← Combined Science syllabus

EnglandCombined Science

Physics: Electricity and magnetism

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

What are current, potential difference and resistance, and how do series and parallel circuits behave?

Circuit symbols, current as the flow of charge, potential difference and resistance, the equation V equals I times R, the I-V characteristics of components, and the rules for series and parallel circuits.
A focused answer to the OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science A topic P3 on electric circuits, covering circuit symbols, current as the flow of charge, potential difference and resistance, the equation linking them, the I-V characteristics of components, and series and parallel circuits.
9 min answer →

What is the electromagnetic spectrum, and what are the uses and dangers of each type of radiation?

The electromagnetic spectrum as a continuous range of transverse waves travelling at the speed of light in a vacuum, the order from radio waves to gamma rays, the uses of each region, and the dangers of the higher-energy waves.
A focused answer to the OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science A topic P4 on the electromagnetic spectrum, covering the spectrum as a continuous range of transverse waves, the order from radio waves to gamma rays, the uses of each region, and the dangers of the higher-energy waves.
9 min answer →

How do magnets and electric currents create magnetic fields, and how does the motor effect work?

Permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields and field lines, the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire and a solenoid, electromagnets and their uses, and the motor effect with the factors affecting the force.
A focused answer to the OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science A topic P3 on magnetism and electromagnetism, covering permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, the field around a wire and a solenoid, electromagnets and their uses, and the motor effect.
9 min answer →

What is half-life, how do we calculate it, and how is radioactivity used and made safe?

The definition of half-life, calculating the remaining activity after a number of half-lives, the uses of radioactive sources (medical tracers, treatment and dating), the difference between irradiation and contamination, and how to reduce the risks of radiation.
A focused answer to the OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science A topic P4 on half-life and applications, covering the definition of half-life and how to calculate remaining activity, the uses of radioactive sources, the difference between irradiation and contamination, and reducing the risks of radiation.
9 min answer →

What is radioactive decay, and how do alpha, beta and gamma radiation differ?

The structure of the atom and isotopes, radioactive decay as a random process, the nature and properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, their penetrating and ionising power, and nuclear equations for alpha and beta decay.
A focused answer to the OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science A topic P4 on radioactivity, covering atomic structure and isotopes, radioactive decay as a random process, the nature and properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, their penetrating and ionising power, and nuclear equations.
9 min answer →

What are transverse and longitudinal waves, and how are wave speed, frequency and wavelength related?

Transverse and longitudinal waves, the meaning of amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period, the wave speed equation, the relationship between frequency and period, and the reflection and refraction of waves.
A focused answer to the OCR Gateway GCSE Combined Science A topic P4 on wave properties, covering transverse and longitudinal waves, amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period, the wave speed equation, the link between frequency and period, and reflection and refraction.
9 min answer →