Physics is everywhere around you - from the forces you... Show more
Physics328 views·Updated May 27, 2026·3 pagesAQA Combined Science: Physics Paper 2 Higher Level Notes
Faye Findlay@fayefindlay_ylvf
1 / 3
1
of 3
Forces and Motion Fundamentals
Ever wondered why physicists distinguish between speed and velocity? It's all about direction! Vectors like velocity and force have both magnitude and direction, whilst scalars like speed and distance only have magnitude. This distinction matters when calculating motion.
Work done happens whenever a force moves an object through a distance, transferring energy in the process. Use the formula W = F × s to calculate it. Think of pushing a heavy box across the room - you're doing work on that box!
Acceleration measures how quickly velocity changes over time . When you're slowing down, that's negative acceleration or deceleration. Remember, it's about velocity change, not just speed change.
Newton's laws govern all motion around us. The first law says objects keep doing what they're doing unless a resultant force acts on them. The second law gives us F = ma - more force means more acceleration. The third law states that forces always come in equal and opposite pairs, like when you walk forward by pushing backwards on the ground.
Quick Tip: Normal walking speed is about 1.5 m/s, whilst planes cruise at around 250 m/s - use these as reference points for your calculations!
2
of 3
Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
Waves are energy messengers that travel through space and matter. Transverse waves like light have oscillations perpendicular to their direction of travel, whilst longitudinal waves like sound have oscillations parallel to their travel direction.
The wave equation v = fλ connects wave speed, frequency, and wavelength. This formula works for all waves, from radio signals to gamma rays. Higher frequency means shorter wavelength - it's an inverse relationship.
Electromagnetic waves form a spectrum from radio waves (longest wavelength) to gamma rays (shortest wavelength). Radio waves help your devices communicate, microwaves heat your food and enable satellite communication, whilst X-rays help doctors see inside your body.
Different EM waves have different uses but also different dangers. Visible light is generally safe, but UV radiation can cause skin cancer, and X-rays can damage cells if you're exposed to too much. The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous the radiation typically becomes.
Remember: All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum - that's 3 × 10⁸ m/s!
3
of 3
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Magnetic fields surround all magnets, running from north to south poles. You can visualise these invisible force fields using iron filings - they'll line up along the field lines! The closer the field lines, the stronger the magnetic force.
Permanent magnets always have their own magnetic field, whilst induced magnets only become magnetic when placed in another magnetic field. This is why a magnet can pick up paperclips, which then attract more paperclips in a chain.
Solenoids are coils of wire that create powerful, uniform magnetic fields when current flows through them. Inside a solenoid, the magnetic field is strong and uniform, whilst outside it behaves like a bar magnet with distinct north and south poles.
Electromagnetic induction is the principle behind generators, transformers, and motors - basically most of our electrical technology. When you move a magnet near a coil of wire, you induce a current. This fundamental principle powers everything from bicycle dynamos to massive power stations.
Key Point: Solenoids are incredibly useful because you can control their magnetic strength by changing the current - perfect for electromagnets and motors!
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Physics328 views·Updated May 27, 2026·3 pagesAQA Combined Science: Physics Paper 2 Higher Level Notes
Faye Findlay@fayefindlay_ylvf
Physics is everywhere around you - from the forces you feel when cycling to the electromagnetic waves your phone uses to connect. Understanding these fundamental concepts will help you make sense of how the physical world works and prepare you... Show more
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Forces and Motion Fundamentals
Ever wondered why physicists distinguish between speed and velocity? It's all about direction! Vectors like velocity and force have both magnitude and direction, whilst scalars like speed and distance only have magnitude. This distinction matters when calculating motion.
Work done happens whenever a force moves an object through a distance, transferring energy in the process. Use the formula W = F × s to calculate it. Think of pushing a heavy box across the room - you're doing work on that box!
Acceleration measures how quickly velocity changes over time . When you're slowing down, that's negative acceleration or deceleration. Remember, it's about velocity change, not just speed change.
Newton's laws govern all motion around us. The first law says objects keep doing what they're doing unless a resultant force acts on them. The second law gives us F = ma - more force means more acceleration. The third law states that forces always come in equal and opposite pairs, like when you walk forward by pushing backwards on the ground.
Quick Tip: Normal walking speed is about 1.5 m/s, whilst planes cruise at around 250 m/s - use these as reference points for your calculations!
2
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
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Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
Waves are energy messengers that travel through space and matter. Transverse waves like light have oscillations perpendicular to their direction of travel, whilst longitudinal waves like sound have oscillations parallel to their travel direction.
The wave equation v = fλ connects wave speed, frequency, and wavelength. This formula works for all waves, from radio signals to gamma rays. Higher frequency means shorter wavelength - it's an inverse relationship.
Electromagnetic waves form a spectrum from radio waves (longest wavelength) to gamma rays (shortest wavelength). Radio waves help your devices communicate, microwaves heat your food and enable satellite communication, whilst X-rays help doctors see inside your body.
Different EM waves have different uses but also different dangers. Visible light is generally safe, but UV radiation can cause skin cancer, and X-rays can damage cells if you're exposed to too much. The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous the radiation typically becomes.
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Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Magnetic fields surround all magnets, running from north to south poles. You can visualise these invisible force fields using iron filings - they'll line up along the field lines! The closer the field lines, the stronger the magnetic force.
Permanent magnets always have their own magnetic field, whilst induced magnets only become magnetic when placed in another magnetic field. This is why a magnet can pick up paperclips, which then attract more paperclips in a chain.
Solenoids are coils of wire that create powerful, uniform magnetic fields when current flows through them. Inside a solenoid, the magnetic field is strong and uniform, whilst outside it behaves like a bar magnet with distinct north and south poles.
Electromagnetic induction is the principle behind generators, transformers, and motors - basically most of our electrical technology. When you move a magnet near a coil of wire, you induce a current. This fundamental principle powers everything from bicycle dynamos to massive power stations.
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