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Free AQA GCSE Physics Required Practicals and Experiments

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Lorena

24/07/2025

Physics

Physics required practicals

9,833

24 Jul 2025

9 pages

Free AQA GCSE Physics Required Practicals and Experiments

Physics Required Practicals Guide: A Comprehensive Overview of AQA GCSE... Show more


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 2: Temperature Measurement Practical

This page outlines the first required practical focusing on temperature measurement using a double-beaker setup. The experiment demonstrates heat transfer and temperature recording techniques.

Highlight: The setup involves nested beakers with careful temperature monitoring over time.

Definition: Independent variable timetime and dependent variable temperaturetemperature are clearly identified.

Example: Temperature readings are taken every 2 minutes for 20 minutes using a thermometer through a cardboard lid.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 3: Thermal Insulation and Resistance Investigation

This section covers two key physics required practicals: thermal insulation and resistance measurement. Both experiments demonstrate fundamental physics principles with precise measurement techniques.

Vocabulary: Thermal insulation involves heat transfer through different materials.

Example: For resistance investigation, measurements are taken at 10cm intervals along a thin wire.

Highlight: Control variables include power supply voltage and wire temperature.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 4: I-V Characteristics and Density Measurement

This page details procedures for investigating current-voltage relationships and density calculations, essential components of aqa gcse physics required practicals.

Definition: I-V characteristics show the relationship between current and voltage in electrical components.

Highlight: Safety precautions include switching off circuits between readings to prevent overheating.

Example: Density calculation involves measuring displaced water volume and object mass.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 5: Force and Extension Investigation

The final practical demonstrates spring extension principles, a key concept in physics paper 1 required practicals.

Highlight: The experiment uses a newton-meter and ruler setup to measure force and extension.

Example: Measurements include both unextended and extended spring lengths under various loads.

Definition: The relationship between force and extension helps understand elastic properties of materials.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 5: Spring Constant Investigation

This practical demonstrates Hooke's Law and spring behavior, essential for understanding forces in gcse physics required practicals.

Definition: Spring constant kk represents the force needed to extend a spring by unit length.

Highlight: The gradient of the force-extension graph gives the spring constant.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 6: Force and Acceleration

The practical investigates Newton's Second Law, demonstrating the relationship between force and acceleration in physics paper 1 required practicals.

Example: Using a pulley system with weights to investigate force and acceleration relationships.

Highlight: Systematic measurement of time and distance enables accurate acceleration calculations.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 7: Wave Properties Investigation

This section covers wave behavior investigation using various mediums, essential for understanding wave phenomena in aqa gcse physics required practicals.

Definition: Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave.

Vocabulary: Ripple tank - apparatus used to demonstrate water wave properties.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 8: Light Reflection and Refraction

The practical explores fundamental properties of light behavior, crucial for understanding optics in physics required practicals.

Example: Using a glass block and ray box to investigate light reflection and refraction angles.

Highlight: Careful measurement of angles is essential for accurate results.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 1: Understanding Experimental Accuracy and Reliability

This page details fundamental concepts of experimental measurements in physics practicals. The content explores various ways to enhance experimental quality and reliability.

Definition: Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to its true value, while precision relates to the resolution of measurements.

Highlight: To improve reliability in an experiment, multiple readings should be taken and anomalies should be removed.

Vocabulary: Systematic error refers to consistent measurement variations due to equipment quality, while random error involves unpredictable variations.

Example: Using a stopwatch with 0.01s resolution instead of 0.1s improves precision.



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.

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

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

 

Physics

9,833

24 Jul 2025

9 pages

Free AQA GCSE Physics Required Practicals and Experiments

Physics Required Practicals Guide: A Comprehensive Overview of AQA GCSE Physics Experiments

This detailed guide covers ten essential physics practicalsrequired for GCSE, focusing on measurement techniques, experimental procedures, and methods to improve experimental validity. The guide encompasses thermal physics,... Show more


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

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

Page 2: Temperature Measurement Practical

This page outlines the first required practical focusing on temperature measurement using a double-beaker setup. The experiment demonstrates heat transfer and temperature recording techniques.

Highlight: The setup involves nested beakers with careful temperature monitoring over time.

Definition: Independent variable timetime and dependent variable temperaturetemperature are clearly identified.

Example: Temperature readings are taken every 2 minutes for 20 minutes using a thermometer through a cardboard lid.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

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

Page 3: Thermal Insulation and Resistance Investigation

This section covers two key physics required practicals: thermal insulation and resistance measurement. Both experiments demonstrate fundamental physics principles with precise measurement techniques.

Vocabulary: Thermal insulation involves heat transfer through different materials.

Example: For resistance investigation, measurements are taken at 10cm intervals along a thin wire.

Highlight: Control variables include power supply voltage and wire temperature.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 4: I-V Characteristics and Density Measurement

This page details procedures for investigating current-voltage relationships and density calculations, essential components of aqa gcse physics required practicals.

Definition: I-V characteristics show the relationship between current and voltage in electrical components.

Highlight: Safety precautions include switching off circuits between readings to prevent overheating.

Example: Density calculation involves measuring displaced water volume and object mass.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

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

Page 5: Force and Extension Investigation

The final practical demonstrates spring extension principles, a key concept in physics paper 1 required practicals.

Highlight: The experiment uses a newton-meter and ruler setup to measure force and extension.

Example: Measurements include both unextended and extended spring lengths under various loads.

Definition: The relationship between force and extension helps understand elastic properties of materials.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 5: Spring Constant Investigation

This practical demonstrates Hooke's Law and spring behavior, essential for understanding forces in gcse physics required practicals.

Definition: Spring constant kk represents the force needed to extend a spring by unit length.

Highlight: The gradient of the force-extension graph gives the spring constant.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

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

Page 6: Force and Acceleration

The practical investigates Newton's Second Law, demonstrating the relationship between force and acceleration in physics paper 1 required practicals.

Example: Using a pulley system with weights to investigate force and acceleration relationships.

Highlight: Systematic measurement of time and distance enables accurate acceleration calculations.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 7: Wave Properties Investigation

This section covers wave behavior investigation using various mediums, essential for understanding wave phenomena in aqa gcse physics required practicals.

Definition: Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave.

Vocabulary: Ripple tank - apparatus used to demonstrate water wave properties.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

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

Page 8: Light Reflection and Refraction

The practical explores fundamental properties of light behavior, crucial for understanding optics in physics required practicals.

Example: Using a glass block and ray box to investigate light reflection and refraction angles.

Highlight: Careful measurement of angles is essential for accurate results.


<p>To ensure the accuracy and reliability of an experiment, it is crucial to consider ways to increase the validity and reliability of the

Page 1: Understanding Experimental Accuracy and Reliability

This page details fundamental concepts of experimental measurements in physics practicals. The content explores various ways to enhance experimental quality and reliability.

Definition: Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to its true value, while precision relates to the resolution of measurements.

Highlight: To improve reliability in an experiment, multiple readings should be taken and anomalies should be removed.

Vocabulary: Systematic error refers to consistent measurement variations due to equipment quality, while random error involves unpredictable variations.

Example: Using a stopwatch with 0.01s resolution instead of 0.1s improves precision.

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.

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

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