OCR B A-level Physics Year 12 revision

Topic 1: Development of practical skills in physics

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Ideas about science and practical skills, and takes it further.

There are 3 parts: we start with planning investigations, and finish with measuring instruments and techniques.

1. 1.1Planning investigations: variables, methods and risk assessment41 questions
2. 1.2Evaluating methods and conclusions; research sources and referencing50 questions
3. 1.3Measuring instruments and techniques: micrometer, calipers, oscilloscope, light gates and data loggers68 questions

Topic 2: Fundamental data analysis

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Ideas about science and practical skills, and takes it further.

There are 5 parts: we start with units, estimation and uncertainty, and finish with mathematical skills.

1. 2.1Units, estimation and uncertaintyFree 15 questions
2. 2.2Random and systematic errors, precision, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility and resolution47 questions
3. 2.3Combining uncertainties: absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty34 questions
4. 2.4Graphs: linearisation, error bars, and gradient and intercept uncertainties32 questions
5. 2.5Mathematical skills: standard form, significant figures, logarithms, exponentials, trigonometry and small-angle approximations25 questions

Topic 3.1: Communication: imaging, signalling and sensing

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Electric circuits and Radiation and waves, and takes it further.

There are 9 parts: we start with total internal reflection, critical angle and optical fibres, and finish with superconductivity and critical temperature.

1. 3.1.1Total internal reflection, critical angle and optical fibres45 questions
2. 3.1.2Current, resistance and resistivityFree 71 questions
3. 3.1.3Charge carriers and drift velocity (I = nAvq): conductors, semiconductors and insulators65 questions
4. 3.1.4I–V characteristics: ohmic conductors, filament lamps, diodes, thermistors and LDRs73 questions
5. 3.1.5Circuits, EMF and potential dividers76 questions
6. 3.1.6Electrical energy and power: P = IV, I²R, V²/R and the kilowatt-hour69 questions
7. 3.1.7Practical: determining the resistivity of a wire26 questions
8. 3.1.8Practical: determining the EMF and internal resistance of a cell69 questions
9. 3.1.9Superconductivity and critical temperature68 questions

Topic 3.2: Designer materials

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Matter – models and explanations, and takes it further.

There are 4 parts: we start with density, pressure in fluids and upthrust, and finish with the practical on determining the Young modulus of a wire.

1. 3.2.1Density, pressure in fluids and upthrustFree 59 questions
2. 3.2.2Materials20 questions
3. 3.2.3Stress–strain behaviour of ductile, brittle and polymeric materials, hysteresis and elastic strain energy72 questions
4. 3.2.4Practical: determining the Young modulus of a wire25 questions

Topic 4.1: Waves and quantum behaviour

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

There are 10 parts: we start with progressive and stationary waves, and finish with wave–particle duality.

1. 4.1.1Progressive and stationary wavesFree 55 questions
2. 4.1.2Longitudinal and transverse waves and polarisation74 questions
3. 4.1.3The electromagnetic spectrum and intensity of waves61 questions
4. 4.1.4Refraction, diffraction and interference26 questions
5. 4.1.5Practical: stationary waves on a string (frequency, length, tension and mass per unit length)60 questions
6. 4.1.6Practical: speed of sound in air (oscilloscope method and resonance tubes)70 questions
7. 4.1.7Practical: wavelength of light using double slits and diffraction gratings55 questions
8. 4.1.8Photons, photoelectric effect and energy levels54 questions
9. 4.1.9Practical: estimating the Planck constant using LEDs32 questions
10. 4.1.10Wave–particle duality: de Broglie wavelength and electron diffraction53 questions

Topic 4.2: Space, time and motion

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

There are 7 parts: we start with scalars, vectors and moments, and finish with conservation of energy, efficiency and energy transfers.

1. 4.2.1Scalars, vectors and momentsFree 47 questions
2. 4.2.2Centre of mass, couples and equilibrium of coplanar forces77 questions
3. 4.2.3Motion and projectilesFree 61 questions
4. 4.2.4Practical: determining g by free fall34 questions
5. 4.2.5Newton's laws, momentum, work and power59 questions
6. 4.2.6Impulse, force–time graphs, elastic and inelastic collisions and explosions75 questions
7. 4.2.7Conservation of energy, efficiency and energy transfers72 questions

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