Electricity, energy and waves

Engineers connect components in electrical circuits in series or parallel to make a range of useful circuits. We can calculate the voltage, current and resistance in these circuits.

Electricity is a convenient source of energy and can be generated in a number of different ways using either fossil fuels or renewable and sustainable technologies.

Heat energy can be transferred from areas of high energy to areas of lower energy by conduction, convection and radiation. Understanding how to control these processes helps reduce energy consumption.

Domestic electricity explores electrical circuits and the safety devices around the home, like fuses and circuit breakers, the ring main circuit and the functions of the live, neutral and earth wires.

Key terms for the features of waves are introduced, and the properties and uses of the EM spectrum, wave speed calculations and satellite communication are also covered.

This topic explores the conditions necessary for total internal reflection of light. It discusses applications of total internal reflection using optical fibres, like medical uses and communication.

Earthquakes produce shockwaves called seismic waves. These waves can be detected using seismographs. Some seismic waves are surface waves, while others can travel through the Earth.

Learn about kinetic theory, which includes using the Celsius and Kelvin scales, the relationship between pressure, temperature and volume in gas, and energy changes when changes in state occur.

Find out about the kinetic theory of matter with this interactive activity designed to support your revision for the GCSE WJEC physics specification.

If electric current flows in a coil, it experiences a force and moves. Spinning a magnet in a coil of wire generates electricity. Transformers change the size of alternating voltages.