Module 2 Knowledge Organiser

OCR Physics A
Module 2: Foundations of physics
This module equips students with fundamental physical knowledge and skills, and mathematical
tools, which will be needed throughout the AS and A Level courses. Students will learn about
S.I. base units, derived units, and unit prefixes; they will also reinforce and extend their skills in
working with significant figures, standard form, and vectors.

Specification
Content to learn or be able to use ...
reference

Can you explain that physical quantities have a numerical value and a
2.1.1 a
unit?

2.1.1 b Can you estimate physical quantities?

Can you describe the Système Internationale (S.I.) base quantities and
2.1.2 a their units – mass (kg), length (m), time (s), current (A), temperature (K),
amount of substance (mol)?

2.1.2 b Can you use derived units of S.I. base units?

2.1.2 c Can you use the all the units you have encountered in the course?

2.1.2 d Can you check homogeneity of physical equations using S.I. base units?

Can you use prefixes and their symbols to indicate decimal submultiples
2.1.2 e or multiples of units – pico (p), nano (n), micro (μ), milli (m), centi (c), deci
(d), kilo (k), mega (M), giga (G), tera (T)?

2.1.2 f Can you use conventions for labelling graph axes and table columns?

Can you identify systematic errors (including zero errors) and random
2.2.1 a
errors in measurements?

2.2.1 b Can state the difference between precision and accuracy?

Can you explain absolute and percentage uncertainties when data are
2.2.1 c combined by addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and raising to
powers?

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 Module 2 Knowledge Organiser
OCR Physics A

Specification
Content to learn or be able to use ...
reference

Can you identify graphical treatment of errors and uncertainties; line of

2.2.1 d best fit; worst line; absolute and percentage uncertainties; percentage
difference?

2.3.1 a Can you use scalar and vector quantities?

2.3.1 b Can you use vector addition and subtraction?

Can you use a vector triangle to determine the resultant of any two
2.3.1 c
coplanar vectors?

Can you resolve a vector into two perpendicular components;

2.3.1 d Fx = F cos θ and Fy = F sin θ?

Homework and Independent Study

HW: Assessed past-paper questions.
Kerboodle online task(s)
Revision: As part of first half-term test (Module 2 and start of Module 3)
IS: Textbook summary questions on each topic, to self-assess.
Zig-zag booklets for revision and IS. Answers distributed at end of topic.
Use of online resources including physicandmathstutor.com, Seneca Learning and
Kerboodle textbook. Especially check the “Appendices”.
Read through OCR ”Maths Skills Handbook” pdf.

Key Terms
Absolute Uncertainties: The interval that a value is said to lie within, with a given
level of confidence.
Accuracy: A measure of how close a measurement is to the true value.
Anomalies: Data points that don’t fit the pattern of the data. You should determine
why an anomalous result has occurred before removing it. Repeat readings help
remove anomalies.
Gradient: The change in the y-axis value over the change in the x-axis value
between two points. If the graph is curved, a tangent can be drawn to calculate the
gradient at a specific point.
Line of Best Fit: A line drawn on a graph to demonstrate the pattern in the plotted
data points.
Percentage Uncertainties: The uncertainty of a measurement, expressed as a
percentage of the recorded value.

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 Module 2 Knowledge Organiser
OCR Physics A
Key Terms (continued)
Precision: A measure of how close a measurement is to the mean value. It only
gives an indication of the magnitude of random errors, not how close data is to the
true value.
Prefixes: Added to the front of units to represent a power of ten change.
Random Errors: Unpredictable variation between measurements that leads to a
spread of values about the true value. Random error can be reduced by taking
repeat measurements.
Repeatable: The same experimenter can repeat a measurement using the same
method and equipment and obtain the same value.
Reproducible: An experiment can be repeated by a different experimenter using
a different method and different apparatus, and still obtain the same results.
Resolution: The smallest change in a quantity that causes a visible change in the
reading that a measuring instrument records.
Resolution of Forces: The splitting of a force into its horizontal and vertical
components.
Scalar Quantities: A quantity that only has a magnitude, without an associated
direction. Examples include speed, distance and temperature.
SI Units: The standard units used in equations. They are: metres, kilograms,
seconds, amps, Kelvin and moles.
Significant Figures: A measure of a measurement’s resolution. All numbers
except zero are counted as a significant figure. When zeros are found immediately
after a decimal place, they too are counted.
Systematic Errors: Causes all readings to differ from the true value by a fixed
amount. Systematic error cannot be corrected by repeat readings, instead a
different technique or apparatus should be used.
Vector Quantities: A quantity that has both a magnitude and an associated
direction. Examples include velocity, displacement and acceleration.
Zero Errors: A form of systematic error, caused when a measuring instrument
doesn’t read zero at a value of zero. This results in all measurements being offset
by a fixed amount.