SQA Physics Higher 6th Edition

This section contains suggestions for material from the schoolphysics website that could be used with the SQA Physics Higher 6th Edition Arrangements

SQA is not affiliated with the author of the site and has had no involvement with the content of this website.

The website does not necessarily cover all topics or to the correct depth required for this specification although some sections may cover topics in more detail than is needed. It is the responsibility of the individual teacher to select the appropriate material.

References to work at lower age levels that might be useful at the Higher level are shown as (14-16) or (11-14)

I am grateful to SQA for permission to reproduce adapted versions of text from their Physics Higher Arrangements on this site.

For the full version of the specification please see: SQA

Mechanics and properties of matter

1.1 Vectors
1. Distinguish between distance and displacement.
Distance and displacement
Displacement (14-16)

2. Distinguish between speed and velocity.
Velocity and speed (14-16)

3. Define and classify vector and scalar quantities.
Vectors and scalars
Vectors and scalars (14-16)

4. Use scale diagrams, or otherwise, to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of a number of displacements or velocities.
Vector addition (14-16)

5. State what is meant by the resultant of a number of forces.
Vector addition

6. Carry out calculations to find the rectangular components of a vector.
Components of a vector

7. Use scale diagrams, or otherwise, to find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of a number of forces.
Resultant of the addition of forces

1.2 Equations of motion
1. State that acceleration is the change in velocity per unit time.
Acceleration
Acceleration (14-16)

2. Describe the principles of a method for measuring acceleration.
age16-19/Mechanics/Kinematics/Experiments/Measurement of the acceleration due to gravity
age16-19/Mechanics/Kinematics/Experiments/Measurement of speed and acceleration
age14-16/Mechanics/Motion/Experiments/Diluted gravity (14-16)
age14-16/Mechanics/Forces in motion/Experiments/Measuring the acceleration of a trolley (14-16)

3. Draw an acceleration–time graph using information obtained from a velocity–time graph for motion with a constant acceleration.
Acceleration-time graph

4. Use the terms ‘constant velocity’ and ‘constant acceleration’ to describe motion represented in graphical or tabular form.
Velocity-time graphs

5. Show how the following relationships can be derived from basic definitions in kinematics: v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as.
Equations of motion proof

6. Carry out calculations using the above kinematic relationships.
age16-19\mechanics\kinematics\problems\Equations of motion problems
age14-16\mechanics\motion\problems\Equations of motion problems (14-16)
age16-19\mechanics\kinematics\problems\Kinematics