AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2 Revision Checklist

Paper 2 of AQA GCSE Physics 8463 covers topics 4.5–4.8. RAG-rate every spec statement below. Higher-only and Triple-only sections are flagged with badges.

This checklist is taken straight from the official AQA Physics 8463 specification (sections 4.5–4.8). Every spec statement is listed as an "I can…" objective so you can plan revision sessions, see what's left and walk into the exam knowing nothing has slipped through the cracks.

Specification code 8463/2 · 46 sub-topics across 4 sections.

4.5 Forces

20 sub-topics · 2 required practicals · 2 Higher-only.

  • Scalars and vectors
  • Contact and non-contact forces
  • Weight and centre of mass — Use W = m g; gravitational field strength.
  • Resultant forces — Add forces along a line; use scale drawings (Higher).
  • Work done and energy transfer — Use W = F s; 1 joule = 1 newton-metre.
  • Forces and elasticity — Use F = k e; required practical: force vs extension.
  • Required practical: force–extensionRequired practical
  • Moments, levers and gears (Physics only)Triple only — Use M = F d.
  • Pressure (Physics only)Triple only — Use p = F/A; pressure in a fluid (Higher).
  • Distance, displacement, speed and velocity
  • Distance–time and velocity–time graphs — Calculate speed/acceleration from gradient; distance from area under V-T (Higher).
  • Uniform acceleration — Use v² − u² = 2 a s.
  • Terminal velocity
  • Newton's first law
  • Newton's second law — Use F = m a; inertial mass.
  • Newton's third law
  • Required practical: investigating accelerationRequired practical
  • Stopping distance — Thinking + braking distance; factors affecting each.
  • Momentum (Higher)Higher — Use p = m v; conservation in collisions.
  • Changes in momentum (Physics only, Higher)HigherTriple only — Use F = Δp / Δt to explain safety features.

4.6 Waves

14 sub-topics · 2 required practicals · 3 Higher-only.

  • Transverse and longitudinal waves — Examples and direction of oscillation.
  • Wave properties — Frequency, period, wavelength, amplitude, speed; use v = f λ.
  • Required practical: speed of waves in a string/waterRequired practical
  • Reflection and transmission at boundaries (Physics only)Triple only
  • Sound waves (Physics only, Higher)HigherTriple only
  • Ultrasound, infrasound and seismic (Physics only)Triple only
  • Electromagnetic spectrum — Order the seven groups by wavelength/frequency; examples of uses.
  • Properties of EM waves — All travel at the same speed in a vacuum; transverse.
  • Refraction (Higher)Higher
  • Required practical: infrared emission (Physics only)Required practicalTriple only
  • Uses and dangers of EM waves
  • Lenses (Physics only)Triple only — Convex/concave; draw ray diagrams; magnification = image/object.
  • Visible light (Physics only)Triple only — Specular vs diffuse reflection; colour and filters.
  • Black-body radiation (Physics only, Higher)HigherTriple only

4.7 Magnetism and electromagnetism

7 sub-topics · 4 Higher-only.

  • Permanent and induced magnets — Attraction vs repulsion; magnetic poles.
  • Magnetic fields — Sketch the field around a bar magnet; use of plotting compass.
  • Field around a wire — Right-hand grip rule; effect of solenoid and iron core.
  • The motor effect (Higher)Higher — Use F = B I L; Fleming's left-hand rule.
  • Electric motors (Higher)Higher
  • Generator effect (Physics only, Higher)HigherTriple only
  • Transformers (Physics only, Higher)HigherTriple only — Use Vₚ/Vₛ = Nₚ/Nₛ and Vₚ Iₚ = Vₛ Iₛ.

4.8 Space physics (Physics only)

Triple-Award Physics students only.

5 sub-topics · 2 Higher-only.

  • Our Solar SystemTriple only — Sun, eight planets, dwarf planets, moons; formation from a nebula.
  • Life cycle of a starTriple only
  • Orbital motionHigherTriple only
  • Red-shift and the Big BangTriple only
  • Dark matter and dark energy (Higher)HigherTriple only

How to use this checklist

  • RAG-rate every sub-topic. Red = haven't studied; Amber = revised but shaky; Green = confident.
  • Revise reds first. Your marginal mark gains are biggest where you're weakest.
  • Re-rate after every past paper. The list updates with your actual performance, not your feelings.
  • Don't binge. 25-minute focus blocks (try the Pomodoro timer) beat 3-hour sessions.

Suggested revision order

  • Forces is the biggest section — master resultant forces and Newton's 2nd law.
  • Waves: learn the order of the EM spectrum and one use/danger of each.
  • Electromagnetism: Fleming's left-hand rule comes up most years.
  • Triple students: don't skip space — easy 10+ marks if revised.

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

What topics are on AQA GCSE Physics Paper 2?

Paper 2 (8463/2) covers Forces, Waves, Magnetism & electromagnetism, and (Triple Award only) Space physics. 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks.

Which required practicals appear on Paper 2?

Force–extension, investigating acceleration, speed of waves on a string and (Triple only) infrared emission and absorption.

Source: AQA Physics 8463 specification (sections 4.5–4.8).

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