Energy
A motor transfers 1,200 J of useful energy from 2,000 J supplied. Calculate its efficiency.
Efficiency = useful output / total input, so 1200 / 2000 = 0.60 or 60%. Give either decimal or percentage if the question allows it.
What is GCSE Physics revision on StudyVector?
StudyVector's GCSE Physics hub covers energy, electricity, particle model, atomic structure, forces, waves, magnetism and space across AQA, Edexcel and OCR (including combined science). Use exam-style practice, weak-topic detection, an Error Log and AI worked solutions to focus on lost marks. Independent, free to start, no exam-board affiliation, no guaranteed grades.
GCSE Physics Revision — Step by Step
Clear explanations and exam practice for GCSE Physics topics. From energy stores to electromagnetic waves, revise with a focused route.
Supported boards
AQAEdexcelOCRWJECEduqasCCEACIEPearson IntlOxfordAQASQAIBAP
Free Starter plan with daily limitsNo credit card required
Cross-check official specifications and past papers with AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR. StudyVector is independent and not exam-board affiliated.
GCSE Physics can feel overwhelming with so many equations and abstract concepts. StudyVector breaks topics down into clear, step-by-step explanations that build real understanding. Live topic areas include worked examples, common mistakes to avoid, and exam-style practice questions aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and Cambridge IGCSE routes where coverage is published.
Start light first
Start with low-focus cards, drill by topic, or see summer 2026 predicted angles — then set your course and exam board when you want the full loop.
Start low-focus cards · Exam questions by topic · Predicted topics 2026 · All subjects
Topic list
GCSE Physics launch guides
These are the first GCSE Physics guides we are surfacing hardest for search-led students: equation-heavy, method-aware, and built to move quickly from explanation into practice.
Example questions
Quick checks before full practice
Electricity
A component has current 0.25 A when the potential difference is 3.0 V. Find its resistance.
Use R = V / I, so R = 3.0 / 0.25 = 12 ohms. The common mistake is dividing current by voltage.
Waves
A wave travels at 340 m/s with frequency 170 Hz. What is its wavelength?
Use wavelength = speed / frequency, so 340 / 170 = 2.0 m. Write the equation first to keep the method clear.
How StudyVector helps you revise smarter
Step-by-Step Explanations
Every concept explained clearly with worked examples. We never skip steps — even for tricky calculation questions.
GCSE exam questions
Practise with questions matching real GCSE Physics papers. Get instant marking and detailed solutions.
Track Your Progress
See which topics you've revised and where your gaps are. Your dashboard shows exam readiness at a glance.
Readiness Signals
Based on your practice scores, StudyVector estimates readiness and suggests what to focus on next.
Topic Coverage
Energy, electricity, particle model, atomic structure, forces, waves, magnetism and space are organised with clear coverage labels.
Neurodiversity Friendly
Designed for all learning styles. Clear layouts, simple language, and alternative explanations for students who learn differently.
Pick your route
Browse subjects
Subject cards show board support and coverage upfront, so you can decide faster instead of clicking through blind.
Also available on StudyVector
Jump between related subjects without restarting your revision search.
Frequently asked questions
Is this free for GCSE students?
Yes — the Starter plan is free with daily limits (7 days uncapped, then ~45 minutes of practice per day). It includes topic explanations and core practice for GCSE Physics. Premium removes the daily limit and unlocks mock exams, examiner-style marking and the full revision planner.
Does it cover higher and foundation tier?
Yes. Topics are clearly labelled so you know which tier they belong to.
Which exam boards are supported?
AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge IGCSE, and WJEC.
Ready to practise for your real exam board?
Questions follow AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP spec wording — not generic AI answers. Start light, then save progress when you want the full loop.
Frequently asked questions
Which GCSE Physics exam boards are covered?
AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR Gateway, and OCR Twenty First Century. Questions and explanations are tagged to the specification, with separate Combined Science and Triple Science coverage.
Does it cover both Combined Science and Triple Science?
Yes. The planner adapts the topic set and depth to whether you're sitting Combined Science (Trilogy/Synergy) or Triple/Separate Science Physics.
How does the Error Log help in GCSE Physics?
It tags every mistake by topic, command word (describe, explain, calculate, evaluate), and mark-leak type (unit error, missing equation, no working shown). Repair tasks queue the shortest practice that fixes that specific gap.
Is GCSE Physics revision free on StudyVector?
Yes — topic pages, worked examples, and a low-focus card path are open. Premium unlocks unlimited revision time, mock papers, the full Error Log, and revision coach support.
Are required practicals covered?
Yes — each required practical has a method summary, key terms, and exam-style questions on apparatus, sources of error, and graph interpretation in the wording examiners use.
GCSE Physics glossary terms
- Hooke's LawHooke's Law states that the force required to extend (or compress) a spring is proportional to the extension, provided the spring is within its elastic limit: F = kx, where k is the spring constant (N/m) and x is the extension from natural length. Past the elastic limit the relationship becomes non-linear and the spring may deform permanently. A force-extension graph rewards correct gradient calculation (gradient = k).
- RefractionRefraction is the change in direction of a wave (typically light or sound) when it crosses a boundary between two media of different propagation speeds. Snell's Law quantifies it: n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂, where n is the refractive index. Total internal reflection happens when light moves from a denser to less-dense medium and hits the boundary at or above the critical angle. A-Level Physics extends to fibre optics and thin-film interference.
- Specific heat capacitySpecific heat capacity (c) is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C (or 1 K). The defining equation is ΔE = mcΔθ where m is mass in kg, c is in J/(kg·°C) and Δθ is temperature change. Water has c = 4181 J/(kg·°C); aluminium is around 900; lead is around 130. The substance with the higher c needs more energy for the same temperature rise.
- Required practicalsRequired practicals are specified science experiments that students must carry out to pass the practical-skills component of GCSE and A-Level Sciences. Exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) publish a list of around 8 GCSE and 12 A-Level required practicals per science. They are not directly marked, but written exams ask questions about apparatus, technique, hazards and analysis using the required practicals as context.