Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular) specification (4XPH1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular) 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 IGCSE Physics (Modular) 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 IGCSE Physics (Modular) (4XPH1) 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 Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics (Modular) is designed to give students a thorough understanding of key physical principles and how they apply to real-world contexts. It aims to develop learners' scientific knowledge, investigative skills, and ability to apply concepts in practical and theoretical situations. The course builds foundational skills for progression to higher education in physics and related fields. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and the application of mathematics in physics. Through the modular structure, students have the flexibility to take and resit units, promoting confidence and mastery of content. The syllabus also encourages awareness of the impact of physics on society, the economy, technology, and the environment.Subject content breakdown
1 Forces and motion
- Units of measurement; vectors and scalars
- Speed, velocity, acceleration; graphs and calculations
- Effects of forces; friction, resultant force, Hooke’s law, momentum, Newton's laws
- Stopping distance, terminal velocity, moments and stability
2 Electricity
- Electrical units; circuits, current, voltage, resistance
- Mains electricity safety; power, energy transfer, fuses
- Series and parallel circuits; component behaviour
- Electrostatics, charging, uses, and dangers of electrostatics
3 Energy resources and energy transfers
- Energy stores and transfers; efficiency, Sankey diagrams
- Thermal transfer methods; insulation, conduction, convection, radiation
- Work, power, GPE, kinetic energy; conservation of energy
- Renewable and non-renewable energy resources for electricity generation
4 Solids, liquids and gases: Part 1
- Density, pressure, pressure in fluids
- Changes of state, particle arrangement, specific heat capacity
5 Waves
- Wave properties, types, speed-frequency-wavelength relationship
- Doppler effect, reflection, refraction
- Electromagnetic spectrum, uses, and dangers
- Light behaviour, critical angle, total internal reflection, sound waves and hearing range
6 Solids, liquids and gases: Part 2
- Ideal gas behaviour, absolute zero, Kelvin scale
- Gas laws: pressure-volume and pressure-temperature relationships
7 Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Magnetic materials, fields, electromagnets
- Current and magnetic fields, motor effect, left-hand rule
- Electromagnetic induction, transformers, energy transmission
8 Radioactivity and particles
- Atomic structure, types of radiation, half-life, uses, and dangers
- Fission, fusion, chain reactions, nuclear energy
9 Astrophysics
- Universe structure, orbits, gravitational fields
- Stellar evolution, HR diagram, red-shift, Big Bang theory
- Evidence for universe expansion
Assessment structure
Physics Unit 1
- Written examination: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 50% of qualification
- Assesses Forces and motion, Electricity, Energy resources, and Solids, liquids and gases (Part 1)
- Question styles include multiple choice, short answers, calculations, extended responses
- Calculators permitted
Physics Unit 2
- Written examination: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 50% of qualification
- Assesses Waves, Solids, liquids and gases (Part 2), Magnetism, Radioactivity, Astrophysics
- Same question styles as Unit 1
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding of physics (38–42%)
- AO2: Application, analysis, and evaluation (38–42%)
- AO3: Experimental skills, data analysis, and methods (19–21%)
Experimental Skills
- Embedded within content and assessed in written exams
- Students must demonstrate practical techniques, data handling, and evaluation skills
Resit Policy
- Modular structure allows resits of individual units with best of two recent attempts counting
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular) 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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