podcast

In the last part of the Higher course, we looked at the structure of the atom. Rutherford scattering of alpha particles fired at a very thin sheet of gold foil provided the evidence to develop our understanding of the atom from a “plum pudding” model to a “nuclear” atom – where most of the matter and mass are concentrated in the centre, or nucleus, of the atom.

There is a really good youtube video about Rutherford & alpha particle scattering –  watch the first 5 minutes only, it goes on to another topic after that. You can also follow the link below (the download link at end of post) to watch an animation of the alpha particle scattering experiment and follow how the results changed our view of the atom.

Flash Content [ 1:15 ] Download (2180)

You will get your first chance to sit the unit 3 NAB next week.  In the meantime, I have attached a set of revision note for unit 3 to help with your revision.

eBook Download

If you are resitting the unit 2 NAB next Wednesday (29th April), you might want to look at the following revision sites:

XPhysics unit 2 revision

TPD, EMF and internal resistance 

Unit 2 summary (Powerpoint)

Whole course summary notes (pdf)

St. Kentigern’s Academy Notes:  unit 2.1,  unit 2.2,  unit 2.3,  unit 2.4,  revision questions,  answers to revision questions

We looked at the photoelectric effect this week.  I’ve been looking for some video demonstrations but there are very few explanations that I would be happy to recommend.  The animation I used in class is available here.  I also found a nice demonstration on youtube (see below) that uses a different type of electroscope to indicate the presence of charge.

This video is also attached as a podcast.

Podcast Video [ 8:09 ] Download (128)

Someone sent me a link to a great set of summary notes for the entire Higher Physics course.  They are from Hermitage Academy in Helensburgh and I’d like to thank them Physics dept there for making them available.  Use the download link or save it by getting the podcast episode in iTunes.

eBook Download (1115)

We looked at factors affecting the shape of the charging & discharging curves of capacitors today. Here is a video I found on youtube that covers some of the areas we discussed. Ignore the maths bit at the end, we won’t need that. Notice how the man in the film uses a lightbulb as a way of showing when the current is large or small, clever, eh?

YouTube Direct Link