General Physics is the largest section of IGCSE Physics 0625, covering mechanics: measurement, motion, forces, energy, and pressure. It forms the foundation for all other sections.
Speed = distance/time (m/s). Velocity = displacement/time (includes direction). Acceleration = change in velocity / time, a = (v−u)/t. SUVAT equations: v = u + at, s = ½(u+v)t, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as. Distance-time graph: gradient = speed. Velocity-time graph: gradient = acceleration, area = distance. Free fall: g ≈ 10 m/s².
Force: a push or pull that can change shape, speed, or direction of an object. Newton\'s laws: (1) balanced forces → no change in motion; (2) F = ma; (3) every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Friction: opposes motion. Weight W = mg. Spring extension ∝ force (Hooke\'s law, up to limit of proportionality).
KE = ½mv². GPE = mgh. Work = force × distance in direction of force (W = Fs). Power = work/time = energy/time. Conservation of energy: energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. Efficiency = useful output energy / total input energy × 100%. Sankey diagrams show energy transfers.
Pressure = force/area (Pa). Pressure in liquids increases with depth: p = ρgh. Atmospheric pressure ≈ 100 kPa. Momentum (Supplement): p = mv. Conservation of momentum in collisions. Impulse = force × time = change in momentum. Applications: car safety features (crumple zones, airbags extend impact time → reduce force).
Core content is assessed in Papers 1, 3, and 6 (grades C to G). Supplement content (marked in the syllabus) is additional material assessed in Papers 2, 4, and 6 for grades A* to E. Supplement topics include: momentum calculations, moments principle, pressure in fluids (calculations), and more detailed energy calculations. Taking Supplement gives access to higher grades.
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