N4/5 Physics

National 4:

Through learning in physics, learners develop their interest in and understanding of the world. They engage in a wide range of investigative tasks, which allows them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising, in a world where the skills and knowledge developed by physics are needed across all sectors of society.

Electricity and Energy

The Unit covers the key areas of generation of electricity, electrical power, electromagnetism, practical electrical and electronic circuits, gas laws and the kinetic model.

Waves and radiation

The Unit covers the key areas wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation.

Dynamics and Space

The Unit covers the key areas of speed and acceleration, relationships between forces, motion and energy, satellites and cosmology.

National 5: The National 5 Physics Course enables learners to develop a deeper understanding of physics concepts and the ability to describe and interpret physical phenomena using mathematical skills, and the applications of physics in society. To acquire skills associated with carrying out experimental and investigative work and analysing the information obtained.

Energy and Electricity

Conservation of Energy; Electric charge carriers and electric fields; Potential difference (voltage); Practical Electrical and Electronic Circuits; Ohm’s Law; Electrical Power; Specific Heat Capacity; Gas laws and Kinetic model.

Waves and Radiation

Wave parameters and behaviours; Light; Electromagnetic Spectrum; Nuclear radiation.

Dynamics and Space

Velocity and displacement; Velocity-time graphs; Acceleration; Newton’s Laws; Projectile motion; Space Exploration; Cosmology. Throughout the Course, appropriate attention should be given to Physical units, prefixes and scientific notation.