Physics — Particles and Quantum Physics

Exam board: AQA  |  Back to subjects

Board-Specific Note

AQA specification; content aligns with the national A-Level syllabus.

Learning Objectives

• Describe fundamental particles
• Detect radiation
• Apply the photon model

Key Points

• Photon energy E = hf
• Quarks and leptons
• Radioactive decay and halflife

Lesson Plan (50 minutes)

1. Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of particles and quantum physics with quick questions.
2. Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
3. Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
4. Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: Energy of a photon with f = 10¹⁵ Hz (h = 6.63×10⁻³⁴). Solution: E = 6.63×10⁻¹⁹ J
5. Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
6. Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.

Homework

• Find f of a photon with E = 3.3×10⁻¹⁹ J
• Name two leptons
• How many half-lives for 1/8 to remain?

Assessment

Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.