Physics

WJEC AS/A2 Physics

AS Course Construction - Year 12

Unit 1 Motion, energy and matter (20%)

1 ½ hr written paper

Short answer and extended written questions. Some questions with practical context.

• Basic physics; Kinematics;

• Dynamics;

• Energy concepts;

• Solids under stress;

• Using radiation to investigate stars;

• Particles and nuclear structure.

Unit 2 Electricity and light (20%)

1 ½ hr written paper

Short answer and extended written questions. Some questions with practical context.

• Conduction of electricity;

• Resistance; D.C. Circuits;

• The nature of waves;

• Refraction of light; Photons; Lasers

A2 Course Construction - Year 13

Unit 3 Oscillations and Nuclei (25%)

1 ½ hr written paper

Short answer and extended written questions. Some questions with practical context.

• Circular motion;

• Vibrations;

• Kinetic theory;

• Thermal physics;

• Nuclear decay;

• Nuclear energy.

Unit 4 Fields and option topics (25%)

1 ½ hr written paper

Short answer and extended written questions. Some questions with practical context. Choice of one option out of four:

• Alternating current

• Medical Physics

• The Physics of sport

• Energy and the environment

• Capacitance;

• Electrostatic and gravitational fields and forces;

• Orbits and wider universe;

• Magnetic fields;

• Electromagnetic induction;

• Options topics

Unit 5 Practical examination (10%)

Physical quantities and events are often expressed as mathematical equations. Physics candidates need to be confident in using mathematical techniques. However, it is not essential to study A Level Mathematics.

A level Applied Mathematics is the ideal complement to Physics with many shared elements.

If you are planning a career in Engineering or Science, it is more than likely you will need A Level Mathematics for University entrance.

Throughout the course candidates are expected to maintain a professional standard laboratory note book in which all practical experiments must be written up. This will be used as evidence of practical ability and will be invaluable as a university interview conversation piece.

Options topics in year 2 provide an opportunity for candidates to study career specific subject or to follow a personal interest.

Option topics are:

• Alternating current

• Medical Physics

• The Physics of sport

• Energy and the environment

Candidates will sit a total of five examinations. The WJEC examination board is keen to explore the candidate’s experimental ability in the written exams, practical exam and laboratory note book.

Recommended Entry Requirements:

· A minimum of Grade B in Core Science and Additional Science (or GCSE Physics) as well as Grade B in GCSE Mathematics.

· It is not essential to do A Level Mathematics in order to study A Level Physics. However, the standard of mathematics required to complete the course is above that of GCSE level Maths, therefore Mathematics as a complementary A Level is recommended.