Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Physics
View Course TimetableTheme 1: Forces and Motion
Movement and Position (7 lessons)
Explore movement and position in Physics.
Speed, Distance and Time
Learn the average speed equation, rearrange it and convert units with confidence
Start LessonDistance-Time Graphs
Plot distance-time graphs, read their shapes and find speed from the gradient.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Investigating Motion
Measure the motion of toy cars and tennis balls, then calculate average speed.
Unlock Full CourseAcceleration
Learn the acceleration equation, the unit m/s² and how to rearrange it.
Unlock Full CourseVelocity-Time Graphs
Plot and explain velocity-time graphs and find acceleration from the gradient.
Unlock Full CourseDistance from a Velocity-Time Graph
Find the distance travelled from the area under a velocity-time graph.
Unlock Full CourseFinal Speed, Acceleration and Distance
Use v² = u² + 2as to link final speed, acceleration and distance.
Unlock Full CourseForces, Movement, Shape and Momentum (15 lessons)
Explore forces, movement, shape and momentum in Physics.
Forces and Their Effects
Learn what forces do, name each type of force, and understand friction.
Unlock Full CourseScalars, Vectors and Resultant Forces
Tell scalars from vectors and calculate resultant forces along a line.
Unlock Full CourseForce, Mass and Acceleration
Use F = m × a to link unbalanced force, mass and acceleration.
Unlock Full CourseWeight, Mass and Gravity
Tell mass from weight and use W = m × g in calculations.
Unlock Full CourseStopping Distances
Learn what makes up stopping distance and the factors that change it.
Unlock Full CourseFalling Objects and Terminal Velocity
Learn the forces on falling objects and why they reach terminal velocity.
Unlock Full CourseHooke's Law and Elastic Behaviour
Learn Hooke's law, force-extension graphs and what elastic behaviour means.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Stretching Materials
Carry out and explain the practical on stretching springs, wires and rubber bands.
Unlock Full CourseConservation of Momentum
Use conservation of momentum to solve collisions, explosions and recoil with signs.
Unlock Full CourseForce, Momentum and Safety Features
Use force = change in momentum / time taken and explain how safety features work.
Unlock Full CourseNewton's Third Law
Understand Newton's third law, spot force pairs and tell them from balanced forces.
Unlock Full CourseMoments and Centre of Gravity
Calculate the moment of a force and learn where an object's weight acts.
Unlock Full CourseThe Principle of Moments
Use the principle of moments to find unknown forces and distances on balanced beams
Unlock Full CourseForces on a Supported Beam
How two supports share the weight of a heavy object on a beam
Unlock Full CourseTheme 2: Electricity
Units and Circuit Symbols (1 lessons)
Explore units and circuit symbols in Physics.
Electrical Units and Circuit Symbols
The units of electricity and every circuit symbol used in the exam
Unlock Full CourseMains Electricity (5 lessons)
Explore mains electricity in Physics.
The Heating Effect, Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Why a current heats a resistor, and how fuses and circuit breakers protect
Unlock Full CourseInsulation, Double Insulation and Earthing
How insulation, earthing and double insulation protect people who use mains appliances
Unlock Full CourseElectrical Power and Choosing Fuses
Use power = current × voltage to find currents and choose the right fuse
Unlock Full CourseEnergy Transferred by Appliances
Use energy = current × voltage × time to compare what appliances transfer
Unlock Full CourseAlternating and Direct Current
Tell direct current from alternating current and recognise the voltage-time trace of each
Unlock Full CourseEnergy and Voltage in Circuits (10 lessons)
Explore energy and voltage in circuits in Physics.
Series and Parallel Circuits
Compare series and parallel circuits and explain why homes use parallel wiring
Unlock Full CourseCurrent in a Series Circuit
See how voltage, components and resistance change the current in a series circuit
Unlock Full CourseVoltage, Current and Resistance
Learn and use V = I × R to calculate voltage, current and resistance.
Unlock Full CourseCurrent-Voltage Graphs
Describe current-voltage graphs for wires, resistors, filament lamps and diodes.
Unlock Full CourseInvestigating Current and Voltage
Build the circuit, take the readings and plot current against voltage for four components.
Unlock Full CourseLDRs, Thermistors, Lamps and LEDs
How LDRs and thermistors change resistance, and how lamps and LEDs show a current.
Unlock Full CourseCharge and Current
Learn that current is the rate of flow of charge and calculate charge.
Unlock Full CourseCurrent and Voltage Rules in Circuits
Why current is conserved at a junction and why parallel components share the same voltage
Unlock Full CourseSeries Circuit Calculations
Calculate current, voltage and resistance for two components connected in a series circuit
Unlock Full CourseVoltage, Energy and Charge
Learn what voltage means and calculate energy transferred using charge and voltage
Unlock Full CourseElectric Charge (4 lessons)
Explore electric charge in Physics.
Conductors, Insulators and Static Charge
Sort conductors from insulators and explain static charge using electron transfer and forces.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Charging Insulators by Friction
Charge plastic rods by rubbing, then test them with a hanging rod, paper and a balloon
Unlock Full CourseExplaining Electrostatic Phenomena
Explain balloons on walls, shocks, sparks, lightning and earthing by following the electrons
Unlock Full CourseDangers and Uses of Static Electricity
Explain the fuelling spark danger and how photocopiers and inkjet printers use charge
Unlock Full CourseTheme 3: Waves
Properties of Waves (5 lessons)
Explore properties of waves in Physics.
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
How transverse and longitudinal waves differ, and what all waves transfer.
Unlock Full CourseDescribing Waves
The five key wave definitions, and how all waves can be reflected and refracted.
Unlock Full CourseThe Wave Equation
Use the wave equation to calculate the speed, frequency and wavelength of any wave.
Unlock Full CourseFrequency and Time Period
Link frequency and time period, then combine f = 1 / T with the wave equation.
Unlock Full CourseThe Doppler Effect
Why a moving source changes the frequency and wavelength an observer receives
Unlock Full CourseThe Electromagnetic Spectrum (3 lessons)
Explore the electromagnetic spectrum in Physics.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The seven regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, their order and the colours of light
Unlock Full CourseUses of Electromagnetic Waves
Learn the uses of all seven electromagnetic waves and why each suits its job.
Unlock Full CourseDangers of Electromagnetic Waves
How microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet and gamma rays harm the body, and simple protection.
Unlock Full CourseLight and Sound (11 lessons)
Explore light and sound in Physics.
Reflection of Light
Use the law of reflection and draw ray diagrams for plane mirrors
Unlock Full CourseRefraction of Light
How light bends at a boundary and how to draw refraction ray diagrams
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Investigating Refraction
Trace light rays through rectangular, semi-circular and triangular blocks and measure the angles
Unlock Full CourseRefractive Index
Learn and use n = sin i / sin r to calculate refractive index and angles.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Refractive Index of Glass
Find the refractive index of glass from a sin i against sin r graph
Unlock Full CourseTotal Internal Reflection and the Critical Angle
Learn what the critical angle means and use sin c = 1 ÷ n
Unlock Full CourseOptical Fibres and Prisms
How total internal reflection carries light along optical fibres and turns it in prisms
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Speed of Sound in Air
Three ways to measure the speed of sound in air accurately
Unlock Full CourseOscilloscopes, Pitch and Loudness
How oscilloscope traces show the pitch and loudness of a sound
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Measuring Sound Frequency
Measure the frequency of a sound using a microphone and an oscilloscope
Unlock Full CourseTheme 4: Energy Resources and Energy Transfers
Energy Transfers (8 lessons)
Explore energy transfers in Physics.
Energy Stores and Transfers
Learn the eight energy stores and the four ways energy transfers between them.
Unlock Full CourseConservation of Energy and Efficiency
Use conservation of energy and calculate the efficiency of everyday devices.
Unlock Full CourseSankey Diagrams
Read and draw Sankey diagrams to compare the efficiency of everyday devices.
Unlock Full CourseConduction
How vibrating particles and free electrons conduct thermal energy through solids and metals
Unlock Full CourseConvection
How convection currents carry thermal energy through liquids and gases in everyday life
Unlock Full CourseThermal Radiation
How infrared radiation transfers thermal energy, and how surface and temperature affect it
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Conduction, Convection and Radiation
Three experiments that show conduction, convection and radiation, with variables, results and safety
Unlock Full CourseReducing Unwanted Energy Transfers
How insulation, vacuum flasks, clothing layers and lubrication reduce unwanted energy transfers
Unlock Full CourseWork and Power (5 lessons)
Explore work and power in Physics.
Work Done
Use work done = force × distance moved and link work to energy transferred
Unlock Full CourseGravitational Potential Energy
Use GPE = m × g × h to calculate energy gained when objects are lifted
Unlock Full CourseKinetic Energy
Use KE = half mass times speed squared and see why speed matters most
Unlock Full CourseEnergy Changes: GPE, KE and Work
Link GPE, KE and work using conservation of energy to find speeds, heights and braking forces
Unlock Full CourseEnergy Resources and Electricity Generation (4 lessons)
Explore energy resources and electricity generation in Physics.
Electricity from Wind, Water and Hot Rocks
Follow the energy from wind, water and hot rocks through turbines to electricity.
Unlock Full CourseElectricity from Sun, Fossil Fuels and Nuclear
Follow the energy from fossil fuels, uranium and sunlight through to electricity.
Unlock Full CourseComparing Renewable Energy Resources
Compare wind, hydroelectric, tidal, wave, geothermal and solar power for reliability, cost and habitats.
Unlock Full CourseComparing Non-renewable Energy Resources
Weigh up fossil fuels and nuclear power for reliability, pollution, waste and cost.
Unlock Full CourseTheme 5: Solids, Liquids and Gases
Density and Pressure (4 lessons)
Explore density and pressure in Physics.
Density
Use density = mass / volume, change units and predict floating or sinking.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Measuring Density
Measure the density of regular solids, liquids and irregular solids step by step.
Unlock Full CoursePressure
Use pressure = force / area, pascals and N/cm², and explain large and small pressures.
Unlock Full CoursePressure in Liquids and Gases
Why liquid and gas pressure acts in all directions and increases with depth.
Unlock Full CourseChange of State (5 lessons)
Explore change of state in Physics.
Particles in Solids, Liquids and Gases
Describe how particles are arranged and move in solids, liquids and gases, and use the model.
Unlock Full CourseHeating and Changes of State
Explain how heating raises temperature or changes state, and describe melting, evaporation and boiling.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Temperature-Time Graphs
Obtain and explain a temperature-time graph showing constant temperature during a change of state.
Unlock Full CourseSpecific Heat Capacity
Learn specific heat capacity, its unit, and use the thermal energy equation with worked examples.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Measuring Specific Heat Capacity
Measure specific heat capacity of a metal block and water with an electric heater.
Unlock Full CourseIdeal Gas Molecules (4 lessons)
Explore ideal gas molecules in Physics.
Gas Molecules and Pressure
How gas molecules move randomly, create pressure on walls, and speed up when heated.
Unlock Full CourseAbsolute Zero and the Kelvin Scale
Why absolute zero exists, how to convert kelvin and Celsius, and kelvin and molecular energy.
Unlock Full CoursePressure and Volume of a Gas
How squeezing a gas raises its pressure, and using the pressure and volume equation.
Unlock Full CoursePressure and Temperature of a Gas
Why heating a sealed gas raises its pressure, and using p1/T1 = p2/T2 in kelvin.
Unlock Full CourseTheme 6: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Magnetism (3 lessons)
Explore magnetism in Physics.
Magnets and Magnetic Materials
Poles, magnetic materials, induced magnetism, and magnetically hard and soft materials with their uses.
Unlock Full CourseMagnetic Field Lines
What magnetic field lines show, and how magnets make a uniform field.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Plotting Magnetic Field Patterns
How to plot magnetic field patterns with iron filings and a plotting compass.
Unlock Full CourseElectromagnetism (4 lessons)
Explore electromagnetism in Physics.
The Magnetic Field Around a Current
How a current makes a magnetic field, and drawing the fields of wires and coils.
Unlock Full CourseSolenoids and Electromagnets
How a solenoid's field is drawn and how electromagnets are built, strengthened and used.
Unlock Full CourseThe Motor Effect
Why a current in a magnetic field feels a force, and how to predict it.
Unlock Full CourseElectric Motors and Loudspeakers
How d.c. electric motors and loudspeakers use the force on a current in a field.
Unlock Full CourseElectromagnetic Induction (5 lessons)
Explore electromagnetic induction in Physics.
Electromagnetic Induction
How moving or changing magnetic fields induce a voltage in a coil, and what changes it.
Unlock Full CourseGenerators
How spinning magnets and coils make alternating voltage in dynamos and a.c. generators.
Unlock Full CourseTransformers
Structure of a transformer, how it works, why it needs a.c., step-up and step-down.
Unlock Full CourseTransformer Calculations
Using the turns ratio and power equations to find voltages, turns and currents in transformers.
Unlock Full CourseTransformers and Electricity Transmission
How step-up and step-down transformers move electricity from power stations to homes with little wasted energy.
Unlock Full CourseTheme 7: Radioactivity and Particles
Radioactivity (12 lessons)
Explore radioactivity in Physics.
Atomic Structure and Isotopes
Learn the structure of the atom, nuclide symbols, and what isotopes are.
Unlock Full CourseAlpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation
Learn what alpha, beta and gamma radiation are and how to tell them apart.
Unlock Full CourseDetecting Radiation and Background Radiation
Learn how film and Geiger-Müller detectors work and where background radiation comes from.
Unlock Full CoursePractical: Penetration of Radiation
How to test the penetration of alpha, beta and gamma radiation and identify an unknown source.
Unlock Full CourseNuclear Decay
Learn how alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation change the atomic and mass numbers.
Unlock Full CourseBalancing Nuclear Equations
Learn to write and balance nuclear equations for alpha, beta, gamma and neutron emission.
Unlock Full CourseActivity and Half-Life
Learn what activity is, why it falls, and what half-life means for isotopes.
Unlock Full CourseHalf-Life Calculations and Graphs
Working out activity, time and half-life with halving tables, background correction and graphs
Unlock Full CourseUses of Radioactivity in Medicine
Medical tracers, radiotherapy and sterilising equipment, and why gamma and each half-life are chosen
Unlock Full CourseUses of Radioactivity in Industry
Industrial uses of radioactivity and why each job needs a particular radiation and half-life
Unlock Full CourseContamination and Irradiation
Difference between irradiation and contamination, which radiation is most dangerous, and the precautions for each
Unlock Full CourseDangers of Ionising Radiation
How ionising radiation damages cells and causes mutations, and how radioactive waste risks are reduced
Unlock Full CourseFission and Fusion (3 lessons)
Explore fission and fusion in Physics.
Nuclear Fission
How a neutron splits a uranium-235 nucleus, releasing kinetic energy, two daughter nuclei and neutrons
Unlock Full CourseChain Reactions and Nuclear Reactors
How chain reactions are controlled in a reactor using control rods, moderator and shielding
Unlock Full CourseNuclear Fusion
Fusion joins small nuclei, powers stars, and needs extreme heat and pressure
Unlock Full CourseTheme 8: Astrophysics
Motion in the Universe (3 lessons)
Explore motion in the universe in Physics.
The Universe and Gravity
Learn the order of size from planet to universe and why weight changes on other worlds
Unlock Full CourseOrbits of Planets, Moons, Comets and Satellites
Learn how gravity keeps moons, planets, satellites and comets in orbit and how orbits differ
Unlock Full CourseOrbital Speed
Use orbital speed equals two pi r over T, including unit conversions and rearranging
Unlock Full CourseStellar Evolution (4 lessons)
Explore stellar evolution in Physics.
Star Colour and Temperature
Classify stars by colour and link colour to surface temperature, from red to blue
Unlock Full CourseLife Cycle of Stars Like the Sun
Follow a Sun-like star from nebula through main sequence and red giant to white dwarf
Unlock Full CourseLife Cycle of Massive Stars
Follow a massive star from nebula to supernova, then neutron star or black hole
Unlock Full CourseAbsolute Magnitude and the HR Diagram
Compare stars fairly with absolute magnitude and sketch the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
Unlock Full CourseCosmology (3 lessons)
Explore cosmology in Physics.
Red-shift of Light from Galaxies
Explain how red-shift of light from galaxies is evidence that the universe is expanding
Unlock Full CourseThe Red-shift Equation
Use the red-shift equation to find the velocity of a galaxy from its wavelength shift
Unlock Full CourseThe Big Bang Theory
Describe the Big Bang theory and the red-shift and CMB radiation evidence for it
Unlock Full CourseTheme 9: Exam and Practical Skills
The Exam Papers (3 lessons)
Explore the exam papers in Physics.
How the Physics Exams Work
Learn how the two Physics papers work, what AO1 to AO3 reward, and timing
Unlock Full CourseCommand Words in Physics Exams
Learn what every command word in Physics exams asks for and how to answer each one
Unlock Full CourseEquations to Learn and Equations Given
Know which physics equations to learn, which are given, their units, and how to choose one
Unlock Full CoursePractical Skills (2 lessons)
Explore practical skills in Physics.
Planning Investigations
Plan fair investigations, choose precise equipment, record results and use the spec's suggested practicals
Unlock Full CourseAnalysing and Evaluating Experimental Data
Analyse results, judge reliability, spot errors and evaluate methods to suggest improvements
Unlock Full CourseMaths Skills (3 lessons)
Explore maths skills in Physics.
Maths Skills: Numbers and Data
Use standard form, significant figures, sin on a calculator, means, charts, probability and orders of magnitude
Unlock Full CourseMaths Skills: Algebra and Units
Use inequality symbols, rearrange equations, convert units and set out physics calculations the way examiners reward
Unlock Full CourseMaths Skills: Graphs and Shapes
Plot graphs, find slopes, intercepts and areas under curves, and calculate areas and cube volumes
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