GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Physics exam skills
Use this page as the equation and unit reference. The neighbouring calculation guide supplies complete multi-step practice rather than repeating the reference.
Start here
Use this page as the equation and unit reference. The neighbouring calculation guide supplies complete multi-step practice rather than repeating the reference.
Before you revise
Choose an answer from memory. Your result tells you what to watch for in the guide.
Core revision guide
Use this page as the equation and unit reference. The neighbouring calculation guide supplies complete multi-step practice rather than repeating the reference.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Identify the requested symbol and the physical quantities available. From P = E/t, multiply by t then divide by P to get t = E/P. From E = ½mv², v = √(2E/m); square roots and brackets matter. From E = mcΔθ, c = E/(mΔθ), not (E/m)Δθ. Ratio equations should be multiplied across symbolically before values are substituted.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
kilo = 10³; milli = 10⁻³; micro = 10⁻⁶. Convert centimetres to metres before squaring/cubing: 1 cm² = 10⁻⁴ m², 1 cm³ = 10⁻⁶ m³. A km/h speed is divided by 3.6 to become m/s. Efficiency and magnification are dimensionless ratios. In standard form 0.00486 = 4.86 × 10⁻³; to two significant figures it is 0.0049.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Energy: Ek = ½mv²; Ep = mgh; Ee = ½ke²; E = mcΔθ; W = Fs; P = E/t or W/t; efficiency = useful/total energy or power. Electricity: Q = It; V = IR; P = VI = I²R; E = Pt = QV; series R = R₁ + R₂. Particle model: ρ = m/V; E = mL. Forces/motion: Wweight = mg; F = ke; speed = distance/time; a = Δv/t; Fresultant = ma. Waves: v = fλ; T = 1/f. Use the exact current course equation sheet linked below for the full official set and printed symbols.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Physics-only additions include moments, basic pressure, pV = constant and lens magnification at both tiers; hρg, force from momentum change and transformer turns ratio are Physics Higher. Momentum p = mv, motor force BIl and ideal-transformer power equality VpIp = VsIs are Higher for both courses. Use each subsection label rather than assuming every equation belongs to every tier.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
AQA’s September 2026 announcement confirms supplied equation sheets for 2027 and continuing support for 2028 onwards. Learners still need to select and apply relationships, rearrange and convert units. Check the sheet for your exact examination year and qualification; older “recall” wording in the specification does not alone describe the current support policy.
Misconception clinic
Read each belief, say what is wrong with it, then compare your correction.
Tempting idea: c = (E/m)Δθ.
Use instead: This multiplies by Δθ instead of dividing. Both multiplying factors divide E.
Tempting idea: 1 cm³ = 10⁻² m³.
Use instead: The conversion is cubed. (10⁻²)³ = 10⁻⁶.
Retrieval practice
Worked examples
Apply read and rearrange relationships in the worked reasoning, then try the changed-context questions below.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
3 500 J.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
t = E ÷ P.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Check that v² was used; the correct value is 9 J.
Exam precision
Do this: Rearrange symbolically, then convert and substitute. Use the equation’s scope label and check the examination-year sheet.
Independent practice
Write an answer before opening the marking guidance. Then edit the exact phrase or step that would gain the next mark.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Original PhysicsUK mark scheme: Point 1 (1 mark): v² = 2E/m. Point 2 (1 mark): v = √(2E/m). Point 3 (1 mark): Mass must be in kg. Award each distinct point once. Accept equivalent scientifically correct wording. No half marks.
Model answer: v = √(2E/m), with mass in kg.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Original PhysicsUK mark scheme: Point 1 (1 mark): 250 mA = 0.250 A. Point 2 (1 mark): 20 cm³ = 20 × 10⁻⁶ m³ = 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ m³. Award each distinct point once. Accept equivalent scientifically correct wording. No half marks.
Model answer: 0.250 A; 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ m³.
Questions pupils ask
Yes. A sheet supplies relationships; you must recognise the correct quantities, rearrange when required, convert units and interpret the answer.
Volume involves three lengths. Each length contributes a factor of 0.01, giving 0.01³ = 10⁻⁶.
Useful next steps