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3.6 Further mechanics and thermal physics

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

Why does an object moving in a circle at constant speed still accelerate?

Motion in a circle at constant speed, angular speed, centripetal acceleration and the centripetal force that keeps an object on a circular path.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Physics 3.6.1.1, covering angular speed, the link between linear and angular speed, centripetal acceleration and the centripetal force needed to keep an object moving in a circle.
9 min answer →

Why does pushing a swing at just the right rhythm make it swing higher and higher?

Free and forced vibrations, damping, resonance and the effect of damping on the sharpness of the resonance peak.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Physics 3.6.1.4, covering free and forced vibrations, the types of damping, resonance at the natural frequency, and how damping reduces and broadens the resonance peak.
9 min answer →

How are the pressure, volume and temperature of a fixed amount of gas related?

The gas laws, the ideal gas equation in molar and molecular forms, absolute zero and the experimental basis of the gas laws.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Physics 3.6.2.2, covering Boyle's, Charles's and the pressure law, absolute temperature, and the ideal gas equation in both molar and molecular forms.
9 min answer →

How does the random motion of countless molecules give rise to the pressure and temperature we measure?

The molecular kinetic theory model, the assumptions behind it, the kinetic theory equation, root mean square speed, and the link between mean kinetic energy of a molecule and absolute temperature.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Physics 3.6.2.3 and 3.6.2.4, covering the kinetic theory equation, the assumptions of an ideal gas, root mean square speed, and the relationship between mean molecular kinetic energy and absolute temperature.
10 min answer →

What makes an oscillation simple harmonic, and how do its energy and motion vary with time?

The defining condition for simple harmonic motion, the equations for displacement, velocity and acceleration, and the interchange between kinetic and potential energy in SHM systems such as the mass-spring and simple pendulum.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Physics 3.6.1.2 and 3.6.1.3, covering the SHM condition, displacement, velocity and acceleration equations, the mass-spring and pendulum periods, and the interchange of kinetic and potential energy.
10 min answer →

How much energy does it take to warm something up or to melt it?

Internal energy, the distinction between temperature change and change of state, specific heat capacity and specific latent heat, and continuous flow and method of mixtures experiments.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Physics 3.6.2.1, covering internal energy, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat of fusion and vaporisation, and the energy required to change temperature or state.
9 min answer →