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Physics HL
A.1 Kinematics
9 outcomes
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A.1 Kinematics
9 outcomes
- A.1.U1The motion of bodies through space and time can be described and analysed in terms of position, velocity, and acceleration.
- A.1.U2Velocity is the rate of change of position, and acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
- A.1.U3The change in position is the displacement.
- A.1.U4The difference between distance and displacement.
- A.1.U5The difference between instantaneous and average values of velocity, speed and acceleration, and how to determine them.
- A.1.U6The equations of motion for solving problems with uniformly accelerated motion: s=(u+v)/2·t, v=u+at, s=ut+½at², v²=u²+2as.
- A.1.U7Motion with uniform and non-uniform acceleration.
- A.1.U8The behaviour of projectiles in the absence of fluid resistance, and the application of the equations of motion resolved into vertical and horizontal components.
- A.1.U9The qualitative effect of fluid resistance on projectiles, including time of flight, trajectory, velocity, acceleration, range and terminal speed.
A.2 Forces and momentum
14 outcomes
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A.2 Forces and momentum
14 outcomes
- A.2.U1Newton's three laws of motion.
- A.2.U2Forces as interactions between bodies.
- A.2.U3Forces acting on a body can be represented in a free-body diagram.
- A.2.U4Free-body diagrams can be analysed to find the resultant force on a system.
- A.2.U5The nature and use of contact forces: normal force F_N, surface frictional force F_f (F_f ≤ μ_s·F_N or F_f = μ_d·F_N), tension, elastic restoring force F_H = −kx (Hooke's law), viscous drag F_d = 6πηrv (Stokes), buoyancy F_b = ρVg.
- A.2.U6The nature and use of field forces: gravitational force F_g = mg, electric force F_e, magnetic force F_m.
- A.2.U7Linear momentum p = mv remains constant unless the system is acted upon by a resultant external force.
- A.2.U8A resultant external force constitutes an impulse J = FΔt; the applied impulse equals the change in momentum.
- A.2.U9Newton's second law: F = ma (constant mass) and F = Δp/Δt (variable mass).
- A.2.U10Elastic and inelastic collisions of two bodies, and explosions; energy considerations in each.
- A.2.U11Bodies moving along a circular trajectory at constant speed experience a centripetal acceleration a = v²/r = ω²r = 4π²r/T².
- A.2.U12Circular motion is caused by a centripetal force acting perpendicular to the velocity.
- A.2.U13A centripetal force causes the body to change direction even if its magnitude of velocity may remain constant.
- A.2.U14Motion along a circular trajectory described using angular velocity ω, related to linear speed by v = 2πr/T = ωr.
A.3 Work, energy and power
11 outcomes
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A.3 Work, energy and power
11 outcomes
- A.3.U1The principle of the conservation of energy.
- A.3.U2Work done by a force is equivalent to a transfer of energy.
- A.3.U3Energy transfers can be represented on a Sankey diagram.
- A.3.U4Work W done on a body by a constant force: W = Fs cos θ.
- A.3.U5Work done by the resultant force on a system equals the change in the energy of the system.
- A.3.U6Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.
- A.3.U7In the absence of frictional/resistive forces, the total mechanical energy of a system is conserved.
- A.3.U8If mechanical energy is conserved: E_k = ½mv² = p²/2m; ΔE_p = mgΔh; E_H = ½k(Δx)².
- A.3.U9Power P = ΔW/Δt = Fv.
- A.3.U10Efficiency η = E_output/E_input = P_output/P_input.
- A.3.U11Energy density of fuel sources.
A.4 Rigid body mechanics
11 outcomes · HL only
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A.4 Rigid body mechanics
11 outcomes · HL only
- A.4.U1The torque τ of a force about an axis: τ = Fr sin θ. HL only
- A.4.U2Bodies in rotational equilibrium have a resultant torque of zero. HL only
- A.4.U3An unbalanced torque applied to an extended, rigid body will cause angular acceleration. HL only
- A.4.U4Rotation described using angular displacement, angular velocity and angular acceleration. HL only
- A.4.U5Equations of motion for uniform angular acceleration: Δθ=(ω_f+ω_i)/2·t, ω_f=ω_i+αt, Δθ=ω_i·t+½αt², ω_f²=ω_i²+2αΔθ. HL only
- A.4.U6The moment of inertia I depends on the distribution of mass about an axis of rotation; for point masses: I = Σmr². HL only
- A.4.U7Newton's second law for rotation: τ = Iα. HL only
- A.4.U8Angular momentum L = Iω of an extended body rotating with angular speed. HL only
- A.4.U9Angular momentum remains constant unless the body is acted upon by a resultant torque. HL only
- A.4.U10Angular impulse: ΔL = τΔt = Δ(Iω). HL only
- A.4.U11Kinetic energy of rotational motion: E_k = ½Iω² = L²/2I. HL only
A.5 Galilean and special relativity
14 outcomes · HL only
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A.5 Galilean and special relativity
14 outcomes · HL only
- A.5.U1Reference frames. HL only
- A.5.U2Newton's laws of motion are the same in all inertial reference frames (Galilean relativity). HL only
- A.5.U3In Galilean relativity: x′ = x − vt and t′ = t. HL only
- A.5.U4Galilean velocity addition: u′ = u − v. HL only
- A.5.U5The two postulates of special relativity. HL only
- A.5.U6Lorentz transformations: x′ = γ(x−vt), t′ = γ(t − vx/c²), where γ = 1/√(1 − v²/c²). HL only
- A.5.U7Relativistic velocity addition: u′ = (u−v)/(1 − uv/c²). HL only
- A.5.U8The space–time interval (Δs)² = (cΔt)² − (Δx)² is an invariant quantity. HL only
- A.5.U9Proper time interval and proper length. HL only
- A.5.U10Time dilation: Δt = γΔt₀. HL only
- A.5.U11Length contraction: L = L₀/γ. HL only
- A.5.U12The relativity of simultaneity. HL only
- A.5.U13Space–time diagrams; the angle between the world line of a moving particle and the time axis is given by tan θ = v/c. HL only
- A.5.U14Muon decay experiments provide experimental evidence for time dilation and length contraction. HL only
B.1 Thermal energy transfers
15 outcomes
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B.1 Thermal energy transfers
15 outcomes
- B.1.U1Molecular theory in solids, liquids and gases.
- B.1.U2Density ρ = m/V.
- B.1.U3Kelvin and Celsius scales are used to express temperature; a change in temperature is the same on both scales.
- B.1.U4Kelvin temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles: Ē_k = (3/2)k_B T.
- B.1.U5Internal energy is the total intermolecular potential energy plus the total random kinetic energy of the molecules.
- B.1.U6Temperature difference determines the direction of the resultant thermal energy transfer between bodies.
- B.1.U7A phase change represents a change in particle behaviour arising from a change in energy at constant temperature.
- B.1.U8Quantitative analysis of thermal energy transfers using specific heat capacity c and specific latent heat L: Q = mcΔT and Q = mL.
- B.1.U9Conduction, convection and thermal radiation are the primary mechanisms for thermal energy transfer.
- B.1.U10Conduction in terms of the difference in kinetic energy of particles.
- B.1.U11Quantitative analysis of rate of thermal energy transfer by conduction: ΔQ/Δt = kA·ΔT/Δx.
- B.1.U12Qualitative description of thermal energy transferred by convection due to fluid density differences.
- B.1.U13Energy transferred by radiation modelled by the Stefan-Boltzmann law: L = σAT⁴.
- B.1.U14The concept of apparent brightness b; luminosity L of a body: b = L / (4πd²).
- B.1.U15Emission spectrum of a black body; Wien's displacement law: λ_max · T = 2.9 × 10⁻³ mK.
B.2 Greenhouse effect
9 outcomes
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B.2 Greenhouse effect
9 outcomes
- B.2.U1The conservation of energy.
- B.2.U2Emissivity as the ratio of the power radiated per unit area by a surface compared to that of an ideal black surface at the same temperature: emissivity = (power radiated per unit area) / (σT⁴).
- B.2.U3Albedo as a measure of the average energy reflected off a macroscopic system: albedo = total scattered power / total incident power.
- B.2.U4Earth's albedo varies daily and is dependent on cloud formations and latitude.
- B.2.U5The solar constant S; the incoming radiative power is dependent on the projected surface, resulting in a mean incoming intensity of S/4.
- B.2.U6CH₄, H₂O, CO₂ and N₂O are the main greenhouse gases, each with natural and human-activity origins.
- B.2.U7Absorption of infrared radiation by the main greenhouse gases in terms of molecular energy levels and subsequent emission of radiation in all directions.
- B.2.U8The greenhouse effect can be explained in terms of both a resonance model and molecular energy levels.
- B.2.U9The augmentation of the greenhouse effect due to human activities is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.
B.3 Gas laws
8 outcomes
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B.3 Gas laws
8 outcomes
- B.3.U1Pressure P = F/A where F is the force exerted perpendicular to the surface.
- B.3.U2Amount of substance n = N/N_A where N is the number of molecules and N_A is the Avogadro constant.
- B.3.U3Ideal gases described by kinetic theory; a modelled system to approximate real gases.
- B.3.U4The ideal gas law derived from empirical gas laws: PV/T = constant.
- B.3.U5Equations governing ideal gases: PV = Nk_B T and PV = nRT.
- B.3.U6Change in momentum from collisions gives rise to pressure; P = (1/3)ρv².
- B.3.U7Internal energy U of an ideal monatomic gas: U = (3/2)Nk_B T or U = (3/2)nRT.
- B.3.U8Temperature, pressure and density conditions under which an ideal gas is a good approximation of a real gas.
B.4 Thermodynamics
12 outcomes · HL only
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B.4 Thermodynamics
12 outcomes · HL only
- B.4.U1First law of thermodynamics: Q = ΔU + W (conservation of energy applied to a closed system). HL only
- B.4.U2Work done by or on a closed system: W = PΔV. HL only
- B.4.U3Change in internal energy: ΔU = (3/2)Nk_B ΔT = (3/2)nRΔT. HL only
- B.4.U4Entropy S is a thermodynamic quantity relating to the degree of disorder of particles in a system. HL only
- B.4.U5Entropy determined macroscopically: ΔS = ΔQ/T; and microscopically: S = k_B ln Ω. HL only
- B.4.U6The second law of thermodynamics: change in entropy of an isolated system sets constraints on possible physical processes. HL only
- B.4.U7Processes in real isolated systems are almost always irreversible; entropy of a real isolated system always increases. HL only
- B.4.U8Entropy of a non-isolated system can decrease locally, compensated by an equal or greater increase in the surroundings. HL only
- B.4.U9Isovolumetric, isobaric, isothermal and adiabatic processes obtained by keeping one variable fixed. HL only
- B.4.U10Adiabatic processes in monatomic ideal gases: PV^(5/3) = constant. HL only
- B.4.U11Cyclic gas processes used to run heat engines; efficiency η = useful work / input energy. HL only
- B.4.U12Carnot cycle sets the limit for efficiency: η_Carnot = 1 − T_c/T_h. HL only
B.5 Current and circuits
14 outcomes
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B.5 Current and circuits
14 outcomes
- B.5.U1Cells provide a source of emf.
- B.5.U2Chemical cells and solar cells as energy sources in circuits.
- B.5.U3Circuit diagrams represent the arrangement of components in a circuit.
- B.5.U4Direct current I as a flow of charge carriers: I = Δq/Δt.
- B.5.U5Electric potential difference V is work done per unit charge: V = W/q.
- B.5.U6Properties of electrical conductors and insulators in terms of mobility of charge carriers.
- B.5.U7Electric resistance and its origin; R = V/I.
- B.5.U8Resistivity: ρ = RA/L.
- B.5.U9Ohm's law.
- B.5.U10Ohmic and non-ohmic behaviour, including the heating effect of resistors.
- B.5.U11Electrical power dissipated: P = IV = I²R = V²/R.
- B.5.U12Combinations of resistors in series and parallel circuits (series: R_s = R_1 + R_2 + ...; parallel: 1/R_p = 1/R_1 + 1/R_2 + ...).
- B.5.U13Electric cells characterised by emf ε and internal resistance r: ε = I(R + r).
- B.5.U14Resistors can have variable resistance (thermistors, LDRs, potentiometers).
C.1 Simple harmonic motion
9 outcomes
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C.1 Simple harmonic motion
9 outcomes
- C.1.U1Conditions that lead to simple harmonic motion.
- C.1.U2The defining equation of SHM: a = −ω²x.
- C.1.U3A particle undergoing SHM described using time period T, frequency f, angular frequency ω, amplitude, equilibrium position, and displacement.
- C.1.U4Time period: T = 1/f = 2π/ω.
- C.1.U5Time period of a mass–spring system: T = 2π√(m/k).
- C.1.U6Time period of a simple pendulum: T = 2π√(l/g).
- C.1.U7A qualitative approach to energy changes during one cycle of an oscillation.
- C.1.U8A particle undergoing SHM can be described using phase angle φ. HL only
- C.1.U9SHM equations: x = x₀ sin(ωt + φ); v = ωx₀ cos(ωt + φ); v = ±ω√(x₀² − x²); E_T = ½mω²x₀²; E_p = ½mω²x². HL only
C.2 Wave model
5 outcomes
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C.2 Wave model
5 outcomes
- C.2.U1Transverse and longitudinal travelling waves.
- C.2.U2Wavelength λ, frequency f, time period T, and wave speed v: v = fλ = λ/T.
- C.2.U3The nature of sound waves.
- C.2.U4The nature of electromagnetic waves.
- C.2.U5The differences between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.
C.3 Wave phenomena
13 outcomes
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C.3 Wave phenomena
13 outcomes
- C.3.U1Waves travelling in two and three dimensions described through wavefronts and rays.
- C.3.U2Wave behaviour at boundaries: reflection, refraction and transmission.
- C.3.U3Wave diffraction around a body and through an aperture.
- C.3.U4Wavefront-ray diagrams showing refraction and diffraction.
- C.3.U5Snell's law, critical angle and total internal reflection; n₁/n₂ = sin θ₂/sin θ₁ = v₂/v₁.
- C.3.U6Superposition of waves and wave pulses.
- C.3.U7Double-source interference requires coherent sources.
- C.3.U8Condition for constructive interference: path difference = nλ.
- C.3.U9Condition for destructive interference: path difference = (n + ½)λ.
- C.3.U10Young's double-slit interference: s = λD/d where s is fringe separation, d is slit separation, D is slit-to-screen distance.
- C.3.U11Single-slit diffraction including intensity patterns: θ = λ/b where b is the slit width. HL only
- C.3.U12The single-slit pattern modulates the double-slit interference pattern. HL only
- C.3.U13Interference patterns from multiple slits and diffraction gratings: nλ = d sin θ. HL only
C.4 Standing waves and resonance
6 outcomes
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C.4 Standing waves and resonance
6 outcomes
- C.4.U1Nature and formation of standing waves as superposition of two identical waves travelling in opposite directions.
- C.4.U2Nodes and antinodes, relative amplitude and phase difference of points along a standing wave.
- C.4.U3Standing wave patterns in strings and pipes.
- C.4.U4The nature of resonance including natural frequency and amplitude of oscillation based on driving frequency.
- C.4.U5Effect of damping on the maximum amplitude and resonant frequency of oscillation.
- C.4.U6Effects of light, critical and heavy damping on the system.
C.5 Doppler effect
5 outcomes
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C.5 Doppler effect
5 outcomes
- C.5.U1The nature of the Doppler effect for sound waves and electromagnetic waves.
- C.5.U2Representation of the Doppler effect using wavefront diagrams when either source or observer is moving.
- C.5.U3Relative change in frequency or wavelength for a light wave (v << c): Δf/f = Δλ/λ ≈ v/c.
- C.5.U4Shifts in spectral lines provide information about the motion of stars and galaxies.
- C.5.U5Observed frequency for sound/mechanical waves: moving source f′ = f(v / (v ± u_s)); moving observer f′ = f((v ± u_o) / v). HL only
D.1 Gravitational fields
14 outcomes
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D.1 Gravitational fields
14 outcomes
- D.1.U1Kepler's three laws of orbital motion.
- D.1.U2Newton's universal law of gravitation: F = G(m₁m₂)/r² for bodies treated as point masses.
- D.1.U3Conditions under which extended bodies can be treated as point masses.
- D.1.U4Gravitational field strength g at a point: g = F/m = GM/r².
- D.1.U5Gravitational field lines.
- D.1.U6The gravitational potential energy E_p of a system is the work done to assemble it from infinite separation. HL only
- D.1.U7Gravitational potential energy for a two-body system: E_p = −G(m₁m₂)/r. HL only
- D.1.U8Gravitational potential V_g at a point: V_g = −GM/r. HL only
- D.1.U9Gravitational field strength g as the gravitational potential gradient: g = −ΔV_g/Δr. HL only
- D.1.U10Work done in moving a mass m in a gravitational field: W = mΔV_g. HL only
- D.1.U11Equipotential surfaces for gravitational fields and their relationship to field lines. HL only
- D.1.U12Escape speed: v_esc = √(2GM/r). HL only
- D.1.U13Orbital speed: v_orbital = √(GM/r). HL only
- D.1.U14Qualitative effect of a small viscous drag force due to the atmosphere on the height and speed of an orbiting body. HL only
D.2 Electric and magnetic fields
15 outcomes
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D.2 Electric and magnetic fields
15 outcomes
- D.2.U1Direction of forces between the two types of electric charge.
- D.2.U2Coulomb's law: F = kq₁q₂/r² where k = 1/(4πε₀).
- D.2.U3The conservation of electric charge.
- D.2.U4Millikan's experiment as evidence for quantization of electric charge.
- D.2.U5Electric charge can be transferred between bodies using friction, electrostatic induction and contact, including grounding.
- D.2.U6Electric field strength: E = F/q.
- D.2.U7Electric field lines.
- D.2.U8Relationship between field line density and field strength.
- D.2.U9Uniform electric field strength between parallel plates: E = V/d.
- D.2.U10Magnetic field lines.
- D.2.U11Electric potential energy E_p in terms of work done to assemble the system from infinite separation; E_p = kq₁q₂/r. HL only
- D.2.U12Electric potential V_e is a scalar, zero at infinity; V_e = kQ/r. HL only
- D.2.U13Electric field strength E as the electric potential gradient: E = −ΔV_e/Δr. HL only
- D.2.U14Work done in moving a charge q in an electric field: W = qΔV_e. HL only
- D.2.U15Equipotential surfaces for electric fields and their relationship to field lines. HL only
D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields
6 outcomes
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D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields
6 outcomes
- D.3.U1Motion of a charged particle in a uniform electric field.
- D.3.U2Motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field.
- D.3.U3Motion of a charged particle in perpendicularly orientated uniform electric and magnetic fields.
- D.3.U4Magnitude and direction of the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field: F = qvB sin θ.
- D.3.U5Magnitude and direction of the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field: F = BIL sin θ.
- D.3.U6Force per unit length between parallel wires: F/L = μ₀I₁I₂/(2πr).
D.4 Induction
6 outcomes · HL only
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D.4 Induction
6 outcomes · HL only
- D.4.U1Magnetic flux Φ = BA cos θ. HL only
- D.4.U2A time-changing magnetic flux induces an emf: Faraday's law ε = −NΔΦ/Δt. HL only
- D.4.U3A uniform magnetic field induces an emf in a straight conductor moving perpendicularly to it: ε = BvL. HL only
- D.4.U4The direction of induced emf is determined by Lenz's law (consequence of energy conservation). HL only
- D.4.U5A uniform magnetic field induces a sinusoidally varying emf in a coil rotating within it. HL only
- D.4.U6Effect on induced emf caused by changing the frequency of rotation. HL only
E.1 Structure of the atom
11 outcomes
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E.1 Structure of the atom
11 outcomes
- E.1.U1The Geiger–Marsden–Rutherford experiment and the discovery of the nucleus.
- E.1.U2Nuclear notation: ᴬ_Z X where A is the nucleon number, Z is the proton number and X is the chemical symbol.
- E.1.U3Emission and absorption spectra provide evidence for discrete atomic energy levels.
- E.1.U4Photons are emitted and absorbed during atomic transitions.
- E.1.U5The frequency of the photon released during an atomic transition depends on the energy level difference: E = hf.
- E.1.U6Emission and absorption spectra provide information on the chemical composition.
- E.1.U7Relationship between radius and nucleon number: R = R₀A^(1/3), and its implications for nuclear densities. HL only
- E.1.U8Deviations from Rutherford scattering at high energies. HL only
- E.1.U9The distance of closest approach in head-on scattering experiments. HL only
- E.1.U10Discrete energy levels in the Bohr model for hydrogen: E = −13.6/n² eV. HL only
- E.1.U11Quantized energy and orbits arise from quantization of angular momentum in the Bohr model: mvr = nh/(2π). HL only
E.2 Quantum physics
9 outcomes · HL only
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E.2 Quantum physics
9 outcomes · HL only
- E.2.U1The photoelectric effect as evidence of the particle nature of light. HL only
- E.2.U2Photons of a certain frequency (threshold frequency) are required to release photoelectrons from the metal. HL only
- E.2.U3Einstein's explanation using the work function: E_max = hf − Φ where Φ is the work function. HL only
- E.2.U4Diffraction of particles as evidence of the wave nature of matter. HL only
- E.2.U5Matter exhibits wave–particle duality. HL only
- E.2.U6de Broglie wavelength: λ = h/p. HL only
- E.2.U7Compton scattering of light by electrons as additional evidence of the particle nature of light. HL only
- E.2.U8Photons scatter off electrons with increased wavelength. HL only
- E.2.U9Shift in photon wavelength after scattering off an electron: Δλ = (h/(m_e c))(1 − cos θ). HL only
E.3 Radioactive decay
22 outcomes
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E.3 Radioactive decay
22 outcomes
- E.3.U1Isotopes.
- E.3.U2Nuclear binding energy and mass defect.
- E.3.U3The variation of binding energy per nucleon with nucleon number.
- E.3.U4Mass-energy equivalence in nuclear reactions: E = mc².
- E.3.U5The existence of the strong nuclear force: short-range, attractive force between nucleons.
- E.3.U6The random and spontaneous nature of radioactive decay.
- E.3.U7Changes in the state of the nucleus following α, β⁻, β⁺, γ radioactive decay.
- E.3.U8Radioactive decay equations for α, β⁻, β⁺, γ.
- E.3.U9The existence of neutrinos ν and antineutrinos ν̄.
- E.3.U10Penetration and ionizing ability of alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays.
- E.3.U11Activity, count rate and half-life in radioactive decay.
- E.3.U12Changes in activity and count rate using integer values of half-life.
- E.3.U13The effect of background radiation on count rate.
- E.3.U14Evidence for the strong nuclear force. HL only
- E.3.U15The role of the ratio of neutrons to protons for the stability of nuclides. HL only
- E.3.U16Approximate constancy of the binding energy curve above a nucleon number of 60. HL only
- E.3.U17The spectrum of alpha and gamma radiations as evidence for discrete nuclear energy levels. HL only
- E.3.U18The continuous spectrum of beta decay as evidence for the neutrino. HL only
- E.3.U19The decay constant λ and the radioactive decay law: N = N₀e^(−λt). HL only
- E.3.U20The decay constant approximates the probability of decay per unit time in the limit of sufficiently small λt. HL only
- E.3.U21Activity as the rate of decay: A = λN = λN₀e^(−λt). HL only
- E.3.U22Relationship between half-life and decay constant: T½ = ln2/λ. HL only
E.4 Fission
4 outcomes
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E.4 Fission
4 outcomes
- E.4.U1Energy is released in spontaneous and neutron-induced fission.
- E.4.U2The role of chain reactions in nuclear fission reactions.
- E.4.U3The role of control rods, moderators, heat exchangers and shielding in a nuclear power plant.
- E.4.U4The properties of the products of nuclear fission and their management.
E.5 Fusion and stars
7 outcomes
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E.5 Fusion and stars
7 outcomes
- E.5.U1The stability of stars relies on an equilibrium between outward radiation pressure and inward gravitational forces.
- E.5.U2Fusion is a source of energy in stars.
- E.5.U3The conditions leading to fusion in stars in terms of density and temperature.
- E.5.U4The effect of stellar mass on the evolution of a star.
- E.5.U5The main regions of the Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagram and the main properties of stars in these regions.
- E.5.U6Stellar parallax as a method to determine distance: d(parsec) = 1/p(arc-second).
- E.5.U7How to determine stellar radii.