Physics
15
specification units
59
named subtopics
Year 8–Year 11
year groups
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics is organised here into 15 specification units covering 59 named subtopics, studied across Year 8–Year 11. The units are Key concepts of physics, Motion and forces, Conservation of energy, Waves, Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Radioactivity, Astronomy, Energy - Forces doing work, Forces and their effects, Electricity and circuits, Static electricity, Magnetism and the motor effect, Electromagnetic induction, Particle model and Forces and matter.
Each subtopic is tagged on the question bank, so you can practise one skill at a time, sit a full Edexcel GCSE past paper, or build a mixed worksheet from several units at once. Answers are checked against the Pearson Edexcel GCSE mark scheme, awarding method, accuracy and final-answer marks separately so you can see exactly where marks were lost.
Motion and forces is the widest unit on this specification with 7 subtopics, so it is usually the highest-value place to start revision.
Key concepts of physics
- SI units and prefixes
- Physical quantities and equations
Motion and forces
- Distance, displacement, speed and velocity
- Acceleration and motion graphs
- Newton's laws of motion
- Force, mass and acceleration
- Momentum and safety features
- Stopping distances and reaction time
- Vectors and scalars
Conservation of energy
- Energy stores and transfers
- Conservation and dissipation of energy
- Efficiency and reducing waste
- Energy resources and renewables
Waves
- Wave properties
- The wave equation
- Reflection and refraction of waves
- Sound and ultrasound
- Investigating waves
Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Ray diagrams and lenses
- Colour, reflection and absorption
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- Uses and dangers of EM waves
- Infrared radiation and emission
Radioactivity
- Atomic structure and isotopes
- Models of the atom
- Radioactive decay and nuclear equations
- Half-life and activity
- Nuclear fission and fusion
- Uses and dangers of radiation
Astronomy
- The solar system and orbits
- The life cycle of stars
- Red-shift and the Big Bang
Energy - Forces doing work
- Work done and energy transfer
- Power
Forces and their effects
- Forces and their interactions
- Moments and the principle of moments
- Levers and gears
Electricity and circuits
- Electric current and charge
- Potential difference and resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Current-potential difference relationships
- Electrical energy and power
- Mains electricity and the National Grid
- Energy transfer and the kilowatt-hour
Magnetism and the motor effect
- Magnets and magnetic fields
- Electromagnetism and solenoids
- The motor effect
Electromagnetic induction
- The generator effect
- Transformers, microphones and loudspeakers
Particle model
- Density
- Changes of state
- Internal energy and specific heat capacity
- Specific latent heat
- Gas pressure and temperature
Forces and matter
- Elasticity and Hooke's law
- Investigating force and extension
- Pressure in fluids
How to revise Edexcel GCSE Physics
- 1
Diagnose with one mixed set
Start with a mixed set drawn from all 15 units to find where Physics marks are actually being lost, rather than revising what already feels comfortable.
- 2
Drill unit by unit
Work through the subtopics in order, from Key concepts of physics to Forces and matter, doing short focused sets rather than long unfocused sessions.
- 3
Sit a full past paper under timing
Once two or three units are solid, sit a complete Edexcel GCSE Physics paper to timing and mark it against the official mark scheme.
- 4
Re-practise only the dropped marks
Convert every dropped mark into a targeted set on that subtopic, then re-test it a week later to check the fix stuck.
Continue with Physics
Every board and level we cover for this subject
GCSE Physics revision notes18 topic and subtopic notes with worked examples
GCSE PhysicsSearchable formula sheet with worked micro-examples
Predicted papersPractice papers built from the topics that recur most
Past paper practiceSit whole papers online with examiner-grade marking
Other specifications for this subject
Physics — frequently asked questions
Everything students and parents ask about revising Edexcel GCSE Physics.
The fastest route is past-paper-first revision: practise exam-style questions by topic, mark every answer against the real Pearson Edexcel GCSE mark scheme, then drill the topics where you lose marks. On MathsGradeUp you can do all of this for Physics in one place — topic practice, full past papers and instant examiner-grade feedback.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics is mapped to the official specification and covers 15 units, including Key concepts of physics, Motion and forces, Conservation of energy, Waves, Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Radioactivity and more. Every unit is broken down into subtopics so you can target exactly what you need to revise.
Yes. You can open full Edexcel GCSE Physics past papers, write directly on them with pen and maths tools, save your work, export a PDF, and submit for examiner-grade marking against the mark scheme.
Yes — our predicted papers for Physics are assembled from the topics that recur most in Pearson Edexcel GCSE exams and the topics you have practised least. They are a revision aid built from the specification, not leaked content.
Each answer is checked against the real Pearson Edexcel GCSE mark scheme, awarding method, accuracy and final-answer marks the way a real examiner would. You see exactly where marks were earned or dropped, with feedback you can act on.
Physics on the Pearson Edexcel GCSE specification is aimed at Years 8–11. You can filter practice by year group and topic so the questions always match where you are in the course.
Yes. The Physics content follows the current Pearson Edexcel GCSE specification, including all units and subtopics, so what you practise reflects what you will actually be examined on.
Yes — Physics practice, past papers and marking are free during our early launch period. Subscription plans may be introduced later, but launch users get full access now.
You do not just get an answer to copy. Physics marking guides you with hints, worked steps and mark-scheme-based feedback so you understand the method and pick up the marks yourself next time. Calculation-style questions are tagged so you can practise both structured and extended-response answers.
Yes. Parents and tutors can see completed Physics practice, accuracy, weak topics and overall exam readiness, making it easy to support revision and focus on the right areas.
Short, regular sessions beat occasional long ones. Aim for a few focused Physics sessions a week, always finishing by marking your work so each session ends with clear next steps. The progress dashboard shows what to revise next.