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Edexcel GCSE Combined Science equation sheet (1SC0): every physics equation

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Formula sheet

Pearson does not print a separate Combined Science sheet. If you take 1SC0 you use the first part of its Equations List. Press the card to try a paper with those lines in the drawer.

Formula sheet

GCSE Combined Science Foundation

Open formula sheet

Forces and motion

s=vtdistance travelled = average speed × time
a=\frac{\Delta v}{t}acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time taken
F=maresultant force = mass × acceleration
W=mgweight = mass × gravitational field strength
p=mvmomentum = mass × velocity (Higher Tier only)
F=\frac{mv-mu}{t}force = change in momentum ÷ time (Higher Tier only)
v^2-u^2=2asfinal velocity² − initial velocity² = 2 × acceleration × distance
F=keforce on a spring = spring constant × extension
E_e=\frac{1}{2}ke^2elastic potential energy (energy stored in a stretched spring) = ½ × spring constant × extension²

Energy and power

E_p=mghgravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height
E_k=\frac{1}{2}mv^2kinetic energy = ½ × mass × speed²
\text{efficiency}=\frac{\text{useful energy transferred}}{\text{total energy supplied}}efficiency = useful energy transferred by the device ÷ total energy supplied to the device
W=Fswork done = force × distance moved in the direction of the force
P=\frac{W}{t}power = work done ÷ time
P=\frac{E}{t}power = energy transferred ÷ time
\Delta E=mc\Delta\thetachange in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change
E=mLthermal energy for a change of state = mass × specific latent heat

Waves

v=f\lambdawave speed = frequency × wavelength
v=\frac{x}{t}wave speed = distance ÷ time

Electricity

E=QVenergy transferred = charge flow × potential difference
Q=Itcharge flow = current × time
V=IRpotential difference = current × resistance
P=VIpower = potential difference × current
P=I^2Rpower = current² × resistance
E=IVtenergy transferred = current × potential difference × time

Density

\rho=\frac{m}{V}density = mass ÷ volume

Magnetism and transformers

F=BIlforce on a conductor at right angles to a magnetic field = magnetic flux density × current × length (Higher Tier only)
V_pI_p=V_sI_sfor a 100% efficient transformer, primary potential difference × primary current = secondary potential difference × secondary current

What the Physics extras are

Pearson lists five more equations "if you're taking GCSE (9-1) Physics": moment of a force, pressure, the potential difference ratio for a transformer, p₁V₁ = p₂V₂ for a gas, and the pressure due to a column of liquid. They are not for Combined Science.

Where to stop reading

Pearson's list begins "If you're taking GCSE (9-1) Combined Science or GCSE (9-1) Physics, you will need these equations". A later heading adds the lines for Physics only. As a Combined candidate, ignore everything from there to the end. HT marks three of your 28 lines: momentum, force as change of momentum over time, and F = BIl.

Not given

  • Gravitational field strength and all specific heat or latent heat values.
  • Units of any kind.
  • Anything for the chemistry or biology papers.
  • How to choose among the two wave speed lines, v = fλ and v = x ÷ t.

Worked example: the wave speed that uses distance

A pulse travels 51 m along a rope in 0.15 s. Edexcel gives wave speed = distance ÷ time.

v=\frac{x}{t}=\frac{51}{0.15}=340\ \text{m/s}

Worked example: force from momentum (Higher)

A 0.15 kg ball hits a glove at 20 m/s and stops in 0.020 s. Use force = change in momentum ÷ time.

F=\frac{mv-mu}{t}=\frac{0-0.15\times20}{0.020}=-150\ \text{N}

The minus sign says the force opposes the motion. Its size is 150 N.

Worked example: energy through a circuit

A 9.0 V cell pushes 0.80 A through a bulb for 2.0 minutes, which is 120 s.

E=IVt=0.80\times9.0\times120=864\ \text{J}

Practise picking the right equation in our Laws of Motion course, then press Mark to check it there:

Choose the equation of motion that solves each problem.

Press Mark to have your answer marked in the Laws of Motion course.

How this differs from AQA

Both boards give 28 lines, but not the same 28. Edexcel adds F = Δp/t, E = IVt and wave speed as distance ÷ time. AQA adds T = 1/f, E = Pt and a power version of efficiency. See the AQA sheet guide and the board comparison. Pearson's notice says copies go in with the papers for 2025 to 2027.

A short mock

Try the daily Foundation or Higher paper. It is 8 questions worth 25 to 35 marks and is not set by Pearson.

Exam answers

Marked papers on this site come with worked answers and a mark scheme. Pearson's own answers and past paper solutions are not part of it.

Common questions

Does Edexcel Combined Science have its own equation sheet?
It shares one list with GCSE Physics. Combined candidates use the first 28 lines.
Which lines are Higher Tier?
p = mv, F = Δp/t and F = BIl.
What are the Physics extras?
Moment, pressure, the voltage ratio, p₁V₁ = p₂V₂ and p = hρg.
Is E = IVt provided?
Yes, with E = QV.
Has the list changed since 2024?
Pearson says 2025 is the same as 2024.

Revision cards

Say the answer first, then flip the card to check it.

Where to go next

  • Solve it

    Specific Heat Capacity Calculator

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  • Learn it

    Laws of Motion

    Newton's laws, momentum, and the forces that shape our world

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  • Test it

    GCSE Combined Science Foundation

    A new exam-style paper every day, with instant marking and a mark scheme

    Start today's paper
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