Skip to content
    Physics A-Level

    Scientific authority

    What Scientific authority means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.

    Definition of Scientific authority

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Scientific authority in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    Newton’s authority and his particle or corpuscular theory dominated for over a century, which delayed acceptance of the wave theory.
    AQA · Significance of Young’s double slits experiment (A-level only) (study guide)

    Topics that use Scientific authority

    Related terms

    Using Scientific authority in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Physics questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Physics A-Level terms