GCSE and International GCSE Physics: core practicals

Questions about the core practicals come up in the exams: you may be asked to describe the method, name the variables, spot a hazard or explain the results. Here are the 8 core practical lessons on GCSE-ready, with a tracker to tick off what you can do.

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  1. Densities of solids and liquids
  2. Force, mass and acceleration
  3. I-V graphs, LDRs and thermistors
  4. Measuring waves in liquids and solids
  5. Refraction in a glass block
  6. Specific heat capacity and melting ice
  7. Stretching a spring
  8. Thermal radiation and the Earth's temperature

What to know for each practical

The full list for your course is in the GCSE specification and International GCSE specification (GCSE calls them core practicals; International GCSE specifications list the practical investigations). Check it with your teacher: GCSE-ready may not cover every one yet.