AQA GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE: TRILOGY
Physics Paper 1H (Higher Tier)
Mock Examination 2026
Time allowed: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total marks: 70 marks
Percentage of GCSE: 16.7%
Calculator allowed: Yes
Equation sheet: Provided (AQA standard formula sheet)
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
• Answer all questions.
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the box
around each page or on blank pages.
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to be
marked.
• In all calculations, show clearly how you work out your answer.
EQUATIONS PROVIDED (AQA Standard)
Table
Equation Variables
= kinetic energy (J), = mass (kg), = speed (m/s)
= change in GPE (J), = 9.8 N/kg, = height (m)
, Equation Variables
= elastic potential energy (J), = spring constant (N/m), = extension (m)
= power (W), = energy (J), = time (s)
= work done (J)
= current (A), = potential difference (V)
= resistance (Ω)
= specific heat capacity (J/kg°C), = temp change (°C)
= specific latent heat (J/kg)
= density (kg/m³), = volume (m³)
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (Questions 1–5)
[5 marks]
Choose the correct answer. Each question is worth 1 mark.
Q1. Which energy store increases when a book is lifted onto a shelf?
A) Kinetic
B) Gravitational potential
C) Elastic potential
D) Thermal
[1 mark]
, Q2. In a parallel circuit containing two resistors, which statement is correct?
A) The current is the same through each resistor
B) The potential difference is shared between the resistors
C) The total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance
D) If one resistor fails, the circuit is broken
[1 mark]
Q3. A substance is heated at its melting point. Which statement describes what happens?
A) The temperature increases and the kinetic energy of particles increases
B) The temperature stays constant and bonds between particles are broken
C) The temperature decreases as energy is absorbed
D) The particles stop moving completely
[1 mark]
Q4. In the nuclear model of the atom, where are the protons located?
A) In the electron shells
B) In the nucleus
C) Orbiting the nucleus
D) Distributed throughout the atom
[1 mark]
Q5. Which type of radiation is the most ionising?
A) Alpha
B) Beta
C) Gamma
D) X-rays
Physics Paper 1H (Higher Tier)
Mock Examination 2026
Time allowed: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total marks: 70 marks
Percentage of GCSE: 16.7%
Calculator allowed: Yes
Equation sheet: Provided (AQA standard formula sheet)
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
• Answer all questions.
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the box
around each page or on blank pages.
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to be
marked.
• In all calculations, show clearly how you work out your answer.
EQUATIONS PROVIDED (AQA Standard)
Table
Equation Variables
= kinetic energy (J), = mass (kg), = speed (m/s)
= change in GPE (J), = 9.8 N/kg, = height (m)
, Equation Variables
= elastic potential energy (J), = spring constant (N/m), = extension (m)
= power (W), = energy (J), = time (s)
= work done (J)
= current (A), = potential difference (V)
= resistance (Ω)
= specific heat capacity (J/kg°C), = temp change (°C)
= specific latent heat (J/kg)
= density (kg/m³), = volume (m³)
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (Questions 1–5)
[5 marks]
Choose the correct answer. Each question is worth 1 mark.
Q1. Which energy store increases when a book is lifted onto a shelf?
A) Kinetic
B) Gravitational potential
C) Elastic potential
D) Thermal
[1 mark]
, Q2. In a parallel circuit containing two resistors, which statement is correct?
A) The current is the same through each resistor
B) The potential difference is shared between the resistors
C) The total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistance
D) If one resistor fails, the circuit is broken
[1 mark]
Q3. A substance is heated at its melting point. Which statement describes what happens?
A) The temperature increases and the kinetic energy of particles increases
B) The temperature stays constant and bonds between particles are broken
C) The temperature decreases as energy is absorbed
D) The particles stop moving completely
[1 mark]
Q4. In the nuclear model of the atom, where are the protons located?
A) In the electron shells
B) In the nucleus
C) Orbiting the nucleus
D) Distributed throughout the atom
[1 mark]
Q5. Which type of radiation is the most ionising?
A) Alpha
B) Beta
C) Gamma
D) X-rays
