
Supplement

• Perform and describe an experiment (involving vertical forces) to show that there is no net moment Pages 58–59
on a body in equilibrium
1.5.4 Centre of mass
Core

• Perform and describe an experiment to determine the position of the centre of mass of a plane Pages 60–61
lamina
• Describe qualitatively the effect of the position of the centre of mass on the stability of simple Pages 60–61
objects
1.5.5 Scalars and vectors
Supplement

• Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between scalars and vectors and give common Pages 50–51
examples
• Understand that vectors have a magnitude and direction Pages 50–51
• Determine graphically the resultant of two vectors Pages 50–51
1.6 Momentum
Supplement

• Understand the concepts of momentum and impulse Pages 46–47

• Recall and use the equation momentum = mass × velocity, p = mv Pages 46–47
• Recall and use the equation for impulse Ft = mv – mu Pages 46–47
• Apply the principle of the conservation of momentum to solve simple problems in one dimension Pages 48–49
1.7 Energy, work and power
1.7.1 Energy
Core

• Identify changes in kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic (strain), nuclear and internal Pages 82–83
energy that have occurred as a result of an event or process
• Recognise that energy is transferred during events and processes, including examples of transfer Pages 82–83
by forces (mechanical working), by electrical currents (electrical working), by heating and by waves
• Apply the principle of energy conservation to simple examples Pages 84–85
Supplement

• Recall and use the expressions k.e. = ½ mv2 and p.e. = mgh Pages 86–87
• Apply the principle of conservation of energy to examples involving multiple stages Pages 86–87
• Explain that in any event or process the energy tends to become more spread out among the Pages 84–85
objects and surroundings (dissipated)

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1.7.2 Energy resources

Core

• Describe how electricity or other useful forms of energy may be obtained from: Pages 90–97
– chemical energy stored in fuel
– water, including the energy stored in waves, in tides, and in water behind hydroelectric dams
– geothermal resources
– nuclear fission
– heat and light from the Sun (solar cells and panels)
• Give advantages and disadvantages of each method in terms of cost, reliability, scale and Pages 90–97
environmental impact
• Show a qualitative understanding of efficiency Pages 88–89
Supplement

• Understand that the Sun is the source of energy for all our energy resources except geothermal, Pages 96–97
nuclear and tidal
• Show an understanding that energy is released by nuclear fusion in the Sun Pages 96–97
• Recall and use the equation: Pages 88–89
efficiency = useful energy output × 100% efficiency = useful power output
× 100%
energy input power input

1.7.3 Work
Core

• Demonstrate understanding that work done = energy transferred Pages 84–85

• Relate (without calculation) work done to the magnitude of a force and the distance moved Pages 82–83
Supplement

• Recall and use W = Fd = ΔE Pages 82–89

1.6 (d) Power
Core

• Relate (without calculation) power to work done and time taken, using appropriate examples Pages 88–89
Supplement

• Recall and use the equation P = ΔE/t in simple systems Page 88

1.8 Pressure
Core

• Recall and use the equation p = F/A Pages 66–67

• Relate (without calculation) pressure to force and area, using appropriate examples Pages 66–67
• Describe the simple mercury barometer and its use in measuring atmospheric pressure Pages 72–73
• Relate (without calculation) the pressure beneath a liquid surface to depth and to density, using Pages 68–69
appropriate examples
• Use and describe the use of a manometer Pages 72–73
Supplement

• Recall and use the equation p = hpg Pages 68–69

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2. Thermal physics
2.1 Simple kinetic molecular model of matter
2.1.1 States of matter
Core

• State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases Pages 102–103
2.1.2 Molecular model

• Describe qualitatively the molecular structure of solids, liquids and gases Pages 102–103
• Interpret the temperature of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules Pages 110–111
• Describe qualitatively the pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its molecules Pages 110–111
• Show an understanding of the random motion of particles in a suspension as evidence for the Pages 102–103
kinetic molecular model of matter
• Describe this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random molecular Pages 102–103
bombardment
Supplement

• Relate the properties of solids, liquids and gases to the forces and distances between molecules Pages 102–103
and to the motion of the molecules
• Explain pressure in terms of the change of momentum of the particles striking the walls creating a Pages 110–111
force
• Show an appreciation that massive particles may be moved by light, fast-moving molecules Pages 110–111
2.1.3 Evaporation
Core

• Describe evaporation in terms of the escape of more-energetic molecules from the surface of a Pages 118–119
liquid
• Relate evaporation to the consequent cooling of the liquid Pages 118–119
Supplement

• Demonstrate an understanding of how temperature, surface area and draught over a surface Pages 118–119
influence evaporation
• Explain the cooling of a body in contact with an evaporating liquid Pages 118–119
2.1.4 Pressure changes
Core

• Describe qualitatively, in terms of molecules, the effect on the pressure of a gas of: Pages 110–111
– a change of temperature at constant volume
– a change of volume at constant temperature
Supplement

• Recall and use the equation pV = constant at constant temperature Page 74

2.2 Thermal properties
2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
Core

• Describe qualitatively the thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases Pages 108–109
• Identify and explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion Pages 108–109

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Supplement

• Explain, in terms of the motion and arrangement of molecules, the relative order of the magnitude Pages 108–109
of the expansion of solids, liquids and gases
2.2.2 Measurement of temperature
Core

• Appreciate how a physical property that varies with temperature may be used for the measurement Pages 104–107
of temperature, and state examples of such properties
• Recognise the need for and identify fixed points Pages 104–107
• Describe the structure and action of liquid-in-glass thermometers Pages 104–107
Supplement

• Demonstrate understanding of sensitivity, range and linearity Pages 106–107

• Describe the structure of a thermocouple and show understanding of its use for measuring high Pages 106–107
temperatures and those that vary rapidly
• Describe and explain how the structure of a liquid-in-glass thermometer relates to its sensitivity, Pages 106–107
range and linearity
2.2.3 Thermal capacity
Core

• Relate a rise in the temperature of a body to an increase in internal energy Page 84

• Show an understanding of the term thermal capacity Page 120
Supplement

• Give a simple molecular account of an increase in internal energy Page 119

• Recall and use the equation thermal capacity = mc Page 120
• Define specific heat capacity Page 120
• Describe an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of a substance Page 121
• Recall and use the equation change in energy = mc∆T Page 120
2.2.4 Melting and boiling
Core

• Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy input without a change in temperature Pages 118–119
• State the meaning of melting point and boiling point Pages 122–123
• Describe condensation and solidification in terms of molecules Pages 118–119
Supplement

• Distinguish between boiling and evaporation Pages 118–119

• Use the terms latent heat of vaporisation and latent heat of fusion and give a molecular Pages 122–123
interpretation of latent heat
• Define specific latent heat Page 122
• Describe an experiment to measure specific latent heats for steam and for ice Page 123
• Recall and use the equation energy = ml Page 122
2.3 Transfer of thermal energy
2.3.1 Conduction
Core

• Describe experiments to demonstrate the properties of good and bad conductors of heat Pages 112–113

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Supplement

• Give a simple molecular account of heat transfer in solids Pages 112–113

2.3.2 Convection
Core

• Identify infra-red radiation as part of the electromagnetic spectrum Pages 116–117

• Recognise that thermal energy transfer by radiation does not require a medium Pages 116–117
• Describe the effect of surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) on the emission, Pages 116–117
absorption and reflection of radiation
Supplement

• Describe experiments to show the properties of good and bad emitters and good and bad Pages 116–117
absorbers of infra-red radiation
• Show understanding that the amount of radiation emitted also depends on the surface Pages 116–117
temperature and surface area of a body
2.3.4 Consequences of energy transfer
Core

• Identify and explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of conduction, Pages 112–117
convection and radiation

3. Properties of waves, including light and sound

3.1 General wave properties
Core

• Demonstrate understanding that waves transfer energy without transferring matter Pages 128–129
• Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes and springs and by Pages 128–131
experiments using water waves
• Use the term wavefront Pages 130–131
• Give the meaning of speed, frequency, wavelength and amplitude Pages 128–129
• Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves and give suitable examples Pages 128–129
• Describe the use of water waves to show: Pages 130–131
– reflection at a plane surface
– refraction due to a change of speed
– diffraction produced by wide and narrow gaps
• Describe the use of water waves to demonstrate reflection, refraction and diffraction Pages 130–131
Supplement

• Recall and use the equation v = f λ Pages 128–129

• Describe how wavelength and gap size affects diffraction through a gap Pages 130–131
• Describe how wavelength affects diffraction at an edge Pages 130–131
3.2 Light
3.2.1 Reflection of light
Core

• Describe the formation of an optical image by a plane mirror, and give its characteristics Pages 146–149
• Use the law angle of incidence = angle of reflection Pages 146–149

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Supplement

• Recall that the image in a plane mirror is virtual Pages 146–149

• Perform simple constructions, measurements and calculations by reflection in plane mirrors Pages 146–149
3.2.2 Refraction of light
Core

• Describe an experimental demonstration of the refraction of light Pages 150–151

• Use the terminology for the angle of incidence i and angle of refraction r and describe the passage Page 150
of light through parallel-sided transparent material
• Give the meaning of critical angle Page 152
• Describe internal and total internal reflection Page 152
Supplement

• Recall and use the definition of refractive index n in terms of speed Page 151
sin i
• Recall and use the equation –
sin r
=n Page 154
1
• Recall and use n = sin c
– Page 155
• Describe the action of optical fibres particularly in medicine and communications technology Page 153
3.2.3 Thin converging lens
Core

• Describe the action of a thin converging lens on a beam of light Pages 156–157
• Use the terms principal focus and focal length Pages 156–157
• Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a real image by a single lens Pages 156–157
• Describe the nature of an image using the terms enlarged/same size/diminished and upright/ Pages 158–159
inverted
Supplement

• Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a virtual image by a single lens Pages 158–159
• Use and describe the use of a single lens as a magnifying glass Pages 158–159
• Show understanding of the terms real image and virtual image Pages 158–159
3.2.4 Dispersion of light
Core

• Give a qualitative account of the dispersion of light as shown by the action on light of a glass prism Page 145
including the seven colours of the spectrum in their correct order
Supplement

• Recall that light of a single frequency is described as monochromatic Page 145

3.2.5 Electromagnetic spectrum
Core

• Describe the main features of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength Pages 162–163
• State that all e.m. waves travel with the same high speed in a vacuum Page 162
• Describe the role of electromagnetic waves in: Pages 162–165
– radio and television communications (radio waves)
– satellite television and telephones (microwaves)
– electrical appliances, remote controllers for televisions and intruder alarms (infrared)
– medicine and security (X-rays)
• Demonstrate an awareness of safety issues regarding the use of microwaves and X-rays Page 165

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Supplement

• State that the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108 m/s and is approximately Page 162
the same in air
3.3 Sound
Core
• Describe the production of sound by vibrating sources Pages 132–133
• Describe the longitudinal nature of sound waves Page 132
• State the approximate range of audible frequencies for a healthy human ear is 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz Pages 136–137
• Show an understanding of the term ultrasound Pages 138–139
• Show an understanding that a medium is needed to transmit sound waves Pages 132–133

• Describe an experiment to determine the speed of sound in air Pages 134–135

• Relate the loudness and pitch of sound waves to amplitude and frequency Pages 136–137
• Describe how the reflection of sound may produce an echo Page 135
Supplement

• Describe compression and rarefaction Page 134

• State the typical values of the speed of sound in air, liquids and solids Page 132

4. Electricity and magnetism

4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism
Core

• Describe the forces between magnets, and between magnets and magnetic materials Pages 200–201
• Give an account of induced magnetism Pages 200–201
• Distinguish between magnetic and non-magnetic materials Pages 200–201
• Describe methods of magnetisation, to include stroking with a magnet, use of d.c. in a coil and Pages 200–201
hammering in a magnetic field
• Draw the pattern of magnetic field lines around a bar magnet Pages 202–203
• Describe an experiment to identify the pattern of field lines round a bar magnet Pages 202–203
• Distinguish between the magnetic properties of iron and steel Pages 200–201
• Distinguish between the design and use of permanent magnets and electromagnets Pages 206–207
Supplement

• Explain that magnetic forces are due to interactions between magnetic fields Pages 202–203
• Describe methods of demagnetisation, to include hammering, heating and use of a.c. in a coil Pages 200–201
4.2 Electrical quantities
4.2.1 Electric charge
Core

• Describe simple experiments to show the production and detection of electrostatic charges Pages 174–175
• State that there are positive and negative charges Page 172
• State that unlike charges attract and that like charges repel Page 172
• State that charging a body involves the addition or removal of electrons Page 174
• Distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators and give typical examples Page 172

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Supplement

• State that charge is measured in coulombs Page 175

•  tate the direction of lines of force and describe simple field patterns, including the field around a
S Pages 176–177
point charge and the field between two parallel plates
• Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge experiences a force Page 176
•  escribe simple field patterns, including the field around a point charge, the field around a charged
D Pages 176–177
conducting sphere and the field between two parallel plates (not including end effects)
• Give an account of charging by induction Page 174
• Recall and use the simple electron model to distinguish between conductors and insulators Pages 172–173
4.2.2 Current
Core

• State that current is related to the flow of charge Page 178

• Use and describe the use of an ammeter Pages 178–179
• State that current in metals is due to a flow of electrons Page 182
Supplement

• Show understanding that a current is a rate of flow of charge and recall and use the equation Page 178
Q
I= –
t
• Distinguish between the direction of flow of electrons and conventional current Page 179
4.2.3 Electro-motive force
Core

• State that the e.m.f. of a source of electrical energy is measured in volts Page 180
Supplement

•  how understanding that e.m.f. is defined in terms of energy supplied by a source in driving charge
S Page 181
round a complete circuit
4.2.4 Potential difference
Core

• State that the potential difference across a circuit component is measured in volts Page 180
• Use and describe the use of a voltmeter Page 180
Supplement

• Recall that 1V is equivalent to 1 J/C Page 180

4.2.5 Resistance
Core

• State that resistance = p.d./current and understand qualitatively how changes in p.d. or resistance Page 182
affect current
V
• Recall and use the equation R = –
l
Page 184
• Describe an experiment to determine resistance using a voltmeter and an ammeter Page 184
• Relate (without calculation) the resistance of a wire to its length and to its diameter Pages 186–187
Supplement

• Sketch and explain the current-voltage characteristic of an ohmic resistor and a filament lamp Pages 184–185
• Recall and use quantitatively the proportionality between resistance and length, and the inverse Pages 186–187
proportionality between resistance and cross-sectional area of a wire

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4.2.6 Electrical working

Core

• Understand that electric circuits transfer energy from the battery or power source to the circuit Pages 178–179
components then into the surroundings
Supplement

• Recall and use the equations P = IV and E = IVt Pages 192–193

4.3 Electric circuits
4.3.1 Circuit diagrams
Core

•  raw and interpret circuit diagrams containing sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
D Pages 178–192
lamps, ammeters voltmeters, magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and relays
Supplement

• Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing diodes Pages 230–231

4.3.2 Series and parallel circuits
Core

• Understand that the current at every point in a series circuit is the same Page 189
• Give the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series Pages 190–191
• State that, for a parallel circuit, the current from the source is larger than the current in each branch Pages 188–189
• State that the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than that of either resistor by Pages 188–189
itself
• State the advantages of connecting lamps in parallel in a lighting circuit Pages 188–189
Supplement

• Recall and use the fact that the sum of the p.d.s across the components in a series circuit is equal Pages 188–189
to the total p.d. across the supply
• Recall and use the fact that the current from the source is the sum of the currents in the separate Pages 188–189
branches of a parallel circuit
• Recall and use the fact that the sum of the p.d.s across the components in a series circuit is equal Pages 188–189
to the total p.d. across the supply
• Calculate the effective resistance of two resistors in parallel Pages 190–191
4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components
Core

• Describe the action of a variable potential divider (potentiometer) Page 231

• Describe the action of thermistors and light-dependent resistors and show understanding of their Pages 232–233
use as input transducers
• Describe the action of a relay and show understanding of its use in switching circuits Page 229
Supplement

• Describe the action of a diode and show understanding of its use as a rectifier Page 230
• Recognise and show understanding of circuits operating as light sensitive switches and
temperature-operated alarms (using a relay or a transistor) Pages 232–233

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4.3.4 Digital electronics

Supplement

• Explain and use the terms digital and analogue in terms of continuous variation and high/low states Pages 228–229
• Describe the action of NOT, AND, OR, NAND and NOR gates Pages 234–237
• Design and understand simple digital circuits combining several logic gates Pages 234–237
• Use truth tables to describe the action of individual gates and simple combinations of gates Pages 234–237
4.4 Dangers of electricity
Core

• State the hazards of Page 195

– damaged insulation
– overheating of cables
– damp conditions
• State that a fuse protects a circuit Page 194
• Explain the use of fuses and circuit breakers and choose appropriate fuse ratings and circuit- Page 194
breaker settings
• Explain the benefits of earthing metal cases Page 194
4.5 Electromagnetic effects
4.5.1 Electromagnetic induction
Core

•  how understanding that a conductor moving across a magnetic field or a changing magnetic field
S Page 212
linking with a conductor can induce an e.m.f. in the conductor
• Describe an experiment to demonstrate electromagnetic induction Pages 212–213
• State the factors affecting the magnitude of an induced e.m.f.t Page 213
Supplement

• State and use the relative directions of force, field and induced current Pages 212–213
• Show understanding that the direction of an induced emf opposes the change causing it Pages 212–213
4.5.2 ac generator
Core

• Distinguish between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.) Page 219
Supplement

• Describe and explain a rotating-coil generator and the use of slip rings Page 216
• Sketch a graph of voltage output against time for a simple a.c. generator Page 216
• Relate the position of the generator coil to the peaks and zeros of the voltage output Page 216
4.5.3 Transformer
Core

• Describe the construction of a basic iron-cored transformer as used for voltage transformations Page 219
• Recall and use the equation (Vp /Vs) = (Np /Ns) Page 219
• Understand the terms step-up and step-down Pages 220
• Describe the use of the transformer in high-voltage transmission of electricity Pages 220–221
• Give the advantages of high-voltage transmission Pages 222–223

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Supplement

• Describe the principle of operation of a transformer Pages 218–219

• Recall and use the equation Ip Vp = Is Vs (for 100% efficiency) Page 220
• Explain why energy losses in cables are lower when the voltage is high Pages 220–221
4.5.4 The magnetic effect of a current
Core

• Describe the pattern of the magnetic field due to currents in straight wires and in solenoids Pages 204–205
• Describe applications of the magnetic effect of current, including the action of a relay Pages 206–207
Supplement

• State the qualitative variation of the strength of the magnetic field over salient parts of the pattern Page 202
•  tate that the direction of a magnetic field line at a point is the direction of the force on the N pole
S Pages 202–203
of a magnet at that point
• Describe the effect on the magnetic field of changing the magnitude and direction of the current Page 206
4.5.5 Force on a current-carrying conductor
Core

• Describe an experiment to show that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic Pages 208–209
field, including the effect of reversing:
(i) the current
(ii) the direction of the field
Supplement

• Describe an experiment to show the corresponding force on beams of charged particles Pages 238–239
• State and use the relative directions of force, field and current Pages 208–210
4.5.6 dc motor
Core

•  tate that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect and that the effect
S Page 209
is increased by increasing the number of turns on the coil , increasing the current, increasing the
strength of the magnetic field
Supplement

• Relate this turning effect to the action of an electric motor including the action of a split-ring Pages 210–211
commutator

5. Atomic physics
5.1 The nuclear atom
5.1.1 Atomic model
Core

• Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a positive nucleus and negative electrons Pages 244–245
Supplement

•  escribe how the scattering of α-particles by thin metal foils provides evidence for the nuclear
D Page 246
atom

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5.1.2 Nucleus
Core

• Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons and neutrons Pages 244–245
• State the charges of protons and neutrons Pages 244–245
• Use the term proton number Page 244
• Use the term nucleon number Page 244
• Use the term nuclide and use the nuclide notation A
Z
X Pages 244–245
• Use and explain the term isotope Pages 244–245
Supplement

• State the meaning of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion Pages 254–257
• Balance equations involving nuclide notation Pages 250–251
5.2 Radioactivity
5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity
Core

• Demonstrate understanding of background radiation Pages 254–255

•  escribe the detection of α-particles, β-particles and γ-rays (β + are not included: β-particles will
D Pages 250–251
be taken to refer to β– )
5.2.2 Characteristics of the three kinds of emissions
Core

• Discuss the random nature of radioactive emission Page 252

• Identify α, β and γ-emissions by recalling Pages 246–247
– their nature
– their relative ionising effects
– their relative penetrating abilities (β+ are not included, β-particles will be taken to refer to β– )
Supplement

• Describe their deflection in electric fields and in magnetic fields Pages 246–247
• Interpret their relative ionising effects Pages 246–247
• Give and explain examples of practical applications of α, β and γ-emissions Pages 258–259
5.2.3 Radioactive decay
Core

• State the meaning of radioactive decay Page 252

• State that during α- or β-decay the nucleus changes to that of a different element Pages 250–251
Supplement

• Use equations involving nuclide notation to represent changes in the composition of the nucleus Pages 250–251
when particles are emitted
5.2.4 Half-life
Core

• Use the term half-life in simple calculations, which might involve information in tables or decay Pages 252–253
curves

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Supplement
• Calculate half-life from data or decay curves from which background radiation has not been Pages 252–253
subtracted
5.2.5 Safety precautions
Core
• Recall the effects of ionising radiations on living things Page 248
• Describe how radioactive materials are handled, used and stored in a safe way Pages 254–255

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