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Physics Notes

The document contains detailed notes on key concepts in IGCSE Physics, including motion, forces, energy, thermal physics, waves, and their properties. It outlines important formulas and laws, such as Newton's laws of motion and the principles of heat transfer. Additionally, a formula chart with SI units is provided for quick reference.

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1 views5 pages

Physics Notes

The document contains detailed notes on key concepts in IGCSE Physics, including motion, forces, energy, thermal physics, waves, and their properties. It outlines important formulas and laws, such as Newton's laws of motion and the principles of heat transfer. Additionally, a formula chart with SI units is provided for quick reference.

Uploaded by

khushank23810
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IGCSE Physics Notes

Motion, Force, and Energy


1. Motion

• Speed = Distance / Time (m/s)


• Velocity: Speed in a given direction
• Acceleration = (Final Velocity - Initial Velocity) / Time (m/s²)
• Distance-Time Graphs:
o Slope = Speed
o Horizontal line = Stationary
o Curved line = Acceleration
• Velocity-Time Graphs:
o Slope = Acceleration
o Area under graph = Distance traveled

2. Forces and Motion

• Newton’s Laws:
1. Object stays at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external
force.
2. Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = ma, N)
3. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
• Weight = Mass × Gravitational Field Strength (W = mg, N)
• Friction: Opposes motion, can be reduced by lubrication
• Terminal Velocity: When weight = air resistance
• Momentum: Mass × Velocity (kg·m/s), Conserved in a closed system
• Impulse: Change in momentum (Force × Time)

3. Work, Energy, and Power

• Work Done = Force × Distance (Joule, J)


• Kinetic Energy = (1/2) × Mass × Velocity² (J)
• Gravitational Potential Energy = Mass × g × Height (J)
• Power = Work Done / Time (Watt, W)
• Efficiency = (Useful Energy Output / Total Energy Input) × 100%

Thermal Physics
1. Heat and Temperature

• Temperature: Measure of average kinetic energy


• Heat: Energy transfer due to temperature difference
• Specific Heat Capacity (c) = Energy / (Mass × Temperature Change) (J/kg·°C)
• Specific Latent Heat = Energy / Mass (J/kg)

2. Heat Transfer

• Conduction: Transfer through solids by particle vibration


• Convection: Heat transfer in fluids by movement of particles
• Radiation: Transfer by electromagnetic waves (Infrared)
• Insulation: Prevents heat loss (e.g., double-glazing, foam, vacuum flask)

Waves
1. Wave Properties

• Transverse Waves: Vibrations are perpendicular to wave direction (e.g., light)


• Longitudinal Waves: Vibrations are parallel to wave direction (e.g., sound)
• Wave Speed = Frequency × Wavelength (v = fλ, m/s)
• Amplitude: Maximum displacement
• Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive peaks
• Frequency (f): Number of waves per second (Hertz, Hz)
• Reflection: Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection
• Refraction: Change in direction due to speed change
• Diffraction: Spreading of waves around edges

2. Sound Waves

• Produced by vibrations
• Speed in air ~ 330 m/s
• Higher frequency = Higher pitch
• Greater amplitude = Greater loudness

3. Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Order (increasing wavelength): Gamma, X-ray, UV, Visible, IR, Microwave, Radio
• All travel at speed of light (3 × 10⁸ m/s)
• Uses:
o Radio waves – Communication
o Microwaves – Cooking, satellites
o Infrared – Remote controls, heaters
o Visible – Sight
o Ultraviolet – Sterilization
o X-rays – Medical imaging
o Gamma – Cancer treatment
Formula Chart with SI Units
Quantity Formula SI Unit
Speed Distance / Time m/s
Acceleration (Final Velocity - Initial Velocity)/Time m/s²
Newton
Force Mass × Acceleration (F = ma)
(N)
Newton
Weight Mass × Gravitational Field Strength
(N)
Momentum Mass × Velocity kg·m/s
Work Done Force × Distance Joule (J)
Kinetic Energy (1/2) × Mass × Velocity² Joule (J)
Gravitational Potential
Mass × g × Height Joule (J)
Energy
Power Work Done / Time Watt (W)
(Useful Energy Output / Total Energy Input) ×
Efficiency %
100%
Wave Speed Frequency × Wavelength (v = fλ) m/s
Density Mass / Volume kg/m³
Pressure Force / Area Pascal (Pa)
Specific Heat Capacity Energy / (Mass × Temperature Change) J/kg·°C
Specific Latent Heat Energy / Mass J/kg
Boyle’s Law P₁V₁ = P₂V₂ (constant temperature) -
Ohm’s Law Voltage = Current × Resistance (V = IR) Volt (V)

This document provides comprehensive notes and a formula chart to aid in revision for
IGCSE Physics.

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