AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1h 2025 Mark Scheme

Get the official AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 Higher Tier (8463/1H) **June 2025 mark scheme (Version 1.0 Final)** — the examiner-approved document used to award marks across all **100 marks** of the exam. It includes full worked answers, calculations, level descriptors, and detailed examiner guidance for every question.

The mark scheme begins with detailed examiner guidance on *pages 2–6*. It explains how AQA applies “best fit” marking for extended responses, how calculation marks are awarded step-by-step, treatment of errors carried forward (ecf), and how alternative scientifically correct answers are credited.

For *Question 1 (pages 7–9)*, accepted answers define renewable resources as energy sources that are replenished and non-renewable resources as finite. The density calculation confirms the volume of seawater passing through the turbine as **800 m³** per second. The mark scheme also outlines valid conclusions from the turbine graph and provides indicative content for comparing environmental impacts of tidal and wind turbines.

Thermal physics and required practical skills are covered in *Question 2 (pages 10–11)*. The mark scheme includes a full level-based method for determining the specific heat capacity of water, including how to calculate the mass of water, measure temperature change, and use the equation It also confirms the percentage difference calculation as **5%**.
Electricity and resistance are assessed in *Question 3 (pages 12–13)*. The correct equation linking potential difference, current, and resistance Using the graph values, the mark scheme calculates the LED resistance as **24 Ω** at 3.0 V. It also explains that reversing the LED gives a current of 0.0 A because LEDs only allow current in one direction.

Environmental physics appears in *Question 4 (page 14)*. The mark scheme explains that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that causes global warming, identifies the electric car manufacturing emissions as **8000 kg**, and gives the equal-emissions distance as **17 000 km**. The accepted answers for non-carbon electricity sources are **nuclear** and **solar** energy.

Nuclear physics and fusion are covered in *Question 5 (page 15)*. Accepted answers define isotopes as atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The mark scheme explains that fusion releases energy because some mass is converted into energy when lighter nuclei fuse to form heavier nuclei. It also accepts consequences of uncontrolled fission reactions such as nuclear explosions or meltdowns.

Heating and electrical energy transfer are explored in *Question 6 (page 16)*. Using the specific heat capacity equation, the mark scheme calculates the heating pad temperature increase as **25 °C**. The charge flow calculation gives **36 000 C**, using the equation.
The mark scheme also explains that closing both switches decreases circuit resistance, increasing current and power output.
Atomic structure and radioactivity are assessed in *Question 7 (page 17)*. The mark scheme states that atomic models change when new evidence cannot be explained by existing models. It defines irradiation as exposure to radiation and contamination as radioactive material on or inside a person. The half-life calculation confirms the decay time as **552 days**.

This document is designed for GCSE Physics students preparing for the 2026 exam series, particularly Year 11 students studying the AQA 8463 Higher Tier specification, as well as resit candidates and independent learners.

It is also ideal for teachers, tutors, and revision providers who need accurate mark schemes for marking mock exams, standardising grading, and teaching exam technique. It supports detailed feedback across electricity, energy transfers, thermal physics, radioactivity, and particle models.