GCSE Physics may feel overwhelming with so many equations and so many new concepts to learn, but with the right structure and support, it will become a piece of cake!
To achieve the top grades in GCSE Physics, it is essential to use this four steps:
Understanding Core Principles
Mastering Formulas
Applying Knowledge to Real Life Scenarios
Strategic Paper Practice
Understanding Core Principles
First, understand the concept, then focus on equations.
Many students jump to the equations as they think all they will be asked to do is use them to find values.
But most calculation questions are 3 – 4 marks; there are a lot more marks to be obtained from short-answer and long-answer questions.
Example: Newton’s Laws of Motion:
Newton’s First Law: An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force
Newton’s Second Law: Force equals mass times accelaration (F = m x a)
Newton’s Third Law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction
Instead of trying to memorise them, apply them to daily life:
Pushing a trolley –> more mass = harder to accelarate
A rocket taking off –> gas pushing down, the rocket moves up
Mastering the Equations:
Physics is built on using formulas, you have to learn to rearrange them, use correct units and what they show – at least you don’t need to memorise them!
This is the equation for Kinetic Energy. It is given to you in your GCSE Physics Formula Sheet.
However, some questions may ask you to find the velocity of an object when given the other values. You would need to rearrange the equation to find v.
First, multiply by 2 to both sides to get rid of the 1/2.
Then divide both sides by m.
Finally square root both sides.
This is how to correctly rearrange to find the velocity. Rememebr the units KE (Joules), mass (kg) and velocity (m/s)!
SmartX Tip: Create a formula flashbook. For each equation, include:
The full formula
What each symbol means
The correct units
A short example question
Applying Knowledge to Real-World Scenarios:
Physics questions often disguise simple ideas in unfamiliar concepts
If A cyclist doubles their speed, how will it affect their kinetic energy?
If velocity doubles, kinetic energy increases by four times – because it depends on the square of teh velocity.
This is the kind of question where understanding the relationship between both variables gets you the full marks.
If you get stuck, you can use your own example numbers to see the effect. Say the mass is 70 kg and the velocity is 10m/s. Work out the KE and then double the velocity to 20 m/s and look at how the KE changes.
To strengthen this skill:
Practise “Explain why” and “Describe the relationship” questions. Link graphs nd equations e.g. hoq force-extesnuon graphs show Hooke’s Law.
Think conceptually – ask yourself why an answer makes sense
SmartX Tutors specialise in teaching students to “read between the lines” of GCSE Physics questions and apply formulas confidently to new situations.
Strategic Paper Practise
Past papers are your best friends. The best way to make sure you know how to apply your knowledge is through past papers. They can also give you a lot of information on what to revise next. This is how you should do every past paper:
Complete a past paper in timed conditions
Make sure it is strictly timed, without any distractions. Pretend you are in your GCSE exam hall.
Mark your work using the markscheme but do NOT write the correct answers
When marking, use categories for lost marks, such as Silly Mistakes, Lack of Content, Not enough working out.
Go over the wrong answers and reattempt them in a differnet coloured pen
Mark your work again.
Use the markscheme to correct yourself and find any final lost marks.
This method is something SmartX Tutors use in their one to one GCSE Physics Tutoring sessions with students to help make a curated exam prep programme that can be used to build accuracy, confidence and exam timing.
At SmartX Tutoring, we help students make GCSE Physics digestible and understandable – turning tricky equations into powerful tools for success.
