Physics — WJEC GCSE Specification
Complete WJEC GCSE Physics specification with 40 topics, learning objectives, exam tips, and revision resources on MasteryMind.
Topics in WJEC GCSE Physics
- Energy
- Energy changes in a system, and in the ways energy is stored before and after such changes
- Conservation, dissipation and national and global energy sources
- Energy transfers
- Space physics
- Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites
- Red shift as sources move away; the 'Big Bang' and universal expansion
- Particle model of matter
- Forces
- Forces and their interactions
- Pressure and pressure differences in fluids
- Moments, levers and gears
- Forces and motion
- Speed and velocity, speed as distance over time; acceleration; distance-time and velocity-time graphs
- Forces, accelerations and Newton's laws of motion
- Safety in public transport
- Waves in matter
- Waves in air, fluids and solids
- Waves at material interfaces: applications in exploring structures
- Light and electromagnetic waves
- Frequency range of the spectrum
- Interactions of electromagnetic radiation with matter and their applications
- Lenses
- Colour and frequency; differential effects in transmission, absorption and diffuse reflection
- Black body radiation (qualitative only)
- Electricity
- Current, potential difference and resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Static electricity – forces and electric fields
- Domestic uses and safety
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
- Magnetic effects of currents and the motor effect
- Induced potential and transformers
- Microphones and speakers; oscillating currents in detection and generation of radiation
- Atomic structure
- Nuclear atom and isotopes
- Absorption and emission of ionising radiations and of electrons and nuclear particles
- Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
- Nuclear fission and fusion
Exam Tips
- Always state the formula used before substituting values
- Ensure all units are consistent (e.g., converting minutes to seconds for power calculations)
- Use Sankey diagrams to clearly represent energy redistribution and efficiency
- Remember that 'work done' is force multiplied by distance in the direction of the force
- Be prepared to explain the role of free electrons in thermal conduction in metals
- Always state the formula being used before substituting values.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing energy stores with energy transfers
- Incorrectly identifying the system boundaries when applying conservation of energy
- Failing to convert units to SI base units before performing calculations
- Misinterpreting the relationship between power ratings and energy transfer rates in domestic appliances
- Neglecting to account for dissipated energy when calculating efficiency