CCEA GCSE Double Award Science: P2 Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space overview

Unit P2 of CCEA GCSE Double Award Science is the second Physics unit. It covers waves and light, electricity and circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics, and is examined on the P2 written paper at Foundation or Higher tier. This page maps the topics and links to a focused answer page for each one.

What this unit covers

Wave properties and the wave equation

Transverse and longitudinal waves, the wave terms, and v equals f lambda. See Wave properties and the wave equation.

The electromagnetic spectrum

The order from radio waves to gamma rays, the shared properties, and the uses and dangers. See The electromagnetic spectrum.

Reflection, refraction and lenses

The law of reflection, refraction at a boundary, total internal reflection, and lenses. See Reflection, refraction and lenses.

Charge, current, voltage and resistance

Charge and current, Q equals I t, potential difference, resistance, and Ohm's law. See Charge, current, voltage and resistance.

Series and parallel circuits

The current, voltage and resistance rules in series and parallel, and how they differ. See Series and parallel circuits.

Mains electricity and safety

Direct and alternating current, the three-pin plug, fuses, circuit breakers and earthing, and electrical power. See Mains electricity and safety.

Magnetism and electromagnetism

Magnetic fields, electromagnets, the motor effect, and electromagnetic induction. See Magnetism and electromagnetism.

The Solar System, stars and red shift

The Solar System and orbits, the life cycle of a star, and red shift as evidence for the Big Bang. See The Solar System, stars and red shift.

How it is examined

P2 is one written unit of the Double Award, sat at the same tier as the other units. Expect structured questions on the wave equation, the electromagnetic spectrum, Ohm's law and circuit rules, mains-electricity safety, electromagnets and induction, and the star life cycle and red shift. A calculator is allowed.

How to study it

Learn the order of the electromagnetic spectrum with its uses and dangers, master the wave equation and Ohm's law, and learn the series and parallel circuit rules. Rehearse the mains-electricity safety explanation, the ways to strengthen an electromagnet and an induced voltage, the star life cycle, and the red-shift argument for the Big Bang. Then practise CCEA past papers and finish with the module quiz.