Overview
This lecture summarizes the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) Physics specification, covering the course structure, required practicals, assessment methods, core topics, key equations, and essential skills students need for success.
Course Structure & Assessment
- The qualification consists of two externally-examined papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes, and both are available at foundation and higher tiers.
- Paper 1 covers key concepts, motion and forces, energy, waves, light, electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, and astronomy.
- Paper 2 covers key concepts, energy - forces doing work, forces and their effects, electricity, static electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, particle model, and forces and matter.
- Both papers include multiple-choice, short answer, and calculation questions; calculators are allowed.
- Assessment objectives: 40% knowledge/understanding, 40% application, 20% analysis/evaluation.
Key Content & Skills
- Key ideas: use of models/theories, cause and effect, action at a distance/fields, drivers of change, proportionality, and mathematical laws.
- Working scientifically includes developing hypotheses, planning and conducting experiments, making observations, analyzing data, and using scientific vocabulary and units.
- Eight core practicals are mandatory, covering topics from forces to electrical circuits and density investigations.
- Mathematical skills include arithmetic, data handling, algebra, graph interpretation, geometry, and trigonometry.
Major Physics Topics
- Scalars and vectors, motion, speed, velocity, acceleration (with key formulas).
- Newton’s laws of motion, momentum, energy, and power calculations.
- Waves, reflection, refraction, electromagnetic spectrum, and their practical usages.
- Atoms, radiation types, half-life, uses and dangers of radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion.
- Astronomy: solar system, orbits, Big Bang theory, and stellar evolution.
- Electricity: circuit components, Ohm’s Law, resistance, energy transfer, and safety.
- Magnetism, electromagnetism, electromagnetic induction, transformers, and national grid.
- Particle model: states of matter, internal energy, changes of state, specific heat, gas laws, and pressure.
- Forces and matter: elastic/inelastic distortion, springs, moments, upthrust, pressure in fluids.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Scalar — quantity with magnitude only (e.g., speed).
- Vector — quantity with magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity).
- Force — push or pull acting on an object, measured in newtons (N).
- Work Done — force x distance, measured in joules (J).
- Power — rate of energy transfer, measured in watts (W).
- Half-life — time for half of radioactive nuclei to decay.
- Ohm’s Law — potential difference = current x resistance (V = IR).
- Specific Heat Capacity — energy required to raise temperature of 1kg substance by 1°C.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete and record all eight mandatory core practicals, including data and diagrams.
- Review and memorize all required equations and SI units listed in the specification.
- Practice math skills and calculations related to the physics topics.
- Prepare for assessments by reviewing sample papers and mark schemes.
- Submit Practical Science Statement by 15th April in your examination year.