IGCSE 2026 Exam Trends: Edexcel Physics 4PH1

Edexcel IGCSE Physics (4PH1) is assessed with Paper 1 and Paper 2; practical skills are tested within the written papers. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• 4PH1 – Paper 1 and Paper 2; structure unchanged for 2025–2026. Mix of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response.
• Calculations are a major feature: formula, substitution, answer with unit. Working is credited; units (e.g. N, J, Pa, V) are required. Formula sheet is provided; correct use is tested.
• Practical questions (method, variables, graphs, conclusions, evaluation) are embedded; application to unfamiliar set-ups is common.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Forces and motion: Equations of motion, F = ma, momentum; vector nature of force and velocity. Free-body diagrams and resultant force are frequent.
• Energy: Work, kinetic, potential, power; conservation and efficiency. Calculations with correct units and explanation in terms of energy transfer.
• Electricity: V = IR, P = IV, series/parallel; circuit calculations and explanation of current/p.d. Units (V, A, Ω, W) are essential.
• Waves: Frequency, wavelength, speed; electromagnetic spectrum; reflection, refraction. Diagram labelling and explanation with correct terms.
• Practical: Variables, control, graphs (axis, line of best fit), conclusion, evaluation (errors, improvements). Uncertainty and significant figures are sometimes tested.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports highlight calculation errors (wrong formula, unit conversion), explanation without physics principles, and practical evaluation.
• No reported shift in difficulty; accuracy in calculations and clear explanation are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and style match past Edexcel series. Past papers are a good guide to topic balance and question types.
• Topics are predictable from the spec; contexts vary. Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (working, units, correct physics) is.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Calculations: Formula, substitution, answer with unit; working credited. Unit conversion (e.g. kJ to J, cm to m) must be correct.
• Explanations: Use physics principles and correct terms (e.g. “resultant force”, “conservation of energy”). Vague answers get partial or no credit.
• Practical: Variables, control, conclusion from data, evaluation with specific points. Marking consistent with past series.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Calculations – fluency with formulae and units; multi-step problems.
• Explanation – in terms of physics (forces, energy, particles); diagrams where helpful.
• Practical – method, analysis, evaluation.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Calculations – formula, substitution, unit; practise unit conversion.
2. Forces and motion – F = ma, equations of motion, momentum; vector nature.
3. Electricity – V = IR, P = IV, series/parallel; circuit reasoning.
4. Energy – work, KE, GPE, efficiency; conservation.
5. Practical – variables, control, graphs, conclusion, evaluation.

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Based on current specification and examiner reports. Always use the latest Edexcel 4PH1 specification for your series.