How many Physics topics does Yumio cover for Combined Science?
25 Physics topics, each with an explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and practice questions with answers.
How to revise GCSE Combined Science Physics
A practical plan for Physics based on how the topics, the practicals and the papers really fit together. Every link goes to a free page.
Yumio is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to AQA, Pearson Edexcel or any exam board. Check your own board's specification for the final word.
1. Know your papers
AQA: Physics Paper 1 is 70 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes, covering Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure. Physics Paper 2 is 70 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes, covering Forces, Waves, Magnetism and electromagnetism.
Edexcel: Physics Paper 1 is 60 marks in 1 hour 10 minutes, covering Key concepts of physics, Motion and forces, Conservation of energy, Waves, Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, Radioactivity. Physics Paper 2 is 60 marks in 1 hour 10 minutes, covering Key concepts of physics, Energy - forces doing work, Forces and their effects, Electricity and circuits, Magnetism and the motor effect, Electromagnetic induction, Particle model, Forces and matter.
Full details: AQA papers and Edexcel papers.
2. Start with the easier topics
Begin with the lowest-graded topic on the Physics topic list.
3. Leave room for the hardest ideas
Yumio grades these 7 or above: Electromagnetic induction and transformers, Gas pressure and volume, Loudspeakers and microphones, Momentum. They need the easier topics underneath them, so they come last in your plan.
4. Practise the core practicals as questions
Exam questions often describe an experiment and ask about the method, the variables or the result. Yumio has a physics practicals lesson covering: Planning a fair test; Measuring well; Specific heat capacity; Resistance and meters; I-V graphs and conclusions; Springs, motion and waves. Read it at Physics practicals. Two habits that earn marks: write the equation, substitute, then give the unit; and read the scale of a graph before you read a value.
5. Learn the equations
Some equations are given and others must be recalled. The equations page sorts them, with every symbol and unit. Write the equation, substitute, then give the unit.
6. Avoid the slips that cost marks
- Key ideas: units, vectors and equations: Using centimetres or grams in an equation that needs metres or kilograms. Convert to base units before substituting.
- Forces: Saying mass and weight are the same thing. Mass is the amount of matter, in kg, and it never changes. Weight is the pull of gravity, a force in N, and it depends on where you are.
- Particle model of matter: Multiplying mass by volume to find density. Divide mass by volume. Density = mass ÷ volume.
- Waves: Saying a wave carries matter from one place to another. A wave transfers energy. The particles only oscillate around a fixed point and do not travel with the wave.
- Nuclear fission and fusion: Saying fusion splits nuclei. Fusion joins light nuclei. Fission splits heavy ones.
- Static electricity: Saying protons move when an object is charged. Only electrons move. Protons stay in the nucleus.
7. Test yourself without notes
After each topic, answer its questions cold, then check. Use the practice questions for a second set on the same topic. Long answers are marked by level, so link your points rather than listing them.
Questions students ask
Which Physics topics are hardest?
The topics Yumio grades at 7 or above are Electromagnetic induction and transformers, Gas pressure and volume, Loudspeakers and microphones, Momentum.
How to revise Combined Science overall · All Physics topics