Three days left. Paper 1 is a calculation paper more than a recall paper. You need to know which equations to use, not just what they are. Here's the order that gets you the most marks.
One focus per day, building to a timed run. Work it in order.
Ranked from analysed past papers. Start at the top: if you run out of time, you will have covered the most-tested ground.
Highest-marks P1 topic across 4 sittings analysed (37 marks, appeared in all 4). P=IV, P=I²R, P=V²/R and E=Pt questions stack up across a paper.
Appeared in all 4 sittings analysed, often as a required practical (RP5) long-answer question worth 6-8 marks in one go.
Appeared in all 4 sittings. Resistance calculations plus the resistivity equation (R = ρL/A) have both come up as 3-4 mark multi-step questions.
Appeared in all 4 sittings, usually as a required practical (RP1/RP2) question. Expect a calculation using E = mcΔT plus a method or evaluation question.
Consistently examined across all 4 sittings. E = mL calculations, often combined with graph interpretation of heating curves.
Appeared in all 4 sittings, both as a calculation (efficiency = useful output / total input) and as 'explain why efficiency is less than 100%'.
Appeared in all 4 sittings, usually combined with power or resistance in multi-step questions. Know Q = It cold.
Appeared in all 4 sittings. Alpha, beta and gamma properties, nuclear equations, and penetrating power questions come up together.
PrepWise has a one-page Knowledge Organiser for every topic above. In your final 3 days, use them the same way each time: cover the page, recall everything you can onto paper, check against the original, then repeat only the bits you missed.
Rules specific to Paper 1. On this paper, structure earns as many marks as knowledge.
The AQA equations sheet gives you the 'physics equations' list but not the 'memorise these' list. Density, efficiency, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat and Q = It must come from memory. If you're relying on the sheet for these, you'll lose time hunting for something that isn't there.
Write the equation, then substitute the numbers in, then rearrange. Examiners give a mark for correct substitution even if your final rearranged answer is wrong. Rearranging first and substituting last hides your working and loses that mark.
kW to W (×1000), minutes to seconds (×60), cm² to m² (÷10,000), g to kg (÷1000). Do the conversion in a separate line before you touch the main equation. Mixing units mid-calculation is the single most common way to lose an otherwise-correct answer.
'Describe how you would...' questions expect the specific apparatus and steps from the AQA required practicals (SHC, density, resistance, I-V characteristics): control variables, what you measure, and how you calculate the result. Vague answers like 'measure it carefully' score zero.
Give your final answer to the same number of significant figures as the data in the question (usually 2 or 3) unless told otherwise. Don't round mid-calculation. Carry the full number through and round only at the end.
The errors examiners see most on this paper. Each one is an easy mark you already know how to keep.
Confusing the three power equations (P=IV, P=I²R, P=V²/R) and picking the wrong one for the data given → Check what you're given first. If you have current and resistance, use P=I²R. If voltage and resistance, use P=V²/R. Only use P=IV when you have both current and voltage directly.
Forgetting to square v in kinetic energy or squaring the wrong number in E=mcΔT-style equations → Underline what needs squaring before you substitute. Write Eₖ = ½ × m × v² with v² marked, don't try to do it in your head.
Leaving the answer in the wrong unit (e.g. giving resistance in mΩ or energy in kJ without converting) → Always write the unit next to your final answer and check it matches what the question asks for. If it doesn't match, you've likely skipped a conversion step.
Writing 'because it loses energy' for an efficiency question without saying where the energy goes → Name the wasted energy store, usually thermal energy dissipated to the surroundings due to friction or resistance. Examiners want the mechanism, not just 'lost'.
Mixing up alpha, beta and gamma penetrating power and what stops each one → Learn the trio as one block: alpha stopped by paper, beta stopped by a few mm of aluminium, gamma needs thick lead or concrete to significantly reduce it. Always in that order.
The 60 minutes before you walk in. Review what you know and settle your nerves.
Knowing the equation is not the same as being able to use it. Practise exam-style Physics questions in PrepWise, get marked instantly, and drill the rearranging until it is automatic.
Open the Physics Knowledge Organisers, quiz every priority topic and walk in ready. Free during alpha.
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