Methodology

This list is based on analysis of Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Physics 4PH1 past papers (2019–2024), examiner reports, mark schemes and specification. The specification has 8 main sections; topics are ranked by frequency.

Top 10 most frequently tested topics

1. Forces and motion

Evidence: Motion, forces, momentum. Core to Papers 1P and 2P. Examiner reports note working and units.

Covers: speed, velocity, acceleration; forces; Newton’s laws; momentum.

2. Electricity

Evidence: Circuits, current, voltage, resistance. Appears in almost every paper.

Covers: series and parallel; Ohm’s law; power; mains electricity.

3. Waves

Evidence: Wave properties, electromagnetic spectrum, light, sound. Examiner reports note terminology.

Covers: wave properties; EM spectrum; reflection; refraction; sound.

4. Energy resources and transfers

Evidence: Energy, work, power, efficiency. Core topic.

Covers: energy types; conservation; work; power; efficiency; energy resources.

5. Solids, liquids and gases

Evidence: Density, pressure, gas laws. Examiner reports note particle model and pressure.

Covers: density; pressure; kinetic theory; change of state.

6. Magnetism and electromagnetism

Evidence: Magnetic fields, electromagnetism, induction. Examiner reports note motor effect.

Covers: magnetism; electromagnets; motor effect; electromagnetic induction.

7. Radioactivity and particles

Evidence: Alpha, beta, gamma; half-life. Examiner reports note radioactivity errors.

Covers: types of radiation; half-life; uses; nuclear fission and fusion.

8. Light and optics

Evidence: Reflection, refraction, lenses. Ray diagrams.

Covers: reflection; refraction; lenses; ray diagrams.

9. Motion and kinematics

Evidence: Equations of motion; graphs. Examiner reports note graph interpretation.

Covers: equations of motion; distance-time; velocity-time graphs.

10. Astrophysics (extended)

Evidence: Motion in universe; stellar evolution. Extended content.

Covers: satellites; stellar evolution; cosmology.

Revision priority

Forces and motion and electricity carry the most marks. Show working and include units. See common mistakes.

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Sources: Edexcel past papers 2019–2024, examiner reports, specification.