Edexcel Higher Combined Science physics exam questions
Thirteen free PDF exam practice workbooks for the physics in Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science, written for the Higher tier, double grades 4-4 to 9-9. There is one workbook for every physics topic on Papers 5 and 6, with 1,655 original questions in 137 modules and a worked mark scheme at the back of each book.
These are not past papers. Each module drills one part of the specification with numbered questions and mark allocations, so a student can practise a method until it is secure, mark it like an examiner, and still sit Pearson’s own past papers fresh.
Free to download. No sign up, no email required. Independent resources aligned to Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science 1SC0, not produced, approved or endorsed by Pearson or Edexcel.
Which Higher physics topics can I practise?
All 13 physics topics in Edexcel Combined Science, one workbook each. Topics 1 to 6 are examined on Physics Paper 5, and Topic 1 with topics 8 to 15 on Physics Paper 6. Need a topic taught first? Use the Edexcel Higher Combined Science learning books.
Topic 1: Key Concepts of Physics
Covers SI units and measurement records, checking unit consistency, prefix conversions, standard form with error analysis, precision and rounding, ending with integrated calculations. 82 printable pages.
Download Topic 1Topic 2: Motion and Forces
Covers scalars and vectors, motion graphs, the equations of motion, Newton’s laws and the core practical, weight, the Higher-only circular motion, inertial mass and momentum, and road safety. 96 printable pages.
Download Topic 2Topic 3: Conservation of Energy
Covers gravitational potential and kinetic energy, energy stores and transfers, conservation, dissipation, insulation, efficiency and how to improve it, and energy resources and trends. 82 printable pages.
Download Topic 3Topic 4: Waves
Covers what waves transfer, wave types and quantities, the wave equations, measuring wave speeds, refraction explained by speed, the waves core practical, and wavelength-dependent interactions. 83 printable pages.
Download Topic 4Topic 5: Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Covers electromagnetic properties and calculations, the refraction core practical, the Higher-only material interactions and speed, the uses of each part of the spectrum, and emission and absorption. 98 printable pages.
Download Topic 5Topic 6: Radioactivity
Covers atomic structure, ionisation, atomic models, nuclear equations and decay chains, detection and background, activity, half-life graphs and multi-step calculations, risks and contamination. 100 printable pages.
Download Topic 6Topic 8: Energy: Forces Doing Work
Covers stores, pathways and Sankey diagrams, work done, gravitational potential and kinetic energy, combined energy problems, dissipation, power, efficiency and practical power measurement. 100 printable pages.
Download Topic 8Topic 9: Forces and their Effects
Covers interactions, scalars and vectors, the Higher-only vector diagrams, free-body diagrams and resultant forces, friction and lubrication, then two integrated modules. 54 printable pages, in a shorter format with worked answers.
Download Topic 9Topic 10: Electricity and Circuits
Covers charge flow, circuits and meters, resistance, series and parallel calculations, the I-V core practical, diodes, LDRs and thermistors, heating and wire losses, power, and mains protection. 121 printable pages.
Download Topic 10Topic 12: Magnetism and the Motor Effect
Covers poles and materials, induced magnetism, field diagrams, the Earth’s field, wires and solenoids, then the Higher-only motor effect, Fleming’s left-hand rule and F = BIl. 88 printable pages.
Download Topic 12Topic 13: Electromagnetic Induction
Covers the Higher-only induced potential difference, opposing the change and how a transformer works, then the National Grid, transmission efficiency, transformer calculations and an induction investigation. 79 printable pages.
Download Topic 13Topic 14: Particle Model
Covers the particle model and density, the density core practical, internal energy, specific heat and latent heat, insulation, the water core practical, gas pressure, the kelvin scale and staged heating. 102 printable pages.
Download Topic 14Topic 15: Forces and Matter
Covers elasticity, Hooke’s law and rearrangement, force-extension graphs, elastic energy, the spring core practical, work from graph areas and energy changes, ending with an integrated module. 74 printable pages.
Download Topic 15How is each workbook organised?
Each workbook opens with a coverage page and a module map that lists the Pearson statements every module tests. Apart from Topic 9, every module starts with a method reminder and a worked example, then sets 12 numbered questions, or 16 in Topic 1. The mark scheme at the back gives one mark per numbered point.
The practice routine in every workbook
- Learn: read the module reminder, the equations and the worked example
- Practise: answer all the questions in the module without looking at the mark scheme
- Mark: award one mark for each numbered answer point, accepting equivalent scientific wording
- Repair: record whether each lost mark was a concept, graph, equation, conversion or method error
- Retest: cover the old answers and repeat the weakest modules after revision
What else is inside
- a coverage page stating which statements are in this tier and which are left out
- a module map with the Pearson statement references and question count for each module
- a mark allocation on every question, except in the Topic 9 workbook
- ruled space for working and answers under every question
- a diagnostic scorecard for a first attempt and a retest, and a repair and retest log in every workbook except Topic 9
- 54 to 121 printable A4 pages per workbook, 1,159 in all
What does each workbook cover?
137 modules across 13 workbooks, listed by Edexcel topic. Module titles follow each workbook’s own module map, and the specification statements are printed in the books.
Topic 1: Key Concepts of Physics
- SI base units, notation and measurement records
- Derived units and checking unit consistency
- Large-prefix conversions and applications
- Small-prefix conversions and scale comparisons
- Time, length, area and compound-unit conversions
- Standard-form calculations and error analysis
- Significant figures, precision and rounding
- Integrated calculations and numerical critique
Topic 2: Motion and Forces
- Scalars, vectors, distance and displacement
- Speed calculations and laboratory methods
- Distance-time graphs and gradient
- Acceleration and equations of motion
- Velocity-time graphs and free fall
- Resultant forces and Newton’s first and third laws
- Newton’s second law and the core practical
- Weight and gravitational field strength
- Circular motion and inertial mass (Higher only)
- Momentum and collision interactions (Higher only)
- Reaction time and stopping-distance analysis
- Road safety, deceleration and collision forces
Topic 3: Conservation of Energy
- Gravitational potential energy
- Kinetic energy
- Energy stores and transfer diagrams
- Energy changes in physical systems
- Conservation of energy and closed systems
- Dissipation, friction and lubrication
- Thermal insulation and cooling
- Efficiency calculations and improvements
- Energy resources and their uses
- Patterns and trends in resource use
Topic 4: Waves
- Wave transfer: energy, information and evidence
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
- Frequency, wavelength, amplitude and period
- Reading wave snapshots and time traces
- Wave-speed equations and unit conversions
- Measuring sound and ripple speeds
- Refraction: direction, speed and wavefronts
- Core practical: waves in a metal rod
- Core practical: waves in a ripple tank
- Wavelength-dependent interactions and synthesis
Topic 5: Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Electromagnetic properties and energy transfer
- Spectrum order, colours and visible detection
- Frequency, wavelength and vacuum calculations
- Core practical: tracing rays through glass
- Core practical: variables, precision and evaluation
- Material interactions and speed (Higher only)
- Radio circuits and microwave communication
- Infrared and visible light: analysis and uses
- Ultraviolet and fluorescence in atoms
- X-rays and gamma rays: applications and evaluation
- Exposure, potential danger and evidence
- Emission, absorption and integrated interpretation
Topic 6: Radioactivity
- Atomic structure: ratios and isotope evidence
- Electron energy, ionisation and nuclear change
- Atomic models: evidence and evaluation
- Radiation properties and absorber evidence
- Nuclear equations and decay mechanisms
- Decay chains and reverse deductions
- Detection, background and measurement quality
- Activity, randomness and model evaluation
- Half-life graphs and background correction
- Half-life: reverse and multi-step calculations
- Radiation risks and justified precautions
- Contamination, irradiation and integrated reasoning
Topic 8: Energy: Forces Doing Work
- Stores, pathways and system boundaries
- Conservation, Sankey diagrams and accounting
- Work: direction, units and rearrangements
- Work data and measurement evaluation
- GPE: paths, height and energy balances
- Kinetic energy: ratios, graphs and rearrangement
- Combined mechanical energy problems
- Dissipation and model evaluation
- Power: rates and multi-step calculations
- Efficiency: inverse and linked-stage problems
- Practical power: measurement and evidence
- Integrated lifting and mechanical energy review
Topic 9: Forces and their Effects
- Interactions: contact and non-contact
- Scalar and vector quantities
- Vector diagrams and resolution
- Free-body force diagrams
- Resultant and balanced forces
- Friction, heating and lubrication
- Integrated vector problems
- Integrated force-system reasoning
Topic 10: Electricity and Circuits
- Charge flow, atomic structure and time
- Symbols, topology and measurement choices
- Energy per charge and resistance reasoning
- Series circuits: linked calculations
- Parallel branches and equivalent resistance
- Core practical: I-V analysis and evaluation
- Diodes and LEDs: nonlinear behaviour
- LDR and thermistor investigations
- Heating mechanisms and wire losses
- Electrical energy: multi-stage calculations
- Power: derivations, ratios and ratings
- A.c., d.c. and supply interpretation
- Mains protection: fault-path reasoning
- Integrated circuits and cable-loss review
Topic 12: Magnetism and the Motor Effect
- Poles, materials and magnetic evidence
- Permanent and induced magnetism: evaluation
- Field diagrams and strength interpretation
- Compasses, mapping and Earth evidence
- Straight-conductor fields and controls
- Solenoids: superposition and field regions
- Motor effect: forces and field interaction
- Fleming left-hand rule and reversals
- Force on a perpendicular conductor: BIl
- Integrated magnetism and experimental critique
Topic 13: Electromagnetic Induction
- Induced voltage: size, polarity and change
- Opposing the change: magnetic interactions
- Transformer operation and alternating voltage
- Grid stages and transformer placement
- Transmission efficiency and proportional reasoning
- Ideal power: assumptions and consistency
- Transformer calculations and unit conversions
- Induction investigation: means, graph and critique
- Integrated induction, transformers and transmission
Topic 14: Particle Model
- Particle models, density and proportional changes
- Density: multi-step calculations and graphs
- Density core practical: bias and method evaluation
- State changes, conservation and internal energy
- Specific heat capacity: rearrangement and graphs
- Latent heat: power, efficiency and units
- Insulation: evidence, rates and limitations
- Water core practical: energy accounting and critique
- Gas pressure: collisions, conditions and explanations
- Kelvin scale: conversions and model limits
- Staged heating: warming, melting and vaporisation
- Integrated practical reasoning and error diagnosis
Topic 15: Forces and Matter
- Force arrangements, elasticity and evidence
- Hooke law: units, rearrangement and ratios
- Graphs: gradients, origins and proportionality
- Elastic energy: inverse problems and assumptions
- Spring core practical: bias and method evaluation
- Work from force-extension graph areas
- Energy changes, scaling and working ranges
- Integrated spring reasoning and error diagnosis
How should a student use these?
One module at a time, after the topic has been taught. Answer without notes, mark strictly against the numbered points, note why each mark was lost, then return to the weakest modules a few days later.
If the exam is months away
Learn each topic first, from class notes or our learning books, then work through its workbook one or two modules a week, in order.
If the exam is weeks away
Go to the review or integrated module at the end of each workbook for the weakest topics first. Any module that scores low is the one to repeat, then move on to Pearson past papers for timed practice.
If you are aiming for 7-7 or above
Spend time on the Higher-only modules, such as momentum, vector diagrams, the motor effect and induced potential difference, and on multi-step calculations, where Higher marks are most often lost.
Guide: GCSE past papers
Where to find real past papers and mark schemes to practise with alongside these books.
Read the past papers guideGuide: maths skills for Physics
The equations, rearranging, graphs and standard form that physics questions expect, in one checklist.
Read the maths skills guideGuide: last-minute revision
What to do with the final weeks when there is no time left to cover everything.
Read the last-minute guideExam workbook questions
The workbooks are free for personal use, every question has an answer, and they are written for the Edexcel Higher tier, double grades 4-4 to 9-9. These answers cover marking, Topic 9, tiers, papers and licensing.
Are these real Pearson past paper questions?
No. Every question, value, graph and marking point is independently written. The workbooks follow the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science 1SC0 physics content without reproducing any past-paper question, mark scheme wording or illustration, so they can be used alongside Pearson’s own past papers without overlap.
How are the answers marked?
Each question shows its marks, and the mark scheme gives one numbered answer point per mark. Equivalent scientific wording and methods are accepted, so calculations need the equation, the substitution and the unit as well as the final number. Module scores are for spotting weak areas, not GCSE grades.
Is the Topic 9 workbook different?
Yes. Topic 9, Forces and their Effects, is shorter and uses a simpler layout: the questions carry no mark allocations and the answers are worked answers rather than numbered marking points. Its later modules also reuse earlier questions as mixed practice, which is why 21 of its 96 questions appear twice.
Are they free? What is the licence?
The workbooks are free to download for personal and household educational use. Tutors and schools need permission before copying them for learners, and resale, paid redistribution and third-party uploading are not permitted.
Which papers do the topics come up on?
Edexcel Combined Science has six papers, two each in biology, chemistry and physics, all sat at the same tier. Physics Paper 5 covers topics 1 to 6 and Physics Paper 6 covers topic 1 again plus topics 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Each is 1 hour 10 minutes, 60 marks and 16.67% of the qualification.
How do the Higher workbooks differ from Foundation?
The Higher workbooks have 137 modules to the Foundation books’ 116, with harder questions throughout and modules on the Higher-only content. Most questions are different, but 194 Higher questions in topics 9, 10, 12 and 13 also appear word for word in the Foundation workbooks.
My child keeps losing marks on the same module. What next?
Repeating the same questions rarely fixes it, because the problem is usually the method rather than the practice. If a module still scores low after two honest attempts, get the method retaught by a teacher at school or a tutor. The first 30 minutes of a lesson with us are free.
Practice finds the gaps. A tutor closes them
Fourteen of our tutors teach Science, and Combined Science is covered by tutors who teach across biology, chemistry and physics. Lessons are one to one on Zoom, £30 each, and the first 30 minutes are free with no card details. If a module keeps scoring low after two attempts, that is usually the sign to get help with the method rather than repeat the questions.