AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 practice questions

What is on Paper 1?

• Paper 1 covers energy, electricity, the particle model of matter and atomic structure.
• It is a written paper of 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 100 marks — 50% of the GCSE.
• Questions are a mix of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and extended response.
• Required practicals and maths or data skills from anywhere in the course can appear, so they are worth revising alongside the main topics.

Paper 1 practice questions with answers

8 original questions across the 4 Paper 1 topics. Try each one before reading the answer.

1. Energy stores, transfers and efficiency

   1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2 kg ball moving at 5 m/s.

   Answer: 25 J

   ½ × 2 × 5² = 25 J.

2. Energy stores, transfers and efficiency

   2. A device takes in 200 J and usefully transfers 50 J. What is its efficiency?

   • • 4%
   • • 25%
   • • 40%
   • • 75%

   Answer: 25%

   50 ÷ 200 = 0.25 = 25%.

3. Circuits, current and resistance

   3. A 12 V supply drives 3 A through a resistor. Calculate the resistance.

   Answer: 4 Ω

   R = V ÷ I = 12 ÷ 3.

4. Circuits, current and resistance

   4. In a series circuit, what stays the same at every point?

   • • Potential difference
   • • Current
   • • Resistance
   • • Power

   Answer: Current

   There is only one path, so current is identical throughout.

5. Particle model of matter: density, states and gas pressure

   5. What is the equation for density?

   • • mass ÷ volume
   • • mass × volume
   • • volume ÷ mass
   • • mass + volume

   Answer: mass ÷ volume

   Density = mass ÷ volume, measured in kg/m³ or g/cm³.

6. Particle model of matter: density, states and gas pressure

   6. A block has a mass of 540 g and a volume of 200 cm³. Calculate its density in g/cm³.

   Answer: 2.7 g/cm³

   Density = mass ÷ volume = 540 ÷ 200 = 2.7 g/cm³.

7. Atomic structure and radioactivity

   7. What is found in the nucleus of an atom?

   • • Protons and electrons
   • • Protons and neutrons
   • • Neutrons and electrons
   • • Only protons

   Answer: Protons and neutrons

   The nucleus contains protons (positive) and neutrons (neutral); electrons orbit outside.

8. Atomic structure and radioactivity

   8. Isotopes of an element have the same number of:

   • • Neutrons
   • • Protons
   • • Electrons and neutrons
   • • Nucleons only

   Answer: Protons

   Isotopes share the same proton number but differ in neutron number.

Where Paper 1 marks are usually lost

• Quoting a formula without substituting values — substitution is a separate mark.
• Forgetting unit conversions, for example kJ to J or minutes to seconds, before calculating.
• Describing energy 'loss' instead of energy transferred to the surroundings.
• Mixing up series and parallel circuit rules for current and voltage.
• Confusing alpha, beta and gamma properties in atomic structure questions.

How to pick up the extended-answer marks

• Spend the first 30 seconds underlining the command word — 'describe', 'explain' and 'evaluate' are marked differently.
• Plan one point per mark, each carrying a scientific term and a consequence. Short linked sentences beat one long paragraph.
• For 'evaluate' questions, include a benefit, a drawback and a judgement sentence at the end.
• For required practical questions, name the control variable and how the result was measured — method detail is where the marks sit.

Timing that works under pressure

• Work at roughly one mark per minute so you keep spare time for checking at the end.
• Bank the short recall questions first, then return to the longer answers with your remaining time.
• If a question stalls for more than two minutes, write down what you know and move on — partial marks still count.
• Leave five minutes to check units, significant figures and whether any question part was skipped over a page break.

Revise each Paper 1 topic

• Energy stores, transfers and efficiency (90 questions)
• Circuits, current and resistance (90 questions)
• Particle model of matter: density, states and gas pressure (87 questions)
• Atomic structure and radioactivity (81 questions)

AQA Physics Paper 1 FAQs

What topics are on AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1?

Paper 1 assesses energy, electricity, the particle model of matter and atomic structure. Required practicals and data skills linked to these topics can also be examined.

How long is AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1?

It is a 1 hour 45 minute written exam worth 100 marks, which is 50% of the GCSE. Working at about one mark per minute leaves time to check your answers.

How should I revise for Physics Paper 1?

Practise answering questions rather than rereading notes. Short daily sets of five questions per topic, marked straight away, expose weak areas faster than a long passive revision session.