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Updated Mar 27, 2026
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AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1: Key Practicals
A
Alina Ahmad
@alinaahma_dtyzl
1 / 3
Heat and Energy Experiments
Ever wondered how your phone gets warm when charging? The specific heat capacity practical shows you exactly how electrical energy becomes heat energy. You'll measure a metal block's mass, stick in a heater and thermometer, then wrap it up to prevent heat escaping.
The clever bit is timing how long you heat the block (usually 5 minutes) whilst measuring the electrical power going in. Using P=VI gives you the power, then E=PT tells you the total energy transferred. Finally, the formula c = ΔE/(m × ΔT) reveals how much energy each gram of metal needs to warm up by 1°C.
The thermal conductivity practical is brilliantly simple - you're basically testing which materials make the best jumpers! Fill a beaker with 80cm³ of boiling water, surround it with your chosen insulation, and measure how quickly it cools down every 3 minutes. Always keep one experiment with no insulation as your control group.
Quick Tip: Graph your cooling results - the flattest line shows the best insulator!
Electrical Properties and Density
Understanding electrical resistance becomes dead easy when you can actually measure it. Set up your circuit with crocodile clips on different lengths of wire (10cm, 20cm, etc.) and watch how resistance changes. For each length, measure voltage and current, then calculate resistance using R=V/I - you'll spot the pattern immediately.
The IV characteristics practical reveals why different components behave so differently. By adjusting a variable resistor, you change the voltage across resistors, bulbs, or diodes whilst measuring the current. Plotting these on a graph shows you whether each component obeys Ohm's law or does something more interesting.
Density measurements depend on whether your object is regular or irregular. Regular solids are straightforward - measure length, width, height for volume, weigh it, then use ρ = m ÷ V. Irregular solids need the clever Eureka can method where you measure the water displaced when you submerge the object.
Remember: The volume of water displaced equals the volume of your irregular object - physics can be quite elegant!
Measuring Liquid Density
Finding the density of liquids is probably the most straightforward practical you'll encounter. Start by weighing an empty measuring cylinder, then add a known volume of your liquid and weigh it again.
The mass of just the liquid is simply the difference between these two measurements. Since you already know the volume from the measuring cylinder, calculating density using ρ = m ÷ V becomes a quick calculation.
This method works for any liquid - water, oil, or even strange lab chemicals. Just make sure you're accurate with your volume readings and always subtract the cylinder's mass properly.
Pro Tip: Read the measuring cylinder at eye level with the meniscus for the most accurate volume measurement!
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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
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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
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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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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
AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1: Key Practicals
A
Alina Ahmad
@alinaahma_dtyzl
Physics practicals are your chance to see the theories you've learned actually work in real life. These experiments will help you understand key concepts like heat transfer, electrical properties, and density whilst giving you essential skills for your GCSEs.
Heat and Energy Experiments
Ever wondered how your phone gets warm when charging? The specific heat capacity practical shows you exactly how electrical energy becomes heat energy. You'll measure a metal block's mass, stick in a heater and thermometer, then wrap it up to prevent heat escaping.
The clever bit is timing how long you heat the block (usually 5 minutes) whilst measuring the electrical power going in. Using P=VI gives you the power, then E=PT tells you the total energy transferred. Finally, the formula c = ΔE/(m × ΔT) reveals how much energy each gram of metal needs to warm up by 1°C.
The thermal conductivity practical is brilliantly simple - you're basically testing which materials make the best jumpers! Fill a beaker with 80cm³ of boiling water, surround it with your chosen insulation, and measure how quickly it cools down every 3 minutes. Always keep one experiment with no insulation as your control group.
Quick Tip: Graph your cooling results - the flattest line shows the best insulator!
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Electrical Properties and Density
Understanding electrical resistance becomes dead easy when you can actually measure it. Set up your circuit with crocodile clips on different lengths of wire (10cm, 20cm, etc.) and watch how resistance changes. For each length, measure voltage and current, then calculate resistance using R=V/I - you'll spot the pattern immediately.
The IV characteristics practical reveals why different components behave so differently. By adjusting a variable resistor, you change the voltage across resistors, bulbs, or diodes whilst measuring the current. Plotting these on a graph shows you whether each component obeys Ohm's law or does something more interesting.
Density measurements depend on whether your object is regular or irregular. Regular solids are straightforward - measure length, width, height for volume, weigh it, then use ρ = m ÷ V. Irregular solids need the clever Eureka can method where you measure the water displaced when you submerge the object.
Remember: The volume of water displaced equals the volume of your irregular object - physics can be quite elegant!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Measuring Liquid Density
Finding the density of liquids is probably the most straightforward practical you'll encounter. Start by weighing an empty measuring cylinder, then add a known volume of your liquid and weigh it again.
The mass of just the liquid is simply the difference between these two measurements. Since you already know the volume from the measuring cylinder, calculating density using ρ = m ÷ V becomes a quick calculation.
This method works for any liquid - water, oil, or even strange lab chemicals. Just make sure you're accurate with your volume readings and always subtract the cylinder's mass properly.
Pro Tip: Read the measuring cylinder at eye level with the meniscus for the most accurate volume measurement!
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?
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4.7/5
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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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