OCR · GCSE · J249
Physics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Physics A (J249)
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.
OCR GCSE Physics (J249)
OCR GCSE Physics (J249)
OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Physics A (J249)
Topics follow the OCR Gateway Science Physics A (J249) specification: matter, forces, electricity, magnetism, waves, radioactivity and energy. Both Foundation and Higher tiers covered, with Higher-only material flagged as advanced.
Mark schemes: OCR examiners reward precise scientific vocabulary and full quantity-equation-substitution-evaluation working in calculations. Six-mark questions need linked, logical physics reasoning using named concepts from the specification.
Active recall: 0 / 23 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Energy & forces | Essential | Force | A push or pull on an object measured in newtons (N). | |
| 1. Energy & forces | Essential | Weight | Force due to gravity on a mass: W = mg. | |
| 1. Energy & forces | Core | Newton's second law | Resultant force = mass × acceleration; F = ma. | |
| 1. Energy & forces | Core | Work done | Energy transferred when a force moves an object: W = Fd. | |
| 1. Energy & forces | Core | Kinetic energy | Energy of a moving object: KE = ½mv². | |
| 1. Energy & forces | Core | Gravitational potential energy | Energy stored due to height in a field: GPE = mgh. | |
| 1. Energy & forces | Advanced | Conservation of energy | Total energy in a closed system is constant; energy is transferred between stores. | |
| 2. Electricity | Essential | Electric current | Rate of flow of charge measured in amperes (A); I = Q/t. | |
| 2. Electricity | Essential | Potential difference | Energy transferred per unit charge between two points, measured in volts. | |
| 2. Electricity | Core | Resistance | Opposition to current flow; V = IR; unit ohm (Ω). | |
| 2. Electricity | Core | Electrical power | Rate of energy transfer in a circuit: P = IV. | |
| 2. Electricity | Advanced | Series vs parallel circuits | Series shares current; parallel shares the same potential difference across branches. | |
| 3. Waves | Essential | Wavelength | Distance between two adjacent in-phase points on a wave. | |
| 3. Waves | Essential | Frequency | Number of complete oscillations per second, measured in hertz (Hz). | |
| 3. Waves | Core | Wave speed equation | v = fλ — speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength. | |
| 3. Waves | Core | Transverse wave | Oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. | |
| 3. Waves | Advanced | Longitudinal wave | Oscillation is 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 different numbers of neutrons. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Core | Alpha radiation | Helium nucleus emitted from an unstable nucleus; stopped by paper. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Core | Beta radiation | High-speed electron emitted from a nucleus; stopped by thin aluminium. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Core | Gamma radiation | High-energy electromagnetic wave from a nucleus; very penetrating. | |
| 4. Particle model & atomic structure | Advanced | Half-life | Average time for half the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Physics (J249) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR GCSE Physics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important physics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Physics A (J249) (J249). 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 (J249) 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 J249 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science Physics A (J249) for OCR 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.