Physics Paper 1 covers the fundamental concepts you need to... Show more
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Vectors, Scalars, and Motion Graphs
Understanding the difference between vectors and scalars is dead simple once you get it. Vectors have both size and direction (like velocity and acceleration), whilst scalars only have size (like speed and mass).
Distance-time graphs are your best mate for understanding motion. The gradient tells you the speed - steeper means faster. A horizontal line? The object's stopped completely. Remember that displacement is just the straight-line distance from start to finish with direction.
When tackling acceleration, you're measuring how velocity changes each second . The formula a = /t is essential for calculations. On velocity-time graphs, the gradient shows acceleration - downward slopes mean the object is slowing down.
Quick Tip: Average walking speed is about 5m/s - use this as your reference point for realistic speeds in exam questions.
Forces and Newton's Laws
Falling objects behave predictably once you understand the forces involved. Initially, weight dominates over air resistance, so objects accelerate downwards. As speed increases, air resistance grows until it equals weight - then the object reaches terminal velocity.
Newton's three laws are absolutely crucial for your exam. First law: balanced forces mean constant motion (or rest). Second law: F = ma (force equals mass times acceleration). Third law: forces always come in equal and opposite pairs - these are action-reaction forces.
For investigating acceleration practically, you'll need to eliminate friction by adjusting ramp angles. Light gates measure speed accurately, but if unavailable, time measurements between two points work too.
Exam Focus: Newton's second law appears in countless exam questions - make sure you can rearrange this formula confidently.
Energy Stores and Transfers
Energy conservation is a game-changer concept - energy can't be created or destroyed, only transferred between different stores. These include kinetic energy (moving objects), gravitational potential energy , and thermal energy (heat).
Energy efficiency matters because all machines waste energy, usually as heat through friction. Lubrication reduces this waste. The better a machine transfers energy without waste, the more efficient it becomes.
Thermal energy transfer happens through conduction, convection, and radiation. Metals are brilliant thermal conductors, whilst materials like wood are excellent insulators. Insulation slows down energy transfer rates.
Renewable vs non-renewable resources is straightforward - renewables won't run out and typically don't produce carbon dioxide during use. Non-renewables like fossil fuels will eventually run out and contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.
Real-World Link: Understanding energy efficiency helps explain why electric cars and LED bulbs are becoming more popular - they waste less energy.
Waves and Atomic Structure
Wave types are easy to distinguish: transverse waves move perpendicular to their direction of travel, whilst longitudinal waves move parallel to it. Radio wave transmission works through electron oscillations in aerials.
Atomic structure gets more interesting when you dig deeper. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons (nucleons). Atomic number tells you the proton count, whilst mass number includes both protons and neutrons. Isotopes are atoms with the same protons but different neutrons.
Light refraction follows simple rules - rays entering and leaving a medium stay parallel, and rays along the normal line pass straight through unchanged.
Electrons can only exist in specific electron shells around the nucleus. When they absorb energy, they jump to higher shells; when falling back, they emit electromagnetic radiation.
Background radiation exists everywhere from space and environmental radioactive substances. Half-life measures how long it takes for half the unstable nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.
Memory Aid: Remember isotopes as "same house (element), different furniture (neutrons)" - same element, different mass numbers.
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
Comprehensive Study Guide for Physics Paper 1
Physics Paper 1 covers the fundamental concepts you need to master for your exams, from basic motion and forces to energy transfers and atomic structure. These topics form the foundation of physics and connect directly to how the world around... Show more
Vectors, Scalars, and Motion Graphs
Understanding the difference between vectors and scalars is dead simple once you get it. Vectors have both size and direction (like velocity and acceleration), whilst scalars only have size (like speed and mass).
Distance-time graphs are your best mate for understanding motion. The gradient tells you the speed - steeper means faster. A horizontal line? The object's stopped completely. Remember that displacement is just the straight-line distance from start to finish with direction.
When tackling acceleration, you're measuring how velocity changes each second . The formula a = /t is essential for calculations. On velocity-time graphs, the gradient shows acceleration - downward slopes mean the object is slowing down.
Quick Tip: Average walking speed is about 5m/s - use this as your reference point for realistic speeds in exam questions.
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Forces and Newton's Laws
Falling objects behave predictably once you understand the forces involved. Initially, weight dominates over air resistance, so objects accelerate downwards. As speed increases, air resistance grows until it equals weight - then the object reaches terminal velocity.
Newton's three laws are absolutely crucial for your exam. First law: balanced forces mean constant motion (or rest). Second law: F = ma (force equals mass times acceleration). Third law: forces always come in equal and opposite pairs - these are action-reaction forces.
For investigating acceleration practically, you'll need to eliminate friction by adjusting ramp angles. Light gates measure speed accurately, but if unavailable, time measurements between two points work too.
Exam Focus: Newton's second law appears in countless exam questions - make sure you can rearrange this formula confidently.
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Energy Stores and Transfers
Energy conservation is a game-changer concept - energy can't be created or destroyed, only transferred between different stores. These include kinetic energy (moving objects), gravitational potential energy , and thermal energy (heat).
Energy efficiency matters because all machines waste energy, usually as heat through friction. Lubrication reduces this waste. The better a machine transfers energy without waste, the more efficient it becomes.
Thermal energy transfer happens through conduction, convection, and radiation. Metals are brilliant thermal conductors, whilst materials like wood are excellent insulators. Insulation slows down energy transfer rates.
Renewable vs non-renewable resources is straightforward - renewables won't run out and typically don't produce carbon dioxide during use. Non-renewables like fossil fuels will eventually run out and contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.
Real-World Link: Understanding energy efficiency helps explain why electric cars and LED bulbs are becoming more popular - they waste less energy.
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Waves and Atomic Structure
Wave types are easy to distinguish: transverse waves move perpendicular to their direction of travel, whilst longitudinal waves move parallel to it. Radio wave transmission works through electron oscillations in aerials.
Atomic structure gets more interesting when you dig deeper. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons (nucleons). Atomic number tells you the proton count, whilst mass number includes both protons and neutrons. Isotopes are atoms with the same protons but different neutrons.
Light refraction follows simple rules - rays entering and leaving a medium stay parallel, and rays along the normal line pass straight through unchanged.
Electrons can only exist in specific electron shells around the nucleus. When they absorb energy, they jump to higher shells; when falling back, they emit electromagnetic radiation.
Background radiation exists everywhere from space and environmental radioactive substances. Half-life measures how long it takes for half the unstable nuclei in a radioactive sample to decay.
Memory Aid: Remember isotopes as "same house (element), different furniture (neutrons)" - same element, different mass numbers.
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?
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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