Edexcel GCSE Physics
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL GCSE Physics specification covers 15 topics with 891 learning objectives (1PH0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 15 topics
- 266 study pages
- 891 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 1,287
- verified practice questions
- 296
- verified teaching notes
- 15
- topics
- 1
- explainer videos
- 2
- audio lessons
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Your exams
- Paper 1 Foundation TierTuesday, 25 May 2027, AM
- Paper 1 Higher TierTuesday, 25 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2 Foundation TierFriday, 18 June 2027, AM
- Paper 2 Higher TierFriday, 18 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Foundation) (Foundation) | 105 min | 100 | 50% |
| Paper 1 (Higher) (Higher) | 105 min | 100 | 50% |
| Paper 2 (Foundation) (Foundation) | 105 min | 100 | 50% |
| Paper 2 (Higher) (Higher) | 105 min | 100 | 50% |
Explore your topics
15 topics
Key concepts of physics1 topic
Motion and forces1 topic
Conservation of energy1 topic
Light and the electromagnetic spectrum1 topic
Energy – forces doing work1 topic
Forces and their effects1 topic
Electricity and circuits1 topic
Static electricity1 topic
Magnetism and the motor effect1 topic
Electromagnetic induction1 topic
About this course
About Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) is a linear qualification designed to give you a deep understanding of the physical world, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. The course is built around a core of fundamental physics concepts, including forces and motion, energy, waves, electromagnetism, and the structure of matter, all set within real-world contexts that highlight the relevance of physics in everyday life and technology.
The specification is divided into two main topic areas: 'Concepts in Physics' (topics 1-8) and 'Energy and Forces' (topics 9-15), with a strong emphasis on developing practical and mathematical skills. You will be assessed through two written papers at the end of Year 11, each worth 50% of your final grade. The course encourages you to think like a physicist, using models, equations, and evidence to explain phenomena, and it prepares you for further study at A-level and beyond.
Assessment Structure
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics qualification is assessed through two externally examined written papers, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes and worth 50% of the total GCSE (100 marks each). Paper 1 covers topics 1-8 (Concepts in Physics: key concepts, motion, forces, energy, waves, light, electromagnetism, and atomic physics), while Paper 2 covers topics 9-15 (Energy and Forces: energy transfers, work and power, further mechanics, and the particle model). Both papers include a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions, with a significant proportion of marks (at least 40%) dedicated to mathematical skills and at least 15% to practical skills, reflecting the core practicals you will have completed throughout the course. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; your final grade is determined entirely by your performance in these two papers.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Clear and logical structure: The Edexcel specification is organised into two distinct halves (Concepts in Physics and Energy and Forces), which makes revision and exam preparation straightforward. Each paper has a clear focus, so you know exactly what to revise for each exam.
- Emphasis on real-world applications: Edexcel places physics in context, using examples from modern technology, medicine, and space exploration. This makes the subject more engaging and helps you see how the concepts you learn are applied in the real world, which can be particularly motivating.
- Supportive assessment style: The exam papers are designed to be accessible, with a range of question types that allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. The specification also clearly lists the required practicals and mathematical skills, so you can prepare thoroughly and feel confident on exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Edexcel GCSE Physics and other exam boards like AQA or OCR?
How many exams are there for Edexcel GCSE Physics and how long is each one?
Are there any required practicals in Edexcel GCSE Physics and how are they assessed?
What mathematical skills do I need for Edexcel GCSE Physics?
Is Edexcel GCSE Physics a good choice for students who want to study A-level Physics?
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
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
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Confuses energy and power units; keep joules for energy and watts for power.
- •Writes a lower-case k for the kelvin unit; use the capital K.
- •Gives a numerical answer with no unit; always attach the SI unit that matches the quantity.
- •Treats the newton as a base unit; recognise it as the SI unit of force derived from kg·m/s².
- •Reverses the direction of conversion; multiply by the power of ten to reach the base unit and divide to reach the prefixed unit.
- •Confuses mega and milli because both begin with m; use capital M for 10⁶ and lower-case m for 10⁻³.
- •Drops the negative sign on a sub-multiple index; keep micro as 10⁻⁶ and nano as 10⁻⁹.
- •Treats centi as 10⁻³; use 10⁻² for centi and 10⁻³ for milli.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Read which quantity the question names before choosing a unit, because distractors often belong to a different quantity.
- •Learn the unit symbols with their correct capital or lower-case letters, since marks can depend on exact notation.
- •When a calculation gives a value, write the unit straight after the number to secure the unit mark.
- •Check derived units such as N, J, W, V, Ω, C, Hz and Pa against their quantity rather than guessing from the symbol.
- •Write the prefix as a power of ten first, then do the multiplication or division, so the direction is clear.
- •Watch the capital or lower-case letter, because M and m mean very different factors.
- •Estimate the size of the answer to check the conversion, since a kilo value should become a larger number in base units.
- •Keep the negative index for sub-multiples such as milli, micro and nano rather than writing a positive power.
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