AQA A-level Physics Year 12 revision

Topic 1: Measurements and their errors

Measurements and their errors is the toolkit for every practical and calculation in A-level Physics.

We will look at SI units, types of error, precision and accuracy, and how to combine uncertainties when values are added, multiplied or raised to powers.

Then we use graphs, error bars and linearisation, essential maths skills, measuring instruments, and how to plan and evaluate investigations.

1. 1.1Units, estimation and uncertaintyFree 15 questions
2. 1.2Random and systematic errors, precision, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility and resolution47 questions
3. 1.3Combining uncertainties: absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty34 questions
4. 1.4Graphs: linearisation, error bars, and gradient and intercept uncertainties32 questions
5. 1.5Mathematical skills: standard form, significant figures, logarithms, exponentials, trigonometry and small-angle approximations25 questions
6. 1.6Planning investigations: variables, methods and risk assessment41 questions
7. 1.7Evaluating methods and conclusions; research sources and referencing50 questions
8. 1.8Measuring instruments and techniques: micrometer, calipers, oscilloscope, light gates and data loggers68 questions

Topic 2: Particles and radiation

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Atomic structure, and takes it further.

There are 7 parts: we start with constituents of the atom, isotopes, nuclide notation and specific charge, and finish with wave–particle duality.

1. 2.1Constituents of the atom, isotopes, nuclide notation and specific charge66 questions
2. 2.2Stable and unstable nuclei: strong nuclear force, alpha and beta decay and the neutrino70 questions
3. 2.3Particles, antiparticles and forcesFree 66 questions
4. 2.4Quarks, hadrons and leptons21 questions
5. 2.5Photons, photoelectric effect and energy levels54 questions
6. 2.6Electron collisions with atoms: excitation, ionisation and fluorescent tubes67 questions
7. 2.7Wave–particle duality: de Broglie wavelength and electron diffraction53 questions

Topic 3: Waves

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Waves, and takes it further.

There are 6 parts: we start with progressive and stationary waves, and finish with total internal reflection, critical angle and optical fibres.

1. 3.1Progressive and stationary wavesFree 55 questions
2. 3.2Longitudinal and transverse waves and polarisation74 questions
3. 3.3Practical: stationary waves on a string (frequency, length, tension and mass per unit length)60 questions
4. 3.4Refraction, diffraction and interference26 questions
5. 3.5Practical: wavelength of light using double slits and diffraction gratings55 questions
6. 3.6Total internal reflection, critical angle and optical fibres45 questions

Topic 4: Mechanics and materials

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Forces and Energy, and takes it further.

There are 11 parts: we start with scalars, vectors and moments, and finish with the practical on determining the Young modulus of a wire.

1. 4.1Scalars, vectors and momentsFree 47 questions
2. 4.2Centre of mass, couples and equilibrium of coplanar forces77 questions
3. 4.3Motion and projectilesFree 61 questions
4. 4.4Practical: determining g by free fall34 questions
5. 4.5Newton's laws, momentum, work and power59 questions
6. 4.6Impulse, force–time graphs, elastic and inelastic collisions and explosions75 questions
7. 4.7Conservation of energy, efficiency and energy transfers72 questions
8. 4.8Density, pressure in fluids and upthrustFree 59 questions
9. 4.9Materials20 questions
10. 4.10Stress–strain behaviour of ductile, brittle and polymeric materials, hysteresis and elastic strain energy72 questions
11. 4.11Practical: determining the Young modulus of a wire25 questions

Topic 5: Electricity

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Electricity, and takes it further.

There are 8 parts: we start with current, resistance and resistivity, and finish with the practical on determining the EMF and internal resistance of a cell.

1. 5.1Current, resistance and resistivityFree 71 questions
2. 5.2Charge carriers and drift velocity (I = nAvq): conductors, semiconductors and insulators65 questions
3. 5.3I–V characteristics: ohmic conductors, filament lamps, diodes, thermistors and LDRs73 questions
4. 5.4Practical: determining the resistivity of a wire26 questions
5. 5.5Superconductivity and critical temperature68 questions
6. 5.6Circuits, EMF and potential dividers76 questions
7. 5.7Electrical energy and power: P = IV, I²R, V²/R and the kilowatt-hour69 questions
8. 5.8Practical: determining the EMF and internal resistance of a cell69 questions

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