A set of videos to help you write up your advanced higher project report.
In this section I’ll add information about how to write up your AH Project. Here is the first installment. Nothing great, but just to set up your document so that you gain the Structure mark
Being edited!
If you’ve time this is a great little document from Queen’s University Belfast,
Using John Sharkey’s Flash Learning this video covers the required Virtual CfE Advanced Higher Physics Equations. NB there are some updates to equations since this material was produced.
Here is a little video to remind you of the relationships required at AH. See below for updates
Please note
Resources: Notes and video (flash learning AH CfE Virtual Physics)
Read the notes, watch the video and answer the questions below, in a way that makes them form a good note about the subject.
Here is a nice little video on Standing Waves. Standing waves are formed when a wave interferes with its reflection to produce nodes and antinodes.
…..and here is the explanation for the standing wave video
Below are some cracking resources from Sally Weatherly, find her here!
Below are some accumulated resources. Thanks to all of those who produced them.
ah-quanta-summary notes problems-2015 Thanks to RGC for these notes
quanta-and-waves-student-booklet-i-ror Thanks to Mr Orr for these.
Quanta and Waves Student booklet I ROR pdf version of the above
4.2 Energy changes during simple harmonic motion
ah waves summary notes and problems 2013 RGC notes thanks for these
PhysicsQuantaandWaves_tcm4-726389 Andrew McGuigan Numerical Questions
ah quanta summary notes and problems 2015 LA
ah quanta tutorial solutions 2015
ah uncertainties experiments 2013
ah waves summary notes and problems 2013
ah waves tutorial solutions 2013
stellar physics pdf stellar physics.doc
Properties_of_stars_and_stellar_evolution
cosmic-rays A quick research task on cosmic rays.
cosmic-rays-answers The answers to the sheet above.
solar-wind-magnetosphere-answers
Scientist think that the Earth is due a “Magnetic Flip” Research this starting at the link below and then answer the AH Revised question on this from the 2015 Paper Q11
Here is a Radio 4 programme talking about the consequences of a polar flip. If you want to view further programmes click on the link below.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/curious case of Rutherford and Fry
The number of sunspots is an indication of solar activity. Research this and then complete the AH Revised 2013 paper Q6.
Quantum Tunnelling – strange but true
Background
What is the Uncertainty Principle? Minute Physics
Quantum Tunnelling is the process by which a particle gets across a barrier that it cannot classically pass.
It is related to wave-particle duality in that it is a result of the wave nature of a particle.
The probability of the particles getting through the barrier drops exponentially with the thickness of the barrier.
“>What is Quantum Tunnelling? Minute Physics
How to walk through walls- Quantum Tunnelling
Is Quantum Tunnelling faster than the speed of light?
PhysicsQuantaandWaves_tcm4-726389
Tutorial AH Revised Booklet v2
December 2020
Some really important information before starting out on your project. Plus some references you might wish to consult.
An adaptation of Tom Balanowski’s notes by Mr Bailey. This is a useful guide to teachers preparing students for their AH Physics Project. PLANNING is the KEY.
If you are not familiar with Excel can I recommend you spending a bit of time looking over the post in the BGE section (link below). I’ll add a further advanced part for you below.
Other packages are available and some are more robust such as R but I am not sure whether I will introduce that to you now.
https://www.mrsphysics.co.uk/advanced/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Hookes-Law-Table-in-Excel.mp4
Note Document 6772 IS NOT CURRENT. It is based on AH from 2000-2015, but it does contain some useful hints, tricks and examples. Caveat emptor!Episode 228 – The Young modulus_0
episode-229-1-analysis-of-tensile-testing-experiments
Firstly from me
check out the prefixes you need. Notice anything different?
I am grateful to Ms K Ward from George Heriot’s School for trawling through the new and old curriculum and recording the changes. Thanks also for allowing me to reproduce it here.
Old assessment: 100 mark question paper, 30 mark project, plus pass all the units
New assessment: 155 mark question paper, scaled to 120, 40 mark project (hence project is 25%)
The content is no longer divided into ‘mandatory course key areas’, ‘suggested learning activities’, and ‘exemplification of key areas’. There is simply a list of the course contents.
Where the wording has changed but I don’t see any real difference, I have said ‘no change’.
Kinematic relationships – no change
Angular motion – derivation of centripetal acceleration equation is gone
Rotational dynamics – no change
– ‘Conversion between astronomical units (AU) and metres and between light-years (ly) and metres’ – is new
– ‘Consideration of the energy required by a satellite to move from one orbit to another’ – is gone
– ‘Knowledge that the escape velocity from the event horizon of a black hole is equal to the speed of light’ – is new
Specific example of a p-p chain is now given
Hertzprung-Russell section is rewritten more clearly.
Introduction to quantum theory – no change
– ‘Knowledge of the interaction of the solar wind with Earth’s magnetic field’ – is gone. New document only mentions composition of solar wind. Helical motion of charged particles is still there though, so it might not really matter.
Simple harmonic motion (SHM)– no change
Waves – no change
Relationship for interference due to division of amplitude is now specified,
opd=mλ or (m+1/2) λ where m=0,1,2…
Polarisation – no change
– ‘Knowledge of Millikan’s experimental method for determining the charge on an electron’ – this was in ‘exemplification’ before but is now specifically required knowledge
– ‘Comparison of gravitational, electrostatic, magnetic, and nuclear forces in terms of their relative strength and range’ – the words in bold are new
– ‘Knowledge that, in an RC circuit, an uncharged capacitor can be considered to be fully
charged after a time approximately equal to 5τ. Knowledge that, in an RC circuit, a fully charged capacitor can be considered to be fully discharged after a time approximately equal to 5τ.’ – is new
Electromagnetic radiation– no change
– ‘Absolute uncertainty should normally be rounded to one significant figure. In some instances, a second significant figure may be retained.’ – the words in bold are new. It does not specify the instances in which a second figure may be retained.
– ‘Knowledge that, when uncertainties in a single measurement are combined, an uncertainty can be ignored if it is less than one third of one of the other uncertainties in the measurement’ – is new
– ‘Knowledge that, when uncertainties in measured values are combined, a fractional/percentage uncertainty in a measured value can be ignored if it is less than one third of the fractional/percentage uncertainty in another measured value’ – is new
– The equation for the uncertainty in a value raised to a power is now given:
– This short section is new
The AH today were working in 3 groups to research via practicals and notes about SHM. The task is given below. Well done to Morford and Hodgson who created the following from their practical, with very little assistance. Their results were so good I thought I’d share them.
Mr Morford wrote
Morford & Hodgson (2019)
“These graphs are from our recent experiment to determine the effect of damping on an oscillating mass. A mass was hung from a spring over an Alba Ranger ultrasound device. We then analysed our measurements using excel and graphed our results to find the decay due to damping.”
This was the task for the class and my thanks to the IoP for their Practical Physics lessons and to the other places referenced for some great practical techniques. I will neaten this post later, but I promised Morford and Hodgson that I would post tonight!
Hopefully I can collate the rest of the groups information soon.
By the end of the lesson you should……
https://www.webassign.net/question_assets/ncsucalcphysmechl3/lab_7_1/manual.html
https://www.cyberphysics.co.uk/topics/shm/springs.htm
http://practicalphysics.org/investigating-mass-spring-oscillator.html
Despite Covid-19 the intrepid AH students have been showing damping with a pendulum bob and tracker. The original movie has still to be analysed by our friends from Annan
Now if we can add Atwal, Burns, Carson and Morrin’s tracker we can have a full set for 2020 and you can look back with fondness at your time in AH, despite all the distancing.
A mass suspended on a spring will oscillate after being displaced. The period of oscillation is affected by the amount of mass and the stiffness of the spring. This experiment allows the period, displacement, velocity and acceleration to be investigated by datalogging the output from a motion sensor. It is an example of simple harmonic motion.
Analysis
Measurement of period
Period and Amplitude Observe that the period appears to be independent of amplitude.
Effect of mass
A straight line is the usual result, showing that the period squared is proportional to the mass.
Velocity and acceleration
A plot of the resulting data shows a ‘velocity vs. time’ graph. Note that the new graph is also sinusoidal. However, compared with the ‘distance vs. time’ graph, there is a phase difference – the velocity is a maximum when the displacement is zero, and vice versa.
A similar gradient calculation based on the ‘velocity vs. time’ graph yields an ‘acceleration vs. time’ graph. Comparing this with the original ‘distance vs. time’ graph shows a phase difference of 180°. This indicates that the acceleration is always opposite in direction to the displacement. Teaching notes
Aim: To find the force constant of a helical spring by plotting a graph between load and extension.
Aim: To find the effect of damping on an oscillating spring
Aim: To find the effect of mass on an oscillating spring
Aim: To use the formula for an oscillating spring to find m or k etc
Here is a little document to start you on some revision. The answers are given at the end, but don’t cheat.
definitions RM&A pdf definitions RM&A word
I’ll add some more on other topics later.
Thanks to H Stark for her 10 week Revision Plan, you’ve just enough time if you start NOW!
PhysicsElectromagnetismAH_tcm4-726384 Questions on the electromagnetism topic
ah electromagnetism summary notes 2013 Robert Gordon’s College brilliant notes
ah electromagnetism problems 2013
These are great little notes by F Kastelein on Unit 3 Electromagnetism. A lovely summary
Here is a great little video on Lenz’ Law called Michael’s Toys
Hi Folks! I had planned to finish these before the October hols! Sorry too much on. This is as far as I’ve got and I’ll update it a.s.a.p.
If you update it let me know. I’ll put the answers into a table of 2 columns so that if you fold down the middle they can be cue cards.
| Type | Yr | Q No. | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trad | 2001 | 4 b | a (OR F) is directly proportional to -x Usual now to use -y rather than -x |
| Trad | 2001 | 5 aii | (Electrostatic potential at a point) is the work done per unit charge moveing the charge from infinity to the point |
| Trad | 2001 | 11 a | electric field vibrates in all directions in unpolarised light vibrates in one plane only in polaried light |
| Trad | 2002 | 3 ci | velocity required by a body to escape earth gravitational field by reaching infinity |
| Trad | 2002 | 5 ai | diffraction pattern produced by electon beam |
| Trad | 2002 | 10 cii | wavelength has incerased therfore the source is moving away from the observer |
| Trad | 2006 | 3 ai | Force exerted on 1 kg (of mass) placed in the field |
| Trad | 2006 | 11 c | (Path length) in oil depends on angle of incidence or thickness ∴different colours are seen due to interference |
| Trad | 2009 | 8 b | One tesla is the magnetic induction of a magnetic field in which a conductor of length one metre, carrying a current of one ampere (perpendicular) to the field is acted on by a force of one newton. |
| Trad | 2009 | 9 ai | Division of amplitude is when some of the light reflects from the top of the air wedge and some is transmitted/refracted into the air. OR Some of the light is reflected from a surface of a new material/medium and some of the light is transmitted/refracted into the new material/medium. |
| Trad | 2009 | 10 a | A stationary wave is caused by interference effects between the incident and reflected sound. |
| Trad | 2009 | 10 b | The antinodes of the pattern are areas of maximum displacement/amplitude/disturbance The nodes of the pattern are areas of minimum/zero displacement/amplitude/disturbance |
| Trad | 2010 | 4 a | Total angular momentum before (an event) = total angular momentum after (an event) in the absence of external torques |
| Trad | 2010 | 6 bii | E-field is zero inside a hollow conductor. E-field has inverse square dependence outside the conductor. |
| Trad | 2010 | 11 a | unpolarised light => Electric field vector oscillates or vibrates in all planes polarised light => Electric field vector oscillates or vibrates in one plane |
| Trad | 2014 | 3 ai | The (minimum) velocity/speed that a mass must have to escape the gravitational field (of a planet). |
| Trad | 2014 | 4 ai | The unbalanced force/ acceleration is proportional to the displacement of the object and act in the opposite direction. |
| Rev | 2014 | 4 aii | The distance from the centre of a black hole at which not even light can escape. or The distance from the centre of a black hole to the event horizon. |
| Trad | 2014 | 5 di | Electron orbits a nucleus / proton , Angular momentum quantised or Certain allowed orbits / discrete energy level |
| Rev | 2014 | 6 aii | Photoelectric effect or Compton scattering Collision and transfer of energy |
| Rev | 2014 | 6 di | Electron orbits a nucleus / proton (1) Angular momentum quantised (1) or Certain allowed orbits / discrete energy level |
| Rev | 2014 | 8 a | The unbalanced force/ acceleration is proportional to the displacement of the object and act in the opposite direction. |
| Trad | 2014 | 11c | Wavelengths in the middle of the visible spectrum not reflected or destructively interfere. Red and blue reflected / combined to (form purple). |
| Trad | 2014 | 13 aii | The brightness would gradually reduce from a maximum at 0 degrees to no intensity at 90 degrees. It would then gradually increase in intensity from 90 degrees to 180 where it would again be at a maximum |
| Rev | 2015 | 1 c | The speed of the mass will be less. Second mark for correct justification. eg: Flywheel has greater moment of inertia Flywheel will be more difficult to start moving Smaller acceleration of flywheel More energy required to achieve same angular velocity. |
| Rev | 2015 | 2 a | Massive objects curve spacetime Other objects follow a curved path through this (distorted) spacetime |
| Rev | 2015 | 2 c | Time passes more slowly at lower altitudes (in a gravitational field). or Lower gravitational field strength at higher altitude. |
| Trad | 2015 | 3 biii | Potential is work done (per unit mass) moving from infinity to that point. or Infinity defined as zero potential. Work will be done by the field on the mass. or A negative amount of work will be done to move an object from infinity to any point. or WD by gravity in moving to that point or Force acts in opposite direction to r. |
| Rev | 2015 | 5 aiii | Difficult scale to read/information from diagram can only be read to 1 s.f. |
| Rev | 2015 | 6 ai | Force acting on (acceleration of) object is directly proportional to and in the opposite direction to its displacement. (from equilibrium) |
| Rev | 2015 | 7 aii | l reduced (or f increased) for X-rays or >E transferred D x reduced for X-rays since D x D p ³ h/4 p D p increases |
| Rev | 2015 | 7 b | since DEDt³ h/4 p Borrowing energy for a short period of time allows particles to escape |
| Rev | 2015 | 8 ai | Two sets of coherent waves are necessary (for an interference pattern) or (Interference patterns can be produced by) Division of wavefront. |
| Rev | 2015 | 9 ai | Force acts on particle at right angles to the direction of its velocity/motion or a central force on particle. |
| Rev | 2015 | 9 b | (Component of) velocity at right angles to field/ v sin θ, results in circular motion/central force. (Component of) velocity parallel to field/ v cosθ is constant/no unbalance force (in this direction). |
| Trad | 2015 | 9 bi | Magnetic fields/induction are equal in magnitude (½) and opposite in direction |
| Rev | 2015 | 10 ai | Force exerted per (unit) charge is constant at any point in the field |
| Rev | 2015 | 10 aiv | Any suitable answer eg Systematic uncertainty in measuring d or V Alignment of metre stick The flame has a finite thickness so cannot get exactly to the zero point. Factors causing field to be non-uniform. A p.d. across the resistor for all readings. Poor calibration of instruments measuring V or d. |
| Rev | 2015 | 10 b | Deflection is less. E is less. Force/acceleration is less |
| Rev | 2015 | 12 biii | Rate of change of current/magnetic field is at its maximum |
| Trad | 2016 | 5 ai | Frames of reference that are accelerating (with respect to an inertial frame) |
| Trad | 2016 | 5 aii | It is impossible to tell the difference between the effects of gravity and acceleration. |
| Trad | 2016 | 8 aii | The precise position of a particle/ system and its momentum cannot both be known at the same instant. OR If the uncertainty in the energy of the particle is reduced, the minimum uncertainty in the lifetime of the particle will increase (or vice-versa). |
| Trad | 2016 | 10 ai | displacement is proportional to and in the opposite direction to the acceleration |
If you wish to do your past paper questions in topic order then Mr C Davie from Glenrothes High School has completed the task for you and you can access it clicking on the link below.
Past Paper Questions for the National Qualification Advanced Higher Physics
| Digital Paper (spellcheck) | N. AH Paper | YEAR | Marking Instructions | Exam Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AH 2024 | 2024 | |||
| QP2023 RS2023 | 2023 | mi2023 | 2023Report |
|
| 2022 Digital QP | QP2022 | 2022 | MI 2022 | Report 2022 2022Report |
| QP2021 RS2021 | 2021 | mi2021 | KeyMessage2021 | |
| Digital QP Guide | AH QP & MI | Specimen | AH QP & MI | key messages 2021 |
| 2019 Digital QP | N AH 2019 | 2019 | MI 2019 | Report 2019 2019Report |
| 2018 Digital QP | NAH 2018 | 2018 | MI 2018 | Report 2018 2018Report |
| 2017 Digital QP | N AH 2017 | 2017 | MI 2017 | Report 2017 |
| 2016 Digital QP | N AH 2016 | 2016 | MI 2016 | Report 2016 |
| Digital QP Centre Guide | Exemplar AH Specimen AH | Specimen | Exemplar AH Specimen AH | |
| READ | THIS! | Marking Principles | ||
Below are the Revised Advanced Higher Past Papers, the content is very very similar to the new National (CfE) Advanced Higher, although the marks would be different. These were the last past papers with half marks!
| Revised AH Paper | YEAR | Marking Instructions | Exam Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rev 2015 | 2015 | MI 2015 | Report 2015 |
| Rev 2014 | 2014 | MI 2014 | Report 2014 |
| Rev 2013 | 2013 | MI 2013 | Report 2013 |
| READ THIS | MARK GUIDE |
These are the traditional Advanced Higher Past Papers Remember some of this material is no longer on the syllabus, and some is relevant to Higher.
| AH Paper | YEAR | Marking Instructions | Exam Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 2015 | 2015 | MI 2015 | Report 2015 |
| AH 2014 | 2014 | MI 2014 | Report 2014 |
| AH 2013 | 2013 | MI 2013 | Report 2013 |
| AH 2012 | 2012 | MI 2012 | Report 2012 |
| AH 2011 | 2011 | MI 2011 | Report 2011 |
| AH 2010 | 2010 | MI 2010 | Report 2010 |
| AH 2009 | 2009 | MI 2009 | Report 2009 |
| AH 2008 | 2008 | MI 2008 | Report 2008 |
| AH 2007 | 2007 | MI 2007 | Report 2007 |
| AH 2006 | 2006 | MI 2006 | Report 2006 |
| AH 2005 | 2005 | MI 2005 | Report 2005 |
| AH 2004 | 2004 | MI 2004 | Report 2004 |
| AH 2003 | 2003 | MI 2003 | Report 2003 |
| AH 2002 | 2002 | MI 2002 | Report 2002 |
| AH 2001 | 2001 | MI 2001 | |
| 2000 | 2000 MIs | ||
| 1999 CSYS | MI 1999 CSYS | ||
| 1998 CSYS | 1998 MIs | ||
| CSYS 1997 | 1997 CSYS | MI 1997 CSYS |
The past papers are copyright to SQA. They may be reproduced to support SQA qualifications only, on a non-commercial basis. If they are to be used for any other purpose, written permission must be obtained from SQA’s Marketing team on permissions@sqa.org.uk
This site is non commercial, and purely for helping the teaching of physics in Scotland.
Thanks to Mr Stuart Farmer and Mr Andy McPhee for the course reports- their filing systems are so much better than mine, but then that’s why I am doing this! Thanks guys!
