GCSE to AS Physics

In this pack you will find:

An introduction to A-level Physics
Information on the 1st unit covered at AS
2 tasks (presentation and exam questions)
Useful websites
Success criteria for the presentation

An introduction to AS Physics:
Syllabus: Edexcel Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Physics (8PH01)
2 exams: Unit 1: Physics on the go Unit code 6PH01
Unit 2: Physics at Work Unit code 6PH02
Coursework: Unit 3: Exploring Physics Unit code 6PH03 internally assessed
by means of an experiment based on a case study.
For more details refer to the e-Spec
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/physics/Pages/default.aspx
UNIT 1
In this unit you will study Properties of Materials and Mechanics.
The first topic that you will study in September will be Properties of Materials
as used in industry and the medical field .
To prepare you for EL you will need to revise some of the GCSE work that you
have covered in Physics. This will be from P4 Explaining Motion
Your Task
1. Use the internet to research information for a review article about
replacement joints and the properties of the materials that can be used.
Write a 500 word report or prepare a 5-7 minutes presentation of your
key findings and opinions
2. Answer the attached exam questions
.

Here is a list of useful websites:

http://www.york.ac.uk/org/seg/salters/physics/
The Salters Horners Curriculum Project
http://www.youtube.com/user/highamsparkscience?
feature=mhum#p/c/40BCE5609C0FE01D/1/WcM0ruq28dc
eLEGS 5 minutes video to highlight the use of new materials in the medical field
http://www-materials.eng.cam.ac.uk/mpsite/properties/default.html
University of Cambridge overview link to find definitions
http://www.antonineeducation.co.uk/physics_as/module_3/topic_6/topic_6_elastic_properties_of_so.htm
Hookes Law
http://www.absorblearning.com/media/attachment.action?quick=z7&att=2523
Force against extension graph

What to include in your report/presentation:

Topic
Why is it important to study the
properties of existing materials and
develop new materials
Explain the meaning of the words used to
describe the behaviour of materials and
give examples.
Find out what Hookes Law states

Specification points
How replacement joints/ limbs affect the life
of patients.

Include the words: elastic, plastic, brittle,

tough, ductile, malleable, hard, stiff,
smooth and durable
How do you calculate stiffness?
Include sketch of a Force-extension graph
and mark on it the limit of proportionality
and breaking point

Exam Questions
1.

For many years surgeons have used metal implants to repair broken
bones and joints. It is important to understand how the properties of the
implant materials compare with bone so that comfortable and long-lasting
repairs can be made. The picture shows an X-ray of a hip joint after
surgery to replace the weakened joint with the implant.

One important property of the implant material is its stiffness. How is

stiffness calculated?
.....................................................................................................................
(Total 1 mark)

2.

A brochure states that a particular type of wood is extremely tough and

does not become brittle over time.
(a)

Describe what is meant by the following terms

tough
...........................................................................................................
.
...........................................................................................................
.
brittle
...........................................................................................................
.

...........................................................................................................
.
(2)

(b)

A cricket bat made of wood is found to have a dent after striking a

cricket ball.
State the type of behaviour shown by the material of the cricket
bat.
...........................................................................................................
.
(1)

(Total 3 marks)

The graph shows how a sample of material behaves when extended by a

force.
C
B
U ltim a te
fa ilu re
p o in t

F o rc e

3.

(a)

E x te n s io n

What does point B represent?

...........................................................................................................
.
(1)

(b)

State the physical property represented by the gradient of the

section AB of the graph.
...........................................................................................................
.

(1)
(Total 2 marks)

4.

It is common for pens to have retractable ink refills. When a force F is

applied to the button at the end of the pen, the tip of the refill is pushed
out of the body of the pen. This compresses a spring in the end of the
pen so that if the button is pressed again the refill is pushed back inside
the pen.
S p rin g in
pen

re fill

(a)

What sort of deformation must the spring undergo when

compressed? Justify your answer.
.......................................................................................................(2)
...........................................................................................................
.

In an experiment, an increasing force was used to compress this spring.

The table shows the compression for each value of force.

(b)

Force / N

Compression / mm

0.0

0.0

1.0

1.9

2.0

3.8

3.0

5.6

4.0

7.5

5.0

9.4

6.0

11.3

7.0

13.1

8.0

15.0

On the following grid, plot a graph of compression against force for

this spring. Add a line of best fit to your points.

C o m p re s s io n / m m
1 5 .0
1 4 .0
1 3 .0
1 2 .0
1 1 .0
1 0 .0
9 .0
8 .0
7 .0
6 .0
5 .0
4 .0
3 .0
2 .0
1 .0
0

F o rc e / N
0

1 .0

2 .0

3 .0

4 .0

5 .0

6 .0

7 .0

8 .0

9 .0

1 0 .0
(3)

(c)

Calculate the stiffness of this spring.

.......................................................................................................(2)
...........................................................................................................

(d)

In the pen, the spring is compressed by 6.0 mm. What force is

needed for this compression?
...........................................................................................................
.
Force = ...................................................
(1)
(Total 8 marks)

5.

The photograph shows the top of an inspection cover for a drain.

(a)

The cover is marked ductile. It is made from ductile iron, which

was invented in 1943. It replaced the previous form of cast iron,
which was more brittle. Explain the meaning of the word Ductile
..................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
.
(1)

(b)

The cover is also marked 35 kN. This refers to the load it must be
able to support. 1kN = 1000 N
Calculate the mass that would produce this load using the equation
Force (in N) = mass (in kg) x gravity on Earth (10N/kg).
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
Mass = ....................................................
(2)
(Total 3 marks)