AQA Physics PHYA4 - 20th June 2016 [Exam Discussion Thread]

I've attached one I've just quickly put together. I *think* it covers them all (but don't quote me on that...there's loads...). The definitions are mostly from textbooks or out of my own head so if anyone wants to suggest any that are missing or if any of the wording is ambiguous/bad/etc let me know.

Edit: I should add the bits in blue are not parts of the definitions themselves but they're just bits I find helpful but hopefully that's obvious...and also if there's any grammatical errors/spelling errors I'm sorry I did this quickly

Nice list, only thing i would say is that on quite a few of the definitions it's easier just to quote the equations and define them (e.g. momentum)

I was going to mention that but didn't. I do tend to just not learn the equation based definitions because that's what the data sheet is for..no point wasting time on answers we're basically being fed by AQA

Which part would you guys do in the exam first?. For me part A takes way to long for me to complete and doesn't carry many marks in respect to part B .

I always start with section B because I push for time towards the end. It's easier to mindlessly colour in an option box than it is to think of coherent physics-ish answers if you've got like 2 minutes left. I find the multiple choice less strenuous in terms of having to actually use my brain as well so it's like rewarding yourself with something a bit easier than the writing in Section B.


Also have you guys found unit 4 to be your hardest/worst unit...I loved AS, and I'm really loving unit 5...but I just can't hack unit 4...it's going to be my downfall.

Also have you guys found unit 4 to be your hardest/worst unit...I loved AS, and I'm really loving unit 5...but I just can't hack unit 4...it's going to be my downfall.

I actually much prefer unit 4. I'm taking the Astrophysics module and it's content is interesting but I find a lot of the problem solving stuff in unit 4 more so

Quick question, does anyone know of where I can get a hold of the AQA textbook turning points resource online?. Teacher won't give us just yet, but I really want to finish the module so I can get to some practise. Thanks in advance .

I actually much prefer unit 4. I'm taking the Astrophysics module and it's content is interesting but I find a lot of the problem solving stuff in unit 4 more so

you have not started that part of unit 5 yet??! My class have just finished unit 5 and are on revision now/ doing isa prep...

Does anyone know if this exam is also suitable for people wanting to retake last years unit 4 exam? I've heard that they've made changes to specification..? Or is there going to be 2 exams 1 for each spec?

Yes you can still take the old unit 4, and this thread is for that. Current year 13 are still doing the old spec, and AFAIK there will be another exam for the old spec available for resit next year too..

C0balt, what are your offers?/to study what? - did you get into oxbridge?

lol hi this is a bit sudden
Yes I hold an offer of A* (FM) A*A in any order in chemistry and physics to read Natural Sciences at Cambridge. Probably insuring Edinburgh for Chemical Physics A*AA
Why do you ask?

Just remember seeing you n the camb thread, was interestead in whether you'd gotten in Congrats!! Is A*AA a reduced offer??

Hahaha alright Thank you
Well my Cam offer is A*A*A which is the norm, and A*AA for Edinburgh is also the standard offer for second year entry