Edexcel GCSE Physics specification (1PH0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Physics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Physics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Edexcel GCSE in Physics offers a robust understanding of scientific ideas and methods, encouraging learners to explore how scientific knowledge develops and applies to everyday life. It emphasises conceptual models, quantitative analysis, and the investigation of natural phenomena through practical and theoretical work.
The qualification aims to enable students to: • develop scientific knowledge and understanding through physics • learn and apply observational, modelling, and problem-solving skills • understand the role of hypotheses, experiments, and theory development • evaluate scientific claims using evidence and methodology • appreciate the relevance of physics to modern life and the wider world
Key physics ideas underpinning the course include: cause and effect, interactions over distances (fields), proportional relationships, mathematical modelling, and the use of conceptual models (e.g. waves, particles). These are assessed across both theory and practical elements:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Topic 1: Key concepts of physics
- SI units, unit conversion, significant figures, standard form
Topic 2: Motion and forces
- Scalars vs vectors; speed, velocity, acceleration; distance/time & velocity/time graphs
- Newton’s laws; weight, mass, gravitational field strength; momentum; stopping distance
- Core practical: Investigate force, mass and acceleration
Topic 3: Conservation of energy
- GPE, kinetic energy, energy transfers; conservation in closed systems; efficiency
- Energy sources and trends
- Core practical: Investigate conservation of energy
Topic 4: Waves
- Wave properties and types; wave speed, frequency, wavelength
- Refraction, sound, ultrasound, electromagnetic wave behaviour
- Core practical: Measure wave properties
Topic 5: Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Reflection, refraction, lens behaviour, EM wave uses and dangers
- Core practicals: Refraction; surface radiation effects
Topic 6: Radioactivity
- Atomic structure, isotopes, nuclear decay; half-life; uses and dangers of radiation
- Nuclear fission, fusion, power generation
Topic 7: Astronomy
- Solar system structure, orbit mechanics, star lifecycle
- Red-shift and Big Bang theory
Topic 8: Energy – Forces doing work
- Work, energy transfer, power, efficiency
Topic 9: Forces and their effects
- Vector diagrams, force diagrams, moments, levers, gears
Topic 10: Electricity and circuits
- Current, potential difference, resistance; series and parallel circuits
- Electrical power and energy; mains electricity
- Core practical: Build and test circuits
Topic 11: Static electricity
- Charging by friction, electric fields, uses and dangers of static
Topic 12: Magnetism and the motor effect
- Magnetic fields, solenoids, motors, Fleming’s left-hand rule
Topic 13: Electromagnetic induction
- Induced current, transformers, National Grid efficiency
Topic 14: Particle model
- Density, state changes, internal energy, specific heat/latent heat
- Gas pressure and temperature
- Core practicals: Density; specific heat capacity
Topic 15: Forces and matter
- Elasticity, spring extension, pressure in fluids, upthrust
- Core practical: Force-extension for springs:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 (1PH0/1F or 1PH0/1H)
- Topics 1–7: Key concepts, Motion & forces, Energy conservation, Waves, EM spectrum, Radioactivity, Astronomy
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 100 marks (50% of GCSE)
- Includes multiple-choice, short answer, calculations, extended responses
- Calculators allowed
- Available at Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9)
Paper 2 (1PH0/2F or 1PH0/2H)
- Topics 1, 8–15: Key concepts, Energy doing work, Forces and effects, Electricity, Static, Magnetism, Induction, Particle model, Forces and matter
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 100 marks (50% of GCSE)
- Includes multiple-choice, short answer, calculations, extended responses
- Calculators allowed
- Same tier options and grade targets as Paper 1
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Knowledge & understanding): 40%
- AO2 (Application): 40%
- AO3 (Analysis & evaluation): 20%
Core Practicals (examined indirectly)
- 8 required practicals including force/mass/acceleration, circuits, wave measurement, radiation & absorption, density, and spring extension
- Centres must confirm practical completion for exam entry:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Physics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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