Edexcel A Level Physics
Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 1: Working as a Physicist Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Physics exam questions for Topic 1: Working as a Physicist, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers SI base units, derived units, prefixes, estimation, uncertainties, significant figures, graphs and practical skills used across the course.
Topic 1: Working as a Physicist exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
A-Level Physics Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
From £10.99View flashcards
About Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 1: Working as a Physicist
Topic 1: Working as a Physicist runs through the whole Edexcel A Level Physics course rather than sitting in one block of lessons. It covers SI base units, derived units, estimation, uncertainties and the scientific skills behind the core practicals. Because it underpins everything, it can be assessed in Paper 1, Paper 2 and especially Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics. Examiners test whether you can express units in base units, check equations for homogeneity, make sensible order-of-magnitude estimates, combine uncertainties, and plan, analyse and evaluate experiments clearly.
What you need to know
- Base and derived units The SI base units are kg, m, s, A, K and mol. Derived units, such as the newton (kg m s^-2) and the joule (kg m^2 s^-2), are built from these.
- Homogeneity Each term in a valid physical equation must have the same base units. Use this to check equations or find the units of a constant.
- Estimation Make order-of-magnitude estimates of physical quantities using sensible values, such as a person's mass (about 70 kg) or the height of a room (about 3 m).
- Uncertainties Find percentage uncertainties from resolution or half the range of repeats. Add percentage uncertainties when multiplying or dividing and multiply by n for a power.
- Graphs Choose axes to produce a straight line (for example T^2 against l) and use gradient and intercept to find constants. Log graphs are used to find powers and exponential relationships.
- Practical techniques Know how to reduce random and systematic errors, use instruments such as micrometers, vernier calipers, light gates and data loggers, and work safely.
Common mistakes in Topic 1: Working as a Physicist
- Writing units such as N or J when base units are asked for. Reduce every unit to kg, m, s, A, K and mol.
- Adding absolute uncertainties when multiplying. Use percentage uncertainties for products and quotients.
- Giving answers to too many significant figures. Match the least precise data value.
- Describing repeat readings as reducing systematic error. They reduce the effect of random error only.
- Confusing accuracy and precision. Precise readings are close together; accurate results are close to the true value.
Try three Topic 1: Working as a Physicist exam-style questions
1. Express the unit of pressure, the pascal, in SI base units. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Pa = N m^-2; = (kg m s^-2) m^-2 = kg m^-1 s^-2.
2. A student times 20 oscillations of a pendulum as 32.4 ± 0.2 s. Calculate the period and its percentage uncertainty, and hence the percentage uncertainty in g calculated from g = 4π^2l/T^2 (ignore uncertainty in l). (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
T = 32.4/20 = 1.62 s; percentage uncertainty in T = (0.2/32.4) × 100 = 0.6%; percentage uncertainty in g = 2 × 0.6 = 1.2%.
3. Estimate the kinetic energy of a sprinter running at top speed. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Mass about 70 kg and speed about 10 m s^-1; KE = ½ × 70 × 10^2 = 3500 J, so about 10^3 to 10^4 J.
Topic 1: Working as a Physicist FAQs
What does Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 1: Working as a Physicist cover?
It covers SI units, derived units, homogeneity of equations, estimation, uncertainties and the practical and data-handling skills used throughout the course.
Which paper is Topic 1 examined in?
Topic 1 can be assessed in all three papers, and it is especially important in Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics.
How should I revise Working as a Physicist?
Practise converting units, combining uncertainties and analysing graphs from the core practicals, as these skills come up across every paper.
