Physics

    AQA
    GCSE

    Specification: 8463

    Physics uncovers the fundamental principles that explain how the universe works. From forces and motion to energy, waves and electricity, you'll develop mathematical problem-solving skills and practical expertise.

    44

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    142

    Exam Tips

    156

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    1 revision guides for AQA GCSE Physics

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    Key Features

    • Apply mathematical equations
    • Conduct required practicals
    • Understand energy and forces
    • Explore particle physics

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    40%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: • scientific ideas • scientific techniques and procedures

    AO2
    40%

    Apply knowledge and understanding of: • scientific ideas • scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures

    AO3
    20%

    Analyse information and ideas to: • interpret and evaluate • make judgements and draw conclusions • develop and improve experimental procedures

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    AQA
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

    Exam Structure

    AQA GCSE (8463)

    Paper 1: Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; Atomic structure

    1h 45m

    Duration

    100

    Marks

    50%

    Weighting

    Paper 2: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism; Space physics (Triple only)

    1h 45m

    Duration

    100

    Marks

    50%

    Weighting

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing energy 'stores' with energy 'transfers' (e.g., incorrectly referring to 'electrical energy' or 'light energy' as stores rather than transfer pathways).
    • •Failing to square the velocity (v²) in kinetic energy calculations or extension (e²) in elastic potential energy calculations, leading to significant arithmetic errors.
    • •Neglecting to convert units to SI standards before calculation, particularly mass from grams to kilograms or extension from centimetres to metres.
    • •Neglecting to square the velocity term (v^2) in kinetic energy calculations, leading to significant numerical errors
    • •Failing to convert units to SI standards before calculation, specifically leaving mass in grams or time in minutes
    • •Describing energy as being 'created' or 'destroyed' rather than transferred, violating the conservation of energy principle
    • •Stating that energy is 'lost' or 'used up' rather than 'dissipated' or transferred to the thermal store of the surroundings
    • •Calculating efficiency as a value greater than 1 (or >100%) by dividing total input by useful output instead of the reverse

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •When calculating velocity from kinetic energy, write down the rearranged formula first, then substitute, and do not forget the square root step at the end.
    • •For 6-mark 'Describe the energy changes' questions, structure your answer chronologically: Initial Store → Transfer Pathway → Final Store + Dissipation.
    • •Memorise the Specific Heat Capacity equation (ΔE = mcΔθ) and the Power equations (P = E/t and P = W/t), as these are frequently tested in multi-step calculations.
    • •Always write down the equation, then substitute the numbers, and finally rearrange; this method secures method marks even if the final calculation is incorrect
    • •When describing energy changes, use the 'Store A to Store B' structure; avoid vague terms like 'energy is used up'
    • •Check efficiency calculations carefully; if the result is greater than 1 (or 100%), the numerator and denominator are inverted
    • •When describing energy changes, always name the specific stores (e.g., 'chemical store' to 'kinetic store') rather than using vague terms like 'movement energy'
    • •Check your efficiency calculation immediately: if the result is greater than 1 (decimal) or 100%, you have inverted the division

    Specification Topics

    44 topics

    Energy stores and systems

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Changes in energy

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Conservation of energy

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Power

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Energy resources

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Current, potential difference and resistance

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Series and parallel circuits

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Domestic uses and safety

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Energy transfers

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    The National Grid

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Static electricity (Physics only)

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Changes of state

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Internal energy

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Particle motion in gases

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Particle model and pressure (Physics only)

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Increasing the pressure of a gas (Physics only)

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Atoms and isotopes

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation

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    Nuclear fission and fusion

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Forces and their interactions

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Momentum (Physics only)

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Work done and energy transfer

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Forces and elasticity

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Distance and displacement

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Speed

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Velocity and acceleration

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    Forces and motion I

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Forces and motion II

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    Newtons Third Law

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    Transverse and longitudinal waves

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Properties of waves

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Electromagnetic waves

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Uses and effects of electromagnetic waves

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Lenses (Physics only)

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Visible light (Physics only)

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Black body radiation (Physics only)

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    The motor effect

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Electromagnetic induction (Physics only)

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Transformers (Physics only)

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Our Solar System

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    The life cycle of a star

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Orbital motion, natural and artificial satellites

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

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