Here are the specimen solutions to the 2003 Advanced Higher Physics paper.
AH past paper – 2003
Here is the 2003 Advanced Higher Physics paper.
This paper is reproduced to support SQA qualifications on a non-commercial basis according to SQA conditions of use.
Intermediate2 past paper – 2004
Here is the Intermediate 2 Physics paper from 2004. I have not got the answers.
This paper is reproduced to support SQA qualifications on a non-commercial basis according to SQA conditions of use.
AH past paper solutions – 2002
Here are the specimen solutions to the 2002 Advanced Higher Physics paper.
AH past paper – 2002
Here is the 2002 Advanced Higher Physics paper.
This paper is reproduced to support SQA qualifications on a non-commercial basis according to SQA conditions of use.
Intermediate2 past paper – 2003
Here is the Intermediate 2 Physics paper from 2003. I have not got the answers.
This paper is reproduced to support SQA qualifications on a non-commercial basis according to SQA conditions of use.
AH past paper solutions – 2001
Here are the specimen solutions to the 2001 Advanced Higher Physics paper.
AH past paper – 2001
Here is the 2001 Advanced Higher Physics paper.
This paper is reproduced to support SQA qualifications on a non-commercial basis according to SQA conditions of use.
Intermediate2 past paper – 2002
Here is the Intermediate 2 Physics paper from 2002. I have not got the answers.
This paper is reproduced to support SQA qualifications on a non-commercial basis according to SQA conditions of use.
Goldfinger’s laser
Lasers are celebrating their 50th birthday this year. The first laser was demonstrated in 1960 by Theodore Maiman and his research group at Hughes† in California. Here is a good background article on the first laser, its inventor and the role that Einstein played in developing the theory of stimulated emission.
The principle of laser operation is outlined in this description of Maiman’s laser, which used a rod of polished ruby inside a spiral flashtube.
My favourite James Bond film, Goldfinger, has a scene where Sean Connery (the best 007 imho) is strapped to a table under a huge red laser. It should have been a saw but the invention of the laser, just 4 years earlier, was a gift for the writers. This scene helped the film win the best effects Oscar in 1965 and, more importantly, gave us the ultimate Bond quote:
Bond: Do you expect me to talk?
Goldfinger: No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die.
Everyone should watch the laser scene.
Bonus points if you can tell me about the bad physics in that clip.
†I used to work for Hughes before I trained as a physics teacher – the Glenrothes branch, not Malibu Beach, California.
