United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 13 Physics
A comprehensive exploration of high level physical laws governing the universe from subatomic particles to galactic structures. Students develop mathematical modeling skills and experimental techniques to solve complex engineering and theoretical problems.
Circular Motion and Oscillations
Investigation into the dynamics of rotating systems and the mathematics of periodic motion. Students analyze how forces maintain circular paths and the energy transformations in simple harmonic systems.
Analysis of objects moving in circular paths at constant speed, focusing on centripetal acceleration and force.
Study of periodic motion where acceleration is proportional to displacement, including mass spring systems and pendulums.
Exploration of how energy is dissipated in real world systems and the effects of external driving forces.
Thermal Physics and Kinetic Theory
Connecting macroscopic properties of matter like temperature and pressure to the microscopic behavior of atoms and molecules.
Understanding specific heat capacity and latent heat in the context of internal energy changes.
Deriving the ideal gas laws and the equation of state through experimental observation and theory.
The conservation of energy in thermal systems, involving work done, heat added, and internal energy.
Gravitational and Electric Fields
A comparative study of force fields, exploring the similarities and differences between gravity and electromagnetism.
Analysis of Newton's law of gravitation, field strength, and the concept of gravitational potential.
Modeling the forces between charges using Coulomb's law and mapping electric field lines.
The study of energy storage in electric fields and the discharging characteristics of capacitors.
Electromagnetism and Induction
Examining the link between electricity and magnetism, focusing on magnetic flux and the generation of electricity.
Investigating the force on current carrying conductors and moving charges in magnetic fields.
Understanding Faraday's and Lenz's laws and their role in generating electromotive force.
The application of induction in power transmission and the behavior of alternating currents.
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Probing the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that hold the nucleus together.
The nature of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, including decay constants and half-life.
Mass-energy equivalence and the processes of nuclear fission and fusion.
Classification of particles into quarks, leptons, and baryons, and the exchange particles of fundamental forces.
Astrophysics and Cosmology
Applying physical laws to astronomical scales to understand the lifecycle of stars and the evolution of the universe.
The birth, life, and death of stars based on their initial mass and the Hertzsprung Russell diagram.
Evidence for the expanding universe, including Hubble's law and cosmic microwave background radiation.
The physics of optical, radio, and X-ray telescopes and their resolving power.