AQA GCSE Physics Past Papers & Mark Schemes

AQA GCSE Physics (specification code 8463) is a Triple Science qualification assessed through two written exams, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 100 marks. Both papers are available at Foundation (grades 1–5) or Higher (grades 4–9) tier. An equations sheet is provided with each paper listing the formulae students are expected to use. Paper 1 covers Energy, Electricity, the Particle Model of Matter, and Atomic Structure. The energy topic is calculation-heavy, covering kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, and power. Electricity covers circuit components, Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits, domestic electricity, and electrical power. The particle model covers the three states of matter, specific heat capacity, and specific latent heat. Atomic structure introduces nuclear models, radioactivity, isotopes, and nuclear equations. Paper 2 covers Forces, Waves, Magnetism and Electromagnetism, and Space Physics (Higher only). The forces topic is the largest section of the specification — it includes Newton's three laws, momentum, stopping distances, terminal velocity, Hooke's law, and pressure. Waves covers transverse and longitudinal waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, reflection, refraction, and required practical work on waves in a ripple tank. The electromagnetism section covers the motor effect, generators, and transformers. Physics has the highest proportion of mathematical questions of the three separate sciences. Students are expected to rearrange equations, convert between units, interpret graphs, and perform multi-step calculations. The equations sheet lists all required formulae, but students who practise using them are at a significant advantage over those who rely on looking them up under exam conditions.