specification overview
AQA GCSE Physics (8463) is a two-tier linear qualification (Foundation and Higher) with two 1h 45m written papers. Paper 1 covers topics 1-4 (energy, electricity, particle model, atomic structure); Paper 2 covers topics 5-8 (forces, waves, magnetism, space physics). Each paper is 100 marks, worth 50%.
subject content
1. Energy
Paper 1- Energy stores and systems, changes in energy
- Energy transfers, efficiency
- National and global energy resources
2. Electricity
Paper 1- Current, potential difference, resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Domestic uses, energy transfers, static electricity
3. Particle model of matter
Paper 1- Changes of state, internal energy, specific heat capacity
- Pressure in gases (Higher: gas laws)
4. Atomic structure
Paper 1- Atoms, isotopes, nuclear model development
- Radioactive decay, nuclear equations, half-life
- Nuclear fission and fusion (Higher)
5. Forces
Paper 2- Scalars and vectors, forces, Newton's laws
- Motion, momentum (Higher: conservation)
- Forces and elasticity, moments
6. Waves
Paper 2- Wave properties (frequency, wavelength, speed)
- Transverse and longitudinal waves, sound
- Electromagnetic spectrum, refraction (Higher), lenses, visible light
7. Magnetism and electromagnetism
Paper 2- Magnetic fields, electromagnets
- Motor effect (Higher: induced potential difference)
- Transformers (Higher)
8. Space physics (physics only)
Paper 2- Solar system, life cycle of stars
- Orbital motion, satellites
- Red-shift, expanding universe (Big Bang theory)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Energy, electricity, particle model, atomic structure | 1h 45m | 100 | 50% | Multiple-choice, short-answer, calculations, extended-response (including 6-mark essays) |
| Paper 2 | Forces, waves, magnetism/electromagnetism, space physics | 1h 45m | 100 | 50% | Multiple-choice, short-answer, calculations, extended-response (including 6-mark essays) |
Both papers include practical questions on the 10 required practicals. Physics equations sheet is provided in Paper 2 (Higher tier); Foundation tier includes equations on both papers. At the time of writing, the equation sheet is a permanent feature (retained after 2022 as part of the DfE Covid-recovery adaptations); check the current AQA advance information before each exam series.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, techniques and procedures. | 40% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, techniques and procedures. | 40% |
| AO3 | Analyse information and ideas to interpret, evaluate, make judgements and draw conclusions; develop and improve experimental procedures. | 20% |
required practicals
| Practical | What it involves |
|---|---|
| 1 Specific heat capacity of a material | – |
| 2 Investigate insulating materials | – |
| 3 Resistance of a wire | – |
| 4 I-V characteristics of a resistor, filament lamp and diode | – |
| 5 Density of solids and liquids | – |
| 6 Investigate the relationship between force and extension for a spring | – |
| 7 Investigate the effect of varying the force on the acceleration of an object of constant mass, and the effect of varying the mass of an object on the acceleration produced by a constant force | – |
| 8 Make observations to identify the suitability of apparatus to measure the frequency, wavelength and speed of waves in a ripple tank and waves in a solid | – |
| 9 Investigate the reflection of light by different types of surface and the refraction of light by different substances | – |
| 10 Investigate how the amount of infrared radiation absorbed or radiated by a surface depends on the nature of that surface | – |
higher vs foundation
| Aspect | Foundation tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|
| Grades available | 5-1 | 9-4 (with safety net grade 3) |
| Additional Higher content | Standard content | Adds: gas laws, conservation of momentum, refraction, induced pd, transformers, electric motors and Fleming's left-hand rule |
| Equation sheet | Provided on both papers | Paper 1 without equation sheet; Paper 2 with equation sheet |
key tips for success
Learn all Physics equations cold (Higher)
Paper 1 Higher has NO equation sheet. Learn all Paper 1 equations: KE, GPE, work done, power, current/voltage/resistance, density, wave speed.
Master the 10 required practicals
Practical questions worth ~15% of marks. Learn method, expected results, sources of error, evaluation for all 10 practicals.
Practise 6-mark essay structure
Both papers have 6-mark essays. Reward: clear points, developed explanation, evaluation. Practise the structure with a wide range of contexts.
Learn unit conversions cold
Physics needs unit conversion fluency: J to kJ, W to kW, m to km, s to ms. Drill until automatic.
Practise calculations with rearrangement
Many questions require equation rearrangement before substitution. Practise rearranging under time pressure.
Learn Higher-only content thoroughly
If Higher, master gas laws, conservation of momentum, induced potential, transformers and electric motors. Roughly 20% of Higher paper marks.
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