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0
C
Cira Mc Laughlin
13/12/2025
Physics
Physics double award foundation
201
•
13 Dec 2025
•
Physics Double Award Foundation Course - CCEA
C
Cira Mc Laughlin
@ciramclaughlin_tnkc
Key Physics Concepts and Forces
Hooke's Law is surprisingly simple - when you stretch a spring, the extension is directly proportional to the force you apply (as long as you don't overstretch it). The formula F = kx shows this relationship, where k is the spring constant that tells you how stiff the spring is.
Understanding the difference between mass and weight is crucial for exams. Mass is a scalar quantity (just a number with size only) measured in kg, whilst weight is a vector (has both size and direction) measured in Newtons. Your mass stays the same everywhere, but your weight changes - you'd weigh less on the Moon because gravity is weaker there!
The principle of moments explains why seesaws balance. When something's in equilibrium, the clockwise moments equal the anticlockwise moments about the pivot. A moment is simply the turning effect of a force, calculated as Force × perpendicular distance from the pivot.
Quick Check: Remember that weight = mass × gravitational field strength , where g = 10 N/kg on Earth.
Energy and Radioactivity Fundamentals
Energy conservation is one of physics' most important principles - energy can change from one form to another, but the total amount never changes. This applies everywhere from roller coasters (potential energy converting to kinetic) to power stations.
Efficiency measures how good a device is at transferring energy usefully. It's calculated as useful output ÷ total input, and it's always less than 1 (or 100%) because some energy is always wasted, usually as heat.
Radioactivity occurs when unstable nuclei decay to become stable, releasing radiation like alpha particles , beta particles (fast electrons), or gamma rays . Half-life is the time it takes for half the radioactive nuclei to decay - this varies enormously between different isotopes.
Understanding atomic structure helps explain radioactivity. The atomic number tells you the number of protons, whilst the mass number is protons plus neutrons. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Essential Formulas and Memory Techniques
Motion equations are your best friends in physics exams. Speed = distance ÷ time (remember "David Saw Terry"), and acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time. These connect to force through F = ma, showing how force, mass, and acceleration are linked.
Density calculations pop up frequently - it's mass ÷ volume. The memory triangle method works brilliantly here: cover what you want to find, and the remaining letters show you the calculation.
Energy calculations become manageable with the right approach. Kinetic energy = ½mv², whilst gravitational potential energy = mgh. The mnemonic "Willma Married George" helps you remember weight = mass × gravity. These formulas connect beautifully - as objects fall, potential energy converts to kinetic energy.
Pressure and power round out the essential calculations. Pressure = force ÷ area (remember areas can be in cm² or m²), whilst power = energy ÷ time. Power measures how quickly energy is transferred - a 100W bulb transfers 100J every second.
Exam Tip: Use the memory triangles for quick formula recall - cover the quantity you're finding, and the remaining arrangement shows you whether to multiply or divide.
The principle of moments and work done calculations complete your formula toolkit. Practice with the memory aids like "Mom, Father, Dad" for moments and "Will Does Farming Daily" for work done - they genuinely help in exam pressure!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Physics Double Award Foundation Course - CCEA
C
Cira Mc Laughlin
@ciramclaughlin_tnkc
Physics can seem overwhelming with all its formulas and concepts, but it's actually about understanding how things move, transfer energy, and interact in our everyday world. This guide breaks down the essential physics topics you'll need for your GCSEs, from... Show more
Key Physics Concepts and Forces
Hooke's Law is surprisingly simple - when you stretch a spring, the extension is directly proportional to the force you apply (as long as you don't overstretch it). The formula F = kx shows this relationship, where k is the spring constant that tells you how stiff the spring is.
Understanding the difference between mass and weight is crucial for exams. Mass is a scalar quantity (just a number with size only) measured in kg, whilst weight is a vector (has both size and direction) measured in Newtons. Your mass stays the same everywhere, but your weight changes - you'd weigh less on the Moon because gravity is weaker there!
The principle of moments explains why seesaws balance. When something's in equilibrium, the clockwise moments equal the anticlockwise moments about the pivot. A moment is simply the turning effect of a force, calculated as Force × perpendicular distance from the pivot.
Quick Check: Remember that weight = mass × gravitational field strength , where g = 10 N/kg on Earth.
Energy and Radioactivity Fundamentals
Energy conservation is one of physics' most important principles - energy can change from one form to another, but the total amount never changes. This applies everywhere from roller coasters (potential energy converting to kinetic) to power stations.
Efficiency measures how good a device is at transferring energy usefully. It's calculated as useful output ÷ total input, and it's always less than 1 (or 100%) because some energy is always wasted, usually as heat.
Radioactivity occurs when unstable nuclei decay to become stable, releasing radiation like alpha particles , beta particles (fast electrons), or gamma rays . Half-life is the time it takes for half the radioactive nuclei to decay - this varies enormously between different isotopes.
Understanding atomic structure helps explain radioactivity. The atomic number tells you the number of protons, whilst the mass number is protons plus neutrons. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
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Essential Formulas and Memory Techniques
Motion equations are your best friends in physics exams. Speed = distance ÷ time (remember "David Saw Terry"), and acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time. These connect to force through F = ma, showing how force, mass, and acceleration are linked.
Density calculations pop up frequently - it's mass ÷ volume. The memory triangle method works brilliantly here: cover what you want to find, and the remaining letters show you the calculation.
Energy calculations become manageable with the right approach. Kinetic energy = ½mv², whilst gravitational potential energy = mgh. The mnemonic "Willma Married George" helps you remember weight = mass × gravity. These formulas connect beautifully - as objects fall, potential energy converts to kinetic energy.
Pressure and power round out the essential calculations. Pressure = force ÷ area (remember areas can be in cm² or m²), whilst power = energy ÷ time. Power measures how quickly energy is transferred - a 100W bulb transfers 100J every second.
Exam Tip: Use the memory triangles for quick formula recall - cover the quantity you're finding, and the remaining arrangement shows you whether to multiply or divide.
The principle of moments and work done calculations complete your formula toolkit. Practice with the memory aids like "Mom, Father, Dad" for moments and "Will Does Farming Daily" for work done - they genuinely help in exam pressure!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Hooke's Law
Most popular content in Physics
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user