AQA | GCSE Physics Paper 1 | 2025 predictions
Your 2025 GCSE Physics Predicted Papers are finally here! 🚀 We’ve analysed past papers, examiner reports, and trends to create the most detailed, high-quality predicted papers to help you revise smarter.
With our papers, you’ll get:
✅ Exam-style questions covering key topics
✅ Mark schemes to check your answers
✅ FREE video walkthroughs showing you exactly how to structure your responses for full marks
Everything is in one place, ready for you to download and start revising! 💡 Let’s get you fully prepared for exam day.
Table of Contents
AQA GCSE Physics | Separate Science | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
If you're preparing for AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 (Higher), we’ve got you covered! Based on past exam trends and examiner reports, we’ve put together a list of predicted topics to help you focus your revision and feel confident for your exam.
Exams are important, but so is your mental health. 💛 Remember to take breaks, get fresh air, and be kind to yourself during revision.
Our 2025 Predicted Papers can help you revise smarter, not harder, so you feel confident going into your exams. And if you need a last-minute boost, join our Night Before Exam Masterclass – we’ll go through key topics, exam strategies, and help calm those nerves. 🌟
You’ve got this! Believe in yourself, and we’ll be right here to support you. 🚀💪
🔬 Structure of the Atom
Atoms consist of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons in energy levels (shells).
✅ Key facts to remember:
Protons have a positive charge (+1) and a mass of 1.
Neutrons have no charge (0) and a mass of 1.
Electrons have a negative charge (-1) and a very small mass (1/1836 of a proton) basically 0.
Most of an atom’s mass is in the nucleus, while the electrons take up most of the space.
⚛️ Isotopes & Ions
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons (e.g., Carbon-12 and Carbon-14).
Ions are atoms that gain or lose electrons to become charged (e.g., Na⁺ or Cl⁻).
⚡ Energy Transfers & Energy Stores
Energy is stored in different ways, including:
Kinetic Energy (moving objects)
Gravitational Potential Energy (objects at height)
Elastic Potential Energy (stretched or compressed objects)
Thermal Energy (heat)
🔥 Specific Heat Capacity
Definition: The energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
Equation:
(Energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change)
Learn the units (J/kg°C).
🔌 Series & Parallel Circuits
Series circuits: Current is the same everywhere, voltage is shared.
Parallel circuits: Voltage is the same across each branch, current is shared.
⚡ Resistance
Resistance opposes current flow and is measured in Ohms (Ω).
Resistance increases with longer wires, thinner wires, and higher temperatures.
🔋 Charge, Current & Potential Difference
Charge (Q) is measured in Coulombs (C).
Current (I) is measured in Amps (A).
Potential difference (V) is measured in Volts (V).
Equation:
(Charge = Current × Time)
🌍 Energy Efficiency
Efficiency measures how much useful energy is transferred compared to the total energy input.
machines can never be 100% efficient (energy lost as heat).
✈️ Terminal Velocity
Objects accelerate due to gravity but reach terminal velocity when air resistance = weight.
Draw velocity-time graphs for free-falling objects.
⚡ National Grid
The National Grid transfers electricity from power stations to homes.
Uses step-up transformers to increase voltage and step-down transformers to decrease voltage.
💨 Gas Particles & Pressure
Heating gas particles increases their kinetic energy, increasing pressure.
Increasing volume decreases pressure (Boyle’s Law).
🧊 Particle Model & Changes of State
Changes of state: solid ⇄ liquid ⇄ gas.
Energy is used during melting/boiling.
⚖️ Density
Density is mass per unit volume:
Density=Mass / Volume
⚡ Renewable & Non-Renewable Electricity Generation
Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass.
Non-renewable: Fossil fuels, nuclear power.
☢ Nuclear Fuel & Radiation
Nuclear fuel (e.g., uranium) is used in power stations.
Types of radiation: Alpha, Beta, Gamma.
🕐 Half-Life & Radioactive Decay
Half-life: Time taken for half of a radioactive sample to decay.
⚡ Static Electricity
Static charge builds up due to friction.
-
Opposite charges attract, like charges repel.
AQA GCSE Combined Science | Physics | Higher | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
Your GCSE Physics Paper 1 exam is coming up, and we’re here to help you revise smarter! 🚀 Based on past papers and exam trends, we’ve put together the key topics most likely to appear in 2025.
Feeling overwhelmed with revision? You’re not alone. Exams can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it all at once – small, focused revision sessions can be just as effective as long ones!
Our Predicted Papers are designed to help you practise the most important topics and build your confidence. And don’t forget our Night Before Exam Masterclass, where we’ll go over key questions, top tips, and help you feel ready for exam day!
Take it one step at a time – you’re doing amazing. 💙
🔬 Structure of the Atom
Atoms are made of:
Protons (charge: +1, found in the nucleus, mass of 1).
Neutrons (charge: 0, found in the nucleus, mass of 1).
Electrons (charge: -1, orbiting the nucleus, mass of 0).
⚛️ Isotopes & Ions
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. (e.g., Carbon-12 and Carbon-14).
Ions are atoms that gain or lose electrons, giving them a positive or negative charge. (e.g., Na⁺ and Cl⁻).
⚡ Energy Transfers & Energy Stores
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between different stores, including:
Kinetic Energy – energy of a moving object.
Gravitational Potential Energy – energy stored in objects at height.
Elastic Potential Energy – energy stored in stretched or compressed objects.
🔥 Specific Heat Capacity
Definition: The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
Learn the units (J/kg°C).
Equation:
(Energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change)
🔌 Series & Parallel Circuits
Series Circuit: The same current flows through all components, but the voltage is shared.
-
Parallel Circuit: The same voltage is across each branch, but the current is split.
⚡ Resistance
Resistance slows down the flow of current in a circuit.
It increases with longer wires, thinner wires, and higher temperatures.
Equation:
(Voltage = Current × Resistance)
🔋 Charge, Current & Potential Difference
Charge (Q) is measured in Coulombs (C).
Current (I) is measured in Amps (A).
Potential difference (V) is measured in Volts (V).
Equation:
(Charge = Current × Time)
✈️ Terminal Velocity
When an object falls:
It accelerates due to gravity.
Air resistance increases, slowing it down.
When air resistance = weight, the object reaches terminal velocity (constant speed).
⚡ National Grid
Transfers electricity from power stations to homes.
-
Uses step-up transformers to increase voltage and step-down transformers to decrease voltage.
🔋 Renewable & Non-Renewable Electricity Generation
Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass.
Non-renewable: Fossil fuels, nuclear power.
☢ Radiation
Alpha (α): Stopped by paper, most ionising, least penetrating.
Beta (β): Stopped by aluminium, moderate ionisation and penetration.
Gamma (γ): Stopped by thick lead, least ionising, most penetrating.
🕐 Half-Life & Radioactive Decay
Half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.
AQA GCSE Physics | Separate Science | Foundation | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
Your GCSE Physics Paper 1 is coming up, and we’re here to help! We’ve looked at past papers and exam trends to predict the most important topics for AQA GCSE Physics (Foundation Tier) Paper 1 in 2025.
You are capable. You are smart. You are more than your grades. 💛
Exams can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make things easier. Our Predicted Papers help you focus on what really matters, and our Night Before Exam Masterclass gives you that final confidence boost before you walk into the exam hall.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Rest, eat well, and remind yourself that you can do this. We believe in you – now it’s time for you to believe in yourself! 🚀
🔬 Structure of the Atom
Atoms are made of:
Protons – Found in the nucleus, charge of +1.
Neutrons – Found in the nucleus, no charge (0).
Electrons – Move around the nucleus, charge of -1.
⚛️ Isotopes & Ions
Isotopes are atoms of the same element but with different numbers of neutrons (e.g., Carbon-12 and Carbon-14).
-
Ions are atoms that gain or lose electrons, giving them a charge (e.g., Na⁺ has lost an electron, Cl⁻ has gained one).
⚡ Energy Transfers & Energy Stores
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between different energy stores, such as:
Kinetic Energy (moving objects).
Gravitational Potential Energy (objects at height).
Elastic Potential Energy (stretched or squashed objects).
🔥 Specific Heat Capacity
Definition: The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
Learn the units (J/kg°C).
🔌 Series & Parallel Circuits
Series Circuit: The same current flows through all components, but the voltage is shared.
Parallel Circuit: The same voltage is across each branch, but the current is shared.
⚡ Resistance & Circuit Symbols
Resistance opposes the flow of current in a circuit and is measured in Ohms (Ω).
Resistance increases with longer wires, thinner wires, and higher temperatures.
🔋 Charge, Current & Potential Difference
Charge (Q) is measured in Coulombs (C).
Current (I) is measured in Amps (A).
Potential difference (V) is measured in Volts (V).
✈️ Terminal Velocity
When an object falls, it accelerates due to gravity, but eventually reaches terminal velocity when air resistance = weight.
⚡ National Grid
Transfers electricity from power stations to homes.
Uses step-up transformers to increase voltage and step-down transformers to decrease voltage.
🧊 Particle Model & Changes of State
Solid → Liquid → Gas (melting, boiling).
Gas → Liquid → Solid (condensing, freezing).
⚡ Renewable & Non-Renewable Electricity Generation
Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass.
Non-renewable: Fossil fuels, nuclear power.
☢ Nuclear Fuel & Radiation
Nuclear fuel (e.g., uranium) is used in power stations.
Types of radiation: Alpha, Beta, Gamma.
⚡ Static Electricity
Static charge builds up due to friction.
Opposite charges attract, like charges repel.
AQA GCSE Combined Science | Physics | Foundation | Paper 1 | 2025 Predicted Topics & Revision Guide
Your GCSE Physics Paper 1 exam is coming up, and we’re here to help you revise the key topics! 🚀 Based on past papers and exam trends, we’ve put together the most important topics for 2025.
Breathe in. Breathe out. You’ve got this. 🌿
It’s easy to feel stressed in the lead-up to exams, but remember – preparation is key, and small steps add up to big results. Our Predicted Papers are designed to make revision easier, and our Night Before Exam Masterclass will walk you through everything you need to feel ready and confident.
Take care of your mind as well as your studies. Your best effort is always enough. 💛 We’re cheering you on! 📚🎉
🔬 Structure of the Atom
Atoms are made of:
Protons – Found in the nucleus, charge of +1.
Neutrons – Found in the nucleus, no charge (0).
Electrons – Move around the nucleus, charge of -1.
⚛️ Isotopes & Ions
Isotopes are atoms of the same element but with different numbers of neutrons. (e.g., Carbon-12 and Carbon-14).
-
Ions are atoms that gain or lose electrons, giving them a positive or negative charge.
⚡ Energy Transfers & Energy Stores
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between different energy stores, such as:
Kinetic Energy (moving objects).
Gravitational Potential Energy (objects at height).
Elastic Potential Energy (stretched or squashed objects).
🔥 Specific Heat Capacity
Definition: The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C.
Learn the units (J/kg°C).
🔌 Series & Parallel Circuits
Series Circuit: The same current flows through all components, but the voltage is shared.
Parallel Circuit: The same voltage is across each branch, but the current is split.
⚡ Resistance
Resistance slows down the flow of current in a circuit.
-
It increases with longer wires, thinner wires, and higher temperatures.
🔋 Charge, Current & Potential Difference
Charge (Q) is measured in Coulombs (C).
Current (I) is measured in Amps (A).
Potential difference (V) is measured in Volts (V).
🌍 Gravitational & Kinetic Energy
Kinetic Energy: Energy of a moving object.
Gravitational Potential Energy: Energy stored when an object is lifted.
✈️ Terminal Velocity
When an object falls:
It accelerates due to gravity.
Air resistance increases, slowing it down.
When air resistance = weight, the object reaches terminal velocity (constant speed).
⚡ National Grid
Transfers electricity from power stations to homes.
🔋 Renewable & Non-Renewable Electricity Generation
Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass.
Non-renewable: Fossil fuels, nuclear power.
☢ Radiation
Alpha (α): Stopped by paper, most ionising, least penetrating.
Beta (β): Stopped by aluminium, moderate ionisation and penetration.
Gamma (γ): Stopped by thick lead, least ionising, most penetrating.
🕐 Half-Life & Radioactive Decay
Half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive sample to decay.
Everything You Need to Know for AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1
If you're preparing for AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1, you might be wondering:
How many papers are there?
What equations do I need to know?
What’s the best way to revise?
This guide will answer all your questions and help you feel fully prepared, whether you’re taking Combined Science or Separate Science, at Foundation or Higher Tier.
How to Answer Maths Questions in GCSE Physics
Maths-based questions in GCSE Physics can range from simple calculations to multi-step problem-solving. To secure full marks, follow these key steps:
1️⃣ Write down the equation – Even though you’re given an equation sheet, always start by writing the relevant formula. This helps you focus on the correct method and may earn you marks even if your final answer is incorrect.
2️⃣ Substitute values with units – Carefully insert the given values into the equation, ensuring they are in the correct units (e.g., converting grams to kilograms or minutes to seconds if needed).
3️⃣ Rearrange if needed – If the question asks for a different variable (e.g., mass instead of force in F=ma), rearrange the equation.
4️⃣ Show every step of your working – Even if you make a mistake, partial marks are awarded for correct method use.
5️⃣ Use the correct significant figures or decimal places – Check if the question specifies rounding, or follow the given data’s precision.
6️⃣ Include the correct units – Marks are often lost for missing units, so always add them to your final answer.
💡 Example Question: A 2 kg object is lifted 3 m above the ground. Calculate its gravitational potential energy (g = 9.8 N/kg).
✔ Step 1: Write the equation → GPE=mgh
✔ Step 2: Substitute values → GPE=2×9.8×3
✔ Step 3: Solve → GPE=58.8J
✔ Step 4: Box your final answer and include units → 58.8 J
Following this structured approach ensures you gain as many marks as possible and avoid common mistakes. 🚀
📜 How Many Papers Are There in GCSE Physics?
Separate Science (GCSE Physics)
Two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2.
You will receive a separate GCSE in Physics.
Combined Science (Trilogy)
Two Physics papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), but your final grade is based on all six science papers (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
This course results in two GCSE grades for Science, rather than a separate GCSE in Physics.
🕒 How Long is GCSE Physics Paper 1?
The length of the exam depends on whether you're taking Combined Science or Separate Science, and whether you're doing Foundation or Higher Tier.
Paper |
Tier |
Duration |
Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
GCSE Physics (Paper 1) |
Foundation |
1 hour 45 mins |
100 marks |
GCSE Physics (Paper 1) |
Higher |
1 hour 45 mins |
100 marks |
Combined Science (Physics Paper 1) |
Foundation |
1 hour 15 mins |
70 marks |
Combined Science (Physics Paper 1) |
Higher |
1 hour 15 mins |
70 marks |
Separate Science papers are longer (1 hour 45 minutes) because they cover more content and lead to a full GCSE in Physics.
Combined Science papers are shorter (1 hour 15 minutes) because they contribute to a double Science GCSE.
📚 What Topics Are Covered in AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1?
Paper 1 covers the following topics:
⚡ Energy – Types of energy stores, conservation of energy, specific heat capacity, power, efficiency, and insulation.
🔌 Electricity – Circuit components, charge, current, potential difference, resistance, series and parallel circuits, and the national grid.
🌡 Particle Model of Matter – Density, changes of state, internal energy, specific latent heat, and gas pressure.
☢ Atomic Structure – History of the atom, isotopes, radioactive decay, half-life, nuclear radiation, and nuclear fission/fusion (higher tier only).
📚 What Topics Are Covered in AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2?
AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2 covers the following major topics:
1️⃣ Forces ⚖️
Scalar and vector quantities
Contact and non-contact forces
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Resultant forces
Work done and energy transfer
Moments, levers, and gears (Higher only)
Pressure in fluids (Higher only)
Acceleration, velocity-time graphs, and SUVAT equations (Higher only)
Stopping distances and reaction times
Momentum (Higher only)
2️⃣ Waves 🌊
Properties of waves (transverse & longitudinal)
Wave speed equation
Reflection, refraction, and wave behaviour
Required Practical: Measuring waves in water and on a string
The electromagnetic spectrum
Uses and dangers of EM waves
Infrared radiation and greenhouse gases
X-rays and gamma rays in medicine
3️⃣ Magnetism & Electromagnetism 🧲
Permanent and induced magnets
Magnetic fields and field lines
The motor effect and Fleming’s left-hand rule (Higher only)
The generator effect and electromagnetic induction (Higher only)
Transformers and the national grid (Higher only)
4️⃣ Space Physics (Separate Science Only) 🚀
(Not covered in Combined Science, only in GCSE Physics)
The life cycle of stars
The solar system and orbits
Redshift and the Big Bang Theory
📖 The Equation Sheet & Units for Each Equation
For 2025, AQA provides an equation sheet, meaning you won’t have to memorise equations. However, you still need to understand when and how to use them!
💡 Tip: Even though you’re given the equation sheet, practising with it beforehand will help you use it quickly and efficiently during the exam.
📝 Flashcards for GCSE Physics Revision
Flashcards are a great way to memorise key physics facts and equations. Here’s how to use them effectively:
✅ Make your own flashcards – Writing things down helps memory!
✅ Include definitions, diagrams, and key equations.
✅ Use a mix of physical and digital flashcards – Apps like Quizlet are great for quick revision.
✅ Test yourself regularly – Don’t just read them!
💡 Topics to make flashcards for:
Energy stores and transfers
Circuit symbols and their functions
Key physics equations and their units
Types of radiation and their properties
📖 AQA GCSE Physics Past Papers
One of the best ways to prepare for your exam is to practise with past papers. AQA past papers help you:
Get used to the exam format and question styles.
Understand how to apply equations in different contexts.
Practise timing yourself so you don’t run out of time in the real exam.
💡 Where to find AQA GCSE Physics past papers?
You can download official AQA past papers from the AQA website.
We also have 2025 Predicted Papers available for free – designed to be as close as possible to the real thing!
🔑 Best Ways to Revise for AQA GCSE Physics
1️⃣ Practise Using the Equation Sheet
Since an equation sheet is provided, you need to know how to use it quickly. Practise:
Finding the right equation for the question.
Rearranging equations for different variables.
Converting units correctly.
2️⃣ AQA Past Paper Questions
The more you practise, the more confident you’ll be. Focus on:
Longer calculation questions.
Six-mark explanation questions.
Practical-based questions.
3️⃣ Watch Revision Videos
If you’re a visual learner, videos can help simplify difficult concepts. Our free YouTube videos walk you through Physics topics step by step.
📺 Check out our Physics revision videos here: [Insert link]
4️⃣ Attend a Masterclass the Night Before!
Join us for our live Masterclass the night before the exam, covering:
✅ Key topics & common exam questions
✅ Last-minute revision tips
✅ How to avoid silly mistakes
👉 Sign up for the Masterclass here
💡 Final Tips for GCSE Physics Paper 1
🔹 Use active recall – test yourself with flashcards.
🔹 Practise past papers & equation-based questions.
🔹 Stay calm and believe in yourself – you’ve got this! 🚀
#GCSEPhysics #AQA #ExamPrep #RevisionTips
Add a comment