SQA National 5 Physics specification (X857 75)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your SQA National 5 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 SQA National 5 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 SQA National 5 Physics (X857 75) 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 SQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The National 5 Physics course enables learners to develop an understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues and to appreciate the impact of physics on their lives, society and the environment. It provides a platform for further study and enhances skills in scientific inquiry, investigation and analysis. The course encourages problem-solving, numeracy and analytical thinking through a blend of theoretical and practical work in real-life contexts.
Subject content breakdown
Dynamics and space
- Speed, velocity, acceleration and distance-time graphs
- Newton’s laws of motion and forces
- Work, energy and power
- Projectile motion and horizontal/vertical components
- Space exploration: satellites, light-years, the expanding universe
- The Big Bang theory and redshift
Electricity and energy
- Electrical charge, current and voltage in series and parallel
- Ohm’s Law and V = IR relationships
- Electrical power, energy and cost of electricity
- Heat: specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
- Gas laws: pressure, volume and temperature relationships
Waves
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
- Wave speed, frequency and wavelength
- The electromagnetic spectrum and its applications
- Reflection, refraction, diffraction and total internal reflection
- Sound waves: speed, pitch and amplitude
Radiation
- Types of nuclear radiation and their properties
- Half-life and radioactive decay
- Safety and uses of radiation in medicine and industry
Practical skills and scientific inquiry
- Designing experiments and controlling variables
- Recording and presenting data appropriately
- Analysing and evaluating experimental results
- Applying knowledge to unfamiliar contexts
Assessment structure
Question Paper
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 100 marks total
- Section 1: Multiple choice (25 marks)
- Section 2: Structured and extended-response questions (75 marks)
- Covers all key areas of content and scientific inquiry skills
- Marked externally by SQA
Assignment
- One open-ended investigative task
- Involves research, experimental work, analysis and reporting
- Completed under controlled conditions
- 20 marks (20% of total)
Report submitted for external marking by SQA
- Course award graded A–D or 'No Award'
- Final grade based on total marks from both components
Key tips for success
Doing well in your SQA National 5 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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