AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics - overview of the seven physics topics

The physics content of AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (specification 8464) is organised into seven topics. They make up the physics third of the award and are examined across two physics papers. This page maps the topics and links to a focused answer page for each.

The seven physics topics

Energy

Energy stores and systems, kinetic, gravitational and elastic energy calculations, conservation and dissipation, efficiency, and national and global energy resources.

Electricity

Circuit symbols, current, potential difference and resistance, component characteristics, series and parallel circuits, mains electricity and the plug, and electrical power and energy.

Particle model of matter

The particle model and density, changes of state and internal energy, specific heat capacity and specific latent heat, and gas pressure and temperature.

Atomic structure

The nuclear model of the atom, isotopes, alpha, beta and gamma radiation, radioactive decay and nuclear equations, half-life, and the dangers and uses of radiation.

Forces

Scalars and vectors, contact and non-contact forces, weight, resultant forces and work, elasticity, motion and acceleration, Newton's laws of motion, and stopping distances.

Waves

Transverse and longitudinal waves, the wave equation and wave properties, reflection, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the uses and dangers of electromagnetic waves.

Magnetism and electromagnetism

Permanent and induced magnets and magnetic fields, the magnetic effect of a current and solenoids, electromagnets, and the motor effect with Fleming's left-hand rule.

How the physics topics are examined

Physics in Combined Science is assessed by two written papers, each 1 hour 15 minutes and worth 70 marks:

• Physics Paper 1 covers Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter, and Atomic structure.
• Physics Paper 2 covers Forces, Waves, and Magnetism and electromagnetism.

Each paper is one sixth of the overall Combined Science grade.

How to study the physics topics

Physics rewards fluent calculation and clear reasoning.

1. Work from the specification statements. Each numbered point is a checklist; questions are written from them.
2. Memorise the recall equations. Many physics equations are not given on the sheet, so learn them early.
3. Practise rearranging and substituting. Calculation questions reward confident algebra and correct units.
4. Master the required practicals. Resistance, density, springs and waves recur across the papers.
5. Show full working. Method marks are secure even if a final answer slips.

For the official specification

AQA publishes the full specification, past papers and mark schemes at aqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and AQA's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.