Scope and Sequence

[AS Physics 1]
For examination [2022]
 [AS1 Physics]

Guided learning hours

[The contact hours will be used to cover questions from the textbook and past papers. Homework will include past paper questions, textbook
work and homework assignments from the textbook]

Topic Approximated teaching time (hours / % of the course) Teaching order

Physical Quantities, Measurement 1 Week (4 hours contact + 8 hours homework) 1
and Units

Kinematics and Dynamics 3 Weeks (12 hours contact + 24 hours homework) 2

Forces, Density and Pressure 3 Weeks (12 hours contact + 24 hours homework) 3

Work, Energy and Power 2 Weeks (8 hours contact + 16 hours homework) 4

Deformation of Solids 2 Weeks (4 hours contact + 8 hours homework) 5

Electric Fields 3 Weeks (12 hours contact + 24 hours homework) 6

Electricity 4 Weeks (16 hours contact + 32 hours homework) 7

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 [AS1 Physics]

Topic Textbook Chapters Class Materials Additional (Support

and Page Numbers Session) Materials

Term1 Measurement Past paper set Homework assignments

(per topic) per Chapter.
Kinematics C1 pg 1
Weekly Test Can be used in Support
Dynamics C2 pg 14 Multiple Choice Sessions
Paper set (Self Marked)
Newton’s Laws C3 pg 37
C4 pg 53
C6 pg 85

Term2 Energy, Work and Power C5 pg 69 Past paper set Homework assignments
(per topic) per Chapter.
Revision of Term 1 Work
Weekly Test Can be used in Support
Multiple Choice Sessions
Paper set (Self Marked)

Term3 Deformation of Solids C7 pg 101

Electrical Fields C8 pg 116

Term4 Electricity C9 pg 127 Ammeter, Voltmeter, Cathode Ray Oscilloscope

C10 pg 143 (Discuss – as we don’t have one),
C11 pg 156 Potential Divider, Strain Gauge, Piezo Electric
C12 pg 168 transducer,
C32 pg 516 - 520
Revision of Term 2 and 3
Work

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Term1]

[Measurement, Kinematics, Dynamics and Newton’s Laws] [7 Weeks]

Syllabus Unit Teaching

Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
1.1 Physical a) understand that all physical quantities consist of a numerical magnitude and a unit Textbook and
Quantities b) make reasonable estimates of physical quantities included within the syllabus Past Papers

1.2 SI Units a) recall the following SI base quantities and their units: mass (kg), length (m), time (s), current (A), temperature (K), amount Textbook and
of substance (mol) Past Papers
b) express derived units as products or quotients of the SI base units and use the named units listed in this syllabus as
appropriate
c) use SI base units to check the homogeneity of physical equations
d) use the following prefixes and their symbols to indicate decimal submultiples or multiples of both base and derived units:
pico (p), nano (n), micro (μ), milli (m), centi (c), deci (d), kilo (k), mega (M), giga (G), tera (T)
e) understand and use the conventions for labelling graph axes and table columns as set out in the ASE publication Signs,
Symbols and Systematics (The ASE Companion to 16–19 Science, 2000)

1.3 The Avogadro a) understand that the Avogadro constant A is the number of atoms in 0.012kg of carbon-12 Textbook and
Constant b) use molar quantities where one mole of any substance is the amount containing a number of particles equal to the Past Papers
Avogadro constant A

1.4 Scalars and a) distinguish between scalar and vector quantities and give examples of each Textbook and
Vectors b) add and subtract coplanar vectors Past Papers
c) represent a vector as two perpendicular components

2.1 Measurements a) use techniques for the measurement of length, volume, angle, mass, time, temperature and electrical quantities Textbook and
appropriate to the ranges of magnitude implied by the relevant parts of the syllabus. In particular, candidates Past Papers
should be able to:
• measure lengths using rulers, calipers and micrometers

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Measurement, Kinematics, Dynamics and Newton’s Laws] [7 Weeks]

Syllabus Unit Teaching

Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
• measure weight and hence mass using balances
• measure an angle using a protractor
• measure time intervals using clocks, stopwatches and the calibrated time-base of a cathode-ray oscilloscope
(c.r.o.)
• measure temperature using a thermometer
• use ammeters and voltmeters with appropriate scales
• use a galvanometer in null methods
• use a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.)
• use a calibrated Hall probe
b) use both analogue scales and digital displays
c) use calibration curves

2.2 Errors and a) understand and explain the effects of systematic errors (including zero errors) and random errors in Textbook and
Uncertainties measurements Past Papers
b) understand the distinction between precision and accuracy
c) assess the uncertainty in a derived quantity by simple addition of absolute, fractional or percentage uncertainties
(a rigorous statistical treatment is not required)

3.1 Equations of a) define and use distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration Textbook and
Motion b) use graphical methods to represent distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration Past Papers
c) determine displacement from the area under a velocity-time graph
d) determine velocity using the gradient of a displacement-time graph
e) determine acceleration using the gradient of a velocity-time graph
f) derive, from the definitions of velocity and acceleration, equations that represent uniformly accelerated motion in
a straight line
g) solve problems using equations that represent uniformly accelerated motion in a straight line, including the
motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field without air resistance
h) describe an experiment to determine the acceleration of free fall using a falling body
i) describe and explain motion due to a uniform velocity in one direction and a uniform acceleration in a
perpendicular direction

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Measurement, Kinematics, Dynamics and Newton’s Laws] [7 Weeks]

Syllabus Unit Teaching

Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
4.1 Momentum and a) understand that mass is the property of a body that resists change in motion Textbook and
Newton’s Laws b) recall the relationship F = ma and solve problems using it, appreciating that acceleration and resultant force are Past Papers
always in the same direction
c) define and use linear momentum as the product of mass and velocity
d) define and use force as rate of change of momentum
e) state and apply each of Newton’s laws of motion

4.2 Non-uniform a) describe and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass and recall that the weight Textbook and
Motion of a body is equal to the product of its mass and the acceleration of free fall Past Papers
b) describe qualitatively the motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field with air resistance

4.3 Linear a) state the principle of conservation of momentum Textbook and

Momentum and b) apply the principle of conservation of momentum to solve simple problems, including elastic and inelastic Past Papers
it’s Conservation interactions between bodies in both one and two dimensions (knowledge of the concept of coefficient of restitution
is not required)
c) recognise that, for a perfectly elastic collision, the relative speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of
separation
d) understand that, while momentum of a system is always conserved in interactions between bodies, some
change in kinetic energy may take place

5.1 Types of Forces a) describe the force on a mass in a uniform gravitational field and on a charge in a uniform electric field Textbook and
b) understand the origin of the upthrust acting on a body in a fluid Past Papers
c) show a qualitative understanding of frictional forces and viscous forces including air resistance (no treatment of
the coefficients of friction and viscosity is required)
d) understand that the weight of a body may be taken as acting at a single point known as its centre of gravity

5.2 Turning Effects a) define and apply the moment of a force Textbook and
b) understand that a couple is a pair of forces that tends to produce rotation only Past Papers
c) define and apply the torque of a couple

5.3 Equilibrium of a) state and apply the principle of moments Textbook and

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Measurement, Kinematics, Dynamics and Newton’s Laws] [7 Weeks]

Syllabus Unit Teaching

Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
Forces b) understand that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant torque, a system is in equilibrium Past Papers
c) use a vector triangle to represent coplanar forces in equilibrium

5.4 Density and a) define and use density Textbook and

Pressure b) define and use pressure Past Papers
c) derive, from the definitions of pressure and density, the equation dp=ρgdh
d) use the equation dp=ρgdh

[Term 2]

[Revision and Work Energy and Power] Time

frame:
[Approxim
Syllabus Unit Teaching
Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
6.1 Energy a) give examples of energy in different forms, its conversion and conservation, and apply the principle of Textbook and
Conversion and conservation of energy to simple examples Past Papers
Conservation

6.2 Work and a) understand the concept of work in terms of the product of a force and displacement in the direction of the force Textbook and
Efficiency b) calculate the work done in a number of situations including the work done by a gas that is expanding against a Past Papers
constant external pressure: W =pdV

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Revision and Work Energy and Power] Time

frame:
[Approxim
Syllabus Unit Teaching
Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
c) recall and understand that the efficiency of a system is the ratio of useful energy output from the system to the
total energy input
d) show an appreciation for the implications of energy losses in practical devices and use the concept of efficiency
to solve problems

6.3 Potential a) derive, from the equations of motion, the formula for kinetic energy Textbook and
Energy and b) recall and apply the formula for kinetic energy Past Papers
Kinetic Energy c) distinguish between gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy
d) understand and use the relationship between force and potential energy in a uniform field to solve problems
e) derive, from the defining equation W =Fs, the formula d E p=mgdh for potential energy changes near the
Earth’s surface
f) recall and use the formula d E p=mgdh for potential energy changes near the Earth’s surface

6.4 Power a) define power as work done per unit time and derive power as the product of force and velocity Textbook and
b) solve problems using the relationships P ×t=W and P=Fv Past Papers

[Term 3]

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Electrical Fields and Deformation of Solids] Time frame:

[Approximat
ion of
Syllabus Unit Teaching
Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
9.1 Stress and a) appreciate that deformation is caused by a force and that, in one dimension, the deformation can be tensile or Textbook and
Strain compressive Past Papers
b) describe the behaviour of springs in terms of load, extension, elastic limit, Hooke’s law and the spring constant
(i.e. force per unit extension)
c) define and use the terms stress, strain and the Young modulus
d) describe an experiment to determine the Young modulus of a metal in the form of a wire

Elastic and a) distinguish between elastic and plastic deformation of a material Textbook and
9.2
Plastic b) understand that the area under the force-extension graph represents the work done Past Papers
Behaviour c) deduce the strain energy in a deformed material from the area under the force-extension graph

17.1 Concept of an a) understand the concept of an electric field as an example of a field of force and define electric field strength as
electric field force per unit positive charge acting on a stationary point charge. Textbook and
b) represent an electric field by means of field lines Past Papers

17.2 Uniform a) recall and use E=dV /dD to calculate the field strength of the uniform field between charged parallel plates Textbook and
electric fields in terms of potential difference and separation Past Papers
b) calculate the forces on charges in uniform electric fields
c) describe the effect of a uniform electric field on the motion of charged particles

17.3 Electric forces a) understand that, for any point outside a spherical conductor, the charge on the sphere may be considered to Textbook and
between point act as a point charge at its centre Past Papers
charges b) recall and use Coulomb’s law for the force between two point charges in free space or air

17.4 Electric field of recall and use E for the field strength of a point charge in free space or air Textbook and
a point charge Past Papers

[Term 4]

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Electricity] 4 weeks

Syllabus Unit Teaching

Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
19.1 Electric current a) understand that electric current is a flow of charge carriers Textbook and
b) understand that the charge on charge carriers is quantised Past Papers
c) define the coulomb
d) recall and use Q = It
e) derive and use, for a current-carrying conductor, the expression I = Anvq, where n is the number density of
charge carriers

19.2 Potential a) define potential difference and the volt Textbook and
difference and b) recall and use V =W /Q Past Papers
power c) recall and use P=VI and P=I 2 R

19.3 Resistance and a) define resistance and the ohm Textbook and
resistivity b) recall and use V = IR Past Papers
c) sketch and discuss the I–V characteristics of a metallic conductor at constant temperature, a semiconductor
diode and a filament lamp
d) state Ohm’s law
e) recall and use R=ρL/ A

19.4 Sensing a) show an understanding of the change in resistance with light intensity of a light-dependent resistor (LDR) Textbook and
devices b) sketch the temperature characteristic of a negative temperature coefficient thermistor Past Papers
c) show an understanding of the action of a piezo-electric transducer and its application in a simple microphone
d) describe the structure of a metal-wire strain gauge
e) relate extension of a strain gauge to change in resistance of the gauge

20.1 Practical a) recall and use appropriate circuit symbols as set out in the ASE publication Signs, Symbols and Systematics Textbook and
circuits (example circuit symbols are given in Section 5.5.) Past Papers
b) draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing sources, switches, resistors, ammeters, voltmeters, and/or any
other type of component referred to in the syllabus
c) define electromotive force (e.m.f.) in terms of the energy transferred by a source in driving unit charge round a
complete circuit
d) distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference (p.d.) in terms of energy considerations
e) understand the effects of the internal resistance of a source of e.m.f. on the terminal potential difference

20.2 Kirchhoff’s laws a) recall Kirchhoff’s first law and appreciate the link to conservation of charge Textbook and

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 [AS1 Physics]

[Electricity] 4 weeks

Syllabus Unit Teaching

Learning objectives
ref. [ref] activities &
Resources
b) recall Kirchhoff’s second law and appreciate the link to conservation of energy Past Papers
c) derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series
d) solve problems using the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series
e) derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel
f) solve problems using the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel
g) apply Kirchhoff’s laws to solve simple circuit problems

20.3 Potential a) understand the principle of a potential divider circuit as a source of variable p.d. Textbook and
dividers b) recall and solve problems using the principle of the potentiometer as a means of comparing potential Past Papers
differences
c) understand that an electronic sensor consists of a sensing device and a circuit that provides an output that can
be registered as a voltage d) explain the use of thermistors, light-dependent resistors and strain gauges in
potential dividers to provide a potential difference that is dependent on temperature, illumination and strain
respectively

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