A-LEVEL PHYSICS EXAMINATION -2026 PAPER 1: PHYSICS
IN CONTEXT (MEASUREMENT, PARTICLES & WAVES)
(FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS – CORE PRINCIPLES)
Qualification: A Level Physics (AQA Specification)
Paper Code: 7408/1
Topic Areas: Measurements, Particles, Waves & Mechanics
Coulomb
The amount of charge passing a point when a current of 1A flows for 1s
Potential difference
The work done per unit charge in moving a small point positive charge between two points
Threshold Voltage for a Diode
The voltage at which a current will begin to flow at, assumed to be +0.6V if not stated
Reverse Bias
When very little currency can flow in the reverse direction of a diode
1|Page
,Variable Resistor
Can be used to change the current through a circuit can also be called a rheostat
NTC Thermistor
(A type of semiconductor) that has decreasing resistance when its temperature increases -
negative temperature coefficient
Transitional Temperature
The critical temperature at and below which a superconductor has zero resistivity
Semiconductor
A group of materials which conduct electricity (not as well as metals), when their temperature
rises they can release more charge carriers and their resistance decreases
Resistance
The ratio of a components potential difference to its current
Volt
The potential difference across a component when 1 joule of energy is used to move a coulomb
of charge through a component
2|Page
, Ohm's Law
Provided that the physical conditions remain the same, the current through an ohmic conductor
is directly proportional to the potential difference across it
Ohmic conductor
A material that follows Ohm's law when physical components remain the same
Diodes
Components made from semi conductors that only allow current to flow in one direction
Resistivity
The resistance of a 1m length of wire with a 1m^2 cross sectional area
Superconductor
A material that has zero resistivity when it is cooled below its critical temperature
Critical Temperature
The temperature below which a material will have zero resistance and will become a
superconductor
Power
3|Page
IN CONTEXT (MEASUREMENT, PARTICLES & WAVES)
(FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS – CORE PRINCIPLES)
Qualification: A Level Physics (AQA Specification)
Paper Code: 7408/1
Topic Areas: Measurements, Particles, Waves & Mechanics
Coulomb
The amount of charge passing a point when a current of 1A flows for 1s
Potential difference
The work done per unit charge in moving a small point positive charge between two points
Threshold Voltage for a Diode
The voltage at which a current will begin to flow at, assumed to be +0.6V if not stated
Reverse Bias
When very little currency can flow in the reverse direction of a diode
1|Page
,Variable Resistor
Can be used to change the current through a circuit can also be called a rheostat
NTC Thermistor
(A type of semiconductor) that has decreasing resistance when its temperature increases -
negative temperature coefficient
Transitional Temperature
The critical temperature at and below which a superconductor has zero resistivity
Semiconductor
A group of materials which conduct electricity (not as well as metals), when their temperature
rises they can release more charge carriers and their resistance decreases
Resistance
The ratio of a components potential difference to its current
Volt
The potential difference across a component when 1 joule of energy is used to move a coulomb
of charge through a component
2|Page
, Ohm's Law
Provided that the physical conditions remain the same, the current through an ohmic conductor
is directly proportional to the potential difference across it
Ohmic conductor
A material that follows Ohm's law when physical components remain the same
Diodes
Components made from semi conductors that only allow current to flow in one direction
Resistivity
The resistance of a 1m length of wire with a 1m^2 cross sectional area
Superconductor
A material that has zero resistivity when it is cooled below its critical temperature
Critical Temperature
The temperature below which a material will have zero resistance and will become a
superconductor
Power
3|Page
