AQA A-level Physics Paper 1 (7408/1) - 24th May 2023 [Exam Chat]

anyone have any predictions?
i feel like refraction, y1 decay and momentum are gonna come up

In my opinion, potential predictions are a futile way to cope with exams. It is worth it to focus on your weakest topics, revise as much as you can and try your best, but I would say do NOT try and predict things. Essentially all it does it create a belief in your head that, as your good on topic x, y and z that haven't come up in a while you will be fine. When you open that test and see none of those topics, your panicking. Great example was the recent GCSE English paper, predictions on that failed miserably and a lot of people suffered.

In my opinion, potential predictions are a futile way to cope with exams. It is worth it to focus on your weakest topics, revise as much as you can and try your best, but I would say do NOT try and predict things. Essentially all it does it create a belief in your head that, as your good on topic x, y and z that haven't come up in a while you will be fine. When you open that test and see none of those topics, your panicking. Great example was the recent GCSE English paper, predictions on that failed miserably and a lot of people suffered.

if the grade boundaries return to anything near 2019 them im screwed 60 for an A and 70 for an A* is too high

genuinely, numbers just appear outta nowhere in the mark schemes and most video solutions dont help. one of the papers a few years ago only had 4 marks worth of electricity questions in the whole written part so that again would be great

ok so guys, we obviously have minimal time, seems like no one here quite understands electricity fully so here's my workflow for the next 5 days:
1.) I've printed AS p1s aswell as A level p1s (AS is same diffucly but good thing is these questions are more novel to me than the same old repetive A level past papers minus circular and shm motion), will do as many paper 1s physically and mark with red pen + notes inside (so I could review the past paper pile I accumulate 2 days before)
2.) for electricity do isaacphysics(c1, c2, attempt to understand c3, maybe start with p3), seems like if you grasp kirchoffs law (especially 2nd) and potential dividers it becomes easier
3.)waves is absolutely hugeee as a topic so do it with more focus (P&M tutor 2016-2021 question paper sheet and perhaps extra attention to written questions (hate those))

ofc flash cards,
please let me know if there could be improvement in the efficiency of this workflow, decrease effort, or any additional tips or strategies

Literally just started the first page of PMT questions and already lost. Markscheme says that the current changes when the voltmeter position changes but why would the current in both resistors change if the resistors are in series. wouldn't the current be the same everywhere?
I hate electricity

Literally just started the first page of PMT questions and already lost. Markscheme says that the current changes when the voltmeter position changes but why would the current in both resistors change if the resistors are in series. wouldn't the current be the same everywhere?
I hate electricity

hmmm i just attempted the question myself,
I said that you know the voltmeter has resistance as well and when you put it in parallel with a greater resistance (640 ohm resistor) then the combined resistance is also greater (1/R1 + 1/R2 = 1/Rtot rule)
So the total resistance in your circuit has changed due to the voltmeter’s new position.
If the resistance has increased then we know the circuit’s current is decreased as R is inversely proportional to I. That means because the current is smaller, the voltage will also be smaller as it passes through it.
The overall current in a circuit can change depending on its overall resistance, but the emf/voltage from a fixed battery can’t be changed!!
I hope this makes sense
pls correct me if i’ve made any mistakes !!

We have plenty of time, we have just under 5 days which is many many thousands of seconds

I thought when you increase resistance of one of the resistors in a parallel circuit, it decreases the parallel circuit's overall resistance

yea i thought that too but if you check ur calculator it’s not true

for example:
(1/100 + 1/10)*-1 = 9.1
(1/2 + 1/10)*-1 = 1.7

You're not bugging, it's just a weird equation. Majority of the time questions about parallel resistance like that will be an explain rather than calculation, but you have the time to perform a calculation if necessary. If it's multiple choice, just follow your equation like no tomorrow and you'll be fine.
R_p = 1/(1/R₁ + 1/R₂)
Putting into context:
Let R₁ = 50
Let R₂ = 100

R_p = 1/(1/50 + 1/100), or 1/(3/100), following rules of fractions:
R_p = 100/3 = 33.333 recurring ohms.

However, let's increase the voltage of R₁ to be 75 Ohms.

R_p = 1(1/75 + 1/100), or 1/(7/300), following rules of fractions:
R_p = 300/7 = 42.9 Ohms (3s.f)
In parallel; an increase in resistance will increase the overall circuit resistance, and as R is inversely proportional to I, will decrease.

yes, it may seem that way, but trust me, you wouldn't notice it, its been 3.5 years already since 2020, 5 days is indeed minimal time lol, what is your game plan for exams right now, ibr its looking long for me

Literally just started the first page of PMT questions and already lost. Markscheme says that the current changes when the voltmeter position changes but why would the current in both resistors change if the resistors are in series. wouldn't the current be the same everywhere?
I hate electricity

There's only a few things I don't want to come up on the paper to be honest, if they do they do but I'd prefer not to answer anything about them;


Everything else is pretty bearable, majority of things that may come up we have the formula sheet for.

For anyone getting worked up about the exam: Just remember you only need about 30 marks to get a C, which is still a pass.

Good luck to everyone, really hoping this paper is nice aha