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2 Foundations of physics

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do we quantify the reliability of a measurement and combine uncertainties through a calculation?

Measurements and uncertainties: precision and accuracy, random and systematic errors, absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty, and combining uncertainties in sums, products and powers.
A focused answer to the OCR H556 foundations content on measurements and uncertainties, covering precision and accuracy, random and systematic errors, absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty, and the rules for combining uncertainties through sums, products and powers.
12 min answer →

How do physical quantities, units and dimensional checks underpin every calculation in physics?

Physical quantities and SI units: the seven base units, derived units in base-unit form, prefixes and standard form, estimation, and checking the homogeneity of equations by units.
A focused answer to the OCR H556 foundations content on physical quantities and units, covering the seven SI base units, derived units expressed in base units, prefixes and standard form, order-of-magnitude estimation, and checking the homogeneity of equations by their units.
11 min answer →

How do we add, subtract and resolve vector quantities to analyse physical situations?

Scalars and vectors: distinguishing the two, combining vectors by scale drawing and by calculation, and resolving a vector into two perpendicular components.
A focused answer to the OCR H556 foundations content on scalars and vectors, covering the distinction between them, combining vectors by scale drawing and by calculation using Pythagoras and trigonometry, and resolving a vector into perpendicular components.
11 min answer →