Physics Preparation

A-Level preparation

Physics

A book you can buy to prepare for A-Level Physics:

• We follow the OCR specification and you will be given a textbook at the beginning of the course.
• You will also have access to an electronic version of this book online through the Kerboodle platform.
• You may wish to buy the book below to prepare yourself for the course in September.

1. “Head start to A-Level Physics” (CGP) – Bridges the gap between GCSE and A-Level with study notes, examples and questions plus introductions to key A-Level topics.

Head Start to A-Level Physics (with Online Edition): bridging the gap between GCSE and A-Level (CGP Head Start to A-Level) : CGP Books, CGP Books: Amazon.co.uk: Books

(Available on Kindle or as paperback - If out of stock on Amazon there are plenty of other websites this can be purchased from)

Books you can read for interest and to ignite your passion in Physics:

1. “A Brief History of Time” (Stephen Hawking)

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking (1989-03-01): Amazon.co.uk: Stephen Hawking;: 0783324899986: Books

2. “Astrophysics for people in a hurry” (Neil Degrasse Tyson)

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry: Essays on the Universe and Our Place Within It: Amazon.co.uk: Neil Degrasse Tyson: 9780393609394: Books

3. “Quantum: A Guide For The Perplexed” (Jim Al-Khalili)

Quantum: A Guide For The Perplexed: Amazon.co.uk: Al-Khalili, Jim: 9781780223957: Books

4. “A Short History of Nearly Everything” (Bill Bryson)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Short-History-Nearly-Everything-Bryson/dp/0552997048

Websites for information and interest:

1. “Physics world” - This has a really good selection of podcasts, interviews with Physicists and it contains many articles about current research in Physics.

https://www.physicsworld.com/

2. “Hyperphyiscs” – A comprehensive coverage of most of Physics that shows the links between different areas of Physics. Online tutorials including modern Physics and Astronomy.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hph.html

3. “icould” – Real stories to inspire your career. An array of useful career guidance to start thinking about where you’re A-Levels might take you

https://icould.com/

4. “PhET Interactive Simulations” – Produced by the University of Colorado, PhET is a large collection of simulations of different phenomena that can be used to investigate a vastly different areas of Physics and the other Sciences. Both educational when trying to understand a concept better and fun to push Physics to its limits.

https://phet.colorado.edu/

Fascinating and though-provoking videos and podcasts:

1. “TED talks” – fascinating talks on any subject to stir your curiosity

https://www.ted.com/topics/physics

[Also available via YouTube]

2. “The Christmas lectures” – Started by Michael Faraday in 1825 and now broadcast every year on National television; the UK’s flagship science series

https://www.rigb.org/christmas-lectures

3. “The Life Scientific” – The Life Scientific is a BBC Radio 4 science programme, presented by Professor Jim Al-Khalili, in which each episode is dedicated to the biography and work of one living scientist.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015sqc7/episodes/downloads

Key GCSE areas to revise, understand and review to prepare for the early A-Level topics:

MATHS

1. Pythagoras’s theorem
2. Indices and standard form
3. Trigonometry
4. Calculating the gradients of graphs
5. Algebra (rearranging equations)

PHYSICS

1. Scalar and vector quantities
2. Drawing vector diagrams to add vector quantities together
3. Direct current circuits
4. Forces and motion