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100+ Free GCSE Physics Practice Questions

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A diagram shows the velocity-time graph of an object that travels in a straight line. The graph starts at the origin, rises with a constant positive gradient for 4 s, then is horizontal for 6 s, then falls with a constant negative gradient back to zero in 2 s. What does each section represent?

A
B
C
D
to track
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Key Facts: GCSE Physics Exam

9-1

Grading scale

Ofqual

May-June

Exam series

AQA, Edexcel, OCR timetable

3 boards

Specifications available

AQA, Edexcel, OCR

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

AQA, Edexcel, OCR GCSE Physics is assessed through linear end-of-course exam papers (Key Stage 4). Coverage spans energy, electricity, particle model of matter, and grading uses the 9-1 scale on 2026 specifications.

Sample GCSE Physics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GCSE Physics exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following is NOT a store of energy recognised in the AQA GCSE Physics specification?
A.Kinetic
B.Gravitational potential
C.Heat
D.Elastic potential
Explanation: AQA lists eight energy stores: kinetic, thermal (internal), chemical, gravitational potential, elastic potential, electrostatic, magnetic and nuclear. 'Heat' is a pathway by which energy is transferred, not a store; the store is correctly called the 'thermal' or 'internal' energy store.
2A 1500 kg car accelerates from rest to 20 m/s. Ignoring resistive forces, how much kinetic energy has been transferred to the car?
A.15 000 J
B.30 000 J
C.150 000 J
D.300 000 J
Explanation: Kinetic energy is given by E_k = 1/2 m v^2 = 0.5 x 1500 x 20^2 = 0.5 x 1500 x 400 = 300 000 J. The square on the velocity is what makes the answer large.
3A student lifts a 5 kg box 1.5 m vertically. Taking g = 9.8 N/kg, what is the gain in gravitational potential energy?
A.7.5 J
B.49 J
C.73.5 J
D.147 J
Explanation: E_p = m g h = 5 x 9.8 x 1.5 = 73.5 J. The full AQA formula uses the gravitational field strength g, not just acceleration due to gravity.
4A spring with spring constant 200 N/m is stretched by 0.10 m. How much elastic potential energy is stored, assuming the limit of proportionality is not exceeded?
A.1.0 J
B.2.0 J
C.10 J
D.20 J
Explanation: E_e = 1/2 k e^2 = 0.5 x 200 x 0.10^2 = 0.5 x 200 x 0.01 = 1.0 J. Use the extension in metres and remember to square it.
5An electric motor uses 600 J of energy and does 480 J of useful work lifting a load. What is its efficiency?
A.0.20
B.0.25
C.0.80
D.1.25
Explanation: Efficiency = useful energy transferred / total energy supplied = 480 / 600 = 0.80 (or 80%). Efficiency must always be a value between 0 and 1 (or 0% to 100%).
6A force of 50 N moves an object 4.0 m in the direction of the force. How much work is done?
A.12.5 J
B.46 J
C.54 J
D.200 J
Explanation: Work done W = F x s = 50 x 4.0 = 200 J. One joule equals one newton-metre, which is the energy transferred when a force of 1 N moves through 1 m in the direction of the force.
7A lift motor transfers 9000 J of energy in 6.0 s. What is its power output?
A.54 000 W
B.1500 W
C.150 W
D.15 W
Explanation: Power P = energy transferred / time = 9000 / 6.0 = 1500 W. The watt is defined as 1 joule per second.
8The specific heat capacity of water is approximately 4200 J/kg degC. How much energy is needed to raise 0.50 kg of water by 30 degC?
A.6300 J
B.21 000 J
C.63 000 J
D.210 000 J
Explanation: Energy = m c Delta-theta = 0.50 x 4200 x 30 = 63 000 J. Water has a very high specific heat capacity, which is why it is widely used as a coolant.
9Which statement about the conservation of energy is correct?
A.Energy can be created during chemical reactions.
B.Energy is destroyed by friction.
C.Energy can be transferred, stored or dissipated, but cannot be created or destroyed.
D.Energy is only conserved in closed mechanical systems on Earth.
Explanation: The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between stores or dissipated to the surroundings. This is a universal law that applies in all systems.
10Why are high voltages used to transmit electricity through the National Grid?
A.High voltage reduces the speed of electrons, saving energy.
B.Higher voltage means a smaller current for the same power, so less energy is wasted heating the cables.
C.High voltage prevents the cables from snapping in cold weather.
D.High voltage increases the power generated at the power station.
Explanation: Power loss in a cable is P = I^2 R; for a fixed transmitted power P = V I, increasing V reduces I, which dramatically reduces I^2 R losses in the transmission lines. Step-up transformers raise the voltage at the power station and step-down transformers lower it near homes.

About the GCSE Physics Exam

GCSE Physics is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR as part of the UK General Certificate of Secondary Education qualification framework. The course covers energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure and is assessed primarily through written exam papers at the end of the two-year course.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3-5 hours total across multiple papers

Passing Score

Grade 4 is the standard pass, Grade 5 is the strong pass (1-9 scale)

Exam Fee

£40-£80 per subject (school-set entry fee) (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

GCSE Physics Exam Content Outline

Core

Energy

Energy stores and transfers, conservation, work, power, efficiency, national and global energy resources

Core

Electricity

Circuits, current, potential difference, resistance, series vs parallel, domestic electricity, the National Grid

Core

Particle Model of Matter

Density, internal energy, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat, gas pressure and volume

Core

Atomic Structure

Atoms, isotopes, radioactive decay, half-life, nuclear fission and fusion, radiation hazards

Core

Forces

Scalars vs vectors, Newton's laws, momentum, terminal velocity, stretching springs, moments

Core

Waves

Transverse vs longitudinal, electromagnetic spectrum, refraction, sound, ultrasound, reflection

Core

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Magnetic fields, electromagnets, motor effect, generator effect, transformers

Core

Space Physics (separate science)

Solar system, life cycle of stars, red shift, the Big Bang

How to Pass the GCSE Physics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade 4 is the standard pass, Grade 5 is the strong pass (1-9 scale)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3-5 hours total across multiple papers
  • Exam fee: £40-£80 per subject (school-set entry fee)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GCSE Physics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use past papers from your specific exam board — questions follow the same style year on year
2Time yourself on full papers to build pacing for the long extended-response questions
3Build a clear understanding of mark schemes — examiners reward specific assessment objectives
4Review examiner reports each summer; common errors repeat

Frequently Asked Questions

What exam boards offer GCSE Physics?

GCSE Physics is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR. All boards follow Ofqual subject content but vary in the choice of set texts, optional topics, and paper structure.

When is the GCSE Physics exam taken?

Exams are written in the May-June series at the end of the two-year Key Stage 4 course. Most students sit the papers in Year 11.

How is GCSE Physics graded?

GCSEs are graded on the 9-1 scale, where 9 is the highest grade. A grade 4 is a standard pass, and grade 5 is a strong pass. Grade 7 is broadly equivalent to the old A grade.

How many papers does GCSE Physics have?

Most GCSE subjects have 2-3 written papers. The exact number, timing, and weighting depend on the chosen exam board. Some subjects also include a non-examined assessment (NEA) coursework component.