Proposed Teaching Scheme for Year 9

Topics SUB-TOPIC OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES RESOURCES

SECTION 1 - GENERAL PHYSICS
1. PHYSICAL MEASUREMENT Describe how to measure a variety of
QUANTITIES TECHNIQUES lengths with appropriate accuracy
AND UNITS using tapes, rules, micrometers and
calipers using a verneir.
Practical activity:-
All appropriates
instruments for measuring
mass, length, time and http://www.phy.ntnu.e
volume du.tw/ntnujava/viewto
pic.php?t=69

Describe how to measure a variety of Practical activity:- Using

time intervals using clocks and stopwatch, pendulum
stopwatches
Describe how to measure mass and Lever balance & spring
weight by using appropriate balances balance
UNITS AND Recognise and use conventions and Citation of examples
SYMBOLS symbols contained in 'signs, Symbols
and Systematics.' associations for
Science Education, 1995
2. KINEMATICS
SPEED, State what is meant by speed and Practical activity:- Ticker
VELOCITY AND velocity. timer, ticker tape, trolleys
ACCELERATION and inclined plane
Calculate average speed using distance
travelled / time taken.

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 State what is meant by uniform http:www.walterfendt.
acceleration de/ph14e/
Calculate the value of acceleration
using change in velocity / time-taken
Calculate the value of acceleration
using change in velocity / time-taken.
GRAPHICAL Plot and interpret a speed-time graph Graph plotting
ANALYSIS OF Recognise shape of a speed-time graph
MOTION when body is
1. at rest
2. moving with uniform speed and
3. moving with uniform acceleration
4. moving with non-uniform
acceleration
Calculate the area under speed-time Problem solving
graph to determine the distance
travelled for motion with uniform
speed or uniform acceleration
FREE FALL State that the acceleration of free-fall Graph sketches
for a body near to the earth is constant
and is approximately 10 m/s2.
describe qualitatively the motion of
bodies with constant weight falling
with and without air resistance
(including reference to terminal
velocity)
3. DYNAMICS
BALANCED AND State Newton's third law Citation of examples

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UNBALANCED describe the effect of balanced and
FORCES unbalanced forces on a body
Do calculations using the equation Problem solving
Force = mass ´ acceleration
FRICTION Explain the effects of friction on the Citation of examples
motion of the body.
*Discuss the effect of friction on the Slide presentation
motion of a vehicle in the context of
tyre surface, road conditions (including
skidding), braking force, braking
distance and stopping distance)
CIRCULAR Describe qualitatively motion in a
MOTION circular path due to a constant
perpendicular force, including
electrostatic forces on an electron in an
atom and gravitational forces on a
satellite, (F = mv2/r is not required)

Discuss how ideas of circular motion

are related to the motion of planets in
the solar system
4. MASS, WEIGHT & DENSITY
MASS & WEIGHT State that mass is a measure of the Demonstration
amount of substance in a body
State that mass of a body resists
change from its state of rest or motion
State that a gravitational field is a
region in which mass experience a
force due to gravitational attraction

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 Calculate weight from the equation: Problem solving
weight = mass ´ gravitational field
strength
Explain that two weights, and therefore Beam balance
masses, can be compared using a
balance

DENSITY Describe how to use a measuring Measuring cylinder

cylinder to measure the volume of solid
or liquid
Describe experiments to determine the Practical activity
density of a liquid, of a regularly -Plasticine, thread,
shaped solid, of an irregularly shaped measuring cylinder,
solid which sinks in water (method of eureka can, vernier
displacement) calipers
Make calculations using formula: Problem solving
density = mass/ volume
SCALARS AND Define the terms scalar and vector
VECTORS

List the vectors and scalars from Citation of examples

distance, displacement, length, speed,
velocity, time, acceleration, mass and
force
Determine the resultant of two vectors construction
by a graphical method

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 5. TURNING EFFECT OF FORCES
MOMENTS Describe the moment of a force in Demonstration:
terms of its turning effect and give Balancing a lever,
everyday examples weights, wedge, metre
rule
State the principle of moments for a
body in equilibrium
Make calculations using: Problem solving
1. Moment of a force = force ´
perpendicular distance from the pivot
2. the principles of moments
perform and describe experiment to Practical Activity - Meter
verify principle of moments rule, pin, weights, string,
stand, clamp, boss
Describe how to determine the position Practical activity: Thick
of the centre of mass of a plane lamina uniform card, plumbline,
stand, clamp, boss
Describe qualitatively the effect of the Citation of examples
position of the centre of mass on the
stability of simple objects
6. DEFORMATION
ELASTIC state that a force may produce a change Practical Activity:-
DEFORMATION in size and shape of a body Plasticene, spring slotted
weight
plot, draw and interpret extension-load Graph work
graphs for elastic solids and describe the
associated experimental procedure

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 Recognise the significance of the term
'Limit of proportionality' for an elastic
solid
Calculate extensions for an elastic solid Problem solving
using proportionality

7. PRESSURE
PRESSURE Define the term pressure in terms of Problem solving
force and area, and do calculations
using the equation: pressure = force ´
area
Explain how pressure varies with force Citation of examples
and area in the context of everyday
examples.
Describe how the height of a liquid Barometer
column may be used to measure the
atmospheric pressure
PRESSURE Explain quantitatively how the Citation of examples and
CHANGES pressure beneath a liquid surfaces problem solving
changes with depth and density of the
liquid in appropriate examples
Describe the use of a manometer in the Manometer
measurement of pressure difference
Describe and explain the transmission Hydraulic model, citation
of pressure in hydraulic systems with of examples, problem
particular reference to the hydraulic solving
press and hydraulic brakes on vehicles

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 Describe how a change in volume of a Citation of examples
fixed mass of gas at constant
temperature is caused by a change in
pressure applied to the gas
Do calculations using p1v1 = p2v2 Problem solving
8. ENERGY, WORK & POWER
ENERGY List the different forms of energy with Citation of simple
CONVERSION examples in which each forms occurs examples
AND state the principle of the conservation Application of examples
CONSERVATION of energy and apply this principle to
the conversion of energy from one
form to another
State that kinetic energy Ek = 1/2 mv2 Problem solving
and that potential energy Ep = mgh
and use these equations in calculations
MAJOR SOURCES List renewable and non-renewable Citation of simple
OF ENERGY energy sources examples
Describe quantitively the processes of Group Presentation
the following sources of energy being (project)
converted from one form to another:
1. chemical/fuel energy (a regrouping
of atoms)
2. hydroelectric generation
(emphasising the mechanical energies
involved)
3. Solar energy (nuclei of atoms in the
Sun)

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 4. nuclear energy
5. geothermal energy
6. wind energy
Explain nuclear fusion and fission in
terms of energy releasing processes
Do calculations using the mass-energy Problem solving
equation E = mc2
Descibe the process of electricity BLOCK DIAGRAM
generation and draw a block diagram DRAWING
of the process from the fuel input to
electricity output
Descibe the environmental issues Class Project
associated with power generation
WORK Calculate workdone from the formula Problem solving
work = force ´ distance moved in the
line of action of the force
EFFICIENCY Calculate the efficiency of the energy Problem solving
conversion using the formula: Energy
= energy converted to the required
form / total energy output
Discuss the efficiency of energy citation of examples
conversions in common use,
particularly those giving electrical
output
Discuss the usefulness of the energy citation of examples
output from a number of energy
conversions

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POWER calculate power from the formula: Problem solving
power = workdone / time taken

9. TRANSFER OF THERMAL ENERGY

CONDUCTION Describe experiments on how to Demonstration:
distinguish between good and bad Conduction kits
conductors of heat
Describe in molecular terms how heat
transfer occurs in solids
CONVECTION Describe convection in fluids in terms Demonstration:
of density changes Convection kits
RADIATION Describe the process of heat transfer Demonstration:
by radiation. Radiation Kits
Describe how to distinguish between
good and bad emitters and good and
bad absorbers on infra-red radiation
TOTAL TRANSFER Describe how heat is transferred to or citation of examples
from a buildings and to or from a room
State and explain the use of the
important practical methods of heat
insulation for buildings.

10. TEMPERATURE
9.1 PRINCIPLES OF Explain how a physical property Thermometer model
THERMOMETRY which vary with temperature being
used for the measurement of
temperature and state examples of
such properties

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 Explain the need for fixed points and
state what is meant by the ice-point
and steam point
Discuss sensitivity, range and linearity
of thermometers
describe how a given property is used
to measure temperature
LIQUID-IN-GLASS Describe the structure and action of Laboratory and clinical
THERMOMETER liquid-in-glass thermometers thermometer, and
(including clinical) and of a thermocouple
thermocouple thermometer, showing
an appreciation of its use for
measuring high temperatures and
those which vary rapidly.
11. THERMAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER
SPECIFIC HEAT Describe a rise in temperature of a Slide presentation
CAPACITY body in terms of an increase in its
internal energy (random thermal
energy)
Describe the terms heat capacity and
specific heat capacity
calculate heat transferred using the Problem solving
formula thermal energy = mass x
specific heat capacity x change in
temperature
Describe melting / solidification and Slide presentation
boiling / condensation in terms of
energy transfer without the change in
temperature.

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MELTING AND state the meaning of melting point and
BOILING boiling point
BOILING AND Explain the difference between
EVAPORATION boiling and evaporation
SPECIFIC LATENT define the terms latent heat and
HEAT specific latent heat
Explain latent heat in terms of
molecular behaviour
calculate heat transferred in the change Problem solving
of state using the formula thermal
energy = mass x specific latent heat
THERMAL Describe qualitatively the thermal Slide presentation
EXPANSION OF expansion of solids, liquids and gases
SOLIDS, LIQUIDS
AND GASES describe the relative order of
magnitude of the expansion of solids,
liquids and gases
Identify and explain some of the Citation of examples
everday applications and
consequences of thermal expansion
Describe qualitatively the effect of a Graph work
change of temperature on the volume
of gas at constant pressure.

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 12. KINETIC MODEL OF MATTER
STATES OF State the distinguishing properties of Slide presentation and
MATTER solids, liquids and gases demonstration

MOLECULAR Describe qualitatively the molecular

MODEL structure of solids, liquids and gases,
relating their properties to the forces and
distances between molecules and to the
motion of molecules
Describe the relationship between the
motion of the molecules and
temperature.
Explain the pressure of a gas in terms
of the motion of its molecules
EVAPORATION describe evaporation in terms of the
escape of more energetic molecules
from the surface of a liquid
describe how temperature, surface area
and draught over a surface influence
evaporation
explain that evaporation causes cooling

13. GENERAL WAVE PROPERTIES

DESCRIBING Describe what is meant by wave Slinky spring, ripple tank
WAVE MOTION motion as illustrated by vibration in
ropes, springs and by experiments
using a ripple tank
WAVE TERMS state what is meant by the term Slide Presentation

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 wavefront
Define the terms speed, frequency, Wave drawing &
wavelength and amplitude and do problem solving
calculation using c = f ´ l
WAVE Describe longitudinal and tranverse Slinky spring, ripple tank
BEHAVIOUR waves in such a way as to illustrate the
differences between them
describe the use of a ripple tank to
show
1. reflection at a plane surface
2. refraction due to a change in speed
at constant frequency
describe simple experiments to show Signal generator,
the reflection and refraction of sound Microphone, tube,
waves C.R.O., balloon filled
with carbon dioxide gas
14. LIGHT
REFLECTION OF Define the terms used in reflection Practical activity: Ray-
LIGHT including normal, angle of incidence box, plane mirror, Optical
and angle of reflection pins, Constructions, angle
measurement & Problem
Describe an experiment to illustrate the
solving
laws of reflection
Describe an experiment to find the
position and characteristics of an
optical image formed by a plane mirror

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 state that for reflection, the angle of
incidence is equal to the angle of
reflection and use this in constructions,
measurements and calculations
REFRACTION OF Define the terms used in refraction Practical Activity: Ray-
LIGHT including angle of incidence, angle of box, glass blocks, Light
refraction and refractive index ray construction, drawing
Describe experiments to show paper
refraction of light through glass blocks
Use equation sin i / sin r = n (refractive Problem solving
index)
Define the terms critical angle and Semicircular glass block,
total internal reflection ray box
Describe experiments to show total
internal reflection
Describe the use of optical fibres in
telecommunications and state the
advantanges of their use.
THIN Describe the action of a thin Practical Activity:
CONVERGING converging lens on a beam of light Convex and concave
LENS lenses, ray box
Define the term focal length
*Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the construction
formation of real and virtual images of
an object by lens

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 Define the terms linear magnification construction
and *draw scale diagrams to determine
the focal length needed for particular
values of magnification (converging
lens only)
Describe the use of a single lens as a construction
magnifying glass and in a camera,
projector and photographic enlarger
and draw ray diagrams to show how
each forms an image
Draw ray-diagrams to show formation Ray diagram construction
of images in the normal eye, a short-
sighted eye and a long-sighted eye
Describe the correction of short-
sighted and long sighted
15. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
DISPERSION OF Describe the dispersion of light as white light source, glass
LIGHT illustrated by the action on light of a prism
glass prism
state the colours of the spectrum and
explain how the colours are related to
frequency or wavelength
13.1 PROPERTIES State that all electromagnetic waves Slide Presentation:
OF are transverse waves that travel with Identification of
ELECTROMAGNE the same high speed in vacuo and state components in E.M.
TIC WAVES the magnitude of this speed. spectrum
Describe the main components of the
electromagnetic spectrum

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APPICATIONS OF Discuss the role of the following
ELECTROMAGNE components in the stated appications
TIC WAVES 1. Radiowaves - radio and television
communication
2 . Microwaves - satellite television
and telephone
3. Infra-red - household electrical
appliance, television controllers and
intruder alarms
4. Light - optical fibres in medical uses
and telephone
5. Ultra-violet - sunbeds, flourescent
tubes and sterilisation
6. X-rays - hospital use and
engineering applications
7. Gamma rays and their use in
medical treatment
16. SOUND WAVES
SOUND WAVES Describe the production of sound by Metre rule, tuning fork
vibrating sources
describe the longitudinal nature of Slinky spring
sound waves and describe
compression and rarefraction
State the approximate range of audible
frequencies
Explain why a medium is required in Bell Jar experiment
order to transmit sound waves and
describe an experiment to demonstrate
this

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SPEED OF SOUND Describe a direct method for Problem solving
determination of the speed of sound in
air and make necessary calculation

State the order of magnitude of the Slide Presentation

speeds of sound in air, liquids and
solids
Explain how the loudness and pitch of
sound waves relate to amplitude and
frequency
describe how the reflection of sound
may produced an echo
Describe the factors which influence
the quality (timbre) of sound waves
and how these factors may be
demonstrated by using CRO

ULTRASOUND Define ultra sound

describe the uses of ultra sound in
cleaning, quality control and prenatal
screening

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 PROPOSED TEACHING SCHEME FOR PHYSICS (5054) YEAR 10

TOPICS SUB-TOPICS OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES RESOURCES

TOPIC 16 - SOUND
Describe the production of sound
Metre rule, tuning fork
by vibrating sources.
Describe the longitudinal nature of
sound waves and describe Slinky spring
compression and rarefaction.
Sound waves State the approximate range of
audible frequencies.
Explain why a medium is required
in order to transmit sound waves
Bell Jar experiment
and describe an experiment to
demonstrate this.
Speed of sound Describe a direct method for the
determination of the speed of
Problem solving
sound in air and make the
necessary calculation.
State the order of magnitude of the IT Presentation
speeds of sound in air, liquids and
solids.
Explain how the loudness and pitch
of sound waves relate to amplitude
and frequency.

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 Describe how the reflection of
sound may produce an echo.
Describe the factors which
influence the quality (timbre) of
sound waves and how these
factors may be demonstrated using
a CRO.
Define ultra sound.
Ultrasound Describe the uses of ultra sound in
cleaning, quality control and pre-natal
scanning.
SECTION V ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
TOPIC 17: MAGNETISM AND ELECTROMAGNETISM
LAWS OF State the properties of magnet
Permanent magnets
MAGNETISM
Describe induced magnetism
MAGNETIC State the differences between D.C power supply, iron
PROPERTIES OF magnetic, non-magnetic and bar, permanent
MATTER magnetised materials magnets, compass
Describe electrical methods of
magnetisation and
demagnetisation
Describe the plotting of magnetic
filed lines with a compass
State the differences between the
properties of temporary magnets
(e.g. iron) and permanent magnet
(e.g. steel)
Describe uses of permanent
magnets and electromagnets

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 Explain the choice of material for,
and use of, magnetic screening
Decribe the use of magnetic
materials in audio/video tapes
Describe the pattern of the
magnetic field due to the currents
in straight wires and in solenoids
Iron filings, long thick
and state the effect on the
wire, solenoid
magnetic field of changing the
ELECTROMAGNETI
magnitude and direction of the
SM
current
Describe applications of the
magnetic effect of a current in Relay, circuit-breaker,
relays, circuit-breakers and loudspeaker
loudspeakers
TOPIC 18: STATIC ELECTRICITY
Describe experiments to show
electrostatic charging by friction.
Explain that charging of solids
involves a movement of electrons.
LAWS OF
State that there are positive and Electrostatics Kit
ELECTROSTATICS
negative charges and that charge
is measured in coulombs.
State that unlike charges attract
and like charges repel.

Principles of Describe an electric field as a

electrostatics region in which an electric charge
experiences a force.

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 State the direction of lines of force
and describe simple field patterns.
Describe the separation of charges
by induction.
Discuss the differences between
electrical conductors and
Citation of examples
insulators and state examples of
each.
state what is meant by "earthing" a
charged object.
Describe examples where
Applications of charging could be a problem e.g. Citation of examples
electrostatics lightning
Describe examples where
charging is helpful e.g's
Citation of examples
photocopier and electrostatic
precipitator.

TOPIC 19: CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Current State that a current is a flow of
charge and that current is
measured in amperes.
Do calculations using the equation
Problem solving
charge = current x time.
Describe the use of an ammeter ammeter,
with different ranges. milliammeter,
multimeter

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 Explain that electromotive force
(e.m.f.) is measured by the energy
dissipated by a source in driving a
unit charge around a complete
Electromotive force circuit.

State that e.m.f. is work

Problem solving
done/charge.

State that the volt is given by J/C. Problem solving

Calculate the total e.m.f. where

several sources are arranged in
Electromotive force series and discuss how this is
used in the design of batteries.
Discuss the advantage of making a
battery from several equal voltage
sources of e.m.f. arranged in
parallel.
Potential difference State that the potential difference
across a circuit component is
measured in volts.
state that the p.d. across a
component in a circuit is given by
the work done in the
component/charge passed through
the component
(k) describe the use of a voltmeter Voltmeter, multimeter
with different ranges.

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 State that resistance =
p.d./current and use the equation
Problem solving
resistance = voltage/current in
calculations.
Describe an experiment to
Voltmeter, leads,
measure the resistance of a
ammeter, variable
metallic conductor using a
resistors, battery &
voltmeter and an ammeter and
Problem solving
make the necessary calculations.
Resistance
Discuss the temperature limitation
on Ohm's Law.
*use quantitatively the
proportionality between resistance
I.T. Presentation
and the length and the
crosssectional area of a wire.
Calculate the net effect of a
number of resistors in series and in Problem solving
parallel.
Describe the effect of temperature
increase on the resistance of a
resistor and a filament lamp and Graph work
draw the respective sketch graphs
Resistance of current/voltage.
Describe the operation of a light- Light dependeng
dependent resistor. resistor

TOPIC 20: D.C. CIRCUITS

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 *Draw circuit diagrams with power
sources (cell, battery or a.c.
mains), switches (closed and
Current and
open), resistors (fixed and
potential difference IT Presentation
variable), light dependent resistors,
in circuits
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters,
magnetising coils, bells, fuses,
relays, light-emitting diodes and
State that the current at every
point in a series circuit is the same,
and use this in calculations.

Difference across the whole circuit

and use this in calculations.
Series and parallel
State that the current from the Problem solving
circuits
source is the sum of the currents in
the separate branches of a parallel
circuit.
Do calculations on the whole
circuit, recalling and using
formulae including R = V/I and of a
parallel circuit.
TOPIC 21: PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY
Uses of electricity Describe the use of electricity in Citation of examples
heating, lighting and motors.

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 Do calculations using the
equations power = voltage x
Problem solving
current, and energy = voltage x
current x time.
Calculate the cost of using
electrical appliances where the
energy unit is the kWh.
State the hazards of damaged
Dangers of
insulation, overheating of cables Citation of examples
electricity
and damp conditions.
Explain the use of fuses and circuit
breakers and fuse ratings and Fuses, circuit breaker
circuit breaker settings.
Explain the need for earthing metal
cases and for double insulation.
Safe use of
electricity in the State the meaning of the terms
home live, neutral and earth.

Describe how to wire a mains plug. 3-pin plug

Explain why switches, fuses and

circuit breakers are wired into the
live conductor.
TOPIC 22: ELECTROMAGNETISM

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 Describe experiments to show the
force on a current-carrying
conductor, and on a beam of d.c power supply,
charged particles, in a magnetic insulated tong wire,
Force on a current- field, including the effect of major magnet
carrying conductor reversing (1) the current, (2) the
direction of the field.
State the relative directions of
force, field and current.
Describe the field patterns
between currents in parallel
Vertical parallel thick
Force on a current- conductors and relate these to the
wire, low voltage
carrying conductor forces which exist between the
power supply
conductors (excluding the Earth's
field).
Explain how a current-carrying coil
in a magnetic field experiences a
turning effect and that the effect is
increased by increasing (1) the
number of turns on the coil (2) the
current.
The d.c. motor Discuss how this turning effect is
d.c. power supply, d.c.
used in the action of an electric
motor
motor.
Describe the action of a split-ring
commutator in a two-pole, single model of d.c. motor
coil motor and the effect of winding
the coil onto a soft-iron cylinder.

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 TOPIC 23: ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
Describe an experiment which
Galvanometer,
shows that a changing magnetic
permanent magnet and
field can induce an e.m.f. in a
Solenoid
circuit.
Principles of State the factors affecting the
electromagnetic magnitude of the induced e.m.f.
induction State that the direction of a current
produced by an induced e.m.f.
opposes the change producing it
(Lenz's Law) and describe how this
law may be demonstrated.
Describe a simple form of a.c.
generator (rotating coil or rotating
Dynamo
magnet) and the use of slip rings
The a.c. generator where needed.
*Sketch a graph of voltage output
against time for a simple a.c.
generator.
The transformer
Describe the structure and
principle of operation of a simple transformer model
iron-cored transformer.
State the advantages of high
voltage transmission.
Discuss the environmental and
cost implications of underground
power transmission compared to

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 overhead lines.
24. Introductory Electronics
State that electrons are emitted by
a hot metal filament.
Explain that to cause a continuous
flow of emitted electrons requires
(1) high positive potential and (2)
very low gas pressure.
Thermionic
Describe the deflection of an
emission
electron beam by electric fields
and magnetic fields.
State that the flow of electrons
(electron current) is from negative
to positive and is in the opposite
direction to conventional current
Simple treatment of Describe in outline the basic Demonstration of CRO
cathode-ray structure and action of a cathode-
oscilloscope ray oscilloscope (detailed circuits
are not required).
Describe the use of a cathode-ray
oscilloscope to display waveforms
and to measure p.d.'s and short
intervals of time (detailed circuits
are not required).

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 Explain how the values of resistors
are chosen according to a colour
code and why widely different
values are needed in different
types of circuit.
Discuss the need to choose
components with suitable power
ratings.
Describe the action of thermistors
and light-dependent resistors and Demonstration of LDR
explain their use as input sensors.
Describe the action of a variable Demonstration of
potential divider (potentiometer). potentiometer
Action and use of Describe the action of a capacitor
circuit components as a charge store and explain its
use in time delay circuits.
Describe the action of a reed
switch and reed relay.
Explain the use of reed relays in Demonstration of
switching circuits. Capacitors, reed
Describe and explain circuits switch and reed relay
operating as light-sensitive
switches and temperature
operated alarms (using a reed
relay or other circuits).
State the meaning of the terms
processor, output device and
feedback.

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 TOPIC 25: ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
Describe the action of a bipolar
npn transistor as an electrically *Electronic Systems are
operated switch and explain its use Optional topic
in switching circuits.
State in words and in truth table
Switching and logic form, the action of the following
circuits logic gates, AND, OR, NAND,
NOR and NOT(inverter).
State the symbols for the logic
gates listed above (American ANSI
Y 32.14 symbols will be used). Handson Electronic
Describe the use of a bistable Logic Kit
circuit.
Discuss the fact that bistable
circuits exhibit the property of
memory.
Bistable and
astable circuits Describe the use of an astable
circuit (pulse generator).
Describe how the frequency of an
astable circuit is related to the
values of the resistive and
capacitative components.
SECTION VI ATOMIC PHYSICS
TOPIC 26. RADIOACTIVITY

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 Describe the detection of alpha-
Detection of particles, beta-particles and
radioactivity gamma-rays by appropriate
3 Radioactive
methods.
resources
State and explain the random
emission of radioactivity in
direction and time.
State, for radioactive emissions, IT Presentation
their nature, relative ionising
Characteristics of effects and relative penetrating
the three types of powers.
emission
Describe the deflection of
radioactive emissions in electric
fields and magnetic fields.
Explain what is meant by
radioactive decay.
Explain the processes of fusion
and fission.
Describe with the aid of a block
Nuclear reactions diagram one type of fission reactor
for use in a power station.
Discuss theories of star formation
and their energy production by
fusion.
Half-life Explain what is meant by the term
half-life.
Make calculations based on half-
life which might involve information
in tables or shown by decay
curves.

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 Describe how radioactive materials
are handled, used and stored in a
safe way.
Discuss the way in which the type
Uses of radioactive of radiation emitted and the half-
isotopes including life determine the use for the
safety precautions material.
Discuss the origins and effect of
background radiation.

Discuss the dating of objects by

the use of 14C.
TOPIC 27: THE NUCLEAR ATOM
IT Presentation
Describe the structure of the atom
in terms of nucleus and electrons.
Atomic model Describe how the Geiger-Marsden
alpha-particle scattering
experiment provides evidence for
the nuclear atom.
Nucleus Describe the composition of the
nucleus in terms of protons and
neutrons.
Define the terms proton number
(atomic number), Z and nucleon
number (mass number), A.

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 Explain the term nuclide and use
the nuclide notation A Z X to
construct equations where
radioactive decay leads to
changes in the composition of the
nucleus.
Define the term isotope.
Explain, using nuclide notation,
how one element may have a
number of isotopes.

ANY QUERIES PLEASE REFER TO MOHD KHAIRUL AZMI BIN KASSIM – MAKTAB SAINS PADUKA SERI
BEGAWAN SULTAN
E-mail address khairolazmi.kassim@msains.moe.edu.bn

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