← Combined Science syllabus

Northern IrelandCombined Science

P2 Waves, Light, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space

8 dot points across 8 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are charge, current, voltage and resistance, and how are they related?

Electric charge and current, the equation Q = I t, potential difference, resistance, and Ohm's law V = I R.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on electric charge and current, the equation charge equals current times time, potential difference, resistance, and using Ohm's law V = I R.
10 min answer →

How are magnetism and electricity linked in electromagnets, motors and generators?

Magnetic fields and field lines, the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire and a solenoid, the motor effect, and electromagnetic induction in generators and transformers.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on magnetic fields and field lines, the field around a current-carrying wire and a solenoid, the motor effect, and electromagnetic induction in generators and transformers.
10 min answer →

How does mains electricity work, how is it made safe, and how is electrical power calculated?

Direct and alternating current, the three-pin plug and the live, neutral and earth wires, the roles of fuses, circuit breakers and earthing, and the electrical power equation P = I V.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on direct and alternating current, the three-pin plug and its wires, the roles of fuses, circuit breakers and earthing, and the electrical power equation P = I V.
10 min answer →

How does light reflect and refract, and how do lenses form images?

The law of reflection, refraction as light changes speed and direction at a boundary, total internal reflection, and how converging and diverging lenses refract light.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on the law of reflection, refraction as light changes speed at a boundary, total internal reflection and its uses, and how converging and diverging lenses refract light.
10 min answer →

How do current, voltage and resistance behave in series and parallel circuits?

The rules for current, potential difference and resistance in series and parallel circuits, and how they differ between the two arrangements.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on the rules for current, potential difference and resistance in series and parallel circuits, and how they differ between the two arrangements, with worked examples.
10 min answer →

What are the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, and what are their uses and dangers?

The order of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays, the shared properties of EM waves, and the uses and dangers of each region.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays, the properties shared by all electromagnetic waves, and the main uses and dangers of each region.
10 min answer →

What makes up the Solar System, how do stars form and change, and what is the evidence for the Big Bang?

The Solar System and orbits, the life cycle of a star, and red shift as evidence for an expanding universe and the Big Bang theory.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on the Solar System and orbits, the life cycle of a star from nebula to its final stages, and red shift as evidence for an expanding universe and the Big Bang theory.
10 min answer →

What are the properties of waves, and how are speed, frequency and wavelength related?

Transverse and longitudinal waves, the wave terms amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period, and the wave equation v = f lambda.
A CCEA GCSE Double Award Science (Physics Unit P2) answer on transverse and longitudinal waves, the meaning of amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period, and how to use and rearrange the wave equation v = f lambda.
10 min answer →