AQA GCSE Physics topics: the full list by paper
TutorAura guide · Updated
AQA GCSE Physics (8463) has two papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks and worth 50% of the GCSE, at Foundation or Higher tier. Paper 1 covers topics 1 to 4: energy, electricity, the particle model of matter and atomic structure; Paper 2 covers topics 5 to 8: forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics. Below is every topic in the specification, with the ones that are only for separate Physics or only for the Higher tier marked.
Key takeaways
- Paper 1: energy, electricity, particle model, atomic structure.
- Paper 2: forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, space physics.
- Space physics is in separate Physics only.
- Paper 2 can also draw on energy and electricity ideas.
4.1 Energy
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1.1 | Energy stores and changes in a system | |
| 4.1.2 | Conservation and dissipation of energy | |
| 4.1.3 | National and global energy resources |
4.2 Electricity
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2.1 | Current, potential difference and resistance | |
| 4.2.2 | Series and parallel circuits | |
| 4.2.3 | Domestic uses and safety | |
| 4.2.4 | Energy transfers | |
| 4.2.5 | Static electricity | Separate science only |
4.3 Particle model of matter
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.3.1 | Changes of state and the particle model | |
| 4.3.2 | Internal energy and energy transfers | |
| 4.3.3 | Particle model and pressure |
4.4 Atomic structure
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4.1 | Atoms and isotopes | |
| 4.4.2 | Atoms and nuclear radiation | |
| 4.4.3 | Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation | Separate science only |
| 4.4.4 | Nuclear fission and fusion | Separate science only |
4.5 Forces
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5.1 | Forces and their interactions | |
| 4.5.2 | Work done and energy transfer | |
| 4.5.3 | Forces and elasticity | |
| 4.5.4 | Moments, levers and gears | Separate science only |
| 4.5.5 | Pressure and pressure differences in fluids | Separate science only |
| 4.5.6 | Forces and motion | |
| 4.5.7 | Momentum | Higher tier only |
4.6 Waves
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6.1 | Waves in air, fluids and solids | |
| 4.6.2 | Electromagnetic waves | |
| 4.6.3 | Black body radiation | Separate science only |
4.7 Magnetism and electromagnetism
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.7.1 | Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields | |
| 4.7.2 | The motor effect | |
| 4.7.3 | Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid | Separate science, Higher only |
4.8 Space physics
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.8.1 | Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites | Separate science only |
| 4.8.2 | Red-shift | Separate science only |
Combined Science
If you take AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) rather than separate physics, you study the same topics except those marked "separate science only". Combined Science has six papers (two each for biology, chemistry and physics), each 1 hour 15 minutes and 70 marks, and is worth two GCSEs. See combined science vs triple science.
Revising the list
AQA notes that Paper 2 questions may draw on energy changes and transfers from the Energy and Electricity topics, so keep those fresh for both papers. Practise the equations with our speed, kinetic energy, specific heat capacity and wave speed calculators, and read how to revise for GCSE Physics.
Frequently asked questions
What topics are on AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1?
Energy, electricity, the particle model of matter and atomic structure (topics 1 to 4).
What topics are on AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2?
Forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism, and space physics (topics 5 to 8). Questions may also draw on energy and electricity.
Is space physics in Combined Science?
No. Space physics is in the separate GCSE Physics only.
Sources
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