•

23 Dec 2025

•

3 pages

GCSE Physics Paper 1 Mind Maps for Key Topics

lola

@lola_3dks5

Energy is everywhere around us - from the electricity powering... Show more

1 / 3

Pi-Paper
• Thernal
• Gravitational
By heating:
eng. with a netie
no pollution initial
when being costs,
usedk
Pare high
✓
wind
Wind energy n

Energy Resources and Transfers

Energy stores are like different ways energy can be "kept" - think kinetic energy in moving objects, gravitational potential energy in anything up high, and chemical energy in food or fuel. When you kick a football, chemical energy from your muscles transfers to kinetic energy in the ball.

Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro-electricity won't run out, but they can be unreliable and expensive to set up initially. Wind turbines only work when it's windy, and solar panels need sunlight. However, they produce no pollution once they're running.

Non-renewable sources like coal, oil, and gas provide about 80% of our energy because they're reliable and cost-effective. The problem? They're slowly running out and add to greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Nuclear energy is incredibly powerful but can be dangerous to handle and dispose of.

Quick tip: Remember that energy can never be created or destroyed - it just transfers from one store to another. This is the conservation of energy.

The specific heat capacity tells you how much energy you need to heat 1kg of a substance by 1°C. Materials with high specific heat capacity (like water) take loads of energy to heat up, which is why the sea stays cool in summer.

Electricity and Circuits

Your home runs on 230V mains electricity at 50Hz frequency, delivered through the national grid at voltages up to 400,000V. The live wire (brown) carries the current, neutral (blue) completes the circuit, and earth $yellow/green$ keeps you safe.

Static electricity happens when electrons build up on objects through friction - like when you rub a balloon on your hair. Remember: like charges repel, opposite charges attract. Only electrons move, never protons.

Circuit components behave differently depending on conditions. LDRs (light dependent resistors) have high resistance in darkness and low resistance in bright light. Thermistors are temperature-dependent - as they heat up, their resistance drops.

In series circuits, current flows through each component one after another - if one breaks, they all stop working. Parallel circuits split the current between branches, so if one component fails, the others keep working.

Remember: In series circuits, current is the same everywhere but voltage is shared. In parallel circuits, voltage is the same across each branch but current is shared.

Ohmic conductors have constant resistance when temperature stays the same. Filament bulbs aren't ohmic because their resistance increases as they heat up.

Atomic Structure and Radiation

Density equals mass divided by volume $ρ = m/V$ , measured in kg/m³. Solids are usually densest because particles are packed tightly together, whilst gases have very low density because particles are spread far apart.

The particle model explains that all matter is made of constantly moving particles. In gases, particles move faster and collide more as temperature increases, creating pressure. Internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of all particles in a substance.

Atomic models have evolved from Dalton's solid spheres to our current understanding. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, with electrons orbiting in energy levels. Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Radioactive decay is completely random and gives off three types of radiation. Alpha particles (helium nuclei) are stopped by paper and highly ionising. Beta particles $high-speed electrons$ penetrate aluminium and are moderately ionising. Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves that penetrate concrete and are weakly ionising.

Key fact: Half-life is the time taken for half the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay - this helps us predict how long radioactive materials remain dangerous.

Background radiation comes from space, rocks, and human activities. We measure radiation using Geiger-Muller tubes. Nuclear fission splits large nuclei to release energy (used in power stations), whilst fusion combines small nuclei (happens in stars).

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Physics

GCSE Physics: Energy & Radioactivity

Explore key concepts in GCSE Physics, including energy types, power calculations, radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma), and electrical circuits. This summary covers essential topics such as conservation of energy, resistance, and the National Grid, providing a comprehensive overview for exam preparation.

Physics

BTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Overview

Comprehensive resource for Year 12 students pursuing a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. This booklet covers essential topics including cell structure, chemical properties, and wave theory, providing clear explanations and key concepts to aid in your studies and exam preparation.

Chemistry

Forces and Motion Overview

Explore key concepts in Forces and Motion, including Hooke's Law, velocity, acceleration, and the principles of moments. This summary covers essential topics such as the relationship between force and extension, terminal velocity, and the impact of safety devices in physics. Ideal for AQA Physics Unit 5 revision.

Physics

AQA Physics Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive summary of key concepts in AQA Physics Paper 1, covering atomic structure, energy transfers, radioactivity, electrical circuits, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and revision. Topics include nuclear fission, half-life, specific latent heat, and the particle model.

Physics

Electricity Fundamentals

Comprehensive GCSE AQA Physics notes covering key concepts of electricity, including series and parallel circuits, power calculations, resistance, electrostatics, and the National Grid. Ideal for students preparing for exams, this resource provides clear explanations and essential formulas.

Physics

Physics Paper 2 Essentials

Master key concepts for AQA Combined Physics Paper 2, including electromagnetic waves, mechanics, forces, and motion. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics like wave properties, Newton's laws, and the motor effect, ensuring you're well-prepared for your exam.

Physics

Energy Transfers in Physics

Explore the principles of energy transfer, including gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic potential energy. This summary covers key concepts such as work done, efficiency, and the impact of friction on energy dissipation. Ideal for GCSE AQA Physics students seeking to understand energy transformations and conservation.

Physics

Understanding Radioactivity

Explore the key concepts of radioactivity, including nuclear fission, decay types (alpha, beta, gamma), and detection methods like Geiger-Müller counters. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics for GCSE Physics, including isotopes, half-life, and practical applications in medicine and safety.

Physics

GCSE Physics Practical Experiments

Explore essential GCSE Physics practicals for AQA, covering key concepts such as Hooke's Law, wave properties, thermal insulation, and electrical circuits. This comprehensive guide includes step-by-step procedures, variables, and safety considerations for each experiment, ensuring a thorough understanding of practical applications in physics.

Physics

Most popular content

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

English Literature

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

Sociology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

Sociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

Sociology

Criminal Justice Evidence Rules

Explore the essential rules governing the use of evidence in criminal cases, including reliability, admissibility, and relevance. This summary covers key concepts such as the roles of personnel in investigations, the impact of witness testimonies, and the implications of plea bargaining. Ideal for Year 13 criminology students preparing for assessments.

Criminology

Biology Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.

Biology

Macbeth: Guilt and Ambition

Explore the complex themes of guilt and ambition in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This analysis covers key characters, including Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, their moral dilemmas, and the tragic consequences of their ambition. Ideal for students studying character motivations, thematic elements, and the psychological impact of power. Includes insights on the natural order, manipulation, and the descent into madness.

English Literature

Language Paper 1 Strategies

Master the AQA English Language Paper 1 with this comprehensive guide. Explore key strategies for language and structural analysis, critical evaluation, and creative writing. Learn how to effectively analyze texts, utilize literary techniques, and enhance your writing skills to excel in your exams.

English Language

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Physics

•

23 Dec 2025

•

3 pages

GCSE Physics Paper 1 Mind Maps for Key Topics

lola

@lola_3dks5

Energy is everywhere around us - from the electricity powering your phone to the petrol in cars. Understanding how energy works, along with the basics of electricity and atomic structure, helps explain everything from renewable power sources to how your... Show more

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Energy Resources and Transfers

Quick tip: Remember that energy can never be created or destroyed - it just transfers from one store to another. This is the conservation of energy.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Electricity and Circuits

Remember: In series circuits, current is the same everywhere but voltage is shared. In parallel circuits, voltage is the same across each branch but current is shared.

Ohmic conductors have constant resistance when temperature stays the same. Filament bulbs aren't ohmic because their resistance increases as they heat up.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Atomic Structure and Radiation

Key fact: Half-life is the time taken for half the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay - this helps us predict how long radioactive materials remain dangerous.