Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0): papers, topics and grade boundaries

Edexcel GCSE Physics papers at a glance

The specification is the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Physics (issue 4, March 2024). Physics is the longest topic list of the three sciences, at 15 topics, and the papers are cut by theme: Paper 1 leans on motion, energy, waves and the universe, Paper 2 on forces at work, electricity and magnetism. One tier, one May/June series, and question types run from multiple choice to extended open response. Edexcel lists eight mandatory core practicals, assessed through the written papers. Paper 2 covers topic 1 plus 8 Energy, forces doing work; 9 Forces and their effects; 10 Electricity and circuits; 11 Static electricity; 12 Magnetism and the motor effect; 13 Electromagnetic induction; 14 Particle model; and 15 Forces and matter.The equations you are given are in ourEdexcel GCSE Physics equation sheet guide.

Worked examples in Edexcel style

Waves: the wave equation

A sound wave has frequency 256 Hz and wavelength 1.3 m. Wave speed is frequency multiplied by wavelength:

Energy: kinetic energy

A 900 kg van moves at 20 m/s:

Square the speed before multiplying. Squaring the mass instead of the speed is the usual slip.

Electromagnetic induction (Higher): a transformer

A transformer is 100% efficient. It has 230 V across the primary coil and 11.5 V across the secondary, which carries 4.0 A. The power in equals the power out:

Practise the wave equation in our Light and Energy course, then press Mark to check your answer in the course:

Edexcel GCSE Physics grade boundaries

For physics Pearson's June 2026 GCSE (9-1) document gives raw boundaries out of 200.

The Higher 4 line is 71 and the 9 line 163. Foundation runs from 135 for a 5 down to 30 for a 1.

How Edexcel GCSE Physics differs from AQA

AQA GCSE Physics (8463) has the same paper length and a calculator too, but it puts energy, electricity, the particle model and atomic structure in Paper 1 and forces, waves, magnetism and space in Paper 2. Edexcel puts waves, radioactivity and astronomy in Paper 1 and electricity, magnetism and the particle model in Paper 2. See theAQA GCSE Physics guide.

Use the daily paper as a short timed mock

On theGCSE Physics HigherandGCSE Physics Foundationdaily tracks you get 8 questions and 25 to 35 marks per paper. Neither is an Edexcel paper nor written by Pearson. Wave speed, radioactive decay, stopping distances, series and parallel circuits and the motor effect all come up, so one paper tests your recall quickly.

Common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Physics

• Not converting units before substituting.
• Forgetting to square in kinetic energy.
• Ignoring the "assume 100% efficient" instruction.

Exam answers

The answers and a worked mark scheme come with today's paper once it is marked. We do not publish official or past paper answers. Every question on the daily paper is our own.

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UK · GCSEEdexcel GCSE Physics grade boundaries 2026: every gradeEdexcel GCSE Physics June 2026 boundaries: Higher grade 4 was 71, grade 7 134, grade 9 163 out of 200, compared with 2025 and 2024.