1(a) Units
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics · 4PH1
Paper 2 | Whole paper: All content including bold P statements
The units this topic is built on, and the two extra ones the specification reserves for Paper 2.
Specification coverage
Topic 1 Forces and motion (a) Units — statements 1.1–1.2P (includes bold P statements assessed on Paper 2 only)
Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2. Suggested learning time: 25 minutes.
Required knowledge
- Use kilogram (kg), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), metre/second² (m/s²), newton (N), second (s) and newton/kilogram (N/kg)
- Bold P statement: use newton metre (N m) and kilogram metre/second (kg m/s)
Required skills
- Quote units correctly in every answer
- Convert between related units before substituting
How it is examined
- Multiple-choice and short-answer recall
- Calculations using the specification's relationships
- Extended open-response applying the physics to an unfamiliar situation
Common mistakes
- Dropping units from a final answer. Unit marks are free and are lost more often than any calculation mark.
- Confusing N/kg (gravitational field strength) with m/s² (acceleration) — numerically equal near Earth's surface, but different quantities.