Superposition & Stationary Waves
Learn about the principle of superposition, the relationship between intensity and amplitude of the wave, intensity and the distance from the source; how a standing wave is formed and the science behind musical instruments.
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Waves, waves, waves
We reviewed the basic properties of waves and added more new concepts: phase difference, coherence and polarisation. Don't forget the orders of magnitude of the wavelengths or frequencies of each of the parts of the EM spectrum!
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Deforming Solids
Recall Hooke's Law and the spring constant for springs in series and parallel. Learn to interpret graphs of stress vs. strain and force vs. extension. Define stress, strain and Young Modulus. Identify brittle, ductile and plastic materials.
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Density and Pressure
Definition of density, pressure and fluid pressure. Know the different apparatuses used to measure pressure. See the sample problems again. Recall Brownian Motion. Compare and contrast boiling, melting and evaporation. Learn microscopic potential and kinetic energies as well as the definition of internal energy.
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States of Matter
Properties and characteristics of the three states of matter, the kinetic molecular theory, etc.
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Momentum
Learn about the relationship between impulse and momentum and how either the force of impact or time of contact is manipulated to achieve a specific purpose. Understand that momentum is conserved in both elastic and inelastic collision while kinetic energies are only conserved in elastic collision.
You may also play with the simulation below, which we have used in our class experiment.
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Work, Energy, Power and Efficiency
A force resulting in a displacement in the direction of the force is work and the product of both quantities is the magnitude of that work done. Learn more about the concept of work and why lifting a cup of coffee in the office is not work for your employer but is work in physics.
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Moment of a Force
Rediscover the moment of a force, the two conditions for total mechanical equilibrium, center of gravity and what a couple is in Physics.
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Newton's Laws
There are international laws, national laws, criminal laws, traffic laws, etc. And then there are Newton's Laws. What are these laws all about? You'd be surprised to find out that these are generally not laws as "laws" are meant. They are general statements of what are actually happening in the physical world. Turns out, Zach beat us on noting down these general statements. Gosh, it could have been Maridith's Laws.
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Motion
We have already learned in IGCSE about how to describe motion. This time, though, the quantities have become more exciting since they are placed together to form formulas for UAM (uniformly-accelerated motion). The graphs are even a little more complicated, especially when you have to count the squares to get the area!
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Vectors
Distinguish between scalars and vectors. Learn how to add or subtract vectors using different methods. Know how to determine the components of a vector.
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Significant Figures
Each number has a value but is it significant? Find out the meaning of significance in the physics sense of the word.
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Errors and Uncertainties
In any experiment, the reliability of the results depend on both the system being used, the person performing and other possible external factors. To disregard the limitations of the experiment is arrogance in the part of the scientist and may lead to incorrect conclusions. Now that possible sources of errors are recognized, how do you account for this in your data? Remember a mistake and an error are two different things.
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Measurement
Learn about base quantities and their respective units. Understand the difference between a nanometre and a kilometre. Check if an equation is possible. This unit is all about measurements.
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