LGCSE Physical Science (0181) study guide
LGCSE Physical Science (0181) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
LGCSE Physical Science (0181) is a single-subject qualification that treats physics and chemistry as one connected course rather than two separate silos. It suits learners who want a broad, practical grounding in matter, energy and measurement before specialising at a higher level, and it is often taken alongside mathematics and biology. The LGCSE Physical Science (0181) study guide has 12 sections and about 3,378 words.
01Scientific enquiry, practical skills and the nature of science
The Scientific enquiry, practical skills and the nature of science domain tests how you plan, carry out and evaluate investigations, not just recall facts. Questions ask you to identify variables, choose apparatus, record data, process graphs and judge whether a conclusion is supported.
341 words, about 2 min02States of matter, particle theory and separation techniques
The States of matter, particle theory and separation techniques domain tests how particle arrangement and motion explain properties, changes of state and methods of separating mixtures. Solids: particles closely packed, regular arrangement, vibrate about fixed positions; fixed shape and volume.
316 words, about 2 min03Atomic structure, the Periodic Table and chemical bonding
Atomic structure, the Periodic Table and chemical bonding tests subatomic particles, electron configuration, periodic trends and why substances have particular structures and properties. Proton: +1, mass 1; neutron: 0, mass 1; electron: -1, mass negligible.
279 words, about 1 min04Chemical reactions, formulae, equations and quantitative chemistry
Chemical reactions, formulae, equations and quantitative chemistry tests conservation of mass, formula writing, balancing and simple calculations. Word equations name reactants and products.
265 words, about 1 min05Acids, bases, salts and reaction rates
Acids, bases, salts and reaction rates tests pH, neutralisation, salt preparation and the factors that change reaction speed. Acids produce H+ ions in aqueous solution; bases neutralise acids; alkalis are soluble bases producing OH-.
295 words, about 1 min06Motion, forces and Newtonian mechanics
Motion, forces and Newtonian mechanics tests how to describe movement, interpret graphs and apply force laws. Speed = distance/time; velocity is speed in a stated direction; acceleration = change in velocity/time.
252 words, about 1 min07Energy, work, power and energy resources
Energy, work, power and energy resources tests energy transfers, calculations and evaluation of supply options. Energy is conserved; it is transferred between stores: kinetic, gravitational, elastic, thermal, chemical, nuclear, electrostatic.
246 words, about 1 min08Waves, sound, light and optics
Waves, sound, light and optics tests wave quantities, wave behaviour and ray diagrams. Transverse waves vibrate perpendicular to travel (light, water surface); longitudinal waves vibrate parallel (sound).
301 words, about 2 min09Electricity, magnetism and simple circuits
Electricity, magnetism and simple circuits tests current, voltage, resistance, circuit rules and basic magnetic effects. Current I is charge flow per second (ampere); conventional current flows positive to negative.
278 words, about 1 min10Thermal physics and the kinetic model
Thermal physics and the kinetic model tests temperature, heat transfer, specific heat capacity and particle explanations. Temperature measures average kinetic energy of particles; thermal energy transfer occurs from hotter to cooler regions.
238 words, about 1 min11Earth, space and the wider environment
Earth, space and the wider environment tests the solar system, Earth-Sun-Moon relationships and environmental chemistry/physics. The solar system has the Sun, eight planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets.
290 words, about 1 min12Links between physics and chemistry in everyday contexts
Links between physics and chemistry in everyday contexts tests your ability to choose and explain materials, devices and processes using both physical and chemical ideas. Materials selection depends on properties: thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, strength, density, malleability, resistance to corrosion.
277 words, about 1 min