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Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0): complete guide to the topics and the exams

A complete guide to Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics (specification 1PH0). Covers the fifteen topics from motion and forces to forces and matter, how the two written papers are structured and marked, the core practicals, the maths and equation demand, the Foundation and Higher tiers, and how to revise each topic for the top grades.

Browse guides β†’Syllabus dot points (43)

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics (specification 1PH0) is assessed by two equally weighted 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 fifteen topics, the exam structure, and how to study each one.

The Edexcel Physics topics (1 to 15)

The specification has fifteen numbered topics. Topic 1 (key concepts) is assessed across both papers; Topics 2 to 7 are tested in Paper 1 and Topics 8 to 15 in Paper 2. Statements marked with a P are for separate (triple) Physics only.

Topic 1 Key concepts of physics
SI units and prefixes, unit conversion, significant figures and standard form. These underpin every calculation in both papers.
Topic 2 Motion and forces
Scalars and vectors, speed, velocity and acceleration, distance-time and velocity-time graphs, Newton's three laws, weight and mass, momentum, and stopping distances.
Topic 3 Conservation of energy
Gravitational and kinetic energy, energy transfers and stores, conservation in a closed system, dissipation, reducing unwanted transfer, and efficiency.
Topic 4 Waves
Wave properties and types, transverse and longitudinal waves, the wave-speed equation, measuring wave speed, and reflection, refraction, transmission and absorption.
Topic 5 Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
Reflection and total internal reflection, refraction and lenses, colour and filters, the electromagnetic spectrum, the uses and dangers of each group, and infrared radiation from surfaces.
Topic 6 Radioactivity
The nuclear model, isotopes and ions, alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation, decay equations, half-life, background radiation, the uses and dangers of radiation, and fission and fusion.
Topic 7 Astronomy
The solar system, orbits and gravity, the life cycle of stars, and red-shift and the Big Bang. (Astronomy is separate Physics only.)
Topic 8 Energy - Forces doing work
Work done and energy transfer, power, energy stores and system changes, and the efficiency of forces.
Topic 9 Forces and their effects
Contact and non-contact forces, resolving and resultant forces, free-body diagrams, moments and equilibrium, and levers and gears.
Topic 10 Electricity and circuits
Current, charge and circuit symbols, potential difference and energy, resistance and I-V characteristics, series and parallel circuits, electrical power and energy, and mains electricity.
Topic 11 Static electricity
Charging by friction, electric fields, and the uses and dangers of static.
Topic 12 Magnetism and the motor effect
Magnets and magnetic fields, electromagnets and solenoids, the motor effect, and the electric motor.
Topic 13 Electromagnetic induction
The generator effect, generators and microphones, transformers, and the national grid. (Separate Physics only.)
Topic 14 Particle model
Density and states of matter, internal energy and changes of state, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, and gas pressure and temperature.
Topic 15 Forces and matter
Elastic and inelastic distortion, Hooke's law, the energy stored in a spring, pressure in fluids, and atmospheric pressure and upthrust.

Exam structure

Edexcel 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 (1PH0/1F or 1PH0/1H) - Topics 1 to 7. 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.
  • Paper 2 (1PH0/2F or 1PH0/2H) - Topic 1 plus Topics 8 to 15. 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.

Both papers mix multiple-choice, short-answer, calculation and extended-response questions. The assessment objectives are split AO1 (knowledge and understanding) 40%, AO2 (application) 40% and AO3 (analysis and evaluation) 20%, with at least 30% of marks assessing maths skills.

How to study Edexcel Physics

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

  1. Work from the specification statements. Each numbered point (for example 2.8 acceleration) 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. An equation sheet is provided, but several equations must be recalled from memory, so learn them all and know their units.
  4. Master the core practicals. The eight named methods, their variables and their sources of error recur across both papers.
  5. Practise definitions and past papers. Mark schemes reward precise wording; drill Pearson past papers for your tier under timed conditions.

The fifteen 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-edexcel/physics/syllabus.

For the official specification

Pearson publishes the full specification (1PH0), past papers, mark schemes and the core-practical guidance at qualifications.pearson.com. Always revise from the current specification and Pearson'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-EDEXCEL system, explained

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Common questions about Physics

How is Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) structured?
Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) is assessed by two equally weighted written papers sat at the end of the course, with no coursework grade. The subject content is split into fifteen numbered topics, beginning with Topic 1 Key concepts of physics (which is assessed across both papers) and running through motion and forces, conservation of energy, waves, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, astronomy, energy and forces doing work, forces and their effects, electricity and circuits, static electricity, magnetism and the motor effect, electromagnetic induction, the particle model, and forces and matter. There are eight core practicals, a strong mathematical demand, and the qualification is tiered into Foundation and Higher.
What are the two Edexcel GCSE Physics exam papers?
Paper 1 (1PH0/1F or 1PH0/1H) covers Topics 1 to 7 (key concepts, motion and forces, conservation of energy, waves, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity and astronomy) and is worth 100 marks in 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of the GCSE. Paper 2 (1PH0/2F or 1PH0/2H) covers Topic 1 plus Topics 8 to 15 (energy and forces doing work, forces and their effects, electricity and circuits, static electricity, magnetism and the motor effect, electromagnetic induction, the particle model, and forces and matter) and is also 100 marks in 1 hour 45 minutes, 50%. Both papers mix multiple-choice, short-answer, calculation and extended-response questions, and a calculator is allowed.
How much maths is in Edexcel GCSE Physics?
At least 30% of the marks assess mathematical skills, the highest of the three sciences. Expect rearranging equations, substituting values with correct SI units, working in standard form and with prefixes, reading gradients and areas from graphs, and ratio and percentage work. A calculator is allowed in both papers, and an equation sheet is provided in the exam, but a set of equations must still be recalled from memory.
What are the core practicals in Edexcel GCSE Physics?
There are eight core practicals across the course, including investigating force, mass and acceleration with trolleys, the conservation of energy, the suitability of equipment to measure wave properties, refraction in glass blocks, surface radiation and absorption, the resistance of components, the specific heat capacity of water, and force and extension for a spring. They are not assessed in a lab exam, but around 15% of the marks test practical skills and these specific methods, so the apparatus, method, variables and sources of error must be learned.
How should I structure my Edexcel GCSE Physics revision?
Work topic by topic against the numbered specification statements (2.1, 2.2 and so on), because questions are written directly from them. Physics rewards fluent calculation, so drill the equations and rearranging until they are automatic, learn the core-practical methods, and memorise the equations you are not given on the sheet. Practise reading graphs, learn the key definitions precisely, and attempt past papers under timed conditions for your tier (Foundation or Higher).
How does Edexcel GCSE Physics compare to other exam boards?
All GCSE Physics specifications (Edexcel, AQA, OCR, Eduqas) cover the same regulated core, so motion, energy, waves, electricity and atomic physics appear everywhere. Edexcel's distinctive features are the fifteen-topic structure, statements flagged with a P for separate (triple) physics only, the named eight core practicals, and the split into Foundation and Higher tiers. Always revise from the current Edexcel 1PH0 specification and Pearson 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.