Energy
~15% of totalEnergy stores & transfers, conservation of energy, KE, GPE, EPE, work done, power, efficiency, dissipation, national & global energy resources.
- KE = ½mv²
- GPE = mgh
- Efficiency = useful/total × 100
AQA GCSE
AQA GCSE Physics past papers, mark schemes & revision
Every AQA GCSE Physics past paper, mark scheme, examiner report, topic breakdown, worked example, and revision plan — all on one page.
Specification · 8463
What you’ll sit
You will sit two papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 100 marks. Paper 1 covers Topics 1–4: energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure. Paper 2 covers Topics 5–8: forces, waves, magnetism & electromagnetism, space physics. Both papers include calculation, recall, application, and Required Practical questions. Higher tier (grades 4–9) and Foundation tier (grades 1–5) are available; the equation sheet is provided in the exam but you should still recognise and apply equations confidently from memory.
Paper structure
Two papers · 100 marks each · 1h 45m each · Available at Higher (grades 4-9) and Foundation (grades 1-5) tiers · Paper 1: Energy, Electricity, Particles, Atomic structure · Paper 2: Forces, Waves, Magnetism, Space
Awarded by
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance. Exam code 8463. Specification page: AQA GCSE Physics.
Past papers · AQA GCSE Physics
Every paper, every year, with mark schemes
Below is the official series of AQA GCSE Physics past papers from 2018 onward. Each paper, mark scheme, and examiner report is free to download from the AQA assessment-resources hub. Open the AQA hub →
| Year | Paper | Tier | Duration | Marks | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Paper 1 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → |
| Paper 2 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → | |
| Paper 1 | Foundation | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → | |
| Paper 2 | Foundation | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → | |
| 2023 | Paper 1 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → |
| Paper 2 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → | |
| 2022 | Paper 1 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → |
| Paper 2 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → | |
| 2021 | Paper 1 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → |
| Paper 2 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → | |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — | AQA hub → |
| 2019 | Paper 1 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → |
| Paper 2 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → | |
| 2018 | Paper 1 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → |
| Paper 2 | Higher | 1h 45m | 100 | AQA hub → |
Topics · full specification
Every topic in the AQA GCSE Physics specification
Each topic links to a deeper revision guide. The mark allocation column shows roughly how many marks per paper that topic typically attracts.
Electricity
~15% of totalCurrent, p.d., resistance, I-V graphs (ohmic & non-ohmic), series vs parallel circuits, power, energy, mains electricity (a.c. vs d.c., the three-pin plug), the National Grid.
- V = IR
- P = IV = I²R
- Series vs parallel resistor combinations
Particle model of matter
~8% of totalStates of matter, density, internal energy, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, gas pressure (qualitative), gas laws (Higher only).
- ρ = m/V
- E = mcΔθ (specific heat)
- E = mL (latent heat)
Atomic structure
~10% of totalAtom structure (after Rutherford), isotopes, radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma), half-life, nuclear equations, contamination vs irradiation, uses & risks of radioactivity, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion.
- Balancing nuclear equations
- Half-life calculations
Forces
~22% of totalScalar vs vector, weight, resultant forces, work done, Hooke's law, moments, pressure (fluids), Newton's laws, stopping distance, terminal velocity, momentum (Higher).
- F = ma
- Momentum p = mv
- Conservation of momentum in collisions (Higher)
- F = k·e (Hooke)
Waves
~13% of totalTransverse vs longitudinal, wave equation, reflection, refraction (Higher only quantitative), electromagnetic spectrum, uses of EM waves, sound (Higher only quantitative), lenses (Higher only).
- v = f·λ
- Drawing & labelling ray diagrams
- Refraction qualitatively (denser medium → bend towards normal)
Magnetism & electromagnetism
~10% of totalMagnetic fields & field lines, the motor effect, F = BIL, transformers (Higher only), electromagnetic induction.
- Right-hand rule for current direction
- F = BIL
- Transformer voltage ratio Vp/Vs = Np/Ns
Space physics (Triple only)
~7% of total in TripleSolar system, the life cycle of stars, red-shift & evidence for the Big Bang. Triple-Science only — not in Combined Trilogy.
Assessment objectives
How your marks are awarded
Examiners award marks against three Assessment Objectives. Knowing the split helps you target practice — most students under-prepare for AO3.
AO1 40%
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
Recall facts, terminology, scientific procedures.
AO2 40%
Apply knowledge and understanding
Use knowledge in unfamiliar contexts including practical situations.
AO3 20%
Analyse information and ideas
Interpret data, draw evidence-based conclusions.
Worked examples · step by step
How to actually answer these questions
Each worked example shows the full mark-scheme path. Steps map to where examiners typically award method (M) and accuracy (A) marks.
Kinetic energy (Higher)
Question. A 1500 kg car accelerates from rest to 20 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy at 20 m/s.
- 1. Write the equation. KE = ½ × m × v².
- 2. Substitute values. KE = ½ × 1500 × 20² = ½ × 1500 × 400.
- 3. Compute. KE = 300,000 J = 300 kJ.
Answer Kinetic energy = 300,000 J (300 kJ).
Examiner tip. Most candidates get this — the trap is forgetting to square the velocity. Always square first, then multiply.
Series circuit calculation
Question. Two resistors, 4 Ω and 6 Ω, are connected in series to a 12 V battery. Calculate (a) the total resistance, (b) the current in the circuit, (c) the p.d. across the 4 Ω resistor.
- 1. Total resistance (series adds). R_total = 4 + 6 = 10 Ω.
- 2. Current. I = V/R = 12/10 = 1.2 A.
- 3. P.d. across 4Ω. V₁ = I × R₁ = 1.2 × 4 = 4.8 V.
Answer (a) 10 Ω, (b) 1.2 A, (c) 4.8 V.
Examiner tip. In series: current is the same everywhere, voltages add to the supply. In parallel: voltages are the same across branches, currents add to the total. Always check which type of circuit you're looking at.
Half-life calculation
Question. A radioactive sample has activity 800 Bq. After 12 hours its activity drops to 100 Bq. Calculate the half-life.
- 1. Calculate how many halvings. 800 → 400 → 200 → 100. That's 3 halvings.
- 2. Total time / number of halvings. 12 hours / 3 = 4 hours.
Answer Half-life = 4 hours.
Examiner tip. On a graph question, look for the time taken for the activity to halve at any point on the curve — it should be the same wherever you start.
Examiner-report distilled
The mistakes most candidates make
Pulled from AQA’s own examiner reports across recent series. Each one costs marks. Each one is fixable.
Mistake 1
Mixing up scalar and vector quantities (e.g. saying "the velocity is 5 m/s" without direction).
Fix. Velocity, displacement, acceleration, force, momentum: all need a direction. Speed, distance, mass, energy: just a magnitude.
Mistake 2
Using mass in g instead of kg in F = ma or KE = ½mv².
Fix. Always convert to SI units before substituting. kg, m, s.
Mistake 3
Confusing reaction force with the resultant force in Newton's third law.
Fix. N3L pairs act on different objects. The reaction to gravity on you (Earth pulling you down) is you pulling Earth up — not the normal contact force from the floor.
Mistake 4
Calculating wavelength but not converting prefix (mm/μm/nm to m) before substituting.
Fix. Convert to base units. 500 nm = 500 × 10⁻⁹ m, not 500.
Mistake 5
Reading off an I-V graph but not noticing the y-axis is in mA.
Fix. Always look at the units on the axes BEFORE reading values.
Mistake 6
Treating half-life as "always halves over a fixed time" without checking the question's axis.
Fix. Read the activity at t=0 and find when activity drops to half — that gap is the half-life. Repeat for any second half-life if needed.
Formulae · memorise or know-where-to-find
Key formulae for AQA GCSE Physics
Some are on the equation sheet; some are not. Highlighted ones are the ones examiners report as most often forgotten in exam pressure.
| Name | Expression | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Kinetic energy | KE = ½mv² | Anything moving. |
| Gravitational PE | GPE = mgh | Vertical position above a reference. |
| Work done | W = F × d | Force acting over a distance in the direction of motion. |
| Power | P = W/t = E/t | Energy transferred per unit time. |
| Ohm's law | V = IR | Voltage, current, resistance in a circuit. |
| Electrical power | P = IV = I²R = V²/R | Power dissipated by a component. |
| Density | ρ = m/V | Density problems. |
| Specific heat | E = mcΔθ | Heating or cooling without phase change. |
| Wave equation | v = fλ | Any wave. |
| Force | F = ma | Resultant force on an accelerating object. |
| Momentum (Higher) | p = mv | Collisions, explosions, conservation problems. |
| Force on a current-carrying conductor (Higher) | F = BIL | Motor effect; force on a wire in a magnetic field. |
Grade boundaries · most recent series
What it took to hit each grade
Indicative boundaries from the most recent published series. Boundaries shift slightly year to year. Open the grade-boundary calculator →
| Tier | Grade | Marks | % of total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher | 9 | 152 | 76% |
| Higher | 7 | 112 | 56% |
| Higher | 4 | 42 | 21% |
| Foundation | 5 | 128 | 64% |
| Foundation | 4 | 100 | 50% |
| Foundation | 1 | 18 | 9% |
Revision plan · 8 weeks to exam
An 8-week plan that actually works
A staged sequence designed by examiners, not motivational posters. Each block has a single focus and a single measurable outcome.
- 1
Weeks 8–6 before paper 1
Topics 1–4: energy, electricity, particle model, atomic structure. Drill calculation routines.
Outcome. Paper 1 ready.
- 2
Weeks 6–4
Topics 5–8: forces, waves, magnetism, space (Triple). Practise Newton-law problems and momentum.
Outcome. Paper 2 ready.
- 3
Weeks 4–2
Required practicals — 8 across the course. Specific heat, resistance of a wire, density, springs.
Outcome. Required-practical questions guaranteed marks.
- 4
Final 2 weeks
Past papers + equation drills. Memorise the non-given equations from the spec.
Outcome. Exam-ready.
Last reviewed 26 May 2026.
Related · explore the spec further
More on AQA GCSE Physics
About AQA GCSE Physics
AQA is the largest exam board in England, setting GCSE and A-Level exams taken by millions of students each year. Known for clear mark schemes and well-structured specifications across all major subjects.
AQA GCSE Physics comprises three written examination papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 96 marks, totalling 288 marks across the qualification. You'll face a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions designed to test both knowledge and application skills. AQA's Physics specification is known for its clear, linear structure across nine core topics: Energy, Electricity, Particle Model, Atomic Structure, Forces, Waves, Magnetism, and Space Physics, plus integrated Practical Skills assessment. Unlike some exam boards, AQA emphasises accessible question wording with consistent mark allocations, making it easier to predict command word expectations. Their papers balance straightforward recall with challenging problem-solving, requiring you to demonstrate understanding rather than mere memorisation.
Topics in AQA GCSE Physics
1 Energy
2 Electricity
3 Particle Model
4 Atomic Structure
5 Forces
6 Waves
7 Magnetism
8 Space Physics
9 Practical Skills
Study Tips for AQA Physics
1
AQA Physics papers feature consistent mark allocation: 1-mark multiple-choice, 2-mark short answers, and 4-6 mark extended responses. Study with this structure in mind—practise writing concise two-mark explanations and detailed six-mark answers with proper scientific reasoning to match AQA's marking criteria exactly.
2
Create topic-based revision resources aligned to AQA's nine specification areas. AQA separates Practical Skills throughout their papers rather than isolating them, so ensure you understand practical methodology for each topic: circuit building, force measurement, wave investigations, and astronomical observations integrated into your content revision.
3
AQA uses consistent command words across their Physics papers: 'explain', 'calculate', 'describe', and 'evaluate' carry specific mark expectations. Study their mark scheme patterns—'explain' typically demands two linked points, whilst 'evaluate' requires balanced judgement. Practising past papers helps you recognise these patterns and allocate time strategically.
4
Use AQA's specification document as your primary study guide—it outlines exactly what you need to know with precision. Cross-reference each bullet point against past paper questions to identify which specification points attract extended-response questions versus single marks, helping you prioritise deeper learning where AQA allocates more marks.
Exam Tips for AQA Physics
1
Time management is critical across AQA's three 1 hour 45-minute papers. Allocate roughly one minute per mark, but prioritise multiple-choice questions first (quick marks), then short answers, saving extended responses for final review. AQA's mark distribution means you'll gain 24 marks from multiple-choice alone—secure these quickly to build confidence.
2
AQA's extended-response questions reward structured answers with clear logical progression. When tackling 5-6 mark questions, write in numbered points or paragraphs showing your reasoning step-by-step. AQA's mark schemes award marks for methodology and explanation, not just final answers, so show all calculations and justify your physics principles explicitly.
3
Read AQA's questions twice before answering, particularly those involving calculations or unfamiliar contexts. AQA often embeds command words subtly—'explain why' requires different depth than 'state'—and presents data in graphs, tables, or diagrams you must interpret. Spending 30 seconds reading prevents costly misinterpretation of what marks are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many papers are in AQA GCSE Physics?
AQA GCSE Physics consists of three written examination papers. Each paper lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 96 marks. Papers 1 and 2 cover all nine specification topics with a mix of multiple-choice and structured questions, whilst Paper 3 includes more demanding extended-response questions. All three papers contribute equally to your final grade.
What topics does AQA GCSE Physics cover?
AQA's specification covers nine core topics: Energy (conservation and transfer), Electricity (circuits, current, resistance), Particle Model (states of matter, density), Atomic Structure (elements, isotopes, ionisation), Forces (Newton's laws, moments, pressure), Waves (properties, sound, light), Magnetism (fields, motors, transformers), Space Physics (universe structure, stellar evolution), and Practical Skills (integrated throughout all papers, assessed via written questions about methodology and data analysis).
Is AQA GCSE Physics hard?
AQA GCSE Physics difficulty is moderate to challenging, depending on your mathematical confidence. AQA's papers demand strong numeracy skills—approximately 40% involves calculations—and conceptual understanding beyond memorisation. However, AQA's clear mark schemes and consistent question structures make success achievable with focused revision. Higher grades require interpreting unfamiliar scenarios and evaluating evidence, not just knowing content. Most students find AQA's accessibility and logical progression helpful compared to some competing exam boards.
AQA GCSE Physics Study Guides
AQA GCSE PE Past Papers: Complete Collection and Revision Guide
Find AQA GCSE PE past papers and learn how to use them effectively. Covers Component 1 and 2, extended answer technique, and high-frequency topics.
SUVAT Equations Explained: GCSE & A-Level Physics Guide
Master the SUVAT equations for GCSE and A-Level physics. Learn each equation, when to use them, worked examples and common exam mistakes.
GCSE English Literature Paper 1 and Paper 2: Complete Revision Guide
Master GCSE English Literature Papers 1 and 2. Learn how to structure essays, memorise quotations and tackle AQA exam questions.
GCSE Physics Equations: The Complete List You Need to Memorise
Complete list of GCSE Physics equations you must memorise for your exam. Includes tips for remembering formulas and applying them to exam questions.
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