GCSE Physics Topics: Complete List by Board
GCSE Physics topics cover everything from energy and electricity to forces, waves and the structure of the atom. Whether your child is studying AQA, Edexcel or OCR, Physics is the most mathematically demanding of the three sciences, approximately 40% of marks require mathematical skills. Knowing exactly what is on the exam is the first step toward targeted revision.
This guide lists every topic for every major exam board, organised by paper, with clear markers for content that only appears in the Triple (Separate) Science specification. Use it as a revision checklist: print it out, tick off what has been covered, and focus revision time on the gaps.
Having worked alongside students preparing for GCSE Physics, the single biggest challenge I saw was not the content itself but the mathematical confidence gap. Students who were strong in maths found physics significantly easier, while those who struggled with algebra and rearranging equations often hit a wall. If your child finds physics hard, checking their maths foundations is the most productive first step.
Combined vs Triple Science: What Physics Content Changes?
Approximately 70% of students take Combined Science (Double Science), which covers Physics in reduced depth and awards two GCSE grades. The remaining 25–30% take Triple Science (Separate Sciences), which gives a standalone Physics GCSE with more content. The key Triple-only additions in Physics are Space Physics (AQA Topic 8), static electricity, electromagnetic induction, transformers, lenses, and black body radiation.
The topics listed below cover the full Separate Physics specification. If your child is on Combined Science, they cover the same themes but fewer sub-topics. Items marked “Triple only” are not in Combined Science.
The Equation Sheet: What It Means for Revision
From 2025 onwards, all GCSE Physics and Combined Science exams provide an equation sheet. This means students no longer need to memorise approximately 40 physics equations. However, the equation sheet is not a free pass.
The DfE and Ofqual confirmed equation sheets for 2025, 2026, and 2027 exams. But examiners report that students who cannot rearrange equations or select the correct formula still lose just as many marks. You must be able to: (1) identify which equation to use, (2) rearrange it for the unknown, and (3) substitute values with correct units. The sheet provides the equations; it does not do the thinking.
AQA Physics (8463): 8 Topics Across 2 Papers
AQA is the most popular exam board in England, used by approximately 55% of schools. The AQA physics topics are split across two papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 100 marks. The specification code is 8463 for Separate Physics and 8464 for Combined Science Trilogy. You can download the full specification from the AQA Physics specification page.
Paper 1: Topics 1–4 (1h 45m, 100 marks)
Paper 1 covers energy, electricity, the particle model of matter, and atomic structure.
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy stores and systems | Kinetic, gravitational PE, elastic PE, thermal, chemical, magnetic, electrostatic, nuclear stores | Know all 8 stores |
| Energy transfers | Mechanically, electrically, by heating, by radiation (light and sound) | |
| Conservation of energy | Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between stores | Fundamental principle |
| Kinetic energy | KE = ½mv² | On equation sheet |
| Gravitational PE | GPE = mgh | On equation sheet |
| Elastic PE | EPE = ½ke² (assuming limit of proportionality not exceeded) | On equation sheet |
| Work done and power | W = Fs, P = E/t, P = W/t | Link work done to energy transfer |
| Efficiency | Efficiency = useful output ÷ total input (×100 for percentage) | Can be energy or power |
| Energy resources | Renewable vs non-renewable; UK energy mix; environmental impact | Extended writing common |
AQA Topic 1: Energy
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit symbols | All standard component symbols | Learn all of them |
| Ohm’s law | V = IR; potential difference, current, resistance | Required practical: resistance |
| Series and parallel circuits | Current and voltage rules for series/parallel | Calculation questions common |
| I-V characteristics | Resistor (linear), filament lamp (curved), diode (one-way) | Required practical: I-V |
| LDR and thermistor | LDR: resistance ↓ as light ↑. Thermistor: resistance ↓ as temperature ↑ | Application questions |
| Power equations | P = IV, P = I²R, P = V²/R | On equation sheet |
| Energy transferred | E = Pt, E = QV | |
| National Grid | Step-up/step-down transformers; high voltage reduces energy loss | |
| Static electricity | Charging by friction, attraction/repulsion, electric fields | Triple only |
AQA Topic 2: Electricity
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | ρ = m/V; measuring density of regular and irregular solids | Required practical: density |
| States of matter | Solid, liquid, gas; particle arrangement and movement | |
| Changes of state | Melting, boiling, condensing, freezing, sublimation, physical, reversible changes | Mass is conserved |
| Internal energy | Sum of kinetic and potential energy of all particles | |
| Specific heat capacity | ΔE = mcΔθ | Required practical: SHC |
| Specific latent heat | E = mL (fusion for melting, vaporisation for boiling) | No temperature change during state change |
| Gas pressure | Particle collisions with walls; pressure/temperature/volume relationships | Higher Tier |
AQA Topic 3: Particle Model of Matter
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atom structure | Protons (+), neutrons (0), electrons (-); nucleus and electron shells | |
| History of the atom model | Dalton → Thomson (plum pudding) → Rutherford (nuclear) → Bohr (orbits) → Chadwick (neutron) | Very commonly examined |
| Isotopes | Same element, different number of neutrons | |
| Radioactive decay | Alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ) radiation; properties and penetration | |
| Nuclear equations | Writing balanced nuclear equations for alpha and beta decay | Higher Tier |
| Half-life | Time for count rate or number of unstable nuclei to halve | Graph interpretation common |
| Contamination vs irradiation | Contamination: radioactive material on/in body. Irradiation: exposed to radiation from outside | |
| Uses of radiation | Medical (tracers, cancer treatment), smoke detectors, thickness monitoring | |
| Fission and fusion | Fission: large nucleus splits. Fusion: small nuclei join. Nuclear reactors. | Triple only |
AQA Topic 4: Atomic Structure
Paper 2: Topics 5–8 (1h 45m, 100 marks)
Paper 2 covers forces, waves, magnetism, and space physics. Forces (Topic 5) is the largest and most calculation-heavy topic in the entire specification. Space Physics (Topic 8) is entirely Triple only.
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scalar vs vector | Scalars: magnitude only (speed, mass, energy). Vectors: magnitude + direction (velocity, force, displacement) | |
| Contact and non-contact forces | Friction, air resistance, tension, normal contact force vs gravity, magnetic, electrostatic | |
| Weight | W = mg; gravitational field strength | |
| Resultant forces | Adding forces along a line; free body diagrams | |
| Speed and velocity | s = d/t; speed vs velocity (scalar vs vector) | |
| Acceleration | a = (v–u)/t; v² = u² + 2as | v² = u² + 2as is HT |
| Distance-time graphs | Gradient = speed; curved line = acceleration | |
| Velocity-time graphs | Gradient = acceleration; area under graph = distance | Very commonly examined |
| Newton’s first law | Object at rest or constant velocity unless resultant force acts | |
| Newton’s second law | F = ma | Required practical: force & acceleration |
| Newton’s third law | Every action has an equal and opposite reaction | |
| Stopping distance | Thinking distance + braking distance; factors affecting each | |
| Hooke’s law | F = ke; limit of proportionality; elastic vs inelastic deformation | Required practical: force & extension |
| Momentum | p = mv; conservation of momentum in collisions | Higher Tier |
AQA Topic 5: Forces
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transverse and longitudinal | Transverse: oscillations perpendicular to direction. Longitudinal: parallel (compressions/rarefactions) | |
| Wave equation | v = fλ; period = 1/frequency | Required practical: waves |
| Reflection and refraction | Law of reflection; refraction at boundaries; ray diagrams | |
| Sound | Longitudinal wave; hearing range 20 Hz – 20 kHz; ultrasound | Ultrasound is Triple only |
| EM spectrum | Radio, microwave, infrared, visible, UV, X-ray, gamma; properties, uses, dangers | |
| Lenses | Convex and concave lenses; focal length; ray diagrams | Triple only |
| Black body radiation | All objects emit and absorb infrared; temperature and radiation; Earth’s temperature | Triple only |
AQA Topic 6: Waves
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent and induced magnets | Magnetic poles, magnetic fields, magnetic materials | |
| Magnetic fields | Field lines around bar magnets; Earth’s magnetic field | |
| Electromagnetism | Magnetic field around a current-carrying wire; solenoids | |
| Motor effect | Force on a conductor carrying current in a magnetic field; Fleming’s left-hand rule | |
| Force on a conductor | F = BIl | Higher Tier |
| Electric motors | How a DC motor works; coil, split-ring commutator | |
| Loudspeakers | How loudspeakers and headphones use the motor effect | |
| Electromagnetic induction | Moving conductor in a magnetic field induces a potential difference | Triple only |
| Transformers | Vs/Vp = ns/np; VpIp = VsIs (assuming 100% efficiency) | Triple only, HT |
AQA Topic 7: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
| Sub-topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar System | Sun, planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets | Entirely Triple only |
| Life cycle of a star | Nebula → protostar → main sequence → red giant/supergiant → white dwarf / neutron star / black hole | |
| Orbital motion | Gravity provides centripetal force; circular orbits | |
| Red-shift | Light from distant galaxies is shifted toward the red end of the spectrum; galaxies are moving apart | |
| Big Bang theory | Universe expanded from a very small, hot, dense point; evidence from red-shift and CMBR | |
| CMBR | Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, remnant radiation from the Big Bang |
AQA Topic 8: Space Physics (TRIPLE ONLY)
AQA Topic 8 (Space Physics) does not appear in Combined Science at all. If your child is on Combined, they can skip this entire section. For Triple students, it is a relatively descriptive topic compared to the calculation-heavy forces and electricity sections, many students find it one of the more enjoyable topics to revise.
Edexcel Physics (1PH0): 15 Topics Across 2 Papers
Edexcel organises its Edexcel physics GCSE topics into 15 smaller units rather than AQA’s 8 larger ones. The total content is similar, but the structure looks very different at first glance. There is one important quirk: Topic 1 (Key Concepts of Physics) can appear on both papers.
Topic 1 (Key Concepts of Physics) is examined on both Paper 1 and Paper 2. This is unique to Edexcel. Students must revise Topic 1 for every exam. It covers SI units, scalar and vector quantities, equations, and standard form, foundational skills that underpin every calculation in the specification.
Paper 1: Topics 1–7 (1h 45m, 100 marks)
| Topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Key Concepts of Physics | SI units, scalar/vector, equations and prefixes, significant figures, standard form | Tested on BOTH papers |
| 2: Motion and Forces | Speed, velocity, acceleration, distance-time and velocity-time graphs, Newton’s laws, momentum (HT), stopping distances | |
| 3: Conservation of Energy | Energy stores and transfers, efficiency, work done, power, dissipation | |
| 4: Waves | Transverse and longitudinal, wave equation, reflection, refraction, sound | |
| 5: Light and the EM Spectrum | EM spectrum, properties and uses of each type, colour and absorption/emission | |
| 6: Radioactivity | Atomic structure, isotopes, alpha/beta/gamma, half-life, nuclear equations, fission and fusion | |
| 7: Astronomy | Solar System, star life cycle, Big Bang, red-shift, CMBR | Triple only |
Edexcel Topics 1–7 (Paper 1)
Paper 2: Topics 1, 8–15 (1h 45m, 100 marks)
| Topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Key Concepts of Physics | Same as above, tested on BOTH papers | Also on Paper 1 |
| 8: Energy, Forces Doing Work | Work done, GPE, KE, power, energy dissipation | |
| 9: Forces and Their Effects | Resultant forces, moments, levers, gears, pressure in fluids | |
| 10: Electricity and Circuits | Current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s law, series/parallel, LDR, thermistor, power equations, National Grid | |
| 11: Static Electricity | Charging, electric fields, sparking, applications | Triple only |
| 12: Magnetism and the Motor Effect | Permanent magnets, magnetic fields, motor effect, Fleming’s LHR, force on a conductor | |
| 13: Electromagnetic Induction | Generator effect, alternators, dynamos, microphones, transformers | Triple only |
| 14: Particle Model | Density, states of matter, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, gas pressure | |
| 15: Forces and Matter | Springs, Hooke’s law, pressure in fluids, atmospheric pressure, upthrust |
Edexcel Topics 8–15 (Paper 2)
Edexcel requires 8 core practicals for Separate Physics and 7 for Combined Science. These cover density, force and extension, resistance, I-V characteristics, specific heat capacity, light, waves, and force and acceleration.
OCR Gateway Physics (J249): 8 Topics Across 2 Papers
OCR Gateway has the lowest total marks (180 vs 200 for AQA and Edexcel). The specification code is J249 for Separate Physics and J250 for Combined Science A. You can find the full specification on the OCR Gateway Physics page. OCR also has a P9: Practical Skills section that is assessed across both papers.
Paper 1: P1–P4 + P9 (1h 45m, 90 marks)
| Topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P1: Matter | Particle model, density, states of matter, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, pressure | Combines particles with thermal physics |
| P2: Forces | Motion, speed, acceleration, Newton’s laws, momentum (HT), stopping distances, turning forces | |
| P3: Electricity | Circuits, current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s law, series/parallel, power equations, National Grid, static electricity (Triple) | |
| P4: Magnetism and Magnetic Fields | Permanent magnets, electromagnetism, motor effect, electromagnetic induction (Triple), transformers (Triple) |
OCR Gateway Topics P1–P4 (Paper 1)
Paper 2: P5–P8 + P9 (1h 45m, 90 marks)
| Topic | Key Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P5: Waves in Matter | Wave types, wave equation, sound, reflection, refraction, EM spectrum, properties and uses | |
| P6: Radioactivity | Atomic structure, isotopes, radiation types, half-life, uses and hazards, fission and fusion | |
| P7: Energy | Energy stores, transfers, conservation, work done, power, efficiency, renewable and non-renewable | |
| P8: Global Challenges | Transport and road safety, renewable/non-renewable energy, electrical safety, the universe (Triple only) | Combines applied physics topics |
OCR Gateway Topics P5–P8 (Paper 2)
One notable OCR difference: P9 (Practical Skills) is not a separate content topic but a set of practical competencies assessed through questions on both papers. OCR also combines several themes that AQA separates, for example, OCR's P8 “Global Challenges” covers transport safety, electrical safety, and the universe in one topic.
Required Practicals (AQA)
At least 15% of exam marks are based on practical knowledge. Students do not sit a separate practical exam, but questions about experimental method, variables, accuracy, and results interpretation appear throughout both papers. Here are AQA's required practicals for Physics:
Exam Technique for Physics
Physics exams are heavily mathematical compared to Biology and Chemistry. Here are the key exam skills specific to Physics:
Calculations (40% of Marks)
- •Always show your working, method marks are available even if the final answer is wrong
- •Write the equation, substitute, rearrange, solve, in that order
- •Include units in your final answer (J, N, m/s, Pa, etc.)
- •Check significant figures match the data given in the question
Graph Questions
- •Distance-time: gradient = speed; straight line = constant speed
- •Velocity-time: gradient = acceleration; area under = distance
- •Draw tangent lines at specific points for instantaneous values
- •Read scales carefully, axis divisions may not be 1:1
Higher Tier calculation skills:
Rearranging equations
You must be able to rearrange any equation on the sheet. Practise using the formula triangle and algebraic methods.
Multi-step calculations
Many 4–6 mark questions require using two equations sequentially. E.g. calculate KE from mass and velocity, then use it to find temperature change via SHC.
Standard form and prefixes
Convert between kilo (10³), mega (10⁶), milli (10⁻³), micro (10⁻⁶). Write very large/small numbers in standard form.
v² = u² + 2as
This equation links velocity, acceleration and distance without time. Higher Tier only. Practise rearranging it for each variable.
Momentum conservation
Total momentum before = total momentum after (in a closed system). Set up equations for before and after a collision.
2025 Results in Context
Understanding where Physics sits in the results landscape helps put revision pressure in perspective.
| Measure | Separate Physics | Combined Science |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 4+ pass rate | 90.8% | 57.6% |
| Grades 7–9 | 45.1% | 9.1% |
| Entries | ~173,227 | ~470,000 |
| Trend | Down 6% from 2024 | Up ~1-2% |
GCSE Physics Results, 2025
Triple Science is taken by a self-selected cohort of typically higher-ability students. Schools usually enter their strongest science students for Triple and move the rest to Combined. The pass rate difference reflects who sits the exam, not a difference in exam difficulty. If your child is on Combined Science, do not compare their grade to Triple Science statistics. For more context, see our Combined vs Triple Science guide.
This cohort effect is worth understanding when comparing results. There is also a notable shift in how schools are allocating science places that affects entry numbers.
Triple Science entries fell 6% in 2025, from ~185,035 to ~173,227 for Physics. Combined Science entries increased by approximately 1–2%. This trend is driven by timetabling pressure and staffing constraints, not by the exam getting harder. Ofqual described 2025 as a year of “stability” in grading standards.
How to Use This List for Revision
A topic list is only useful if you actually use it. Here is how to turn this checklist into a revision plan:
Identify your exam board
Check with your school which specification you are studying. AQA (8463), Edexcel (1PH0), or OCR (J249). Your school may also tell you if you are on Combined or Triple.
Print or copy the topic list
Go through each topic and use a traffic light system: green = confident, amber = needs more work, red = not yet learned. Be honest; this is for you, not for anyone else.
Prioritise calculations
Physics is 40% maths. If your child struggles with rearranging equations or multi-step calculations, prioritise those skills. Practise selecting the right equation from the sheet and substituting values.
Check Combined vs Triple content
If you are on Combined Science, ignore the Triple-only content (Space Physics, static electricity, EM induction, transformers, lenses, black body radiation). Do not waste time revising topics that will not appear on your exam.
Build a timetable around the papers
Know which topics are on Paper 1 and which are on Paper 2. Revise Paper 1 topics first (earlier exam date). See our revision timetable guide for a free template.
Use past papers with the equation sheet
Practise with the equation sheet from day one. Get used to finding equations quickly, rearranging them, and checking units. This is the single most effective revision strategy for Physics.
For more detailed revision strategies, see our Revision Techniques That Actually Work guide. For a free printable timetable template, see our GCSE Revision Timetable guide. If your child finds science challenging, our Is GCSE Science Hard? guide puts the difficulty in context. And for the full Biology topic list, see our GCSE Biology Topics guide.
