Required/core practical focus
Specific Heat Practical
Plan, carry out and evaluate the specific heat capacity practical using energy, mass and temperature change.
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Required practicals
GCSE Physics Required Practicals Hub
A focused route through the practical pages pupils most often need for method, variables, uncertainty, graph choice and evaluation.
8 practical lessonsVariables and controlsUncertainty and evaluation
Practical answer routine
VariablesName the independent, dependent and control variables before describing the method.
MethodUse numbered steps, repeat readings and a clear measurement plan.
GraphChoose axes from the variables, label units and use gradient or pattern when relevant.
EvaluationDiscuss resolution, repeatability, random error, systematic error and method improvements.
Practical lessons
Required/core practical focus
I-V Characteristics
Investigate current-potential difference graphs for a resistor, filament lamp and diode.
Required/core practical focus
Resistance of a Wire
Investigate how wire length affects resistance while controlling material, thickness and temperature.
Required/core practical focus
Force and Acceleration
Investigate how force and mass affect acceleration using trolleys, light gates or motion sensors.
Required/core practical focus
Ripple Tank Practical
Measure wave speed using frequency and wavelength in a ripple tank or stretched string setup.
Required/core practical focus
Density Practical
Measure density for regular solids, irregular solids and liquids using mass and volume.
Required/core practical focus
Infrared Practical
Investigate how surface colour and texture affect infrared emission and absorption.
Required/core practical focus
Reflection and Refraction Practical
Investigate reflection and refraction using ray boxes, mirrors, glass blocks and careful angle measurements.