OCR · A Level · H556
Physics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR A Level Physics A (H556)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
OCR A Level Physics (H556)
OCR A Level Physics (H556)
OCR A Level Physics A (H556)
OCR Physics A (H556) modules: development of practical skills, foundations of physics, forces and motion, electrons/waves/photons, Newtonian world and astrophysics, particles and medical physics — assessed across Papers 1–3 with the Practical Endorsement.
Mark schemes: OCR mark schemes reward precise vocabulary and correct SI units in every numerical answer. Definitions of quantities should be stated in 'X per unit Y' form (e.g. field strength as force per unit charge). Show substituted values before the final answer; missing or wrong units typically lose the unit mark even when the figure is correct.
Active recall: 0 / 26 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics & forces | Essential | Scalar vs vector | Scalar has magnitude only; vector has magnitude and direction. | |
| Mechanics & forces | Core | suvat equations | Constant-acceleration kinematic relations linking s, u, v, a and t. | |
| Mechanics & forces | Core | Newton's second law | Resultant force equals rate of change of momentum: F = ma for constant mass. | |
| Mechanics & forces | Core | Linear momentum | p = mv — vector quantity conserved when no external resultant force acts. | |
| Mechanics & forces | Core | Impulse | Impulse = FΔt = Δp; equals area under a force–time graph. | |
| Mechanics & forces | Core | Kinetic energy | Energy of a moving body given by KE = ½mv² for non-relativistic speeds. | |
| Mechanics & forces | Advanced | Work–energy principle | Net work done on a body equals its change in kinetic energy. | |
| Fields — gravitational, electric & magnetic | Core | Gravitational potential energy | Energy stored due to position; near Earth's surface GPE = mgh. | |
| Fields — gravitational, electric & magnetic | Core | Newton's law of gravitation | Attractive force between point masses: F = GMm/r². | |
| Fields — gravitational, electric & magnetic | Core | Gravitational field strength | Force per unit mass at a point; for a point mass g = GM/r². | |
| Fields — gravitational, electric & magnetic | Core | Coulomb's law | Force between point charges in a vacuum: F = Qq/(4πε₀r²). | |
| Fields — gravitational, electric & magnetic | Core | Force on a moving charge | Magnetic force on a charge moving in a field: F = Bqv sin θ. | |
| Fields — gravitational, electric & magnetic | Core | Force on a current | Force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field: F = BIL sin θ. | |
| Fields — gravitational, electric & magnetic | Advanced | Capacitance | Charge stored per unit potential difference: C = Q/V; energy stored = ½CV². | |
| Thermal & quantum physics | Core | Internal energy | Sum of randomly distributed kinetic and potential energies of molecules. | |
| Thermal & quantum physics | Core | Specific heat capacity | Energy required to raise 1 kg of substance by 1 K. | |
| Thermal & quantum physics | Core | Photon energy | Quantum of EM radiation with energy E = hf. | |
| Thermal & quantum physics | Core | Photoelectric effect | Emission of electrons from a metal when hf ≥ work function φ. | |
| Thermal & quantum physics | Core | de Broglie wavelength | Matter wavelength of a particle given by λ = h/p. | |
| Thermal & quantum physics | Advanced | Mass–energy equivalence | Rest mass and energy linked by E = mc² — relevant in nuclear processes. | |
| Waves & particle physics | Core | Progressive wave | Disturbance that transfers energy without net transfer of medium. | |
| Waves & particle physics | Core | Superposition | Resultant displacement is the vector sum of individual wave displacements. | |
| Waves & particle physics | Core | Two-source interference | Constructive when path difference = nλ; destructive when (n+½)λ. | |
| Waves & particle physics | Core | Stationary wave | Wave with fixed nodes and antinodes formed by two opposing progressive waves. | |
| Waves & particle physics | Core | Radioactive decay constant | Probability per unit time that a given nucleus will decay. | |
| Waves & particle physics | Advanced | Half-life | Time for activity or N to halve; T½ = ln 2 / λ for first-order decay. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Physics (H556) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR A Level Physics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important physics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to OCR A Level Physics A (H556) (H556). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Physics glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for A Level Physics (H556) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Physics. Quantitative relationships belong on formula sheets; this list emphasises language and concepts.
- Can I download this Physics keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Physics list aligned to the H556 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR A Level Physics A (H556) for OCR A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Physics at A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.