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As a GCSE physics student, finding the information you need about the exam board you’re studying can be difficult. This article gives you a detailed breakdown of all the GCSE physics topics covered by the main exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC. As a result, you’ll know exactly what topics you need to study and where to find the best revision resources for your exam board.
AQA GCSE Physics Topics
AQA GCSE Physics is divided into eight topics:
Energy
Electricity
Particle model of matter
Atomic structure
Forces
Waves
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Space physics
1. Energy
This topic is all about energy stores and transfers. You will learn key formulas for calculating energy, work done, power, and efficiency and also, how to solve problems involving the principle of conservation of energy.
You will also learn about renewable and non-renewable energy resources and their impact on the environment.
Topics include
Energy changes in a system
National & global energy resources
2. Electricity
This topic covers the fundamental concepts of electricity, such as charge, current, potential difference and resistance and how to calculate them.
You’ll understand how to draw and interpret circuit diagrams using standard symbols, as well as the key differences between series and parallel circuits.
This topic explores how everyday electrical appliances utilise electrical current to transfer energy, as well as how electricity is used, from the mains electricity in our homes to its distribution through the National Grid.
You’ll also explore how static electricity is produced and how charged objects interact through forces of attraction and repulsion.
Topics include
Current, potential difference and resistance
Series and parallel circuits
Energy transfers
Static electricity
3. Particle model of matter
This topic is all about how the particle model of matter can be used to describe the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases. You’ll learn about the concept of internal energy and how to relate it to changes in temperature and states of matter.
You’ll learn how to calculate thermal energy transfers using specific heat capacity and specific latent heat.
This topic also covers the particle motion of gases, in which you’ll learn about the relationships between gas temperature, pressure and volume.
Topics include
Changes of state and the particle model
Internal energy and energy transfers
The particle model and pressure
4. Atomic structure
This topic covers atomic structure as we know it today, as well as how models of the atom have evolved over time. The topic also explores unstable atoms and radioactivity, including the different types of radioactive emissions and their properties.
You’ll learn about the various uses and dangers of radioactive emissions, and gain an understanding of the processes of fission and fusion.
Topics include
Atoms and isotopes
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions
Nuclear fission and fusion
5. Forces
This topic delves into the mechanics of forces, covering key concepts such as vector and scalar quantities, contact and non-contact forces, and Newton's laws of motion.
This topic also covers ideas about motion, including how to describe movement in terms of displacement, velocity and acceleration using mathematical relationships as well as analysis using graphs.
You’ll also learn about applications of forces, such as the elasticity of materials, pressure in fluids, and the effects of friction and drag forces on motion.
There are many equations to learn in this topic, including relationships between force, mass, acceleration, speed, and momentum.
Topics include
Forces and their interactions
Work done and energy transfer
Forces and elasticity
Moments, levers and gears
Pressure and pressure differences in fluids
Describing motion
Newton's laws of motion
Stopping distances
Momentum
6. Waves
This topic explores the properties of waves, such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and wave speed. You’ll learn about the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves and the many forms of these, such as sound and electromagnetic waves.
You’ll also learn about the effects of reflection, refraction, and diffraction, and how waves interact with various media.
Topics include
Waves in air, fluids and solids
Electromagnetic waves
Optics
Black body radiation
7. Magnetism and electromagnetism
This topic explores the properties of magnets, magnetic fields, and the Earth's magnetism. It also covers electromagnets, the motor effect, and the magnetic effects of electric current.
This topic also includes key concepts such as induced potential difference, transformers, and their applications in power transmission.
Topics include
Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
The motor effect
Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid
8. Space physics
This topic covers the structure of the Solar System, the life cycle of stars, and the concept of red-shift, which relates to the expanding universe.
It also explores orbital motion, the role of gravity, and how astronomers used observations to develop the Big Bang theory.
Topics include
Solar system, stability of orbital motions and satellites
Redshift
What is Covered in AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 & 2?
AQA GCSE Physics | |
Paper 1 50% of your final mark | Paper 2 50% of your final mark |
Topics 1-4
| Topics 5-8
Questions in this paper may also draw on ideas from the Energy and Electricity topics |
Revision Resources for AQA GCSE Physics
If you’re looking for revision resources for the AQA GCSE Physics exam, the experts at Save My Exams have meticulously combed through the AQA GCSE Physics specification to ensure that the revision notes, exam questions and past papers we provide are perfectly aligned with the exam board’s requirements.
Edexcel GCSE Physics Topics
Edexcel GCSE Physics is divided into fifteen topics
Key concepts of physics
Motion and forces
Conservation of energy
Waves
Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
Radioactivity
Astronomy
Energy - Forces doing work
Forces and their effects
Electricity and circuits
Static electricity
Magnetism and the motor effect
Electromagnetic induction
Particle model
Forces and matter
1. Key concepts of physics
This topic provides an introduction to some of the key concepts of physics, such as using SI units, prefixes and powers of ten to describe physical quantities.
It also covers how to use an appropriate number of significant figures in calculations. These concepts are important to every topic in the course.
Topics include
Expressing quantities and SI units
2. Motion and forces
In this topic, you’ll learn how to describe and analyse motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. You’ll learn about forces through Newton’s laws of motion, balanced and unbalanced forces, and the effects of forces on an object’s motion.
This topic also explores equations of motion, momentum, and the concepts of stopping distances in vehicles.
Topics include
Describing motion
Forces
Momentum
Stopping distances
3. Conservation of energy
This topic focuses on the principles of energy transfer and conservation. You’ll learn about different energy stores, how energy can be transferred between them, and the law of conservation of energy. This topic also covers efficiency, as well as renewable and non-renewable energy resources
Topics include
Conservation of energy
Efficiency & energy resources
4. Waves
This topic covers the properties and behaviours of waves and the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.
You’ll learn about key concepts such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and wave speed. You’ll also learn about sound waves and applications such as ultrasound.
Topics include
Properties of waves
Sound
5. Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
In this topic, you’ll learn that light is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. You’ll learn the applications of these, as well as the potential hazards of UV, X-rays, and gamma rays.
You’ll understand how light interacts with matter, for example, by absorption, transmission, reflection, or refraction. You should also be able to illustrate concepts, such as reflection and refraction, using ray diagrams. You’ll also learn about black body radiation and be able to explain the relationship between radiation and the temperature of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
Topics include
Optics
Electromagnetic waves
Thermal radiation
6. Radioactivity
In this topic, you’ll learn about atomic structure, such as the composition of the nucleus, and the concept of isotopes.
You’ll learn about radioactive decay, including the properties of ionising radiation, such as alpha, beta and gamma particles, along with the associated hazards and practical applications of these. You’ll also learn about the processes of nuclear fission and fusion.
Topics include
Atomic structure
Radioactive decay
Uses and dangers of radiation
Nuclear fission and fusion
7. Astronomy
This topic covers the structure of the Solar System, the life cycle of stars, and the concept of red-shift, which explores how astronomers use observations to develop theories about the origin of the universe, such as the Big Bang theory.
Topics include
The Solar System and lifecycles of stars
Cosmology
8. Energy - Forces doing work
This topic expands on the previous topic, 3. Conservation of energy, by introducing the concepts of work done, power and efficiency, and the key formulas for calculating these.
Topics include
Work, power and efficiency
9. Forces and their effects
This topic expands on the previous topic, 2. Motion and forces, by exploring the different types of forces, covering key concepts such as vector and scalar quantities, contact and non-contact forces and resultant forces.
This topic also introduces the concept of moments, which describes the turning effect of a force.
Topics include
Types of forces
Moments
10. Electricity and circuits
In this topic, you’ll learn about the fundamental concepts of electricity, such as charge, current, potential difference and resistance and how to calculate them.
You’ll also learn how to draw and interpret circuit diagrams using standard symbols, such as cells, lamps, and resistors, as well as the differences between series and parallel circuits.
This topic explores how everyday electrical appliances utilise electrical current to transfer energy, as well as how electricity is used on huge scales, from the mains electricity in our homes to its distribution through the National Grid.
Topics include
Current, potential difference and resistance
Components in series and parallel circuits
Energy transfers in circuits
Mains electricity
11. Static electricity
In this topic, you’ll explore how static electricity is produced and how charged objects interact through forces of attraction and repulsion.
Topics include
Static electricity
12. Magnetism and the motor effect
This topic explores the properties of magnets, magnetic fields, and the Earth's magnetism. It also covers electromagnets, the motor effect, and the magnetic effect of electric current.
Topics include
Magnetism
Electromagnetism and the motor effect
13. Electromagnetic induction
This topic covers key concepts such as induced potential difference, transformers, and their applications in power transmission.
Topics include
Electromagnetic induction
14. Particle model
This topic is all about how the particle model of matter can be used to describe the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases. You’ll learn about the concept of internal energy and how to relate it to changes in temperature and states of matter.
You’ll learn how to calculate thermal energy transfers using specific heat capacity and specific latent heat.
This topic also covers the particle motion of gases, in which you’ll learn about the relationships between gas temperature, pressure and volume.
Topics include
States of matter and thermal capacity
The particle model and pressure
15. Forces and matter
This topic is all about applications of forces, such as the elasticity of materials and pressure in fluids.
Topics include
Forces and elasticity
Pressure and pressure difference
What is Covered in Edexcel GCSE Physics Paper 1 & 2?
Edexcel GCSE Physics | |
Paper 1 50% of your final mark | Paper 2 50% of your final mark |
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Common concepts to papers 1 & 2 | |
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Revision Resources for Edexcel GCSE Physics
Everything you need to revise for the Edexcel GCSE Physics exam can be found below:
OCR A Gateway Science GCSE Physics Topics
OCR GCSE Physics is divided into nine topics
Matter
Forces
Electricity
Magnetism and magnetic fields
Waves in matter
Radioactivity
Energy
Global challenges
Practical skills
1. Matter
This topic introduces the particle nature of matter by describing subatomic particles in terms of their relative charges, masses and positions inside the atom.
Using the particle model of matter, you’ll be able to describe the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases, and develop an understanding of pressure in gases and liquids.
Topics include
The particle model
Changes of state
Pressure
2. Forces
In this topic, you’ll learn how to describe and analyse motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration. You’ll learn about forces through Newton’s laws of motion, balanced and unbalanced forces.
This topic explores the different types of forces, covering key concepts such as vector and scalar quantities, contact and non-contact forces and resultant forces.
You’ll also learn about applications of forces, such as the elasticity of materials, pressure in fluids, and the concept of moments, which describes the turning effect of a force.
Topics include
Motion
Forces
Newton's laws
Work done and energy transfer
Forces and elasticity
Forces in action
3. Electricity
This topic looks at a fundamental property of matter called charge, and its applications in static electricity.
This topic also explores electrical current, potential difference and resistance and the relationship between them in series and parallel circuits.
Topics include
Static and charge
Simple circuits
Series and parallel circuits
4. Magnetism and magnetic fields
This topic focuses on the link between the movement of charge and magnetism. It explores the behaviour of magnets and the shapes of magnetic fields around magnets and current-carrying wires.
This topic also explores how magnetic fields can induce electrical currents and the applications of electromagnetic induction in motors, dynamos and transformers.
Topics include
Magnets and magnetic fields
Uses of magnetism
5. Waves in matter
This topic focuses on the two main types of waves: mechanical and electromagnetic. It covers what these types of waves are and how they are used.
This topic also explores applications of electromagnetic waves, with a specific focus on the behaviour of light. As well as other applications, such as medical imaging.
Topics include
Wave behaviour
The electromagnetic spectrum
Wave interactions
6. Radioactivity
This topic explores radioactive decay through the combined ideas of waves and particles. The concept of isotopes is introduced, and the different types of emissions from unstable atoms are explored.
Topics include
Radioactive emissions
Uses and hazards of radiation
7. Energy
This topic considers how energy can be stored and transferred, as well as the idea of conservation and dissipation of energy in systems. The topic also covers power and efficiency, exploring how to increase efficiency by reducing unwanted energy transfers.
Topics include
Conservation of energy
Power and efficiency
8. Global challenges
The global challenges section explores how physics principles can be applied to real-world scenarios to improve safety, such as the modification of car features, or electrical appliances.
It also explores the Solar System, the life cycle of stars, and the concept of red-shift.
Topics include
Physics on the move
Energy resources and power transmission
Earth and space
9. Practical skills
The practical skills topic emphasises hands-on laboratory skills, techniques and safety practices which are essential for conducting experiments, including the eight practical activity groups (PAGs), successfully.
Topics include
Practical skills
What is Covered in OCR Gateway GCSE Physics A Papers?
Paper 1 (Foundation) | Paper 2 (Foundation) | Paper 3 (Higher) | Paper 4 (Higher) |
50% of your final mark Covers content from topics P1–P4 and P9. | 50% of your final mark Covers content from topics P5–P8, with assumed knowledge of topics P1–P4 and P9. | 50% of your final mark Covers content from topics P1–P4 and P9. | 50% of your final mark Covers content from topics P5–P8, with assumed knowledge of topics P1–P4 and P9. |
Revision Resources for OCR Gateway GCSE Physics
Everything you need to revise for the OCR Gateway GCSE Physics exam can be found below:
WJEC GCSE Physics Topics
WJEC GCSE Physics is divided into two units which each cover nine topics
Electricity, energy and waves
Forces, space and radioactivity
1. Electricity, Energy and Waves
In electric circuits, you’ll explore the relationship between current and potential difference and develop the idea of resistance.
In generating electricity, you’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable technologies for the generation of electrical power.
In making use of energy, you’ll explore the idea that temperature differences can lead to the transfer of thermal energy by conduction, convection and radiation.
In domestic electricity, you’ll learn about the functions of fuses and other devices which are designed to prevent current flow when a fault develops.
The features of waves topic covers the basic properties of transverse and longitudinal waves and the differences between them.
The next topic examines the conditions necessary for the total internal reflection of light and looks at some of its applications in medicine and communications.
Building on these ideas, the seismic waves topic explores the properties of P, S and surface waves and how this enables the epicentres of earthquakes to be located.
In kinetic theory, the concept of pressure is introduced to discuss the behaviour of a fixed mass of gas under different conditions of pressure, volume and temperature.
Finally, the electromagnetism topic covers the concept of magnetic fields and the production of induced potential difference due to a changing magnetic field.
Topics include
Electric circuits
Generating electricity
Making use of energy
Domestic electricity
Features of waves
The total internal reflection of waves
Seismic waves
Kinetic theory
Electromagnetism
2. Forces, Space and Radioactivity
In the first topic, you’ll be introduced to the ideas of distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration and use them to analyse motion.
In Newton’s laws, you’ll be introduced to the relationship between inertia, mass and weight and the relationship between force, mass and acceleration.
In work and energy, you’ll learn about the equations for kinetic energy and change in gravitational potential energy.
In further motion, you’ll learn about the equations of uniformly accelerated motion, as well as the concept of momentum.
The stars and planets topic covers the main features of the Solar System and the life cycle of stars.
The Universe topic explores the Big Bang model of the origin of the Universe and the evidence which supports it.
In types of radiation, you’ll learn about the structure of the nuclear atom and the spontaneous nature of nuclear decay.
In half-life, you’ll learn about the random nature of radioactive decay and the concept of half-life.
Finally, the nuclear decay and nuclear energy topic covers the processes of fission and fusion, and the operation of a nuclear fission reactor.
Topics include
Distance, speed and acceleration
Newton's laws
Work and energy
Further motion concepts
Stars and planets
The Universe
Types of radiation
Half-life
Nuclear decay and nuclear energy
What is Covered in WJEC GCSE Physics Paper 1 & 2?
Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
45% of your total mark Electricity, Energy and Waves | 45% of your total mark Forces, Space and Radioactivity |
What is Covered in WJEC GCSE Unit 3?
Unit 3 is an externally marked practical assessment that is carried out in centres, which is worth 30 marks and contributes to 10% of your final grade. It often takes place in the first half of the spring term (January – February) of the final year of study.
Unit 3 is a practical task that is split into 2 sections:
Section A - Obtaining results (6 marks)
Section B - Analysing and evaluating results (24 marks)
Each section is expected to be completed in 1 hour.
In section A, you work in a small group of up to three people to gather results from a given experiment. This is carried out under limited control, where you can work with others to gather the results, but you must give your own answers to any questions.
In section B, you are assessed on your ability to analyse and evaluate the data from the section A practical. This is carried out under exam conditions and is completed individually.
Revision Resources for WJEC GCSE Physics
Everything you need to revise for the WJEC GCSE Physics exam can be found below:
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References
AQA GCSE Physics Specification
Edexcel GCSE Physics Specification
OCR Gateway GCSE Physics A Specification
WJEC GCSE Physics Specification
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