GCSE Science Double Award: Physics

Abstract

This book is one of a set of three books written for the latest version of the National Curriculum and it covers the physics content of the latest GCSE Double Science syllabuses. The books aro accompanied by a Teacher's Resource File. The physics book is organised in four major sections which are: Energy, Electricity, Forces and Radiation and waves. Each section is organized in double-page spreads which are laid-out double-column format with effective use of full-colour diagrams and tinted features to highlight equations and 'Things to do'. At the end of each section there are two or three pages of exam board questions. The section on Energy opens with a topic on enery from food, then moves on to energy transfer, work and power, electrical, efficiency, heat transfer, insulation, fuels and renewable energy resources. Most of the topics in this section are carefully described and explained although the treatment of temperature is a little shallow and the reference to 'heat' as an alternative term for 'internal energy' is an error that ought to have been avoided. The section on electricity opens with topics on static electricity and electrolysis before moving on to electricity in the home and a detailed coverage of electric circuits and resistance. This section ends with topics on magnetic fields, electromagnetism and the generation and distribution of electricity. This section includes an introduction to the use of symbols for physical properties and proofs of the resistance combination rules. Forces covers all the necessary content on astronomy in a series of colourful double-page spreads. This follows on from topics on force and shape, pressure, force and acceleration, projectiles and circular motion. Not all the equations in this section are presented in symbolic form as well as in words. For example, the equation for kinetic energy is presented in dual form, whereas the equation for Newton's second law of motion is not. Radiation and waves opens with a series of topics on sound, including ultrasound, followed by topics on light, colour and electromagnetic waves. The section ends with four double-page spreads on radioactivity and a double-page spread on shock waves. The treatment of radioactivity may perhaps be a little too light for more able students aiming for top grades. A glossary and an index are provided at the end of the book. Practical work is provided in the resource file. Some suggestions on practical work are included where appropriate in 'Things to do', which also includes questions designed to test knowledge and understanding. Answers to questions in 'Things to do' and to the exam board questions at the end of each section are not provided. The language level is straightforward with key phrases in italics and key words in bold print. In general, the content fits the requirements of the National Curriculum, which ought to make the book very suitable for the average GCSE science student.