Year 10-11 iGCSE

Characteristics of living organisms

Cells

Movement into and out of cells

Biological molecules

Enzymes

Plant nutrition

Human nutrition

Transport in plants

Transport in animals

Diseases and immunity

Gas exchange in humans

Respiration

Coordination and response

Drugs

Reproduction

Inheritance

Variation and selection

Organisms and their environment

Human influences on ecosystems

States of matter

Atoms, elements and compounds

Stoichiometry

Electrochemistry

Chemical energetics

Chemical reactions

Acids, bases and salts

The Periodic Table

Metals

Chemistry of the environment

Organic chemistry

Experimental techniques and chemical analysis

Motion, forces and energy

Thermal physics

Waves

Electricity and magnetism

Nuclear physics

Space physics

Describe the characteristics of living organisms by defining: (a) movement (b) respiration (c) sensitivity (d) growth (e) reproduction (f) excretion (g) nutrition

Describe and compare the structure of a plant cell with an animal cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria, vacuoles

Describe the structure of a bacterial cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids

Identify the cell structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in diagrams and images of plant, animal and bacterial cells

Describe the functions of the structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in plant, animal and bacterial cells

State that new cells are produced by division of existing cells

State that specialised cells have specific functions, limited to: (a) ciliated cells (b) root hair cells (c) palisade mesophyll cells (d) neurones (e) red blood cells (f) sperm and egg cells

Describe the meaning of the terms: cell, tissue, organ, organ system and organism as illustrated by examples given in the syllabus

State and use the formula: magnification = image size / actual size

Calculate magnification and size of biological specimens using millimetres as units

Describe diffusion as the net movement of particles from a region of their higher concentration to a region of their lower concentration (i.e. down a concentration gradient), as a result of their random movement

State that some substances move into and out of cells by diffusion through the cell membrane

Describe the importance of diffusion of gases and solutes in living organisms

State that water diffuses through partially permeable membranes by osmosis

State that water moves into and out of cells by osmosis through the cell membrane

Investigate and describe the effects on plant tissues of immersing them in solutions of different concentrations

Describe active transport as the movement of particles through a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration (i.e. against a concentration gradient), using energy from respiration

List the chemical elements that make up: carbohydrates, fats and proteins

State that large molecules are made from smaller molecules, limited to: (a) starch, glycogen and cellulose from glucose (b) proteins from amino acids (c) fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol

Describe the use of: (a) iodine solution test for starch (b) Benedict's solution test for reducing sugars (c) biuret test for proteins (d) ethanol emulsion test for fats and oils

Describe enzymes as proteins that are involved in all metabolic reactions, where they function as biological catalysts

Investigate and describe the effect of changes in temperature and pH on enzyme activity

Describe photosynthesis as the process by which plants synthesise carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light

State the word equation for photosynthesis as: carbon dioxide + water glucose + oxygen

State that chlorophyll is a green pigment that is found in chloroplasts

Investigate and understand the need for chlorophyll, light and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis

State that most leaves have a large surface area and are thin, and explain how these features are adaptations for photosynthesis

Identify in diagrams and images the following structures in the leaf of a dicotyledonous plant: chloroplasts, cuticle, guard cells and stomata, upper and lower epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, air spaces, vascular bundles, xylem and phloem

Describe what is meant by a balanced diet

State the principal dietary sources and describe the importance of: (a) carbohydrates (b) fats and oils (c) proteins (d) vitamins, limited to C and D (e) mineral ions, limited to calcium and iron (f) fibre (roughage) (g) water

State the causes of scurvy and rickets

Identify in diagrams and images the main organs of the digestive system

Describe the functions of the organs of the digestive system in relation to: (a) ingestion (b) digestion (c) absorption (d) assimilation (e) egestion

Describe physical digestion as the breakdown of food into smaller pieces without chemical change

State that physical digestion increases the surface area of food for the action of enzymes

Describe chemical digestion as the breakdown of large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules

State the role of chemical digestion in producing small soluble molecules that can be absorbed

State the functions of xylem (transport of water/ions, support) and phloem (transport of sucrose/amino acids)

Identify in diagrams and images the position of xylem and phloem in roots, stems and leaves

Identify in diagrams and images root hair cells and state their functions

State that the large surface area of root hairs increases the uptake of water and mineral ions

Outline the pathway taken by water through root, stem and leaf

Describe transpiration as the loss of water vapour from leaves

State that water evaporates from the surfaces of the mesophyll cells and then diffuses out through the stomata

Investigate and describe the effects of variation of temperature and wind speed on transpiration rate

Describe the circulatory system as a system of blood vessels with a pump and valves to ensure one-way flow of blood

Identify in diagrams and images the structures of the mammalian heart

State that blood is pumped away from the heart in arteries and returns to the heart in veins

State that the activity of the heart may be monitored by: ECG, pulse rate and listening to sounds of valves closing

Investigate and describe the effect of physical activity on the heart rate

Describe coronary heart disease and state the possible risk factors

Discuss the roles of diet and exercise in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease

Describe the structure of arteries, veins and capillaries

State the functions of capillaries

List the components of blood as: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma

Identify red and white blood cells in photomicrographs and diagrams

State the functions of the components of blood

Describe a pathogen as a disease-causing organism

Describe a transmissible disease as a disease in which the pathogen can be passed from one host to another

State that a pathogen is transmitted by direct contact or indirectly

Describe the body defences against pathogens, limited to: skin, hairs in the nose, mucus, stomach acid and white blood cells

Explain the importance of the following in controlling the spread of disease: clean water, hygienic food prep, personal hygiene, waste disposal, sewage treatment

State that vaccinations are available for some pathogens to help control the spread of diseases

Identify in diagrams and images the parts of the breathing system

Investigate the differences in composition between inspired and expired air using limewater

Describe the differences in composition between inspired and expired air

Investigate and describe the effects of physical activity on the rate and depth of breathing

State the uses of energy in living organisms

Describe aerobic respiration as the chemical reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to release energy

State the word equation for aerobic respiration as: glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water

State that electrical impulses travel along neurones

Describe the mammalian nervous system in terms of CNS and PNS

Describe the role of the nervous system as coordination and regulation of body functions

Identify in diagrams and images sensory, relay and motor neurones

Describe a simple reflex arc in terms of: receptor, sensory neurone, relay neurone, motor neurone and effector

Describe a hormone as a chemical substance, produced by a gland and carried by the blood, which alters the activity of one or more specific target organs

Identify specific endocrine glands and state the hormones they secrete (adrenal, pancreas, testes, ovaries)

Describe adrenaline as the hormone secreted in 'fight or flight' situations and its effects

Describe a drug as any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body

Describe the use of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections

State that some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics which reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics

State that antibiotics kill bacteria but do not affect viruses

Describe asexual reproduction as a process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from one parent

Identify examples of asexual reproduction in diagrams, images and information provided

Describe sexual reproduction as a process involving the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes to form a zygote and the production of offspring that are genetically different

Describe a species as a group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring

Identify in diagrams and images and draw the parts of an insect-pollinated flower

State the functions of the structures listed in 15.3.1

Describe pollination as the transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a stigma

State that fertilisation occurs when a pollen nucleus fuses with a nucleus in an ovule

Describe the structural adaptations of insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers

Investigate and describe the environmental conditions that affect germination of seeds

Identify on diagrams and state the functions of the male reproductive system

Identify on diagrams and state the functions of the female reproductive system

Describe fertilisation as the fusion of the nuclei from a male gamete (sperm) and a female gamete (egg cell)

Describe the roles of testosterone and oestrogen in the development of secondary sexual characteristics

Describe the menstrual cycle in terms of changes in the ovaries and in the lining of the uterus

Describe a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as an infection that is transmitted through sexual contact

State that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a pathogen that causes an STI

State that HIV infection may lead to AIDS

Describe the methods of transmission of HIV

State that chromosomes are made of DNA, which contains genetic information in the form of genes

Define a gene as a length of DNA that codes for a protein

Define an allele as an alternative form of a gene

Describe the inheritance of sex in humans with reference to XX and XY chromosomes

Describe inheritance as the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation

Describe genotype as the genetic make-up of an organism and in terms of the alleles present

Describe phenotype as the observable features of an organism

Describe homozygous as having two identical alleles of a particular gene

State that two identical homozygous individuals that breed together will be pure-breeding

Describe heterozygous as having two different alleles of a particular gene

State that a heterozygous individual will not be pure-breeding

Describe a dominant allele as an allele that is expressed if it is present in the genotype

Describe a recessive allele as an allele that is only expressed when there is no dominant allele of the gene present in the genotype

Interpret pedigree diagrams for the inheritance of a given characteristic

Use genetic diagrams to predict the results of monohybrid crosses and calculate phenotypic ratios, limited to 1:1 and 3:1 ratios

Use Punnett squares in crosses which result in more than one genotype to work out and show the possible different genotypes

Describe variation as differences between individuals of the same species

State that continuous variation results in a range of phenotypes between two extremes; examples include body length

State that discontinuous variation results in a limited number of phenotypes with no intermediates; examples include ABO blood groups

Describe mutation as a genetic change

State that mutation is the way in which new alleles are formed

Describe natural selection with reference to: (a) genetic variation (b) production of many offspring (c) struggle for survival (d) reproduction by better adapted individuals (e) passing on of alleles

Describe selective breeding with reference to: (a) selection by humans (b) crossing individuals (c) selection of offspring

Outline how selective breeding by artificial selection is carried out over many generations to improve crop plants and domesticated animals

State that the Sun is the principal source of energy input to biological systems

Describe the flow of energy through living organisms, including light energy from the Sun and chemical energy in organisms, and its eventual transfer to the environment

Describe a food chain as showing the transfer of energy from one organism to the next, beginning with a producer

Construct and interpret simple food chains

Describe a food web as a network of interconnected food chains and interpret food webs

Describe a producer as an organism that makes its own organic nutrients, usually using energy from sunlight, through photosynthesis

Describe a consumer as an organism that gets its energy by feeding on other organisms

State that consumers may be classed as primary, secondary and tertiary according to their position in a food chain

Describe a herbivore as an animal that gets its energy by eating plants

Describe a carnivore as an animal that gets its energy by eating other animals

Describe a decomposer as an organism that gets its energy from dead or waste organic material

Use food chains and food webs to describe the impact humans have through overharvesting of food species and through introducing foreign species to a habitat

Describe the carbon cycle, limited to: photosynthesis, respiration, feeding, decomposition, formation of fossil fuels and combustion

Describe an ecosystem as a unit containing the community of organisms and their environment, interacting together

Describe biodiversity as the number of different species that live in an area

Describe the reasons for habitat destruction

State the undesirable effects of deforestation as an example of habitat destruction

Explain why organisms become endangered or extinct

Describe how endangered species can be conserved

State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases

Describe the structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of particle separation, arrangement and motion

Describe changes of state in terms of melting, boiling, evaporating, freezing and condensing

Describe the effects of temperature and pressure on the volume of a gas

Describe and explain diffusion in terms of kinetic particle theory

Describe the differences between elements, compounds and mixtures

Describe the structure of the atom as a central nucleus containing neutrons and protons, surrounded by electrons in shells

State the relative charges and relative masses of a proton, a neutron and an electron

Define proton number/atomic number as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom

Define mass number/nucleon number as the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom

Determine the electronic configuration of elements with proton number 1 to 20, e.g. 2,8,3

State that: (a) Group VIII noble gases have a full outer shell (b) the number of outer-shell electrons is equal to the group number in Groups I to VII (c) the number of occupied electron shells is equal to the period number

Define isotopes as different atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons

Interpret and use symbols for atoms, e.g. 612​C and lons, e.g. 1735​Cl−

Describe the formation of positive ions, known as cations, and negative ions, known as anions

State that an ionic bond is a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions

Describe the formation of ionic bonds between elements from Group I and Group VII, including the use of dot-and-cross diagrams

Describe the properties of ionic compounds: (a) high melting points and boiling points (b) good electrical conductivity when aqueous or molten and poor when solid (c) generally soluble in water

State that a covalent bond is formed when a pair of electrons is shared between two atoms leading to noble gas electronic configurations

Describe the formation of covalent bonds in simple molecules, including H₂, Cl₂, H₂O, CH₄, NH₃ and HCl. Use dot-and-cross diagrams to show the electronic configurations in these molecules

Describe in terms of structure and bonding the properties of simple molecular compounds: (a) low melting points and boiling points (b) poor electrical conductivity

Describe the giant covalent structures of graphite and diamond

Relate the structures and bonding of graphite and diamond to their uses, limited to: (a) graphite as a lubricant and as an electrode (b) diamond in cutting tools

State the formulas of the elements and compounds named in the subject content

Define the molecular formula of a compound as the number and type of atoms in one molecule

Deduce the formula of a simple molecular compound from the relative numbers of atoms present in a model or a diagrammatic representation

Construct word equations to show how reactants form products

Balance and interpret simple symbol equations, including state symbols

Describe relative atomic mass, Ar​ as the average mass of the isotopes of an element compared to 1/12th of the mass of an atom of ¹²C

Define relative molecular mass, Mr​, as the sum of the relative atomic masses. Relative formula mass, Mr​, will be used for ionic compounds

Calculate reacting masses in simple proportions (calculations will not involve the mole concept)

State that concentration can be measured in g/dm³

Define electrolysis as the decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in aqueous solution, by the passage of an electric current

Identify in simple electrolytic cells: (a) the anode as the positive electrode (b) the cathode as the negative electrode (c) the electrolyte as the molten or aqueous substance that undergoes electrolysis

Identify the products formed at the electrodes and describe the observations made during the electrolysis of: (a) molten lead(II) bromide (b) concentrated aqueous sodium chloride (c) dilute sulfuric acid using inert electrodes made of platinum or carbon/graphite

State that a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water as the only chemical product

State that an exothermic reaction transfers thermal energy to the surroundings leading to an increase in the temperature of the surroundings

State that an endothermic reaction takes in thermal energy from the surroundings leading to a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings

Identify physical and chemical changes, and understand the differences between them

Describe the effect on the rate of reaction of: (a) changing the concentration of solutions (b) changing the pressure of gases (c) changing the surface area of solids (d) changing the temperature (e) adding or removing a catalyst

State that a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction and is unchanged at the end of a reaction

Describe practical methods for investigating the rate of a reaction including change in mass of a reactant or product and the formation of a gas

Interpret data, including graphs, from rate of reaction experiments

Define redox reactions as involving simultaneous oxidation and reduction

Define oxidation as gain of oxygen and reduction as loss of oxygen

Identify redox reactions as reactions involving gain and loss of oxygen

Identify oxidation and reduction in redox reactions. (Oxidation number limited to its use to name ions, e.g. iron(II), iron(III), copper(II).)

Describe the characteristic properties of acids in terms of their reactions with: (a) metals (b) bases (c) carbonates

Describe acids in terms of their effect on the indicators: (a) litmus (b) methyl orange

State that bases are oxides or hydroxides of metals and that alkalis are soluble bases

Describe the characteristic properties of bases in terms of their reactions with acids

Describe alkalis in terms of their effect on the indicators: (a) litmus (b) methyl orange

Describe how to compare neutrality, relative acidity and relative alkalinity in terms of colour and pH using universal indicator

Describe the neutralisation reaction between an acid and an alkali to produce a salt and water (the ionic equation for this reaction is not required)

Classify oxides as either acidic, including SO₂ and CO₂ or basic, including CuO and CaO, related to metallic and non-metallic character

Describe the preparation, separation and purification of soluble salts by reaction of an acid with: (a) an alkali by titration (b) excess metal (c) excess insoluble base (d) excess insoluble carbonate

Define a hydrated substance as a substance that is chemically combined with water and an anhydrous substance as a substance containing no water

Describe the Periodic Table as an arrangement of elements in periods and groups and in order of increasing proton number/atomic number

Describe the change from metallic to non-metallic character across a period

Explain similarities in the chemical properties of elements in the same group of the Periodic Table in terms of their electronic configuration

Describe the Group I alkali metals, lithium, sodium and potassium, as relatively soft metals with general trends down the group, limited to: (a) decreasing melting point (b) increasing density (c) increasing reactivity with water

Describe the Group VII halogens, chlorine, bromine and iodine, as diatomic non-metals with general trends down the group, limited to: (a) increasing density (b) decreasing reactivity

State the appearance of the halogens at room temperature and pressure, r.t.p., as: (a) chlorine, a pale yellow-green gas (b) bromine, a red-brown liquid (c) iodine, a grey-black solid

Describe the transition elements as metals that: (a) have high densities (b) have high melting points (c) form coloured compounds (d) often act as catalysts as elements and in compounds

Describe the Group VIII noble gases as unreactive, monatomic gases and explain this in terms of electronic configuration

Compare the general physical properties of metals and non-metals, including: (a) thermal conductivity (b) electrical conductivity (c) malleability and ductility (d) melting points and boiling points

Describe the general chemical properties of metals, limited to their reactions with: (a) dilute acids (b) cold water and steam

Describe the uses of metals in terms of their physical properties, including: (a) aluminium in aircraft (low density) (b) aluminium in electrical cables (low density, good conductivity) (c) aluminium in food containers (resistance to corrosion) (d) copper in electrical wiring (good electrical conductivity)

Describe alloys as mixtures of a metal with other elements, including: (a) brass as a mixture of copper and zinc (b) stainless steel as a mixture of iron and other elements

State that alloys can be harder and stronger than the pure metals and are more useful

Describe the use of alloys in terms of their physical properties, including stainless steel in cutlery because of its hardness and resistance to rusting

Identify representations of alloys from diagrams of structure

State the order of the reactivity series

Describe the reactions, if any, of various metals with cold water, steam, and dilute hydrochloric acid and explain these reactions in terms of the position of the metals in the reactivity series

Deduce an order of reactivity from a given set of experimental results

State the conditions required for the rusting of iron (presence of oxygen and water)

State some common barrier methods, including painting, greasing and coating with plastic

Describe how barrier methods prevent rusting by excluding oxygen and water

Describe the ease in obtaining metals from their ores, related to the position of the metal in the reactivity series

State that iron from hematite is extracted by reduction of iron(III) oxide in the blast furnace

State that main ore of aluminium is bauxite and that aluminium is extracted by electrolysis

Describe chemical tests for the presence of water using anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride and anhydrous copper(II) sulfate

Describe how to test for the purity of water using melting point and boiling point

State that distilled water is used in practical chemistry rather than tap water because it contains fewer chemical impurities

Describe the treatment of the domestic water supply in terms of: (a) sedimentation and filtration (b) use of carbon (c) chlorination

State the composition of clean, dry air

State the source of each of these air pollutants, limited to: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulates, methane, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide

State the adverse effect of these air pollutants

State and explain strategies to reduce the effects of climate change

Draw and interpret the displayed formula of a molecule to show all the atoms and all the bonds

State that a saturated compound has molecules in which all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds

State that an unsaturated compound has molecules in which one or more carbon-carbon bonds are not single bonds

Name and draw the displayed formulas of: (a) methane and ethane (b) ethene (c) ethanol

State the type of compound present, given a chemical name ending in -ane, -ene or -ol, or from a molecular or displayed formula

Name the fossil fuels: coal, natural gas and petroleum

Name methane as the main constituent of natural gas

State that hydrocarbons are compounds that contain hydrogen and carbon only

State that petroleum is a mixture of hydrocarbons

Describe the separation of petroleum into useful fractions by fractional distillation

Name the uses of the fractions

State that the bonding in alkanes is single covalent and that alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons

Describe the properties of alkanes as being generally unreactive, except in terms of combustion

State that the bonding in alkenes includes a double carbon-carbon covalent bond and that alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons

Describe the test to distinguish between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons by their reaction with aqueous bromine

Describe the complete combustion of ethanol

State the uses of ethanol as: (a) a solvent (b) a fuel

Define polymers as large molecules built up from many smaller molecules called monomers

Describe the formation of poly(ethene) as an example of addition polymerisation using ethene monomers

Name appropriate apparatus for the measurement of time, temperature, mass and volume

Describe a: (a) solvent (b) solute (c) solution (d) saturated solution (e) residue (f) filtrate

Describe an acid-base titration to include the use of a: (a) burette (b) volumetric pipette (c) suitable indicator

Describe how to identify the end-point of a titration using an indicator

Describe how paper chromatography is used to separate mixtures of soluble coloured substances, using a suitable solvent

Interpret simple chromatograms to identify: (a) unknown substances (b) pure and impure substances

Describe and explain methods of separation and purification using: (a) a suitable solvent (b) filtration (c) crystallisation (d) simple distillation (e) fractional distillation

Suggest suitable separation and purification techniques, given information about the substances involved

Identify substances and assess their purity from melting point and boiling point information

Describe tests to identify the anions: carbonate, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, sulfate

Describe tests using aqueous sodium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia to identify the aqueous cations: ammonium, calcium, copper(II), iron(II), iron(III), zinc

Describe tests to identify the gases: ammonia, carbon dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen, oxygen

Describe the use of a flame test to identify the cations: lithium, sodium, potassium, copper(II)

Describe the use of rulers and measuring cylinders to find a length or a volume

Describe how to measure a variety of time intervals using clocks and digital timers

Determine an average value for a small distance and for a short interval of time by measuring multiples

Define speed as distance travelled per unit time; recall and use the equation v=s/t

Recall and use the equation for average speed

Sketch, plot and interpret distance-time and speed-time graphs

Know that an object moving with increasing speed is accelerating, and that an object moving with decreasing speed is decelerating

Determine, qualitatively, from the shape of a distance-time graph or speed-time graph when an object is: (a) at rest (b) moving with constant speed (c) accelerating (d) decelerating

Calculate speed from the gradient of a straight-line section of a distance-time graph

Calculate the area under a speed-time graph to work out the distance travelled for motion with: (a) constant speed (b) constant acceleration

State that mass is a measure of the quantity of matter in an object

State that weight is the gravitational force on an object that has mass

Define gravitational field strength g as the gravitational force per unit mass; recall and use the equation g=W/m and know that near to the surface of the Earth, g is approximately 9.8 N/kg

Define density as mass per unit volume; recall and use the equation ρ=m/V

Describe how to determine the density of a liquid, of a regularly shaped solid and of an irregularly shaped solid which sinks in a liquid (volume by displacement), including appropriate calculations

Determine whether an object floats or sinks based on density data

Know that forces may produce changes in the size, shape and motion of an object

Determine the resultant of two or more forces acting along the same straight line

Describe friction as the force between two surfaces that may impede relative motion and produce heating

Know that friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a liquid

Know that friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a gas (e.g. air resistance)

Know that an object either remains at rest or continues in a straight line at constant speed unless there is a resultant force on the object

Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its turning effect and give everyday examples

Define the moment of a force as moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot; recall and use this equation

State that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant moment, an object is in equilibrium

Understand what is meant by centre of gravity and know its position for regularly shaped objects

Describe an experiment to determine the position of the centre of gravity of an irregularly shaped plane lamina

Describe, qualitatively, the effect of the position of the centre of gravity on the stability of simple objects

State that energy may be stored as kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic (strain), nuclear, electrostatic and internal (thermal)

Describe how energy is transferred between stores during events and processes

Know the principle of conservation of energy and apply this principle to simple examples

Understand that mechanical or electrical work done is equal to the energy transferred

Recall and use the equation for mechanical working W=Fd=ΔE

Describe how useful energy may be obtained, or electrical power generated, from various energy resources

Give advantages and disadvantages of each energy resource

Understand, qualitatively, the concept of efficiency of energy transfer

Define power as work done per unit time and also as energy transferred per unit time; recall and use the equations P=W/t and P=ΔE/t

Describe how pressure varies with force and area in the context of everyday examples

Define pressure as force per unit area; recall and use the equation p=F/A

State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids and gases

Know the terms for the changes in state between solids, liquids and gases

Describe the structure of solids, liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, separation and motion of the particles and represent these states using simple particle diagrams

Describe the relationship between the motion of particles and temperature

Know that the random motion of particles in a suspension is evidence for the kinetic particle model of matter

Describe, qualitatively, the thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases at constant pressure

Know the melting and boiling temperatures for water at standard atmospheric pressure

Describe condensation and solidification (freezing) in terms of particles

Describe evaporation in terms of the escape of the more energetic particles from the surface of a liquid

Know that evaporation causes cooling of a liquid

Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy input without a change in temperature

Identify and give examples of typical good thermal conductors and bad thermal conductors (thermal insulators)

Know that convection is an important method of energy transfer in liquids and gases

Describe convection in liquids and gases

Know that thermal energy transfer by thermal radiation does not require a medium and is mainly due to infrared radiation

Describe the effect of surface colour (black or white) and texture (dull or shiny) on the emission, absorption and reflection of thermal radiation

Identify and explain some of the basic everyday applications and consequences of conduction, convection and radiation

Know that waves transfer energy without transferring matter

Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes and springs and by experiments using water waves

Describe the features of a wave in terms of wavelength, frequency, crest (peak), trough, amplitude and wave speed

Describe how waves can undergo: (a) reflection at a plane surface (b) refraction due to a change of speed

Recall and use the equation for wave speed v=fλ

Use ray diagrams to define the terms normal, angle of incidence and angle of reflection

Describe the formation of an optical image by a vertical plane mirror and give its characteristics compared with the object

State that for reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection; recall and use this relationship

Define refraction as the change in direction of a light ray passing from one medium to another

Define and use the terms normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction using ray diagrams

Describe the passage of light through a transparent material

Describe the action of a thin converging lens on a parallel beam of light

Define and use the terms principal axis, principal focus (focal point) and focal length

Draw and use ray diagrams for the formation of a real image by a thin converging lens

Describe the characteristics of an image using the terms enlarged / same size / diminished and upright/inverted

Describe the dispersion of light as illustrated by the refraction of white light by a glass prism

Know the seven colours of the visible spectrum in order of frequency and in order of wavelength

Know the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of frequency and in order of wavelength

Know that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same high speed in a vacuum

Know some applications of the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum

Describe the harmful effects on people of excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiation

Describe the production of sound by vibrating sources

State the approximate range of frequencies audible to humans as 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Know that a medium is needed to transmit sound waves

Determine the speed of sound in air using a method involving a measurement of distance and time

Describe how changes in amplitude and frequency affect the loudness and pitch of sound waves

Describe an echo as the reflection of a sound wave

Define ultrasound as sound with a frequency higher than 20 kHz

Describe the forces between magnetic poles and between magnets and magnetic materials

State the differences between the properties of temporary magnets and permanent magnets

State the difference between magnetic and non-magnetic materials

Describe how a permanent magnet differs from an electromagnet

State that there are positive and negative charges

State that positive charges repel other positive charges, negative charges repel other negative charges, but positive charges attract negative charges

Describe electrostatic charging by friction, and simple methods to determine if an object is charged

Know that charging of solids by friction involves only a transfer of negative charge (electrons)

Distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators and give typical examples

Know that electric current is related to the flow of charge

Know that electric current in metals is related to the flow of electrons

Describe the use of ammeters (analogue and digital) with different ranges

Know the difference between direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.)

Describe the voltage of the source as the cause of current in the circuit

Know that the voltage of the source is shared between the components in a series circuit

Describe the use of voltmeters (analogue and digital) with different ranges

Recall and use the equation for resistance R=V/I

Describe an experiment to determine resistance using a voltmeter and an ammeter and do the appropriate calculations

Understand that electric circuits transfer energy from a source of electrical energy to the circuit components and then into the surroundings

Recall and use the equation for electrical power P=IV

Recall and use the equation for electrical energy E=IVt

Define the kilowatt-hour (kWh) and calculate the cost of using electrical appliances where the energy unit is the kWh

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing cells, batteries, power supplies, switches, resistors, heaters, lamps, motors, ammeters, voltmeters and fuses

Know that the current at every point in a series circuit is the same

Know how to construct and use series and parallel circuits

Calculate the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series

Know the advantages of connecting lamps in parallel in a circuit

Know that, for a parallel circuit, the current from the source is larger than the current in each branch

Know that the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than that of either resistor by itself

Describe the heating effect of current

State the hazards of: (a) damaged insulation (b) overheating cables (c) damp conditions (d) overloading of plugs

Explain the use and operation of trip switches and fuses and choose appropriate fuse ratings

Explain why the outer casing of an electrical appliance must be either non-conducting (double-insulated) or earthed

Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of protons and neutrons

State the relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons as +1, 0 and -1 respectively

Define the terms proton number (Z) and nucleon number (A) and be able to calculate the number of neutrons in a nucleus

Use the nuclide notation ZA​X

State that an element may have more than one isotope and know that some isotopes are radioactive

Know what is meant by the terms ionising nuclear radiation and background radiation

Know the sources that make a significant contribution to background radiation

Know that ionising nuclear radiation can be measured using a detector connected to a counter

Use count rate measured in counts/s or counts/minute

Identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) emissions by recalling their nature, relative ionising effects, and relative penetrating abilities

Know that radioactive decay is a change in an unstable nucleus that can result in the emission of particles and/or radiation and know that these changes are spontaneous and random

Know that during α-decay or β-decay, the nucleus changes to that of a different element

Know the change in the nucleus that occurs during β-emission: neutron → proton + electron

Know the following applications of radioactivity: household fire alarms, irradiating food, sterilisation of equipment, measuring/controlling thicknesses, diagnosis/treatment of cancer

State the effects of ionising nuclear radiation on living things

Describe how radioactive materials are moved, used and stored in a safe way

Describe the Solar System as containing: one star (the Sun), eight planets, minor planets (including dwarf planets and asteroids), and moons

Know that the Sun is the closest star to the Earth and that astronomical distances can be measured in light-years

Know that the Sun contains most of the mass of the Solar System and this explains why the planets orbit the Sun

Know that the force that keeps an object in orbit around the Sun is due to the gravitational attraction of the Sun

Know that the Sun is a star of medium size, consisting mostly of hydrogen and helium, and that it radiates most of its energy in the infrared, visible and ultraviolet regions

Know that stable stars are formed as protostars from interstellar clouds of gas and dust due to gravitational attraction

Know that the next stages of the life cycle of a star depend on its mass (small, large, very large)

Know that: (a) galaxies are each made up of many billions of stars (b) the Sun is a star in the Milky Way (c) other stars are much further away from the Earth than the Sun

Know that the Milky Way is one of many billions of galaxies making up the Universe and that its diameter is approximately 100 000 light-years

Convert measurements between millimetres (mm) and micrometres (µm)

Investigate the factors that influence diffusion, limited to: surface area, temperature, concentration gradient and distance

Describe osmosis as the net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential (dilute solution) to a region of lower water potential (concentrated solution), through a partially permeable membrane

Explain the effects on plant cells of immersing them in solutions of different concentrations by using the terms: turgid, turgor pressure, plasmolysis, flaccid

Explain the importance of water potential and osmosis in the uptake and loss of water by organisms

Explain the importance of active transport as a process for movement of molecules or ions across membranes, including ion uptake by root hairs

Describe and explain enzyme action with reference to: the active site, enzyme-substrate complex, substrate and product

Describe and explain the specificity of enzymes in terms of the complementary shape and fit of the active site with the substrate

Explain the effect of changes in temperature on enzyme activity in terms of kinetic energy, shape and fit, frequency of effective collisions and denaturation

Explain the effect of changes in pH on enzyme activity in terms of shape and fit and denaturation

State the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis as: 6CO2​+6H2​O→C6​H12​O6​+6O2​

State that chlorophyll transfers energy from light into energy in chemicals, for the synthesis of carbohydrates

Outline the subsequent use and storage of the carbohydrates made in photosynthesis: (a) starch as an energy store (b) cellulose to build cell walls (c) glucose used in respiration (d) sucrose for transport (e) nectar to attract insects

Explain the importance of: (a) nitrate ions for making amino acids (b) magnesium ions for making chlorophyll

Understand and describe the effects of varying light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature on the rate of photosynthesis

Understand and describe the effect of light and dark conditions on gas exchange in an aquatic plant using hydrogencarbonate indicator solution

Explain how the structures listed in 6.2.2 adapt leaves for photosynthesis

Describe the functions of enzymes as follows: (a) amylase breaks down starch (b) proteases break down protein (c) lipase breaks down fats and oils

State where, in the digestive system, amylase, protease and lipase are secreted and where they act

Describe the functions of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice

Explain that bile is an alkaline mixture that neutralises the acidic mixture from the stomach

Outline the role of bile in emulsifying fats and oils to increase the surface area for chemical digestion

Explain the effects on the rate of transpiration of varying temperature, wind speed and humidity

Explain how and why wilting occurs

Describe translocation as the movement of sucrose and amino acids in phloem from sources to sinks

Describe sources and sinks in plants

Describe the single circulation of a fish

Describe the double circulation of a mammal

Explain the advantages of a double circulation

Describe the functioning of the heart in terms of muscle contraction and valve action

Explain the effect of physical activity on the heart rate

Explain how the structure of arteries and veins is related to the pressure of the blood that they transport

Explain how the structure of capillaries is related to their functions

Identify in diagrams and images the main blood vessels to and from the heart and lungs

Identify lymphocytes and phagocytes in photomicrographs and diagrams

State the functions of lymphocytes (antibody production) and phagocytes (phagocytosis)

State the roles of blood clotting

State the features of viruses, limited to a protein coat and genetic material

Describe active immunity as defence against a pathogen by antibody production in the body

State that each pathogen has its own antigens, which have specific shapes

Describe antibodies as proteins that bind to antigens leading to destruction of pathogens

State that specific antibodies have complementary shapes which fit specific antigens

Explain that active immunity is gained after an infection by a pathogen or by vaccination

Outline the process of vaccination

Explain the role of vaccination in controlling the spread of diseases

Describe the features of gas exchange surfaces in humans

Explain the differences in composition between inspired and expired air

Explain the link between physical activity and the rate and depth of breathing

State the balanced symbol equation for aerobic respiration as: C6​H12​O6​+6O2​→6CO2​+6H2​O

Describe anaerobic respiration as the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules to release energy without using oxygen

State that anaerobic respiration releases much less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration

State the word equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles during vigorous exercise as: glucose -> lactic acid

State that lactic acid builds up in muscles and blood during vigorous exercise causing an oxygen debt

Outline how the oxygen debt is removed after exercise

Describe a reflex action as a means of automatically and rapidly integrating and coordinating stimuli with the responses of effectors

Describe sense organs as groups of receptor cells responding to specific stimuli

State that glucagon is secreted by the pancreas

Describe homeostasis as the maintenance of a constant internal environment

Explain the concept of homeostatic control by negative feedback with reference to a set point

Describe the control of blood glucose concentration by the liver and the roles of insulin and glucagon

Identify in diagrams and images of the skin: hairs, hair erector muscles, sweat glands, receptors, sensory neurones, blood vessels and fatty tissue

Describe the maintenance of a constant internal body temperature in mammals

Explain how using antibiotics only when essential can limit the development of resistant bacteria such as MRSA

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction to a population of a species in the wild

State that nuclei of gametes are haploid and that the nucleus of a zygote is diploid

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction to a population of a species in the wild

Identify in diagrams and images and describe the anthers and stigmas of a wind-pollinated flower

Explain the adaptive features of sperm

Explain the adaptive features of egg cells

Compare male and female gametes in terms of: size, structure, motility and numbers

Explain how the spread of STIs is controlled

Describe a haploid nucleus as a nucleus containing a single set of chromosomes

Describe a diploid nucleus as a nucleus containing two sets of chromosomes

State that in a diploid cell, there is a pair of each type of chromosome and in a human diploid cell there are 23 pairs

Describe mitosis as nuclear division giving rise to genetically identical cells

State the role of mitosis in growth, repair of damaged tissues, replacement of cells and asexual reproduction

State that the exact replication of chromosomes occurs before mitosis

State that during mitosis, the copies of chromosomes separate, maintaining the chromosome number in each daughter cell

State that meiosis is involved in the production of gametes

Describe meiosis as reduction division in which the chromosome number is halved from diploid to haploid resulting in genetically different cells

Describe the development of strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria as an example of natural selection

Describe a trophic level as the position of an organism in a food chain and food web

Identify the trophic levels in food webs and food chains

Explain why the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another is often not efficient

Explain, in terms of energy loss, why food chains usually have fewer than five trophic levels

Explain why it is more energy efficient for humans to eat crop plants than to eat livestock that have been fed on crop plants

Explain the undesirable effects of deforestation as an example of habitat destruction

Explain changes of state in terms of kinetic particle theory, including the interpretation of heating and cooling curves

Explain, in terms of kinetic particle theory, the effects of temperature and pressure on the volume of a gas

Describe and explain the effect of relative molecular mass on the rate of diffusion of gases

State that isotopes of the same element have the same chemical properties because they have the same number of electrons and therefore the same electronic configuration

Describe the formation of ionic bonds between ions of metallic and non-metallic elements, including the use of dot-and-cross diagrams

Explain in terms of structure and bonding the properties of ionic compounds: (a) high melting points and boiling points (b) good electrical conductivity when aqueous or molten and poor when solid

Describe the giant lattice structure of ionic compounds as a regular arrangement of alternating positive and negative ions, exemplified by sodium chloride

Describe the formation of covalent bonds in simple molecules, including CH₃OH, C₂H₄, O₂, CO₂ and N₂. Use dot-and-cross diagrams to show the electronic configurations in these molecules

Explain in terms of structure and bonding the properties of simple molecular compounds: (a) low melting points and boiling points in terms of weak intermolecular forces (b) poor electrical conductivity

Describe metallic bonding as the electrostatic attraction between the positive ions in a giant metallic lattice and a 'sea' of delocalised electrons

Explain in terms of structure and bonding the properties of metals: (a) good electrical conductivity (b) malleability

Deduce the formula of an ionic compound from the relative numbers of the ions present in a model or a diagrammatic representation or from the charges on the ions

Construct symbol equations with state symbols, including ionic equations

Deduce the symbol equation with state symbols for a chemical reaction, given relevant information

State that the mole, mol, is the unit of amount of substance and that one mole contains 6.02x10²³ particles, e.g. atoms, ions, molecules; this number is the Avogadro constant

Use the relationship amount of substance (mol) = mass (g) / molar mass (g/mol) to calculate: (a) amount of substance (b) mass (c) molar mass (d) relative atomic mass or relative molecular/formula mass

Use the molar gas volume, taken as 24 dm³ at room temperature and pressure, r.t.p., in calculations involving gases

Calculate stoichiometric reacting masses, limiting reactants, volumes of gases at r.t.p., including conversion between cm³ and dm³

Describe the transfer of charge during electrolysis: (a) the movement of electrons in the external circuit (b) the loss or gain of electrons at the electrodes (c) the movement of ions in the electrolyte

Identify the products formed at the electrodes and describe the observations made during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate using carbon/graphite electrodes and when using copper electrodes

State that metals or hydrogen are formed at the cathode and that non-metals (other than hydrogen) are formed at the anode

Predict the identity of the products at each electrode for the electrolysis of a binary compound in the molten state

Construct ionic half-equations for reactions at the cathode (showing gain of electrons as a reduction reaction)

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells in comparison with gasoline/petrol engines in vehicles

Interpret reaction pathway diagrams showing exothermic and endothermic reactions

State that the transfer of thermal energy during a reaction is called the enthalpy change, ΔH, of the reaction. ΔH is negative for exothermic reactions and positive for endothermic reactions

Define activation energy, Ea​, as the minimum energy that colliding particles must have to react

Draw and label reaction pathway diagrams for exothermic and endothermic reactions using information provided, to include: (a) reactants (b) products (c) overall energy change of the reaction, ΔH (d) activation energy, Ea​

State that bond breaking is an endothermic process and bond making is an exothermic process

Explain the effect on the rate of reaction of: (a) changing the concentration of solutions (b) changing the pressure of gases (c) changing the surface area of solids (d) changing the temperature (e) adding or removing a catalyst using collision theory

State that a catalyst decreases the activation energy, Ea​, of a reaction

Describe collision theory in terms of: (a) number of particles per unit volume (b) frequency of collisions between particles (c) kinetic energy of particles (d) activation energy, Ea​

Define oxidation in terms of: (a) loss of electrons (b) an increase in oxidation number (determination of oxidation numbers is not required)

Define reduction in terms of: (a) gain of electrons (b) a decrease in oxidation number (determination of oxidation numbers is not required)

Describe amphoteric oxides as oxides that react with acids and with bases to produce a salt and water

Classify Al₂O₃ and ZnO as amphoteric oxides

Describe the preparation of insoluble salts by precipitation (the general solubility rules for salts are not required)

Identify trends in groups, given information about the elements

Predict the properties of other elements in Group I, given information about the elements

Describe and explain the displacement reactions of halogens with other halide ions

Predict the properties of other elements in Group VII, given information about the elements

Explain in terms of structure how alloys can be harder and stronger than the pure metals

Describe the relative reactivities of metals in terms of their tendency to form positive ions, by displacement reactions, if any, with the aqueous ions of other metals

Describe the use of zinc in galvanising steel as an example of a barrier method and sacrificial protection

Explain sacrificial protection in terms of the reactivity series and in terms of electron loss

Describe the extraction of iron from hematite in the blast furnace, limited to the key reactions

State and explain strategies to reduce the effects of acid rain

Describe how the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane cause global warming

Explain how oxides of nitrogen form in car engines and describe their removal by catalytic converters

State that a homologous series is a family of similar compounds with similar chemical properties

Describe the general characteristics of a homologous series

Name and draw the structural formulas and displayed formulas of unbranched alkanes and alkenes containing up to four carbon atoms per molecule

Describe how the properties of fractions obtained from petroleum change from the bottom to the top of the fractionating column

Describe the manufacture of alkenes and hydrogen by the cracking of larger alkane molecules

Describe the properties of alkenes in terms of addition reactions with: (a) bromine (b) hydrogen (c) steam

Identify the repeat units in addition polymers and in condensation polymers

Deduce the structure or repeat unit of an addition polymer from a given alkene and vice versa

Describe the differences between addition and condensation polymerisation

Describe and draw the structure of nylon, a polyamide

State and use the equation for Rf​

Understand that a scalar quantity has magnitude (size) only and that a vector quantity has magnitude and direction

Know that the following quantities are scalars: distance, speed, time, mass, energy and temperature

Know that the following quantities are vectors: force, weight, velocity, acceleration and gravitational field strength

Define velocity as speed in a given direction

Define acceleration as change in velocity per unit time; recall and use the equation a=Δv/Δt

Determine from given data or the shape of a speed-time graph when an object is moving with: (a) constant acceleration (b) changing acceleration

Calculate acceleration from the gradient of a straight-line section of a speed-time graph

Know that deceleration is a negative acceleration and use this in calculations

Know that the acceleration of free fall g for an object near to the surface of the Earth is approximately constant and is approximately 9.8 m/s2

Describe, and use the concept of, weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass

Know that gravitational field strength is equivalent to the acceleration of free fall

Recall and use the equation F=ma and know that the resultant force and the acceleration are in the same direction

Sketch, plot and interpret load-extension graphs for an elastic solid and describe the associated experimental procedures

Define the spring constant as force per unit extension; recall and use the equation k=F/x

Define and use the term 'limit of proportionality' for a load-extension graph and identify this point on the graph

Apply the principle of moments to situations with one force each side of the pivot, including balancing of a beam

Recall and use the equation for kinetic energy Ek​=21​mv2

Recall and use the equation for the change in gravitational potential energy ΔEp​=mgΔh

Know that radiation from the Sun is the main source of energy for all our energy resources except geothermal, nuclear and tidal

Know that energy is released by nuclear fusion in the Sun

Know that energy is released by nuclear fission in nuclear reactors

Define efficiency as a percentage and use the equations for efficiency of energy and power transfer

Know that the forces and distances between particles and the motion of the particles affect the properties of solids, liquids and gases

Describe and explain this motion (sometimes known as Brownian motion) in terms of random collisions

Describe the pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by particles colliding with surfaces

Describe qualitatively, in terms of particles, the effect on the pressure of a fixed mass of gas of a change of temperature at constant volume or a change of volume at constant temperature

Explain some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion

Describe the differences between boiling and evaporation

Describe how temperature, surface area and air movement over a surface affect evaporation

Describe thermal conduction in solids in terms of atomic or molecular lattice vibrations and also in terms of the movement of delocalised (mobile) electrons in metallic conductors

Explain convection in liquid and gases in terms of density changes

Describe experiments to distinguish between good and bad emitters of thermal radiation

Describe experiments to distinguish between good and bad absorbers of thermal radiation

Know that the temperature of the Earth is affected by the radiation absorbed by the Earth and the radiation emitted by the Earth

Know that for a transverse wave, the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation and understand that electromagnetic radiation, water waves and seismic S-waves are transverse

Know that for a longitudinal wave, the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of propagation and understand that sound waves and seismic P-waves are longitudinal

Describe how waves undergo diffraction through a narrow gap

Describe how wavelength and gap size affects diffraction through a gap

Describe the formation of an optical image by a plane mirror and explain why it is virtual

Use simple diagrams, measurements and calculations for reflection by plane mirrors

Define refractive index, n, as the ratio of the speeds of a wave in two different regions

Recall and use the equation n=sini/sinr

Describe total internal reflection using ray diagrams

Define the critical angle as the angle of incidence at which the angle of refraction is 90° and above which all light is totally internally reflected

Describe total internal reflection in optical fibres and state some common applications of optical fibres

Draw and use ray diagrams for the formation of a virtual image by a thin converging lens

Describe the characteristics of an image using the terms real / virtual

Describe the use of a single lens as a magnifying glass

Know that the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is 3.0×108m/s and is approximately the same in air

Describe the longitudinal nature of sound waves in air as a series of compressions and rarefactions

Describe, qualitatively, compressions as regions of higher pressure and rarefactions as regions of lower pressure

Know that, in general, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids and faster in liquids than in gases

Describe a magnetic field as a region in which a magnetic pole experiences a force

State that the direction of a magnetic field at a point is the direction of the force on the N pole of a magnet at that point

Describe induced magnetism

State that charge is measured in coulombs

Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge experiences a force

State that the direction of an electric field at a point is the direction of the force on a positive charge at that point

Define electric current as the charge passing a point per unit time; recall and use the equation I=Q/t

Describe electrical conduction in metals in terms of the movement of delocalised (mobile) electrons

State that conventional current is from positive to negative and that the flow of electrons is from negative to positive

Define electromotive force (e.m.f.) as the electrical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit

Know that e.m.f. is measured in volts (V)

Define potential difference (p.d.) as the work done by a unit charge passing between two points in a circuit

Know that the p.d. between two points is measured in volts (V)

Sketch and explain the current-voltage graph of a resistor of constant resistance

Recall and use the relationship for a metallic electrical conductor: (a) resistance is directly proportional to length (b) resistance is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing generators and light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

Recall and use in calculations, the fact that: (a) current at a junction (b) p.d. in a series circuit (c) p.d. in a parallel circuit

Calculate the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel

Know that a conductor moving across a magnetic field or a changing magnetic field linking with a conductor can induce an e.m.f.

State the factors affecting the magnitude of an induced e.m.f.

Describe a simple form of a.c. generator (rotating coil)

Sketch and interpret graphs of e.m.f. against time for simple a.c. generators

Describe the pattern and direction of the magnetic field due to currents in straight wires and in solenoids

Describe the effect on the magnetic field of changing the magnitude and direction of the current

Know that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field

Recall and use the relative directions of force, magnetic field and current

Know that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field may experience a turning effect and that the effect is increased by increasing the number of turns, the current, or the magnetic field strength

Describe the operation of an electric motor, including the action of a split-ring commutator

Describe the construction of a basic transformer with a soft-iron core

Use the terms primary, secondary, step-up and step-down

Recall and use the equation Vs​Vp​​=Ns​Np​​

Recall and use the equation for 100% efficiency in a transformer Ip​Vp​=Is​Vs​

Describe the use of transformers in high-voltage transmission of electricity

Recall and use the equation P=I2R to explain why power losses in cables are smaller when the voltage is greater

Know the relationship between the proton number and the relative charge on a nucleus

Describe the processes of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion

Use decay equations, using nuclide notation, to show the emission of α-particles, β-particles and γ-radiation

Define the half-life of a particular isotope and use this definition in simple calculations

Calculate the time it takes light to travel a significant distance

Define orbital speed from the equation v=2πr/T; recall and use this equation

Know that the strength of the Sun's gravitational field decreases and that the orbital speeds of the planets decrease as the distance from the Sun increases

Know that stars are powered by nuclear reactions that release energy and that in stable stars the nuclear reactions involve the fusion of hydrogen into helium

Know that the nebula from a supernova may form new stars with orbiting planets

Know that the Big Bang Theory states that the Universe expanded from a single point, is still expanding, and is approximately 13.8 billion years old