The WJEC Eduqas AS Level in Physics provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the core principles and applications of physics, including mechanics, energy, and the behavior of matter. This qualification is designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and practical skills required for further study in physics or related disciplines.

Aims and Objectives:

• Develop Scientific Knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of key concepts in physics, including motion, energy, particles, and electricity.

• Practical and Analytical Skills: Enhance problem-solving abilities, including the use of mathematics and practical work to solve scientific problems.

• Application of Theory: Apply knowledge in various contexts, from theoretical applications to practical, real-world scenarios.

Qualification Overview:

• Duration: Teaching from 2015, assessment from 2016.

• Assessment Components:

  • Component 1: Motion, Energy and Matter (50% of qualification) – Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes.

  • Component 2: Electricity and Light (50% of qualification) – Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Component 1: Motion, Energy and Matter:

   • Basic Physics: Introduction to units, scalar and vector quantities, and fundamental physics principles.

   • Kinematics: Study of motion, including acceleration, velocity, and displacement.

   • Dynamics: Forces, free body diagrams, Newton’s Laws, momentum, and collisions.

   • Energy Concepts: Work, energy, power, and the conservation of energy.

   • Solids under Stress: Investigating stress, strain, and the properties of materials.

   • Particle and Nuclear Structure: Quarks, leptons, and nuclear reactions.

2. Component 2: Electricity and Light:

   • Electricity: Understanding charge, current, potential difference, resistance, and DC circuits.

   • Wave Properties: Properties of waves, interference, diffraction, and the behavior of light.

   • Refraction and Photons: Study of refraction, Snell’s Law, total internal reflection, and photon energy.

   • Lasers: Principles of laser operation, including population inversion and the role of lasers in modern technology.

Assessment:

• Component 1: Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes), covering topics in motion, energy, and matter.

• Component 2: Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes), covering topics in electricity, light, and wave properties.

Grading:

• Grades: A to E, with U for unclassified.

• Resit Opportunities: Candidates must resit all components in the same series if required.