Edexcel International GCSE (IGCSE) Physics (4PH1) Past Papers 2026

Physics Paper 1

Duration: 2h

Physics Paper 2

Duration: 1h 15m

Wave properties — transverse and longitudinal definitions

This 'standard question' was described as challenging in Paper 1P 2023. Candidates either scored full marks or zero — rarely in between. The most common error was saying vibrations are perpendicular/parallel to 'movement' rather than 'the direction of wave propagation'. Candidates also frequently confused which definition applied to which wave type and wrote correct descriptions for both but assigned them the wrong way around.

Paper 1P

Unit conversions in calculations — MHz, mA, minutes, grams

Failure to convert MHz to Hz cost candidates the frequency/wavelength full mark in Paper 1P 2023. Not converting mA to A was a common error in Paper 1P 2024 power calculations. Forgetting to convert minutes to seconds appeared in both Paper 1P and Paper 2P in 2024. Grams/kilograms power-of-ten errors appeared across all four reports.

Paper 1P, Paper 2P

Nuclear terminology — using 'atom' instead of 'nucleus'

Paper 2P 2023 explicitly stated that responses using 'atom' throughout a nuclear fission description scored zero, even when the underlying concept was correct. The correct term 'absorbed by the nucleus' was seen far less frequently than 'collided with the atom'. This is a purely terminological issue that costs full marks every year it is tested.

Paper 2P

Electromagnetic induction — distinguishing induced voltage from induced current

Stating that an electromagnetic force induces a 'current' (rather than a 'voltage') in the secondary coil was flagged as a mark-losing error in Paper 1P 2023. This is specifically identified in the mark scheme: transformers induce a voltage, not directly a current. The confusion was widespread in both 2023 Paper 1P and 2P.

Paper 1P, Paper 2P

Astrophysics — explaining cosmological redshift using Hubble's law, not just Big Bang facts

Paper 2P 2023 reported this as 'one of the most challenging items on the paper' with most candidates scoring zero. Candidates described the Big Bang theory in general instead of linking the observed redshift data to the speed of recession and then to distance. Repeating the question rather than processing it was the primary reason for zero marks.

Paper 2P

Specific heat capacity practical — measuring mass, energy, and temperature rise correctly

Paper 2P 2023 showed that many candidates knew the SHC formula but failed to describe how to measure mass (balance), energy (joulemeter), and temperature rise explicitly. Making the SHC the subject of the formula (not just quoting it) was required for the full-mark step that most candidates missed.

Paper 2P

Gas pressure — linking molecular collisions to force, then to pressure

Paper 1P 2023 (pressure question) and Paper 2P 2024 both showed candidates able to state that molecules collide with the surface but then failing to link this to force and then to pressure. The three-step chain — collision → force on surface → force per unit area = pressure — was only completed by the most able candidates.

Paper 1P, Paper 2P

Parallel circuit analysis — total resistance decreases when branches are added

Paper 1P 2023 reported that most candidates scored zero on a parallel resistor question because they believed adding a resistor in parallel increased the total resistance. This fundamental misconception about parallel circuits recurred across 2023 and 2024 and prevented higher-grade analysis.

Paper 1P