recall and use EK = 21mv2

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) and Kinetic Energy (KE)

define and use distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration

1 Physical Quantities, Units & Measurement

Forces, density and pressure

Forces, Density and Pressure – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that the magnetic field due to the current in a solenoid is increased by a ferrous core

Magnetic Fields Due to Currents

understand that the area under the force–extension graph represents the work done

Deformation of Solids – Stress, Strain, Modulus and Work Done

understand that the gamma-ray photons from an annihilation event travel outside the body and can be detected, and an image of the tracer concentration in the tissue can be created by processing the arrival times of the gamma-ray photons

Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics (9702) – Full Syllabus Notes

recall and use Φ = BA

Electromagnetic Induction – Magnetic Flux (Φ = B A cos θ)

understand that a magnetic field is an example of a field of force produced either by moving charges or by permanent magnets

Magnetic Fields – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics (9702)

Astronomy and cosmology

Production and Use of X‑rays

use equations of the form x = x0 sin ωt representing a sinusoidally alternating current or voltage

1. Introduction to Alternating Current (AC)

recall that wavelengths in the range 400–700 nm in free space are visible to the human eye

Electromagnetic Spectrum – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

use, for a current-carrying conductor, the expression I = Anvq , where n is the number density of charge carriers

Electric Current (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702 – Topic 9.1)

calculate the energy released in nuclear reactions using E = c2∆m

23 Nuclear Physics

recall and use g = GM / r

Gravitational Field – The Relationship \(g = \dfrac{GM}{r^{2}}\)

distinguish graphically between half-wave and full-wave rectification

Rectification and Smoothing – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702) 21.1

understand that all physical quantities consist of a numerical magnitude and a unit

Physical Quantities, Units & Measurement

derive, from the definitions of velocity and acceleration, equations that represent uniformly accelerated motion in a straight line

Uniformly Accelerated Motion – Derivation and Applications (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level)

understand that, while momentum of a system is always conserved in interactions between objects, some change in kinetic energy may take place

Linear Momentum and Its Conservation (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

understand that a gravitational field is an example of a field of force and define gravitational field as force per unit mass

Gravitational Field

recall and use E = 21mω2x02 for the total energy of a system undergoing simple harmonic motion

Simple Harmonic Oscillations – Total Mechanical Energy (Cambridge 9702 – Codes 17.1‑17.3)

understand and use the terms load, extension, compression and limit of proportionality

Stress, Strain and the Limit of Proportionality

derive, using W = Fs, the formula ∆EP = mg∆h for gravitational potential energy changes in a uniform gravitational field

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) – Derivation and Application (AS 5.2)

explain the relevance of binding energy per nucleon to nuclear reactions, including nuclear fusion and nuclear fission

Mass Defect, Nuclear Binding Energy & Their Relevance to Nuclear Reactions

distinguish between nucleon number and proton number

Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation

understand and use the concept of angular speed

Kinematics of Uniform Circular Motion (UCM)

show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate stationary waves using microwaves, stretched strings and air columns (it will be assumed that end corrections are negligible; knowledge of the concept of end corrections is not required)

Stationary (Standing) Waves – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702

recall and use the following prefixes and their symbols to indicate decimal submultiples or multiples of both base and derived units: pico (p), nano (n), micro ( μ), milli (m), centi (c), deci (d), kilo (k), mega (M), giga (G), tera (T)

1 Physical Quantities and Units (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702)

infer from the results of the α-particle scattering experiment the existence and small size of the nucleus

Objective

recall the approximate range of wavelengths in free space of the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to γ-rays

Electromagnetic Spectrum – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

represent a magnetic field by field lines

Representing a Magnetic Field by Field Lines – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

understand that a satellite in a geostationary orbit remains at the same point above the Earth’s surface, with an orbital period of 24 hours, orbiting from west to east, directly above the Equator

1. Gravitational Field

compare pV = 31Nm<c2> with pV = NkT to deduce that the average translational kinetic energy of a molecule is 23 kT, and recall and use this expression

Kinetic Theory of Gases – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

define activity and decay constant, and recall and use A = λN

Radioactive Decay – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702) – Syllabus 23.2

understand and use the concept of magnetic flux linkage

Electromagnetic Induction – Magnetic Flux Linkage

distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference (p.d.) in terms of energy considerations

Practical Circuits – e.m.f. vs Potential Difference (p.d.)

understand that the weight of an object may be taken as acting at a single point known as its centre of gravity

Turning Effects of Forces – Centre of Gravity

use the electronvolt (eV) as a unit of energy

Energy and Momentum of Photons – Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)

understand the use of X-rays in imaging internal body structures, including an understanding of the term contrast in X-ray imaging

Production and Use of X‑rays

understand that centripetal acceleration causes circular motion with a constant angular speed

Centripetal Acceleration – A‑Level Physics (Cambridge 9702)

explain the use of four diodes (bridge rectifier) for the full-wave rectification of an alternating current

Rectification and Smoothing – Bridge (Full‑Wave) Rectifier

recall and use Malus’s law ( I = I0 cos2θ ) to calculate the intensity of a plane-polarised electromagnetic wave after transmission through a polarising filter or a series of polarising filters (calculation of the effect of a polarising filter on the

Polarisation – Using Malus’s Law (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702)

represent a gravitational field by means of field lines

Gravitational Field – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

define and use force as rate of change of momentum

Momentum and Newton’s Laws of Motion

derive, using the equations of motion, the formula for kinetic energy EK = 21mv2

Work, Energy & Power – Kinetic and Gravitational Potential Energy

recall and use Q = It

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Electric Current ( $Q = I t$ )

understand that the charge on charge carriers is quantised

1 Electric Current

state and apply each of Newton’s laws of motion

Momentum and Newton’s Laws of Motion

define magnetic flux density as the force acting per unit current per unit length on a wire placed at right- angles to the magnetic field

Force on a Current‑Carrying Conductor – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

understand that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant torque, a system is in equilibrium

Equilibrium of Forces – Cambridge AS/A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that, for a point outside a uniform sphere, the mass of the sphere may be considered to be a point mass at its centre

13 Gravitational Fields and Forces (Cambridge A‑Level 9702)

state Ohm’s law

Resistance, Resistivity & Ohm’s Law

understand and explain experiments that demonstrate: • that a changing magnetic flux can induce an e.m.f. in a circuit • that the induced e.m.f. is in such a direction as to oppose the change producing it • the factors affecting the magnitude of the

Electromagnetic Induction (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702 – 20.5)

use V = Q / (4πε0r) for the electric potential in the field due to a point charge

Electric Potential – Point Charge (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Topic 18.5)

use the Stefan–Boltzmann law L = 4πσr 2 T

Stellar Radii – Using the Stefan–Boltzmann Law

make reasonable estimates of physical quantities included within the syllabus

Physical Quantities, Units & Dimensions – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

describe and explain qualitatively the motion of objects in a uniform gravitational field with air resistance

Momentum and Newton’s Laws of Motion – Uniform Gravity with Air‑Resistance

recall and use τ = RC for the time constant for a capacitor discharging through a resistor

Discharging a Capacitor – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Topic 19.3

recall and use Hubble’s law v . H0d and explain how this leads to the Big Bang theory (candidates will only be required to use SI units)

Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics (9702) – Astrophysics Applications

understand and use the terms displacement, amplitude, period, frequency, angular frequency and phase difference in the context of oscillations, and express the period in terms of both frequency and angular frequency

Simple Harmonic Oscillations (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

recall and use Coulomb’s law F = Q1Q2 / (4πε0 r 2) for the force between two point charges in free space

Electric Fields and Coulomb’s Law – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics (9702 – Section 18)

understand that a photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy

Energy and Momentum of a Photon – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702

understand why g is approximately constant for small changes in height near the Earth’s surface

13 Gravitational Field of a Point Mass – Near‑Surface Approximation

recall that a tracer that decays by β+ decay is used in positron emission tomography (PET scanning)

Production and Use of X‑rays (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702 – Section 24.2)

explain photoelectric emission in terms of photon energy and work function energy

Energy and Momentum of Photons – Photo‑electric Emission (Cambridge 22.1)

recall and use the fact that the electric field at a point is equal to the negative of potential gradient at that point

Electric Potential – Content 18.5 (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702)

describe the composition, mass and charge of α-, β- and γ-radiations (both β– (electrons) and β+ (positrons) are included)

Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation – Cambridge 9702 (A‑Level)

determine acceleration using the gradient of a velocity–time graph

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Kinematics

understand the terms interference and coherence

Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Interference, Diffraction & Coherence

show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate diffraction including the qualitative effect of the gap width relative to the wavelength of the wave; for example diffraction of water waves in a ripple tank

Diffraction

explain the use of a single diode for the half-wave rectification of an alternating current

Rectification and Smoothing – Half‑Wave Rectifier (Single Diode)

recall and use hf = Φ + 21mvmax2

Energy and Momentum of a Photon – Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)

define and use density

Topic 4 – Forces, Density & Pressure

derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel

Kirchhoff’s Laws – Derivation of Equivalent Resistance

describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes, springs and ripple tanks

Wave Motion – Vibration in Ropes, Springs and Ripple Tanks

use graphical methods to represent distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration

Graphical Methods for Representing Distance, Displacement, Speed, Velocity and Acceleration

recall and use the circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus

Practical Circuits – Objective

recall and use V = W / Q

Potential Difference and Electrical Power (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

describe the effect of a uniform electric field on the motion of charged particles

Uniform Electric Fields – A‑Level Physics (Cambridge 9702)

understand that mass is the property of an object that resists change in motion

Momentum and Newton’s Laws of Motion – A‑Level Physics 9702

understand that nucleon number and charge are conserved in nuclear processes

Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702 – Syllabus 11.1)

define the potential difference across a component as the energy transferred per unit charge

Potential Difference and Power – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics (Syllabus 9.2)

define capacitance, as applied to both isolated spherical conductors and to parallel plate capacitors

Capacitors and Capacitance (Cambridge AS & A‑Level Physics 9702 – Topic 19)

use the equations v = v0 cos ωt and v = ± ω ()xx022−

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics (9702)

recall and use the formula for the spring constant k = F / x

Stress and Strain (AS‑Level 6.1)

understand that computed tomography (CT) scanning produces a 3D image of an internal structure by first combining multiple X-ray images taken in the same section from different angles to obtain a 2D image of the section, then repeating this process a

Production of X‑rays (Section 24.2)

show a qualitative understanding of frictional forces and viscous/drag forces including air resistance (no treatment of the coefficients of friction and viscosity is required, and a simple model of drag force increasing as speed increases is sufficie

Momentum, Newton’s Laws and Resistive Forces (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics – Syllabus 3.1 & 3.2)

define and use linear momentum as the product of mass and velocity

Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Momentum and Newton’s Laws

understand that a force might act on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field

Force on a Current‑Carrying Conductor (Cambridge AS & A Level 9702)

express derived units as products or quotients of the SI base units and use the derived units for quantities listed in this syllabus as appropriate

Objective

recall and use E = hf

Energy and Momentum of a Photon (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

use a vector triangle to represent coplanar forces in equilibrium

Equilibrium of Coplanar Forces (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702 – Topic 4.2)

define and use the terms stress, strain and the Young modulus

Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics – Stress, Strain and Young’s Modulus (Syllabus 6.1)

define electric potential at a point as the work done per unit positive charge in bringing a small test charge from infinity to the point

Electric Potential

understand that deformation is caused by tensile or compressive forces (forces and deformations will be assumed to be in one dimension only)

Stress and Strain – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level (Syllabus 6.1 & 6.2)

describe an experiment to determine the Young modulus of a metal in the form of a wire

Stress & Strain – Determining Young’s Modulus (Cambridge 9702)

represent simple nuclear reactions by nuclear equations of the form NH eO H714 24 817 11" ++

Mass Defect, Nuclear Binding Energy & Simple Nuclear Reactions (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Topic 23.1)

recall Kirchhoff’s second law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of energy

Kirchhoff’s Laws – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that a tracer is a substance containing radioactive nuclei that can be introduced into the body and is then absorbed by the tissue being studied

1. Key concepts required by the Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) syllabus

understand the distinction between precision and accuracy

Errors and Uncertainties (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702 – Sub‑topic 1.4)

understand that an object of known luminosity is called a standard candle

Standard Candles – Using Known Luminosity to Measure Astronomical Distances

understand that an antiparticle has the same mass but opposite charge to the corresponding particle, and that a positron is the antiparticle of an electron

Antiparticles

understand the origin of the Hall voltage and derive and use the expression VH = BI / (ntq), where t = thickness

20.1 Concept of a Magnetic Field

state the principle of conservation of momentum

Linear Momentum and Its Conservation

use Kirchhoff’s laws to solve simple circuit problems

Objective

describe the interchange between kinetic and potential energy during simple harmonic motion

Simple Harmonic Motion – Energy Interchange (Cambridge AS & A Level Physics 9702)

understand that simple harmonic motion occurs when acceleration is proportional to displacement from a fixed point and in the opposite direction

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) – Syllabus 17 (Oscillations)

define the radian and express angular displacement in radians

Kinematics of Uniform Circular Motion

recall that, for an elastic collision, total kinetic energy is conserved and the relative speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of separation

Linear Momentum and Its Conservation

recall and use λ = h / p

Wave‑Particle Duality (Cambridge 9702 – 22.3)

define resistance

Resistance and Resistivity

recall that protons and neutrons are not fundamental particles and describe protons and neutrons in terms of their quark composition

Fundamental Particles – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702) – Section 11.2

describe the motion of a charged particle moving in a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of motion of the particle

Learning Objective

define and apply the torque of a couple

Turning Effects of Forces (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

define and use the terms mass defect and binding energy

Mass Defect and Nuclear Binding Energy

understand that energy is transferred by a progressive wave

Progressive (Travelling) Waves – Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Syllabus 7.1

understand and use the terms threshold frequency and threshold wavelength

22.1 Energy and Momentum of a Photon

state that (electron) antineutrinos are produced during β– decay and (electron) neutrinos are produced during β+ decay

Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702

define and use specific latent heat and distinguish between specific latent heat of fusion and specific latent heat of vaporisation

Specific Latent Heat

understand the equivalence between energy and mass as represented by E = mc2 and recall and use this equation

Mass–Energy Equivalence, Mass Defect & Nuclear Binding Energy (Cambridge 9702)

describe and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass and recall that the weight of an object is equal to the product of its mass and the acceleration of free fall

Weight – the Effect of a Gravitational Field on a Mass

understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities and give examples of scalar and vector quantities included in the syllabus

Scalars and Vectors – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

understand and explain the effects of systematic errors (including zero errors) and random errors in measurements

1. Errors and Uncertainties (Cambridge AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Syllabus 1.3)

calculate the energy of the gamma-ray photons emitted during the annihilation of an electron-positron pair

Production and Use of X‑rays (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Section 24.2)

recall and use hf = E1 – E2

Energy Levels in Atoms and Line Spectra (Cambridge AS/A‑Level 22.4)

recall and use Newton’s law of gravitation F = Gm1m2 / r2 for the force between two point masses

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

recall and use I = I0e–μx for the attenuation of X-rays in matter

Production, Uses and Attenuation of X‑rays – Cambridge 9702 (A‑Level Physics)

distinguish between root-mean-square (r.m.s.) and peak values and recall and use I r.m.s. = I0 / 2 and Vr.m.s. = V0 / 2 for a sinusoidal alternating current

Alternating Currents – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

understand the use of a galvanometer in null methods

Potential Dividers – Use of a Galvanometer in Null‑Method Measurements

recall and use E = ∆V / ∆d to calculate the field strength of the uniform field between charged parallel plates

Uniform Electric Fields (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Topic 18)

understand how the concept of electric potential leads to the electric potential energy of two point charges and use EP = Qq / (4πε0 r)

Electric Potential – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

sketch the variation of binding energy per nucleon with nucleon number

Mass‑Defect, Nuclear Binding Energy and the Binding‑Energy‑per‑Nucleon Curve

use IR / I0 = (Z1 – Z2)2 / (Z1 + Z2)2 for the intensity reflection coefficient of a boundary between two media

Ultrasound – Production, Propagation and Use

recall and use W = p∆V for the work done when the volume of a gas changes at constant pressure and understand the difference between the work done by the gas and the work done on the gas

The First Law of Thermodynamics (Cambridge 9702)

understand that polarisation is a phenomenon associated with transverse waves

Polarisation

use Wien’s displacement law and the Stefan–Boltzmann law to estimate the radius of a star

Estimating the Radius of a Star using Wien’s Displacement Law and the Stefan–Boltzmann Law

understand that a resistive force acting on an oscillating system causes damping

Damped and Forced Oscillations – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702) – Section 17.3

recall and use F = qE for the force on a charge in an electric field

Electric Fields and the Force on a Charge – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics (9702)

assess the uncertainty in a derived quantity by simple addition of absolute or percentage uncertainties

Contents (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702)

understand that α-particles have discrete energies but that β-particles have a continuous range of energies because (anti)neutrinos are emitted in β-decay

Topic: Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation

understand the appearance and formation of emission and absorption line spectra

Energy Levels in Atoms and Line Spectra

derive, from the definitions of pressure and density, the equation for hydrostatic pressure ∆p = ρg∆h

Equilibrium of Forces – Hydrostatic Pressure

recall F = ma and solve problems using it, understanding that acceleration and resultant force are always in the same direction

Momentum, Newton’s Laws of Motion and Non‑Uniform Dynamics (Cambridge 9702 – AS/A‑Level)

understand the principle of a potential divider circuit

Potential Dividers – Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)

define gravitational potential at a point as the work done per unit mass in bringing a small test mass from infinity to the point

Gravitational Fields, Potential & Potential Energy

understand that an electric current is a flow of charge carriers

Electric Current and Direct‑Current (D.C.) Circuits

understand that objects moving against a resistive force may reach a terminal (constant) velocity

Momentum and Newton’s Laws of Motion

solve problems using P = W / t

Energy Conservation & Power (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

understand that regions of equal temperature are in thermal equilibrium

Thermal Equilibrium

represent an electric field by means of field lines

Electric Fields and Field‑Line Representation

use ∆λ / λ . ∆f / f . v / c for the redshift of electromagnetic radiation from a source moving relative to an observer

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Stellar Radii from Doppler Red‑shift

understand and use the terms period, frequency and peak value as applied to an alternating current or voltage

Characteristics of Alternating Currents (AC)

understand that, for a point outside a spherical conductor, the charge on the sphere may be considered to be a point charge at its centre

Electric Fields – Spherical Conductors and Uniform Fields (Cambridge 9702 – 18.1 – 18.5)

represent α- and β-decay by a radioactive decay equation of the form UT h92238 90234

Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation – A‑Level Physics (Cambridge 9702)

understand how wavelength may be determined from the positions of nodes or antinodes of a stationary wave

Stationary (Standing) Waves – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics 9702

draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing the circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus

Practical Circuits – Drawing and Interpreting Circuit Diagrams (Section 6)

Quantum physics

Rectification and Smoothing – A‑Level Physics 9702 (Paper 4, Topic 21.1)

explain why redshift leads to the idea that the Universe is expanding

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Stellar Radii, Cosmic Red‑shift and the Expanding Universe

understand that resonance involves a maximum amplitude of oscillations and that this occurs when an oscillating system is forced to oscillate at its natural frequency

Objective

Magnetic fields

Discharging a Capacitor – Magnetic‑Field Aspects (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702)

explain that, in PET scanning, positrons emitted by the decay of the tracer annihilate when they interact with electrons in the tissue, producing a pair of gamma-ray photons travelling in opposite directions

Medical Physics – X‑rays and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

describe an experiment to determine the acceleration of free fall using a falling object

Experiment: Determining the Acceleration of Free Fall (g)

explain the origin of the forces between current-carrying conductors and determine the direction of the forces

1. Introduction

Capacitance

Capacitance

explain how electric and magnetic fields can be used in velocity selection

Force on a Current‑Carrying Conductor and the Use of Crossed Fields for Velocity Selection

analyse the effect of a single capacitor in smoothing, including the effect of the values of capacitance and the load resistance

Rectification and Smoothing – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702) – Objective 21.2

Work, energy and power An understanding of the forms of energy and energy transfers from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed.

Cambridge IGCSE / O‑Level Physics – Core Syllabus Notes

determine the direction of the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field

20 Magnetic Fields – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

recall and use W = 21QV = 21CV2

Capacitors and Capacitance – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702

understand that a photon has momentum and that the momentum is given by p = E / c

Energy and Momentum of a Photon – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702) Syllabus

derive P = Fv and use it to solve problems

Work, Energy & Power – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that the lowest possible temperature is zero kelvin on the thermodynamic temperature scale and that this is known as absolute zero

Temperature Scales and Thermal Concepts

explain and use the principle of superposition

Stationary (Standing) Waves – Principle of Superposition

recall and use the principle of the potentiometer as a means of comparing potential differences

Potentiometer – Comparing Potential Differences (Cambridge AS/A‑Level Physics 9702)

understand that the lines in the emission and absorption spectra from distant objects show an increase in wavelength from their known values

Understanding Red‑Shift in Stellar Spectra and Estimating Stellar Radii

understand how ultrasound waves are generated and detected by a piezoelectric transducer

Production and Use of Ultrasound (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702 – Section 24.1)

define half-life

Radioactive Decay – Half‑life (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702)

recall and use I = I0e–μx for the attenuation of ultrasound in matter

Production and Use of Ultrasound (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Syllabus 24.1)

Waves An understanding of colour from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed.

Elastic and Plastic Behaviour – Cambridge AS Physics 9702 (Topic 6.2)

explain the use of thermistors and light-dependent resistors in potential dividers to provide a potential difference that is dependent on temperature and light intensity

Potential Dividers (Voltage Dividers)

understand the de Broglie wavelength as the wavelength associated with a moving particle

Wave‑Particle Duality and the de Broglie Wavelength (Cambridge 9702 – 22.1 to 22.5)

analyse and interpret graphical representations of transverse and longitudinal waves

Progressive Waves – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 (Section 7.1)

understand the term luminosity as the total power of radiation emitted by a star

Standard Candles – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

recall the following SI base quantities and their units: mass (kg), length (m), time (s), current (A), temperature (K)

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) – SI Units, Measurement & Vectors

understand that a piezo-electric crystal changes shape when a p.d. is applied across it and that the crystal generates an e.m.f. when its shape changes

Production and Use of Ultrasound (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Section 24.1)

explain that X-rays are produced by electron bombardment of a metal target and calculate the minimum wavelength of X-rays produced from the accelerating p.d.

Production and Use of X‑rays – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

apply the principle of conservation of momentum to solve simple problems, including elastic and inelastic interactions between objects in both one and two dimensions (knowledge of the concept of coefficient of restitution is not required)

Linear Momentum and Its Conservation (Cambridge AS & A‑Level Physics 9702 – Topic 3.3)

use molar quantities where one mole of any substance is the amount containing a number of particles of that substance equal to the Avogadro constant NA

The Mole – Cambridge AS & A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that there are discrete electron energy levels in isolated atoms (e.g. atomic hydrogen)

Energy Levels in Atoms and Line Spectra

recall and use the charge of each flavour of quark and understand that its respective antiquark has the opposite charge (no knowledge of any other properties of quarks is required)

Fundamental Particles – Quarks, Leptons & Their Charges (Cambridge AS & A Level Physics 9702)

understand that isotopes are forms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei

Topic: Atoms, Nuclei and Radiation (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

state and apply the principle of moments

Equilibrium of Forces (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Section 4.2)

understand that electromagnetic radiation has a particulate nature

Electromagnetic Radiation – Photon (Particulate) Nature

use SI base units to check the homogeneity of physical equations

SI Units and the Homogeneity of Physical Equations (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702)

calculate the upthrust acting on an object in a fluid using the equation F = ρgV (Archimedes’ principle)

Equilibrium of Forces – Upthrust (Archimedes’ Principle)

compare transverse and longitudinal waves

Progressive Waves – Transverse vs Longitudinal (Cambridge 9702 – Topic 7)

recall and use the first law of thermodynamics ∆U = q + W expressed in terms of the increase in internal energy, the heating of the system (energy transferred to the system by heating) and the work done on the system

Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – First Law of Thermodynamics

understand and use the terms displacement, amplitude, phase difference, period, frequency, wavelength and speed

Progressive (Traveling) Waves – Cambridge AS & A Level Physics 9702

understand how the concept of gravitational potential leads to the gravitational potential energy of two point masses and use EP = –GMm / r

Gravitational Field, Potential and Potential Energy (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

Dynamics An understanding of forces from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed.

Equations of Motion – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand the exponential nature of radioactive decay, and sketch and use the relationship x = x0e–λt, where x could represent activity, number of undecayed nuclei or received count rate

Radioactive Decay – Cambridge AS & A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that a force of constant magnitude that is always perpendicular to the direction of motion causes centripetal acceleration

Uniform Circular Motion – Centripetal Acceleration & Centripetal Force

understand that the resistance of a light-dependent resistor (LDR) decreases as the light intensity increases

1 Physical Quantities & Units

understand the conditions required if two-source interference fringes are to be observed

Interference – Conditions for Observing Two‑Source Fringes (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702)

describe the use of a diffraction grating to determine the wavelength of light (the structure and use of the spectrometer are not included)

Diffraction Grating – Determining the Wavelength of Light

define and use specific heat capacity

Chapter 14 – Temperature, Heat & Phase Change

derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series

Kirchhoff’s Laws – Derivations, Applications & Practical Skills (Cambridge AS & A Level Physics 9702)

recall and use E = Q / (4πε0 r 2) for the electric field strength due to a point charge in free space

Learning Objective (Cambridge 9702 AO1‑AO3)

understand that the root-mean-square speed cr.m.s. is given by c<>

Topic‑Map Checklist – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 (2025‑2027)

Ideal gases

Temperature – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

understand that a gas obeying pV ∝ T, where T is the thermodynamic temperature, is known as an ideal gas

Ideal‑Gas Model – Equation of State

understand that amount of substance is an SI base quantity with the base unit mol

The Mole – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics (9702)

state the basic assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases

Kinetic Theory of Gases – Cambridge A‑Level (9702)

analyse and interpret graphical representations of the variations of displacement, velocity and acceleration for simple harmonic motion

Simple Harmonic Motion (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Sections 17.1‑17.3)

recall and use intensity = power/area and intensity ∝ (amplitude )2 for a progressive wave

Progressive (Travelling) Waves – Cambridge AS/A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand the effects of the internal resistance of a source of e.m.f. on the terminal potential difference

Internal Resistance of a Source of e.m.f. – Effect on the Terminal Potential Difference

use the expression fο = f sv / (v ± vs) for the observed frequency when a source of sound waves moves relative to a stationary observer

Doppler Effect for Sound Waves (Cambridge AS & A Level Physics 9702 – Topic 7.3)

recall and use the equation F = BIL sin θ, with directions as interpreted by Fleming’s left-hand rule

1. Introduction – linking to the magnetic‑field topic (Syllabus 20.1)

use the capacitance formulae for capacitors in series and in parallel

Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Capacitors and Capacitance

recall and use the fact that the mean power in a resistive load is half the maximum power for a sinusoidal alternating current

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Characteristics of Alternating Currents

understand that the upthrust acting on an object in a fluid is due to a difference in hydrostatic pressure

1. Learning Objectives & Syllabus Mapping (Syllabus 4.2)

recall and use R = ρL / A

Resistance, Resistivity & DC‑Circuit Fundamentals

understand that a physical property that varies with temperature may be used for the measurement of temperature and state examples of such properties, including the density of a liquid, volume of a gas at constant pressure, resistance of a metal, e.m

Learning Objective

describe and explain motion due to a uniform velocity in one direction and a uniform acceleration in a perpendicular direction

Motion with a Uniform Velocity in One Direction and a Uniform Acceleration Perpendicular to It

understand that fluctuations in count rate provide evidence for the random nature of radioactive decay

Radioactive Decay – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

solve problems using equations that represent uniformly accelerated motion in a straight line, including the motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field without air resistance

Uniformly Accelerated Linear Motion (UA‑LM)

describe the changes to quark composition that take place during β– and β+ decay

β‑Radiation and Quark‑Flavour Change (Cambridge AS & A Level 9702)

state that all electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel with the same speed c in free space

Electromagnetic Spectrum – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that when a source of sound waves moves relative to a stationary observer, the observed frequency is different from the source frequency (understanding of the Doppler effect for a stationary source and a moving observer is not required)

Doppler Effect for Sound Waves – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702

understand that the photoelectric effect provides evidence for a particulate nature of electromagnetic radiation while phenomena such as interference and diffraction provide evidence for a wave nature

Wave‑Particle Duality (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 – 22.1 – 22.4)

understand that internal energy is determined by the state of the system and that it can be expressed as the sum of a random distribution of kinetic and potential energies associated with the molecules of a system

Internal Energy – Section 16.1

represent a vector as two perpendicular components

Scalars and Vectors (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Sub‑topic 1.4)

recall and use P = VI, P = I 2R and P = V 2 / R

Potential Difference, Power and the Fundamentals of Electricity

understand how the reflection of pulses of ultrasound at boundaries between tissues can be used to obtain diagnostic information about internal structures

Production and Use of Ultrasound – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

describe a simple model for the nuclear atom to include protons, neutrons and orbital electrons

Simple Nuclear Model of the Atom

Temperature

Gravitational Potential

use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel

Kirchhoff’s Laws – A‑Level Physics (Cambridge 9702)

define the specific acoustic impedance of a medium as Z = ρc, where c is the speed of sound in the medium

Topic 24 – Waves in Medical Physics

define and use pressure

Cambridge International AS & A‑Level Physics (9702) – Concise Syllabus Notes

add and subtract coplanar vectors

Learning Objectives

define magnetic flux as the product of the magnetic flux density and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic flux density

Electromagnetic Induction – Magnetic Flux

Electric fields

Electric Fields – Damped and Forced Oscillations, Resonance

recall and use Hooke’s law

Stress, Strain and Hooke’s Law (Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics 9702 – Topic 6 Deformation of Solids)

describe and interpret qualitatively the evidence provided by electron diffraction for the wave nature of particles

Wave‑Particle Duality (Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Syllabus 22)

recall and use F = mrω2 and F = mv2 / r

Centri​pal Motion – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702) – Topic 12

sketch the I–V characteristics of a metallic conductor at constant temperature, a semiconductor diode and a filament lamp

Resistance, Resistivity & I‑V Characteristics (Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level)

show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate two-source interference using water waves in a ripple tank, sound, light and microwaves

Interference and Diffraction – Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)

understand that an electric field is an example of a field of force and define electric field as force per unit positive charge

Electric Fields and Field Lines – A‑Level Physics 9702 (Section 18.1)

understand that photoelectrons may be emitted from a metal surface when it is illuminated by electromagnetic radiation

Energy and Momentum of a Photon – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702

determine the elastic potential energy of a material deformed within its limit of proportionality from the area under the force–extension graph

1. Learning Objective

understand the use of a Hall probe to measure magnetic flux density

Force on a Current‑Carrying Conductor – Using a Hall Probe to Measure Magnetic Flux Density

understand and use the terms elastic deformation, plastic deformation and elastic limit

Elastic and Plastic Behaviour – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702

recall and understand that the efficiency of a system is the ratio of useful energy output from the system to the total energy input

Energy, Work, Power & Efficiency (Cambridge AS‑Level – Topic 5)

explain the formation of a stationary wave using a graphical method, and identify nodes and antinodes

Standing (Stationary) Waves

understand the concept of work, and recall and use work done = force × displacement in the direction of the force

Work, Energy and Power – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics (9702)

derive, using the definitions of speed, frequency and wavelength, the wave equation v = f λ

Progressive Waves – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

use the unified atomic mass unit (u) as a unit of mass

Objective

relate a rise in temperature of an object to an increase in its internal energy

Internal Energy – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

explain how molecular movement causes the pressure exerted by a gas and derive and use the relationship pV = 31Nm<c2>, where < c2> is the mean-square speed (a simple model considering one-dimensional collisions and then extending to three dimensions

Kinetic Theory of Gases (Cambridge AS & A Level – Syllabus 9702)

recall and use d sin θ = nλ

Diffraction Grating

explain why the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons is independent of intensity, whereas the photoelectric current is proportional to intensity

Energy and Momentum of a Photon – Cambridge 9702 (Section 22.1)

explain that the resistance of a filament lamp increases as current increases because its temperature increases

Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702) – Resistance, Resistivity and Filament Lamps

recall and use C = Q / V

Capacitors and Capacitance (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702 – 19 Capacitance)

understand that a quark is a fundamental particle and that there are six flavours (types) of quark: up, down, strange, charm, top and bottom

Fundamental Particles – Quarks

use equations of the form x = x0 e–(t / RC) where x could represent current, charge or potential difference for a capacitor discharging through a resistor

Discharging a Capacitor – A‑Level Physics (Cambridge 9702)

recall and use the equation of state for an ideal gas expressed as pV = nRT, where n = amount of substance (number of moles) and as pV = NkT, where N = number of molecules

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics – Topic 15.2: Equation of State for an Ideal Gas

determine velocity using the gradient of a displacement–time graph

Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Kinematics

understand that a hadron may be either a baryon (consisting of three quarks) or a meson (consisting of one quark and one antiquark)

Fundamental Particles – Hadrons (Cambridge 9702 Syllabus)

sketch magnetic field patterns due to the currents in a long straight wire, a flat circular coil and a long solenoid

Magnetic Fields due to Currents – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

recall that electrons and neutrinos are fundamental particles called leptons

1. Atoms, Nuclei & Radiation

understand that the scale of thermodynamic temperature does not depend on the property of any particular substance

Temperature Scales – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702

analyse graphs of the variation with time of potential difference, charge and current for a capacitor discharging through a resistor

Discharging a Capacitor – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702) Syllabus

recall and use F = BQv sin θ

Force on a Current‑Carrying Conductor – Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)

recall and apply the principle of conservation of energy

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Core Revision Notes

recall and use the formula ∆EP = mg∆h for gravitational potential energy changes in a uniform gravitational field

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) & Kinetic Energy (KE)

derive, using C = Q / V, formulae for the combined capacitance of capacitors in series and in parallel

Capacitors and Capacitance – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

recall and use λ = ax / D for double-slit interference using light

Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702) – Interference: Using λ = a x / (m D)

recall and use a = rω2 and a = v2 / r

Centripetal Acceleration – Topic 12 (Motion in a Circle)

understand that a couple is a pair of forces that acts to produce rotation only

Turning Effects of Forces (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level 9702)

use λ = 0.693 / t

Radioactive Decay & Nuclear Physics (Cambridge AS & A‑Level 9702)

understand that (thermal) energy is transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature

Thermal Energy Transfer & Thermal Equilibrium (Cambridge 9702)

use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series

Kirchhoff’s Laws and Resistive Circuits (Cambridge 9702 – Topic 10.2)

understand that the resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases (it will be assumed that thermistors have a negative temperature coefficient)

Resistance, Resistivity and Temperature‑Dependent Behaviour (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702)

recall and use the inverse square law for radiant flux intensity F in terms of the luminosity L of the source F = L / (4πd 2)

Standard Candles – Inverse‑Square Law for Radiant Flux

recall and use v = f λ

Progressive Waves – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 (2025‑2027)

define and apply the moment of a force

Turning Effects of Forces (Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level Physics 9702 – Topic 4.1)

analyse circular orbits in gravitational fields by relating the gravitational force to the centripetal acceleration it causes

Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Gravitational Fields & Circular Orbits

define power as work done per unit time

Power – Work Done per Unit Time

understand that a physical property that varies with temperature may be used for the measurement of temperature and state examples of such properties, including the density of a liquid, volume of a gas at constant pressure, resistance of a metal, e.m

14 Temperature

use ϕ = –GM / r for the gravitational potential in the field due to a point mass

Gravitational Potential – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level (9702)

define and use the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a source as energy transferred per unit charge in driving charge around a complete circuit

Practical Circuits – Electromotive Force (e.m.f.)

derive, from Newton’s law of gravitation and the definition of gravitational field, the equation g = GM / r 2 for the gravitational field strength due to a point mass

Deriving the Gravitational Field Strength \(g = \dfrac{GM}{r^{2}}\)

convert temperatures between kelvin and degrees Celsius and recall that T / K = θ / °C + 273.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) – Temperature Scales

use a = –ω2x and recall and use, as a solution to this equation, x = x0 sin ωt

Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics (9702) – Comprehensive Revision Notes

explain what is meant by nuclear fusion and nuclear fission

23 – Nuclear Physics

recall and use V = IR

Resistance, Resistivity and Ohm’s Law (Cambridge 9702 – 9.2 & 9.3)

show a qualitative understanding of frictional forces and viscous/drag forces including air resistance (no treatment of the coefficients of friction and viscosity is required, and a simple model of drag force increasing as speed increases is sufficie

Dynamics – Momentum, Newton’s Laws, Friction & Drag (Cambridge 9702)

explain the meaning of the term diffraction

Diffraction

understand the use of the time-base and y-gain of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) to determine frequency and amplitude

Progressive Waves – Using a Cathode‑Ray Oscilloscope (CRO)

use the equation ∆p = ρg∆h

Equilibrium of Forces – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702

recall and use Malus’s law ( I = I0 cos2θ ) to calculate the intensity of a plane-polarised electromagnetic wave after transmission through a polarising filter or a series of polarising filters (calculation of the effect of a polarising filter on the

Polarisation – Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 (Syllabus 7.5)

understand and use the terms light, critical and heavy damping and sketch displacement–time graphs illustrating these types of damping

Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Damped and Forced Oscillations, Resonance

recall Kirchhoff’s first law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of charge

Kirchhoff’s Laws – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level Physics (9702)

Gravitational fields

Gravitational Fields and Motion in a Circle

determine displacement from the area under a velocity–time graph

Cambridge International AS & A‑Level Physics (9702) – Displacement from a Velocity‑Time Graph

determine the electric potential energy stored in a capacitor from the area under the potential–charge graph

Capacitors and Capacitance – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)

recall that the Boltzmann constant k is given by k = R / NA

Equation of State – Cambridge A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand and use the notation A Z X for the representation of nuclides

Notation $^{A}_{Z}\text{X}$ for Nuclides – Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702)

recall and use EP = 21 Fx = 21 kx2 for a material deformed within its limit of proportionality

6.2 Elastic & Plastic Behaviour

use the concept of efficiency to solve problems

Energy Conservation, Work, Power & Efficiency (Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702)

understand the use of standard candles to determine distances to galaxies

Standard Candles – A‑Level Physics (9702)

understand that annihilation occurs when a particle interacts with its antiparticle and that mass–energy and momentum are conserved in the process

Production and Use of X‑rays – A‑Level Physics 9702

recall and use Wien’s displacement law λmax ∝ 1 / T to estimate the peak surface temperature of a star

Estimating the Surface Temperature of a Star – Wien’s Displacement Law

recall and use Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws of electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic Induction – Faraday’s & Lenz’s Laws (AS/A‑Level Physics 9702)

recall and use ω = 2π / T and v = rω

Kinematics of Uniform Circular Motion

understand and explain experiments that demonstrate: • that a changing magnetic flux can induce an e.m.f. in a circuit • that the induced e.m.f. is in such a direction as to oppose the change producing it • the factors affecting the magnitude of the

Electromagnetic Induction – Cambridge IGCSE / A‑Level (9702)

Oscillations

16 Thermodynamics – Internal Energy and Work

understand that computed tomography (CT) scanning produces a 3D image of an internal structure by first combining multiple X-ray images taken in the same section from different angles to obtain a 2D image of the section, then repeating this process a

Cambridge A‑Level Physics 9702 – Production and Use of X‑rays (Syllabus 24.2)

understand that radioactive decay is both spontaneous and random

Radioactive Decay – Spontaneous and Random

explain how molecular movement causes the pressure exerted by a gas and derive and use the relationship pV = 31Nm<c2>, where < c2> is the mean-square speed (a simple model considering one-dimensional collisions and then extending to three dimensions

Kinetic Theory of Gases – Cambridge IGCSE/A‑Level (9702)