Physics

The National 5 Physics exam is made up of two question papers. Paper 1 is a multiple choice paper. Paper 2 is made up of questions with several parts that need written answers.

Scalars have a size, while vectors have both size and direction. When adding vector quantities, it is possible to find the size and direction of the resultant vector by drawing a scale diagram.

Velocity-time graphs are used to describe the motion of objects which are moving in a straight line. They can be used to show acceleration and to work out displacement.

Acceleration is the change in speed or velocity of an object over a certain time. It can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the total time.

Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion describe how forces change the motion of an object, how the force of gravity gives weight to all masses, how forces cause acceleration and how forces work in collisions.

The law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed - it can only be transferred from one type to another.

Projectiles and satellites move in curved paths due to the effects of gravitational force. By considering motion in horizontal and vertical directions, we can predict their path.

Space exploration has benefited many areas of science and technology including satellites and GPS. It carries significant risks including radiation, extreme temperatures, and high-speed impacts but these can be managed with technological solutions.

Observation of the universe has improved our understanding of its age, its size and the composition of stars.

Electrical current is electrical charge transferred in a particular time. These three properties can be calculated using the equation Q=It. Current can be a.c. or d.c.

The potential difference (or voltage) of a supply is a measure of the energy given to the charge carriers in a circuit.

Ohm’s law relates the resistance of a component to its voltage and current. Applying circuit rules for current and voltage with Ohm’s Law allows us to formulate rules to determine total resistance.

Measurement and analysis of current and voltage in simple circuits allows us to formulate rules and predict unknown values.

Power is a measure of the rate of energy transfer and relates to the current and voltage for an electrical circuit.

Why does a metal wire conduct electricity while the plastic sheath does not?

When an object is heated, the change in temperature is related to energy, mass and the specific heat capacity of the material it is made of.

Different materials have different latent heats. They require different amounts of energy to change state between solid, liquid and gas.

The behaviour of gases is described in terms of the kinetic theory, which considers the motion of molecules in the gas. The gas law links pressure, volume and temperature.

An explanation of heat loss from liquids in a vacuum flask.

Waves cause a disturbance of the medium through which they travel. This allows them to carry energy. The quantity of energy carried relates to the amplitude of the wave.

Waves in the electromagnetic spectrum can all travel through a vacuum at the speed of light. The wide range of frequencies and wavelengths of different waves have a variety of uses.

Refraction occurs when waves travel from one material to another. For light, this can change both the speed and direction. Refraction of light takes place in many places, including lenses and prisms.

Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation all have different properties and effects. Radiation can have destructive effects but can also be used in medicine, industry and electricity generation.