← Combined Science syllabus

EnglandCombined Science

Physics: Atomic structure

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is inside an atom, and how does radioactive decay work?

The structure of the atom and the development of the nuclear model, isotopes, the types of nuclear radiation (alpha, beta and gamma), radioactive decay and nuclear equations, half-life, and the dangers and uses of radiation.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Atomic structure topic, covering the nuclear model of the atom, isotopes, alpha, beta and gamma radiation, radioactive decay and nuclear equations, half-life, and the dangers and uses of radiation.
8 min answer →

What are current, potential difference and resistance, and how do circuits and mains electricity work?

Standard circuit symbols, current, potential difference and resistance, the I-V characteristics of components, series and parallel circuits, mains electricity and the three-pin plug, and electrical power and energy.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Electricity topic, covering circuit symbols, current, potential difference and resistance, component characteristics, series and parallel circuits, mains electricity and the plug, and electrical power and energy.
9 min answer →

How is energy stored, transferred and conserved, and how can we use it efficiently?

Energy stores and systems, calculating kinetic, gravitational and elastic energy, the conservation and dissipation of energy, efficiency and reducing unwanted transfers, and national and global energy resources.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Energy topic, covering energy stores and systems, kinetic, gravitational and elastic energy calculations, conservation and dissipation, efficiency, and national and global energy resources.
8 min answer →

How do forces change the motion of objects, and how do we describe that motion?

Scalar and vector quantities, contact and non-contact forces, weight and resultant forces, work done, forces and elasticity, distance, speed and acceleration, Newton's laws of motion, and stopping distances.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Forces topic, covering scalars and vectors, contact and non-contact forces, weight, resultant forces and work, elasticity, distance, speed and acceleration, Newton's laws of motion, and stopping distances.
9 min answer →

How are magnetism and electricity linked, and how does that make motors work?

Permanent and induced magnets and magnetic fields, the magnetic effect of a current and solenoids, electromagnets, and the motor effect including Fleming's left-hand rule.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Magnetism and electromagnetism topic, covering permanent and induced magnets and magnetic fields, the magnetic effect of a current and solenoids, electromagnets, and the motor effect with Fleming's left-hand rule.
8 min answer →

How does the particle model explain density, changes of state and pressure?

The particle model and density of materials, the changes of state and internal energy, specific heat capacity and specific latent heat, and the effect of temperature on the pressure of a gas.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Particle model of matter topic, covering the particle model and density, changes of state and internal energy, specific heat capacity and specific latent heat, and gas pressure and temperature.
8 min answer →

How do waves transfer energy, and what is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Transverse and longitudinal waves, the wave equation and wave properties, the reflection of waves, the electromagnetic spectrum and its properties, and the uses and dangers of electromagnetic waves.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Waves topic, covering transverse and longitudinal waves, the wave equation and wave properties, reflection, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the uses and dangers of electromagnetic waves.
8 min answer →