GCSE Physics Topics – Complete Syllabus & Exam Guide

26 Feb 2026

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The revision for GCSE Physics can feel overwhelming, especially when each exam board structures the course slightly differently. Whether someone is studying with AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC, knowing exactly what your specification requires is essential. This write-up clearly maps out all the GCSE Physics topics covered under the main UK exam boards. It helps you focus on the right content and quickly find the most effective revision resources tailored to your course demand.

Introduction to GCSE Physics

GCSE Physics is your door to understanding how the world truly works, from why objects move to how electricity lights your room and how stars are born. It blends theory with real-life application, helping you see science beyond the sessions. Throughout the course, you will get to know the important concepts, like energy, forces, waves, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure and space physics while sharpening your analytical and problem-solving skills as per the UK GCSE exam board requirements. Thus, GCSE Physics trains you to think logically, question deeply and apply scientific ideas confidently in exams and future studies. You can take an online exam help with more conceptual clarity and score better grades, as this is not an easy task and requires dedicated effort.

GCSE Physics Syllabus Overview

The GCSE Physics exam is evaluated through two main written papers, and each contributing 50 % to the overall grade. Different boards organise the topics differently, and some of the tasks may be asked on multiple topic areas.

The following GCSE Physics specification for syllabus comparison, including topic coverage for paper 1 and paper 2, and notes, where cross-topic links may appear.

Topics Covered Under Core Physics

This section shows the GCSE Physics topics explained for UK students, highlighting all the core areas, like energy, forces, waves, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure and space physics, providing a clear framework for study and test preparation. However, one can master these topics by do my assignment for a fast and realistic learning experience.

Forces

The topic covers ideas about motion, how to describe movement in terms of displacement, velocity and acceleration using mathematical relationships, as well as analysis using graphs. You will also learn about practical applications of forces, like elasticity of materials, pressure in fluids, and the effects of friction and drag forces on motion.

The core topics include:

1. Forces and their interactions
2. Work done and energy transfer
3. Forces and elasticity
4. Moments, levers and gears
5. Pressure and pressure differences in fluids
6. Describing motion
7. Newton's laws of motion
8. Stopping distances
9. Momentum

Energy

The GCSE Physics topics cover one of the most fundamental areas, i.e., energy. You will learn key formulas for calculating energy, work done, and efficiency, and how to solve the particular problems involving the principle of conservation of energy.

Next, one should become familiar with the concept of power and the rate at which energy is transferred. In this line, students must know the equation of power.

Power = Work/time

The GCSE Physics syllabus topics includes:

1. Changes in energy stores
2. Energy and heating
3. Energy demands
4. Work, power and efficiency

Waves

Wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed are the core fundamentals that one should have command of. You will learn about the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves and the many forms of these, like sound and electromagnetic waves.

GCSE physics syllabus topics included are:

1. Properties of waves
2. Transverse and longitudinal waves
3. Reflection and refraction
4. Sound and ultrasound (Higher Tier only)
5. Lenses
6. Black body radiation

Electricity

Electricity is the core concept under GCSE physics, which covers charge, current, potential difference and resistance and how to calculate them. You will understand how to interpret circuit diagrams and draw using standard symbols and the key differences between series and parallel circuits.

This topic helps you understand how everyday electrical appliances utilise electrical current to transfer energy, as well as how it is used.

Topics include

1. Current, potential difference and resistance
2. Series and parallel circuits
3. Energy transfers
4. Static electricity

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

Here you will explore the properties of magnets, magnetic fields, and the Earth's magnetism. It also covers electromagnets, the motor effect and the magnetic effects of electric current. Its core topics include key concepts, like induced potential difference, transformer and the relevant application in power transmission.

Topics include

1. Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and field
2. The motor effect
3. Induced potential
4. Transformers
5. National Grid

Particle Model of Matter

Particle model of matter is used to describe the behaviour of solids, liquids and gases. Here you will learn about the concept of internal energy and how to relate it to changes in temperature and states of matter.

This topic also covers the particle motion of gases, in that you will get to learn the relationships between gas temperature, pressure and volume.

Topics include

1. Changes of state and the particle model
2. Internal energy and energy transfers
3. The particle model and pressure

Atomic Structure

Atomic structure explains how the models of the atoms have evolved over time. The topic also explores unstable atoms and radioactivity, including the different types of radioactive emissions and the properties.

Topics include:

1. Atoms and isotopes
2. Atoms and nuclear radiation
3. Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions
4. Nuclear fission and fusion

By having conceptual clarity of the above topics, you can conquer the most prevailing doubts in your mind- how to pass English language GCSE for physics subjects.

Comparison of GCSE Physics Topics: Edexcel, AQA & OCR

Edexcel, OCR and AQA are the majorly three principal exam boards that you should be familiar with. Review the table below for a clearer and more structured comparison of Physics topics for GCSE in brief:

Key Tips for GCSE Physics Revision

Preparing for GCSE Physics becomes easy going if you revise with planned strategy. Hence, use these practical Physics revision tips to stay focused and boost your exam performance:

1. Know Your Exam Board Specification

Read carefully your board specification, like AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC. So highlight exactly what content is needed for your tier. For Eg. Foundation or Higher.

2. Master the Required Equations

Prepare a formula sheet and practise rearranging equations confidently, as many marks are awarded for correct calculations, so show full working accurately.

3. Practise Past Papers Regularly

The GCSE Physics practice questions help you familiar with question styles, command words (describe, explain, calculate, evaluate) and mark scheme accurately. Hence, time yourself to improve exam speed.

4. Focus on Weak Topics First

This is where you should your most of the time. Identify areas you find the most difficult one, like electricity calculations or momentum, and priorities them. Micro improvements in weaker topics can significantly raise your grade.

5. Revise Practicals Thoroughly

Required practicals are often tested through data analysis, method evaluation and graph interpretation. Learn the purpose, variables, method, and possible sources of error.

6. Use Active Revision Techniques

Instead of just reading the notes, do the below given active GCSE Physics revision tricks:

7. Strengthen Your Maths Skills

GCSE Physics includes calculations, graphs, ratios and standard form. Practise unit conversions and interpreting scientific data carefully.

8. Link Topics/Subjects Together

Energy links with forces, electricity links with power, and magnetism links with generators. Besides, many topics, like atomic structure has connection with GCSE chemistry topics, including periodic table. Thus, understanding connections helps tackle longer, synoptic questions.

Conclusion

The GCSE Physics becomes far more manageable when you get familiar exactly what your respective board expects and org anise your revision accordingly.The above GCSE Physics overview guide explains that core topics remain consistent across AQA, Edexcel and OCR, but success largely depends on how well you apply concepts, equations and practical learning in exam situation. With focused preparation, regular PYQ practice and strong mathematical skills, you can significantly improve your performance. By building clear conceptual understanding and recognising links between topics, you not only prepare effectively for exams but also develop analytical skills that support A-level study and future science-based career pathways.

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