Pearson Edexcel UK GCSE Combined Science 1SC0
Every formula and key equation across Biology, Chemistry and Physics for Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) — the double award assessed across six 1h 10m Higher-tier papers.
Our formula sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.
Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) is a double award worth two GCSEs, examined across six 1h 10m papers (two each in Biology, Chemistry and Physics) at Higher tier. This formula sheet brings together every required equation across the three sciences — the calculations you must memorise, the equations given on the exam Equations Sheet, and the conceptual relationships that earn the high-mark explanation answers.
Biology — magnification, genetics, BMI, photosynthesis & respiration
Chemistry — moles, gas volumes, concentration, yield, atom economy
Physics — motion, forces, energy, pressure, waves, electricity
Exam strategy for the 6-paper Higher-tier structure
Foundations of mechanics — most appear on the Equations Sheet, but Edexcel expects you to apply them.
Speed / velocity
v = s ÷ t (distance ÷ time) Acceleration
a = (v − u) ÷ t Equations of uniform acceleration
v = u + at | s = ut + ½at² | v² = u² + 2as u = initial velocity, v = final velocity, a = acceleration, t = time, s = distance.
Force
F = ma (force = mass × acceleration) Weight
W = mg (mass × gravitational field strength; g ≈ 9.8 N/kg on Earth) Momentum
p = mv (mass × velocity) Force from momentum change
F = (mv − mu) ÷ t Work done
W = Fd (force × distance moved in direction of force) Kinetic energy
KE = ½ × m × v² Gravitational PE
GPE = m × g × h Power
P = W ÷ t (energy transferred ÷ time) Efficiency
(Useful energy out ÷ Total energy in) × 100% Density
ρ = m ÷ V (kg/m³) Pressure
p = F ÷ A (N/m² or Pa) Wave equation
v = f × λ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength) Period
T = 1 ÷ f Speed of EM waves in a vacuum = 3 × 10⁸ m/s.
Charge
Q = I × t (charge = current × time) Ohm's law
V = I × R Electrical power
P = I × V Power (alt)
P = I² × R Energy transferred
E = Q × V (or E = I × V × t = P × t) Transformer turns ratio
Vp ÷ Vs = Np ÷ Ns Ideal transformer power
Vp × Ip = Vs × Is Magnification (in physics & biology)
Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size Calculation-heavy topic — every Edexcel chemistry paper has at least one extended mole/yield/atom-economy question.
Relative atomic mass (Ar)
Average mass of an atom relative to 1/12 of carbon-12 Relative formula mass (Mr)
Mr = Σ Ar (sum the Ar values of every atom in the formula) Example: Mr of H₂O = (2 × 1) + 16 = 18.
Moles from mass
n = mass ÷ Mr Mass from moles
mass = n × Mr Avogadro constant
1 mole = 6.02 × 10²³ particles Volume of gas at r.t.p.
V = n × 24 (in dm³, at room temperature and pressure) Or in cm³
V = n × 24 000 Concentration in mol/dm³
C = n ÷ V (V in dm³) Concentration in g/dm³
C = mass ÷ V Convert
g/dm³ = mol/dm³ × Mr Yield
% yield = (Actual yield ÷ Theoretical yield) × 100 Yield is below 100% because of incomplete reactions, side reactions, or losses during purification.
Atom economy
(Mr of desired product ÷ Σ Mr of all reactants) × 100 High atom economy = sustainable / less waste. Doesn't depend on yield.
% mass of element in compound
(Total Ar of element ÷ Mr of compound) × 100 Required formulas and core relationships from the Edexcel Combined Science Biology papers.
Microscope magnification
Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size Total magnification
Eyepiece × Objective lens Always check units (mm vs μm). Convert: 1 mm = 1000 μm.
SA:V ratio
SA ÷ V (compute each, then divide) Smaller organisms have higher SA:V — easier to exchange substances by diffusion. Larger organisms need specialised exchange surfaces.
BMI
BMI = mass (kg) ÷ height² (m²) Used to classify weight: underweight, healthy, overweight, obese — but doesn't account for muscle mass.
Photosynthesis (word)
carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (light, chlorophyll) Photosynthesis (symbol)
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ Aerobic respiration (word)
glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy) Aerobic respiration (symbol)
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O Anaerobic respiration in animals
glucose → lactic acid (+ energy) Anaerobic respiration in plants & yeast (fermentation)
glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide (+ energy) Monohybrid cross (Bb × Bb)
Phenotype ratio 3:1 (3 dominant : 1 recessive) Test cross (Bb × bb)
Phenotype ratio 1:1 Dihybrid cross (BbTt × BbTt)
Phenotype ratio 9:3:3:1 (Higher only) Use a Punnett square: gametes from each parent on the rows/columns, then combine to give offspring genotypes.
10% rule
Roughly 10% of biomass / energy is transferred to the next trophic level Lost as
Heat (respiration), undigested material (faeces), excretion (urine), uneaten parts Efficiency
(Energy in next level ÷ Energy in previous level) × 100 Rate
Rate = Amount of product formed ÷ Time (or amount of reactant used ÷ time) Used in enzyme practicals — often plotted on a graph and compared at different temperatures, pHs or concentrations.
Edexcel GCSE Combined Science is assessed across six 1h 10m papers — two per science. All papers Higher tier or Foundation tier.
Biology Paper 1 (1BI0/1H)
1h 10m, 60 marks. Topics 1–4: key concepts, cells, genetics, natural selection. Biology Paper 2 (1BI0/2H)
1h 10m, 60 marks. Topics 1, 5–9: health, ecosystems, plant structures, animal coordination. Chemistry Paper 1 (1CH0/1H)
1h 10m, 60 marks. Topics 1–4: states of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding. Chemistry Paper 2 (1CH0/2H)
1h 10m, 60 marks. Topics 1, 6–9: groups, rates, fuels, atmospheric science. Physics Paper 1 (1PH0/1H)
1h 10m, 60 marks. Topics 1–7: motion, forces, electricity, waves. Physics Paper 2 (1PH0/2H)
1h 10m, 60 marks. Topics 1, 8–15: magnetism, electromagnetism, particles, energy. State / Give / Identify
1 mark — short factual recall Describe
2–3 marks — what happens, in order, with detail Explain
3–4 marks — describe AND give reasons (because…) using scientific principles Calculate
Show formula, substitution, answer, units. Method marks awarded even if final answer wrong. Evaluate / 6-mark answers
Two-sided argument or extended explanation — use bullet plan first, then write in clear paragraphs with linked points Edexcel includes Core Practicals across all three sciences — be able to describe method, identify variables (independent, dependent, control), and analyse results. 20% of marks across the qualification are for maths skills (significant figures, standard form, ratios, % change, gradient calculation, unit conversion). Don't lose these by skipping the working.
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
Only some equations appear on the Equations Sheet — others must be memorised. Make a list of which you have to recall (e.g. KE = ½mv², F = ma) and drill them daily.
Every paper has Core Practical questions. Learn each method, the equipment, the variables, and what the expected results show.
In every calculation, write the formula, substitute values, do the arithmetic, then state the answer with units. You earn method marks even when the final answer is wrong.
Each paper has a 6-mark extended answer. Plan in bullets first, group related points, use scientific terminology, and link cause to effect with 'because' or 'this means that'.
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
This page groups key Combined Science formulas in one place for revision. Master Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) with this 2026 formula sheet. Every required formula across Biology, Chemistry and Physics for the 6-paper Higher tier double award. Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Secondary in Combined Science, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.
Work through tricky calculations, Core Practicals, and 6-mark questions across all three sciences with an experienced Edexcel GCSE Combined Science tutor. We focus on the maths skills and exam technique that lift you to grades 7–9.
Pair this formula sheet with past papers, revision checklists, and planners — all free on our study tools hub.
This formula sheet aligns with the Pearson Edexcel UK GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) double-award specification examined in 2026.
Always show full calculation working with units, and remember which equations are given on the Equations Sheet vs which must be recalled from memory.