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AQA GCSE Physics (8463): complete guide to the topics and the exams

A complete guide to AQA GCSE Physics (specification 8463). Covers the eight topics (energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure, forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics), how the two written exams are structured and marked, the required practicals, the maths demand, the tiers, and how to revise each topic for top grades.

Browse guides β†’Syllabus dot points (38)

AQA GCSE Physics (specification 8463) is assessed by two written papers sat at the end of the course, with no coursework grade. The qualification is tiered into Foundation and Higher. This page is the index: below is a map of the eight topics, the exam structure, and how to study each one.

The eight AQA Physics topics (4.1-4.8)

The specification has eight numbered topics. The first four are tested in Paper 1; the last four are tested in Paper 2.

4.1 Energy
Energy stores and systems, the kinetic, gravitational and elastic potential energy equations, specific heat capacity, power and efficiency, conservation and dissipation, and the renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
4.2 Electricity
Current, potential difference and resistance, Ohm's law and I-V characteristics, series and parallel circuits, domestic mains electricity, electrical power and the national grid, and static electricity and electric fields.
4.3 Particle model of matter
Density and the particle model, internal energy and changes of state, specific latent heat, and how the random motion of gas particles produces pressure.
4.4 Atomic structure
The nuclear model and its development, isotopes and ions, alpha, beta and gamma radiation and decay equations, half-life, contamination and irradiation, and nuclear fission and fusion.
4.5 Forces
Scalars and vectors, contact and non-contact forces, weight and resultant force, work done and Hooke's law, motion graphs, acceleration and Newton's laws, stopping distances, and momentum.
4.6 Waves
Transverse and longitudinal waves, wave properties and the wave speed equation, the electromagnetic spectrum, reflection and refraction, sound and ultrasound, and lenses and the colour of objects.
4.7 Magnetism and electromagnetism
Magnets and magnetic fields, the magnetic field of a current and the electromagnet, the motor effect and the electric motor, and electromagnetic induction and transformers.
4.8 Space physics
The solar system and orbits, the life cycle of stars, and red-shift and the Big Bang. (Space physics is separate physics only.)

Exam structure

AQA GCSE Physics is assessed by two written papers, both sat at the end of the course, and is tiered into Foundation (grades 1 to 5) and Higher (grades 4 to 9).

  • Paper 1 - topics 4.1 to 4.4 (energy, electricity, particle model of matter and atomic structure). 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.
  • Paper 2 - topics 4.5 to 4.8 (forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics). 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.

Both papers include multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions. At least 30% of marks assess maths skills and around 15% assess practical skills from the required practicals.

How to study AQA Physics

Physics rewards confident calculation, precise definitions, and clear diagrams.

  1. Work from the specification statements. Each numbered point (for example 4.5.6 forces and motion) is a checklist; questions are written from them.
  2. Drill the maths. With at least 30% of marks mathematical, rearranging equations, substituting with units, and reading graphs must be automatic.
  3. Learn the equations. Some equations are given, but several must be recalled from memory, so learn them all and know their units.
  4. Master the required practicals. The methods, apparatus and sources of error recur across both papers.
  5. Practise definitions and past papers. Mark schemes reward precise wording; drill past papers for your tier under timed conditions.

The eight topics, dot point by dot point

Each topic has specification-statement-level answer pages with worked exam questions and cross-links, plus an overview guide and a quiz. Browse the full set at /gcse-aqa/physics/syllabus.

For the official specification

AQA publishes the full specification (8463), past papers, mark schemes and the required-practical handbook at aqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and AQA's own past papers, because question style and the equation list are board-specific.

Physics guides

In-depth written guides with paired practice quizzes.

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Physics practice quizzes

Multiple-choice drills with worked answer explanations. Your scores stay on this device.

The GCSE-AQA system, explained

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Common questions about Physics

How is AQA GCSE Physics (8463) structured?
AQA GCSE Physics (8463) is assessed by two written exams sat at the end of the course, with no coursework grade. The subject content is split into eight numbered topics: energy (4.1), electricity (4.2), particle model of matter (4.3), atomic structure (4.4), forces (4.5), waves (4.6), magnetism and electromagnetism (4.7), and space physics (4.8). There are required practicals throughout the course, a strong mathematical demand, and the qualification is tiered into Foundation and Higher.
What are the two AQA GCSE Physics exam papers?
Paper 1 covers topics 4.1 to 4.4 (energy, electricity, particle model of matter and atomic structure) and is worth 100 marks in 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of the GCSE. Paper 2 covers topics 4.5 to 4.8 (forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics) and is also 100 marks in 1 hour 45 minutes, 50%. Both papers include multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions, and a calculator is allowed.
How much maths is in AQA GCSE Physics?
At least 30% of the marks assess mathematical skills, the highest of the three sciences. Expect rearranging equations, substituting values with correct units, working with standard form and SI prefixes, reading gradients and areas from graphs, and ratio and percentage work. A calculator is allowed in both papers, and a list of equations is provided, though some equations must be recalled from memory.
What are the required practicals in AQA GCSE Physics?
There are required practicals across the course, including investigating specific heat capacity, the resistance of components and wires, force and extension for a spring (Hooke's law), acceleration, waves in a ripple tank and on a string, infrared radiation, and the density of materials. They are not assessed in a lab exam, but around 15% of exam marks test practical skills and these specific methods, so the apparatus, method and sources of error must be learned.
How should I structure my AQA GCSE Physics revision?
Work topic by topic against the numbered specification statements (4.1.1, 4.1.2 and so on), because questions are written directly from them. Physics rewards fluent calculation, so drill problems and equation rearranging until they are automatic, learn the required-practical methods, and memorise the equations you are not given. Practise reading graphs, learn key definitions precisely, and attempt past papers under timed conditions for your tier.
How does AQA GCSE Physics compare to other exam boards?
All GCSE Physics specifications (AQA, OCR, Edexcel, Eduqas) cover the same regulated core, so energy, electricity, forces, waves and atomic structure appear everywhere. AQA's distinctive features are the eight-topic structure, the specific list of required practicals, and the split into Foundation and Higher tiers. Always revise from the current AQA 8463 specification and AQA past papers, because question style and the equation list are board-specific.
How do I approach projectile motion problems?
Split the motion into horizontal (constant velocity) and vertical (constant acceleration due to gravity). Use t as the shared variable across both axes.
What's the difference between work and power?
Work (J) is energy transferred by a force over a distance. Power (W) is the rate of doing work β€” work divided by time.
When is momentum conserved?
In any collision (elastic or inelastic) where no external net force acts on the system. Kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.
What's the photoelectric effect?
Light shone on a metal can eject electrons, but only if the photon energy (hf) exceeds the work function. The kinetic energy of the ejected electron is hf - W. Evidence that light behaves as discrete quanta (photons).
How do magnetic forces on current-carrying wires work?
F = BIL sin ΞΈ for a wire in a uniform field B with current I and length L. Direction comes from the right-hand rule. Underpins motors, generators, and ammeters.