AQA GCSE Physics key terms

The joining of light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

A model in which an atom has a tiny, positively charged central nucleus surrounded by electrons, with most of the atom being empty space.

The small, dense central part of an atom, containing protons and usually neutrons; a hydrogen-1 nucleus contains only one proton.

A conductor for which current is directly proportional to potential difference when its temperature is constant.

An object that does not transmit light.

The path an object follows around another object in space.

A repeated movement or change about a central position or value.

An apparent shift in a reading caused by viewing a scale from an angle rather than straight on.

A circuit arrangement containing separate branches that provide more than one route for current.

A circuit containing separate branches that provide more than one path for current.

A simplified scientific representation in which matter is treated as particles, such as atoms or molecules.

The SI unit of pressure; one pascal is equal to one newton per square metre.

The wavelength at which an object's emitted radiation has its greatest intensity.

The checking of scientific findings by other scientists, who assess whether the methods, evidence and conclusions are sound.

An ideal object that absorbs all radiation incident on it, reflecting and transmitting none.

The time taken for one complete cycle of a repeating waveform.

A magnet that produces its own magnetic field.

The shortest distance from a pivot to a force's line of action, measured at right angles to that line.

A change in which no new substance is formed and the material can recover its original properties when the change is reversed.

The point about which an object turns.

A natural object that orbits a star; Earth is a planet orbiting the Sun.

A small, freely turning compass used to find the direction of a magnetic field at different positions.

A model in which an atom is a ball of positive charge with negatively charged electrons embedded throughout it.

The state of an object that has lost electrons and therefore has fewer electrons than protons.

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

The energy transferred per unit charge between two points; it is measured in volts (V) and is also called voltage.

Energy associated with the positions of particles relative to one another and the forces between them.