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.
