M1
M1 substitution with units
Choose the equation, substitute values with units, calculate and check the final unit.
Free Lessons -> GCSE / Key Stage 4 -> Physics -> Maths Ladder
Maths ladder
GCSE Physics Maths Ladder
Target the maths skills that make Physics questions difficult: units, rearranging, gradients, graph areas, ratios and multi-step calculations.
M1-M8 skillsFoundation and HigherLinked to lessons
Skills ladder
M2
M2 rearranging equations
Change the subject before substituting, especially when the unknown is not already isolated.
M3
M3 unit conversions and prefixes
Convert cm to m, g to kg, kW to W and recognise milli, micro, kilo and mega.
M4
M4 graph gradients
Use change in y divided by change in x and attach the physical meaning from the axes.
M5
M5 area under graphs
Use graph area for quantities such as distance from velocity-time graphs.
M6
M6 ratios, proportionality and percentage efficiency
Handle efficiency, transformer ratios and direct proportionality statements.
M7
M7 standard form and significant figures
Use sensible rounding and standard form for very large or very small physics values.
M8
M8 multi-step calculations
Chain two or more equations while carrying units through the working.
Calculation-heavy lessons
M1 substitution with units, M2 rearranging/equations, M4 graph gradients
Getting Started
A starter lesson for GCSE Physics: how to use models, equations, units, practical evidence and careful explanations.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage, M8 multi-step calculations
Energy Stores
Learn how GCSE Physics describes energy stores, transfer pathways, conservation and wasted energy.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage
Forces and Motion
Learn how resultant force, speed, acceleration and motion graphs work together in GCSE Physics.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage
Electricity and Circuits
Learn how charge, current, potential difference and resistance describe simple electrical circuits.
M1 substitution with units
Particles and Density
Use the particle model to explain density, changes of state, internal energy and heating.
M1 substitution with units, M3 unit conversions
Waves
Learn the core wave vocabulary, wave speed equation and electromagnetic spectrum safety ideas.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage, M7 standard form and significant figures
Radioactivity
Learn nuclear structure, alpha, beta and gamma radiation, half-life and safe handling ideas.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage, M8 multi-step calculations
Energy Resources
Compare energy resources, calculate power and efficiency, and explain useful and wasted transfers.
M1 substitution with units
Current and Resistance
Use the core circuit equations linking charge, current, potential difference, energy and resistance.
M1 substitution with units
Series and Parallel
Compare current, potential difference and resistance in series and parallel circuits.
M1 substitution with units
Heating Calculations
Calculate energy changes during heating and changes of state using GCSE Physics equations.
M1 substitution with units, M2 rearranging/equations, M4 graph gradients
Motion Graphs
Read motion graphs, calculate gradients and use area under velocity-time graphs.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage
Newton's Laws
Use Newton's laws to explain motion and calculate force, mass and acceleration.
M1 substitution with units
Stopping and Momentum
Calculate momentum, explain stopping distance and connect forces to road safety.
M1 substitution with units
Specific Heat Practical
Plan, carry out and evaluate the specific heat capacity practical using energy, mass and temperature change.
M1 substitution with units
Resistance of a Wire
Investigate how wire length affects resistance while controlling material, thickness and temperature.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage
Force and Acceleration
Investigate how force and mass affect acceleration using trolleys, light gates or motion sensors.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage
Ripple Tank Practical
Measure wave speed using frequency and wavelength in a ripple tank or stretched string setup.
M1 substitution with units
Domestic Electricity
Understand mains electricity, live, neutral and earth wires, fuses, circuit breakers and safe power use.
M6 ratio and percentage
Static Electricity
Explain charging by friction, attraction and repulsion, sparks and electric field patterns.
M1 substitution with units, M2 rearranging/equations, M4 graph gradients
Exam Routine
Use a calm final routine for equations, units, graphs, required practicals and explanation questions.
M1 substitution with units, M2 rearranging/equations, M3 unit conversions
Equations and Units
Practise choosing equations, rearranging them, converting units and checking physics answers sensibly.
M1 substitution with units, M6 ratio and percentage
Circuit Calculations
Use charge, current, potential difference, resistance, energy and power equations in circuit questions.
M1 substitution with units
Moments and Levers
Calculate moments, explain equilibrium and describe how levers and gears change turning effects.
M1 substitution with units, M2 rearranging/equations, M4 graph gradients
Hooke's Law
Use force-extension graphs, Hooke's law, spring constant and elastic potential energy.
M1 substitution with units
Work and Power
Connect work done, force, distance, power and energy transfer in GCSE Physics questions.
M6 ratio and percentage, M7 standard form and significant figures
Radiation Uses
Compare irradiation and contamination, and explain medical, industrial and safety uses of nuclear radiation.
M1 substitution with units
Pressure
Explain pressure in gases and fluids using particles, depth, density and force over area.
M3 unit conversions
EM Spectrum Applications
Link electromagnetic spectrum regions to communication, heating, imaging, medicine and hazards.
M1 substitution with units, M7 standard form and significant figures
Nuclear Equations
Balance nuclear equations, use half-life data and choose radiation safety controls.
M6 ratio and percentage, M8 multi-step calculations
Space Physics
Cover the GCSE space physics basics: solar system objects, gravity, circular orbits and satellites.
M1 substitution with units
Density Practical
Measure density for regular solids, irregular solids and liquids using mass and volume.
M1 substitution with units, M2 rearranging/equations, M6 ratio and percentage
Transformer Calculations
Use transformer turns ratios, power relationships and efficiency ideas in National Grid questions.