Year 13 A2 Physics Curriculum Plan
Advancing Physics A2 is a contemporary course, developed by the Institute of Physics and examined by the OCR who maintain an information page about this subject.
Assessment is by two written examinations and two pieces of teacher-assessed coursework.
All materials used in lessons and for homework are available to staff and students on the school extranet.
Unit G494 Rise and Fall of the Clockwork Universe
- Gradually develops thinking that is more mathematical.
- Focuses on how physics changes our lives and the way we think.
Models and Rules
- Creating Models: exponential decay and simple computer models, harmonic oscillator as a model, potential and kinetic energy.
Find out more with this simulation of oscillations produced by the PhET organisation. - Out into space: orbits, circular motion, gravitational field, momentum.
- Our place in the Universe: evidence of a hot big bang origin of the Universe.
Matter in Extremes
- Matter Very Simple: ideal gases, kinetic theory, thermal capacity, energy kT, conservation of energy.
Use this simulation of the properties of gases produced by the PhET organisation. - Matter Very Hot and Cold: ionisation, thermal behaviour, Boltzmann factor.
Unit G495 Field and Particle Pictures
- Develops fundamental ideas.
- A variety of points of view: fundamental, applied, social.
Fields
- Electromagnetic Machines: transformers, dynamos, motors, power transmission and generation.
- Charge and Field: electric field, electric potential.
Use this simulation of electric fields produced by the PhET organisation.
Fundamental Particles
- Probing Deep into Matter: scattering, nuclear atom, discrete energy levels in atoms, quantum ideas about structure of atom, evidence of structure in nucleons, some particle physics.
- Ionising Radiation and Risk: radioactive decay, nuclear stability, fission, fusion, risk, Einstein's famous E = mc2
Unit G496 Researching Physics - Coursework
- Practical Investigation. An extended investigation of a practical problem related to physics or its applications.
- Research Briefing. A written and verbal report based on a physics topic of the candidate’s choosing requiring the use and synthesis of different areas of the subject.
