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Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Physics (1PH0)

Edexcel GCSE Physics, equation to explanation.

Pick the right equation, rearrange it, substitute with units and explain what the answer means. Your tutor works through each step with you and checks your reasoning.

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A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 0.40 m. Calculate its speed.[2 marks]

This is worth 2 marks. They go for:

  • Use wave speed = frequency × wavelength (1 mark)
  • v = 50 × 0.40 = 20 m/s (1 mark)

Examiner tip: Check the wavelength is in metres first. A wavelength given as 40 cm is 0.40 m.

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Assessment

How Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Physics is assessed

Two papers, each worth 50%, both taken at the same tier in May and June of one year. Foundation tier covers grades 1–5 and Higher tier grades 4–9. A Higher student a few marks below grade 4 can be awarded a 3.

Specification 1PH0, first examined in 2018. Reformed GCSEs are planned for first teaching from 2029, so exams in 2027 and 2028 use this one.

Foundation or Higher tier

  • Paper 1

    Topics 1–7, from motion to astronomy

    Time
    1 h 45 min
    Marks
    100
    Weight
    50%

  • Paper 2

    Topics 1 and 8–15, from energy and electricity to forces and matter

    Time
    1 h 45 min
    Marks
    100
    Weight
    50%

Each paper has ten questions: multiple choice, short answers, calculations and extended open responses. Calculators are allowed.

There is no coursework. You carry out eight core practicals, and exam questions test what you learned from them. An equations sheet is provided in the exam.

From the official Pearson Edexcel syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus

Syllabus content

What’s on the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics syllabus

Paper 1

  • Key concepts of physics
  • Motion and forces
  • Conservation of energy
  • Waves
  • Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Radioactivity
  • Astronomy

Paper 2

  • Key concepts of physics
  • Energy – forces doing work
  • Forces and their effects
  • Electricity and circuits
  • Static electricity
  • Magnetism and the motor effect
  • Electromagnetic induction
  • Particle model
  • Forces and matter

Where marks are lost

Common Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics mistakes

  • Saying rubbing creates charge.

    Charge isn’t created: friction transfers electrons from one material to the other. The one that gains electrons becomes negative.

  • Thinking waves carry water or air along with them.

    Waves transfer energy, not matter. The particles vibrate about a fixed position while the wave moves on.

  • Describing red-shift as galaxies turning red.

    Red-shift is an increase in the wavelength of light from a galaxy moving away from us. More distant galaxies show more red-shift.

Six physics tutors, six ways to learn

Practise past-paper style questions with the exam coach, drill facts before a test with quick revision, or slow down with a step-by-step tutor. Switch any time.

See how each one teaches How the AI tutor works
  • LeoConcept explainer
  • InesStep by step
  • MarcusExam coach
  • ZaraQuick revision
  • FelixChallenger
  • AmaraConfidence builder

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FAQ

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics questions, answered.

For 2027, Pearson provides the equations as an insert in the exam papers, as Ofqual requires. You still need to know which equation fits a question and how to rearrange it.

Yes. Those two topics are only in the separate Physics GCSE, not Combined Science, and your tutor covers both.

Yes. Ask about the method, variables and results for any of the eight, from measuring waves to specific heat capacity, then practise the exam questions on them.

Yes. The free plan includes 5 tutor messages and 15 minutes of calls a day. Pro and Max give you more when exams get close.

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More Pearson Edexcel GCSE subjects

Physics in other curricula