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Common foundations

Topic 1 - Key concepts of physics

1.1-1.4 - Units, prefixes and standard formA measurement needs a quantity, a value and a unit. Learn how to convert units without changing the physical amount, use powers of ten, and report a result with sensible precision.

Working scientifically

WS 1-2 - Scientific models and investigationsDevelop a testable question from a scientific model, plan representative measurements and judge risks. Consider how evidence and values inform decisions about technology.

WS 3-4 - Analysing and communicating evidenceTurn measurements into tables, graphs and reasoned conclusions. Distinguish scatter from bias, use units and precision correctly, and communicate what the evidence supports.

Equations and exam preparation

Appendix 2 - Physics equations reviewAn equation list can put every relationship in front of you and still leave the hardest choices untouched. Appendix 2 brings together the equations used across Papers 1 and 2, including which were originally recall-and-apply or select-and-apply equations. This review uses Pearson’s inspected 2026...

Paper 1

Topic 2 - Motion and forces

2.1-2.5 - Scalars, vectors, speed and velocityDistance and displacement can describe the same journey differently. Learn when direction matters, how an arrow represents a vector, and why equal speeds need not mean equal velocities.

2.6-2.7 - Speed and distance-time graphsTurn a journey into a calculation or a distance-time graph. Use the whole journey’s distance and time to find average speed, then use graph gradients to compare individual stages.

2.8-2.10 - Acceleration and velocity-time graphsVelocity can change even when an object is already moving. Learn how signs, gradients and areas describe a journey, and how to choose an equation when time is unknown. This lesson, including graph area, is for both tiers.

2.11-2.13 - Measuring and estimating motionChoose a speed-measurement method by matching a measured distance to its corresponding time. Then use familiar speeds and accelerations to judge whether a result is plausible.

2.14-2.18 - Newton’s laws, mass and weightForces explain changes in motion, while weight explains the pull of gravity. Learn to find the resultant force before using Newton’s laws, distinguish mass from weight, and make a valid force-meter measurement.

2.19 - Force, mass and acceleration core practicalInvestigate why adding mass to a trolley changes its acceleration. Measure the driving force and motion, control the comparison, then use repeat readings and graphs to test the model and its limitations.

2.20-2.22 - Circular motion and inertial massHigher tier: an object can accelerate without getting faster. Use changing direction to explain circular motion, then use inertial mass to compare how difficult it is to change an object’s velocity.

2.23-2.26 - Force pairs and momentumStart by distinguishing forces that balance on one object from a third-law pair acting on two objects. That equilibrium reasoning is for both tiers. Higher-tier sections then explain momentum, collisions and forces during a change in momentum.

2.27-2.31 - Reaction times and stopping distanceA car travels while its driver reacts and again while it brakes. Learn to measure reaction time, explain changes in stopping distance and understand why sudden stops are dangerous. Only the final numerical force-estimation section is Higher tier.

2.32P-2.33P - Braking distance and work-energyA small increase in speed can require much more braking distance. Use typical stopping data and a work-energy model to explain the difference between a sensible estimate and a controlled calculation. Separate Physics content for both tiers.

Topic 3 - Conservation of energy

3.3-3.8 - Energy stores, transfers and dissipationWhen a trolley stops, its energy has not vanished. Track energy between stores, draw transfer diagrams and use conservation to explain lifting, collisions, braking and heating water.

3.1-3.2 - Gravitational and kinetic energy calculationsRaising an object increases its gravitational potential energy; making it move gives it kinetic energy. Learn to choose the right relationship, convert units, rearrange equations and explain why a change in speed has a squared effect.

3.9-3.12 - Reducing waste and improving efficiencyA warm bearing or a cooling room reveals an energy transfer. Learn how lubrication and insulation reduce unwanted transfers, how walls affect cooling, and how efficiency measures the useful fraction of an input.

3.13-3.14 - Energy resources and trendsElectricity can be generated from moving water, sunlight or fuels, with different benefits and limitations. Compare the resources, follow their transfer routes and use data to distinguish a long-term trend from a short-term fluctuation.

Topic 4 - Waves

4.1-4.6 - Wave properties and equationsLearn how waves transfer energy, describe a repeating wave, and choose the measurements and equations that give its speed.

4.7, 4.17 - Measuring wave speed core practicalMeasure water waves, sound in air and vibrations in a metal rod, then judge whether each instrument can resolve the quantity it measures.

4.9P-4.11 - Wave interactions and refractionFollow reflected, transmitted and absorbed wave energy at a boundary, then explain refraction and why the material and wavelength both matter. The speed explanation in 4.10 and all of 4.11 are Higher-tier content.

Topic 5 - Light and the electromagnetic spectrum

Topic 6 - Radioactivity

Topic 7 - Astronomy

Paper 2

Topic 8 - Energy: forces doing work

Topic 9 - Forces and their effects

Topic 10 - Electricity and circuits

Topic 11 - Static electricity

Topic 12 - Magnetism and the motor effect

Topic 13 - Electromagnetic induction

Topic 14 - Particle model

Topic 15 - Forces and matter