Edexcel Physics: papers and exam technique — Edexcel GCSE Physics revision

How science papers are typically structured

• Physics papers commonly combine objective (multiple-choice) questions, short structured questions, calculation-heavy questions, and at least one extended 6-mark response question.
• Marks are spread across recall of definitions and laws, application to unfamiliar circuits or scenarios, and interpretation of graphs and experimental data.
• Some questions are synoptic, linking ideas across topics such as energy transfers with electricity or forces with motion graphs.
• Always check the current specification and specimen papers on your exam board's own website, since paper structure and question styles can be updated between years.
• Note the marks and space allocated to a question, as these are strong hints for the expected length and depth of your answer.

Command words and what they demand

• 'State' wants a short factual answer; 'Describe' wants what happens or what is observed, without giving reasons.
• 'Explain' always needs a reason or mechanism, often referring to a physics principle such as energy conservation or Newton's laws.
• 'Calculate' needs the full method: correct formula, substituted values, a final answer, and the correct unit and significant figures.
• 'Determine' usually means combining data from a graph or table with a calculation to reach a numerical answer.
• 'Evaluate' asks for a balanced judgement of a method, apparatus or result, including limitations, ending in a conclusion.

Key terms

Evaluate

Weigh up strengths and weaknesses and reach a justified overall judgement.

Determine

Combine data and calculation to reach a numerical answer.

Independent variable

The factor that is deliberately changed in an investigation.

Dependent variable

The factor that is measured as a result of the change.

Control variable

A factor kept constant so a test is fair.

Gradient

The slope of a graph, often representing a rate such as speed or acceleration.

Common exam traps

• Substituting numbers into a formula without writing down the equation first, losing method marks.
• Mixing units (e.g. cm with m, or g with kg) within the same calculation.
• Reading a velocity-time graph's gradient when the question actually needs the area under the graph, or vice versa.

Practice questions with answers

1. 1. Which command word requires a reason or mechanism, not just an observation?

   • • Describe
   • • Explain
   • • State
   • • Name

   Answer: Explain

   'Explain' requires linking cause and effect using a physics principle, not just describing what happens.

2. 2. State the equation linking speed, distance and time.

   Answer: Speed = distance ÷ time

   This is the basic definition of speed used throughout motion topics.

3. 3. Calculate the speed of a car that travels 300 m in 15 s.

   Answer: 20 m/s

   Speed = distance ÷ time = 300 ÷ 15 = 20 m/s.

4. 4. On a velocity-time graph, what does the area under the line represent?

   • • Acceleration
   • • Distance travelled
   • • Speed
   • • Force

   Answer: Distance travelled

   The area under a velocity-time graph gives the distance (or displacement) travelled.

5. 5. On a velocity-time graph, what does the gradient represent?

   • • Distance
   • • Acceleration
   • • Mass
   • • Momentum

   Answer: Acceleration

   The gradient of a velocity-time graph gives acceleration (change in velocity ÷ time).

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