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5 Jan 2026
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AQA Combined Science: Physics Paper 2 Higher Level Notes
Faye Findlay
@fayefindlay_ylvf
1 / 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!
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!
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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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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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!
Sudenaz Ocak
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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
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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
AQA 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
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!
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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.
Remember: All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum - that's 3 × 10⁸ m/s!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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!
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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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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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