Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · 1PH0
Physics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PH0)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PH0)
Topics follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics 1PH0 specification covering motion and forces, energy, waves, light and electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, particle model and electricity across Foundation and Higher tiers.
Mark schemes: Pearson Edexcel examiners reward linked reasoning that joins cause to effect using discriminator words such as 'because', 'therefore' and 'so that'. Calculation marks require the equation, correct substitution, evaluation and a unit.
Active recall: 0 / 25 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Energy | Essential | Energy store | A way of holding energy, e.g. kinetic, gravitational, thermal or chemical. | |
| 1. Energy | Core | Kinetic energy | Energy of a moving object: KE = ½mv². | |
| 1. Energy | Core | Gravitational potential energy | Energy of an object raised in a field: GPE = mgh. | |
| 1. Energy | Core | Work done | Energy transferred when a force moves an object: W = Fd. | |
| 1. Energy | Advanced | Conservation of energy | Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between stores. | |
| 2. Forces & motion | Essential | Resultant force | The single force equivalent to all forces acting on an object. | |
| 2. Forces & motion | Core | Newton's second law | Resultant force equals mass multiplied by acceleration; F = ma. | |
| 2. Forces & motion | Core | Acceleration | Rate of change of velocity: a = (v − u) / t, measured in m/s². | |
| 2. Forces & motion | Core | Momentum | Product of mass and velocity: p = mv; conserved in closed systems. | |
| 2. Forces & motion | Advanced | Stopping distance | Sum of the thinking distance and the braking distance of a vehicle. | |
| 3. Waves | Essential | Wavelength | Distance between two adjacent points in phase on a wave. | |
| 3. Waves | Essential | Frequency | Number of complete waves passing a point per second, measured in hertz. | |
| 3. Waves | Core | Wave equation | v = fλ; wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength. | |
| 3. Waves | Core | Transverse wave | Wave where oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. | |
| 3. Waves | Advanced | Longitudinal wave | Wave where oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer, e.g. sound. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Essential | Density | Mass per unit volume of a substance: ρ = m/V. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Core | Isotope | Atoms of the same element with the same protons but different neutrons. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Core | Alpha particle | Helium nucleus emitted from an unstable nucleus; stopped by paper. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Core | Beta particle | High-speed electron emitted from a nucleus; stopped by thin aluminium. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Advanced | Half-life | Average time taken for half the unstable nuclei in a sample to decay. | |
| 5. Electricity | Essential | Electric current | Rate of flow of charge through a component; I = Q/t, in amperes. | |
| 5. Electricity | Essential | Potential difference | Energy transferred per unit charge between two points, in volts. | |
| 5. Electricity | Core | Ohm's law | For an ohmic conductor at constant temperature, V = IR. | |
| 5. Electricity | Core | Electrical power | Rate of energy transfer in a circuit: P = IV. | |
| 5. Electricity | Advanced | Parallel circuit | Branched circuit where each component shares the same potential difference. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Physics (1PH0) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important physics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PH0) (1PH0). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Physics glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE Physics (1PH0) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Physics. Quantitative relationships belong on formula sheets; this list emphasises language and concepts.
- Can I download this Physics keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Physics list aligned to the 1PH0 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PH0) for Pearson Edexcel GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Physics at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.