Physics question...

DaveF · 26 Nov 2008 at 11:09

Dr_Fartypants said:
You've got to be kidding me? That was GCSE level a few years back (last time I taught it).

I'd say it was a hard A-level question, and I did Physics A-level 20 years ago.

I think these days A-level physics isn't allowed to assume you understand calculus (which is ridiculously limiting, of course). Certainly derivatives aren't even on the GCSE mathematics syllabus these days, so I can't see a physics question requiring them being GCSE level.

shauncr91 · 26 Nov 2008 at 11:16

rz30 said:
delta Q = delta T / SUM ( R )

=> DQ = DT / R1+R2....+...R0

R1 = 1 / k1A , R2 = 1 / k2A ,....., R0 = 1 / k0A

So it's 42? Thought so.

Dr_Fartypants · 26 Nov 2008 at 12:09

DaveF said:
I'd say it was a hard A-level question, and I did Physics A-level 20 years ago.

The physics question, sure. But simultaneous equations are still on the GCSE syllabus surely?

Anyway, nevermind.

Energize · 26 Nov 2008 at 13:04

Dr_Fartypants said:
The physics question, sure. But simultaneous equations are still on the GCSE syllabus surely?

Yes on the maths syllabus, not physics. Simultaneous equations are on the AS physics specification though.

Thunderbolt · 26 Nov 2008 at 13:09

Did physics A2 2 years back, they did require you to know calculus to some level, don't see how this question has anything to do with calculus though :s Also no calculus is taught at GCSE level. Simultaneous equations are as far as I know below top level GCSE, think I can remeber doing them in year 9, but certainly retaught at GCSE, possibly including more than two unknown values, and therefor multiple equations.

Freefaller · 26 Nov 2008 at 13:11

I rememebr being taught calculus at school for GCSEs... I also remember having to do differential equations for physics A-level.... Has it really changed that much?!

Combat squirrel · 26 Nov 2008 at 13:11

shauncr91 said:
So it's 42? Thought so.

FluffySheep · 26 Nov 2008 at 13:20

Dr_Fartypants said:
You've got to be kidding me? That was GCSE level a few years back (last time I taught it).

Yeah true, but they pupils are not expected to need to analyse the question to find the variables AND do simultanious equations AND heat transfer AND fingure out 2 unknowns (first needed for second) AND have to rearrange the origional equation all in 1 question worth no more than about 5 marks in the exam

FluffySheep