AQA Combined Science · 2026 Prediction Bunker

Cram for the remaining papers.

Predictions, flashcards, and practice questions for Physics P1, Biology P2, Chemistry P2, and Physics P2 — based on the AQA Trilogy spec and what's already come up in Paper 1.

Physics · Paper 1

Energy · Electricity · Particle Model · Atomic Structure

1

Top Predicted Topics

Confidence based on spec weighting & past trends
High

Specific Heat Capacity (required practical)

Calculation: E = mcΔθ. Likely 4–6 mark practical eval — heater, insulation, thermometer, time.

WHY: Hits every year. Easy to combine with energy efficiency.
High

I–V Graphs (filament lamp, diode, resistor)

Identify component from graph shape. Explain why resistance changes with current/temperature.

WHY: Fixed favourite for 6-markers; pairs with required practical.
High

Alpha vs Beta vs Gamma — properties

Penetration, ionising power, charge, what stops each. Contamination vs irradiation distinction.

WHY: Came up lightly in 2024; the 6-mark "compare" is overdue.
High

Half-Life Calculations

Both reading from graph and "how many half-lives to reach X count rate". 1/2ⁿ pattern.

WHY: Maths skill required by spec, easy to set as 3–4 marker.
Medium

Density Calculations + Required Practical

ρ = m/V. Eureka can / displacement method for irregular solid. Tricky unit conversion: g/cm³ ↔ kg/m³.

WHY: Last big-ticket required practical not in Bio P1.
Medium

Specific Latent Heat (E = mL)

Heating/cooling curve, plateau = state change, energy goes to breaking bonds not raising temp.

WHY: Combined often pairs the heating curve graph with a 4-mark explain.
Medium

Series vs Parallel Circuits

Calculate total R, V, I. Add a resistor — what happens to current/total resistance.

WHY: Almost always at least one circuit-calc question.
Medium

Plum Pudding → Nuclear Model

Rutherford's alpha scattering: observations + conclusions about atom structure (small dense + positive nucleus, mostly empty space).

WHY: A 4-marker "describe how evidence changed the model" pattern.
Medium

Power, Energy Transfer, Cost

P = IV, P = I²R, E = Pt, kWh × cost. Domestic appliance question — pick the most efficient.

WHY: Real-world calc, AQA loves these for combined.
Possible

Gas Pressure / Particle Motion

Why does pressure increase with temperature? More frequent + harder collisions with container walls.

WHY: Standard 3-marker; sometimes skipped, but spec demands it.
Possible

National Grid / Step-up & Step-down

Transformers — why high V, low I reduces energy lost as heat in cables.

WHY: Combined-spec topic, comes up roughly every 2 years.
Possible

Static Electricity / Sparks

Electron transfer, like charges repel, danger of sparking near fuel.

WHY: Smaller topic but hasn't been tested heavily.
2

Flashcards — Click to Flip

12 cards · core knowledge

Tap any card to reveal the answer.

3

Practice Questions

Click to reveal mark scheme
4

Formula Quick-Reference

Memorise These (given on Paper 1 ✓ or NOT given ✗)

  • ✗ Must learn: E = mcΔθ energy transferred (specific heat capacity)
  • ✗ Must learn: KE = ½mv² kinetic energy
  • ✗ Must learn: GPE = mgh gravitational PE
  • ✗ Must learn: W = Fs work done
  • ✗ Must learn: P = E/t power
  • ✗ Must learn: ρ = m/V density
  • ✗ Must learn: Q = It charge
  • ✗ Must learn: V = IR potential difference
  • ✗ Must learn: P = IV = I²R electrical power
  • ✗ Must learn: E = Pt = QV energy transferred
  • ✓ Given: E = mL specific latent heat
  • ✓ Given: efficiency = useful output ÷ total input
Biology · Paper 2

Homeostasis · Inheritance · Ecology

1

Top Predicted Topics

Cross-referenced with what hit Paper 1
High

Reflex Arc (6-marker likely)

Stimulus → receptor → sensory neurone → relay → motor neurone → effector → response. Why reflexes are involuntary.

WHY: Neurones came up briefly in P1 — full arc question often follows in P2.
High

Insulin, Glucagon & Diabetes

Negative feedback loop. Type 1 vs Type 2 differences. Treatments (insulin injection vs diet/exercise).

WHY: Hit nearly every year. Often paired with a data interpretation.
High

Punnett Squares + Inherited Disorders

Cystic fibrosis (recessive), polydactyly (dominant). Probability calculations from a cross.

WHY: Genetics is a 100% lock for P2. Expect 4–6 marks here.
High

Evolution — Darwin & Natural Selection

Variation → competition → survival of fittest → reproduce → pass on alleles. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria as example.

WHY: The classic 6-mark "explain how X evolved" question.
High

Quadrats / Transects — Sampling

Random sampling method, mean per m², estimate total population. Belt transect for distribution along a gradient.

WHY: Required practical, almost always shows up.
Medium

Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, decomposition. Label arrows on a diagram.

WHY: Classic recall-then-apply question; due for inclusion.
Medium

Thermoregulation

Vasoconstriction/dilation, sweating, shivering, hairs raised/flat. Skin diagram label.

WHY: A reliable homeostasis 4-marker.
Medium

DNA Structure (basic)

Double helix, nucleotides, base pairs (A-T, C-G), genome definition.

WHY: Combined keeps it light but the recall question is overdue.
Medium

Food Chains / Pyramids of Biomass

Energy loss between trophic levels (heat, movement, undigested). Efficiency calc.

WHY: Maths-in-ecology question fits combined nicely.
Medium

Sex Determination (XX vs XY)

Punnett square showing 50/50 ratio of boys to girls.

WHY: Often a quick 2–3 marker.
Possible

Plant Hormones (auxin)

Phototropism, gravitropism. Required practical: effect of light on seedlings.

WHY: Smaller topic but spec-listed; pops up every 2nd year.
Possible

Biodiversity / Deforestation

Causes + effects. Land use changes, peat bog destruction, climate impact.

WHY: Good 4-mark "evaluate" candidate.
2

Flashcards — Click to Flip

Tap any card to reveal the answer.

3

Practice Questions

4

Must-Know Definitions

Bio P2 Vocab

  • Homeostasis: regulation of internal conditions in response to internal/external change to maintain optimum conditions.
  • Negative feedback: when a condition deviates from norm, body acts to bring it back (e.g. blood glucose).
  • Gene: small section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular protein.
  • Allele: different version of a gene.
  • Phenotype: physical expression of genotype.
  • Mutation: random change in DNA — most have no effect, rarely beneficial.
  • Biodiversity: variety of all different species in an ecosystem.
  • Ecosystem: interaction of community of living things with non-living parts of environment.
Chemistry · Paper 2

Rates · Organic · Analysis · Atmosphere · Resources

1

Top Predicted Topics

Topics 6–10 of the spec
High

Rate of Reaction — Calculate from Graph

Rate = change in quantity ÷ time. Draw tangent for instantaneous rate. Units: g/s, cm³/s, mol/s.

WHY: Required practical territory + maths skill — always tested.
High

Collision Theory — Effect of Factors

Temperature, concentration, surface area, catalyst. Always frame as: more frequent collisions / more energy / lower activation energy.

WHY: Classic 4–6 marker. Locked in.
High

Crude Oil + Fractional Distillation

Process, why fractions separate (boiling points), property trends down column (chain length, viscosity, volatility, flammability).

WHY: Almost guaranteed; pairs with cracking.
High

Chromatography (Rf values)

Rf = distance moved by substance ÷ distance moved by solvent. Pencil baseline. Why solvent shouldn't be above the spots.

WHY: Required practical, hits roughly every other year.
High

Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change

CO₂, CH₄, water vapour. Mechanism: IR absorbed/re-emitted. Effects + mitigation.

WHY: Big 6-marker "evaluate evidence" pattern.
Medium

Gas Tests (the four)

H₂ = squeaky pop. O₂ = relights glowing splint. CO₂ = limewater cloudy. Cl₂ = bleaches damp blue litmus.

WHY: 4 marks of pure recall — always somewhere.
Medium

Atmosphere Evolution

Early CO₂ (volcanoes) → oceans absorb CO₂ → plants/algae photosynthesise → O₂ rises, CO₂ falls.

WHY: Reliable 4-marker, often a "describe how" question.
Medium

Cracking Alkanes

Long chain → short chain + alkene. Why we crack (demand for shorter fractions, alkenes for polymers). Conditions: high temp + catalyst.

WHY: Standard organic question.
Medium

Pollutants from Fuels

CO (incomplete combustion, toxic), SO₂ (acid rain), NOₓ (high temp engines), particulates (global dimming, respiratory).

WHY: Classic 4-mark "compare" or "explain harm" question.
Medium

Potable Water Production

Filter → sterilise (chlorine/UV/ozone). Sea water = distillation. Why distillation is expensive.

WHY: Required practical link; common.
Possible

Reversible Reactions / Equilibrium

Dynamic equilibrium definition. Combined doesn't need Le Chatelier in depth but recognising the ⇌ symbol matters.

WHY: Sometimes appears as a 2–3 marker.
Possible

Life Cycle Assessment

Raw materials → manufacture → use → disposal. Compare two products (e.g. paper vs plastic bag).

WHY: Good extended-response candidate.
2

Flashcards — Click to Flip

Tap any card to reveal the answer.

3

Practice Questions

4

Quick Recall Table

Chem P2 — Memorise These

  • Alkane general formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ — first 4: methane, ethane, propane, butane.
  • Alkene general formula: CₙH₂ₙ — contains C=C double bond, decolourises bromine water (orange → colourless).
  • Complete combustion: hydrocarbon + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
  • Incomplete combustion: produces CO + C (soot) + H₂O
  • Atmosphere now: ~78% N₂, ~21% O₂, ~1% Ar, ~0.04% CO₂
  • Pure substance: single element or compound, sharp melting point.
  • Formulation: mixture made to a specific recipe (medicines, fuels, alloys).
  • Limewater test: CO₂ turns it cloudy/milky (calcium carbonate forms).
Physics · Paper 2

Forces · Waves · Magnetism

1

Top Predicted Topics

High

Hooke's Law + Spring Required Practical

F = ke. Force–extension graph linear until limit of proportionality. Energy stored = ½ke².

WHY: Spring practical is a P2 staple, every year.
High

Distance–Time + Velocity–Time Graphs

Gradient = speed/acceleration. Area under v-t = distance. Identify regions (constant v, accelerating, stopped).

WHY: Two of the most-tested skills.
High

Stopping Distance = Thinking + Braking

Factors: reaction time (alcohol, tiredness, distractions); braking (road condition, tyres, brakes, mass, speed).

WHY: Frequent 4–6 marker, real-world context.
High

Wave Speed = f × λ

Rearrange + use. Often paired with a diagram measuring wavelength from a ruler.

WHY: Core formula, always tested somewhere.
High

EM Spectrum — Uses + Dangers

Order: radio → micro → IR → vis → UV → X-ray → gamma. One use + one danger each.

WHY: Easy marks; AQA loves matching uses to wave type.
Medium

Newton's Laws (especially 2nd: F = ma)

1st: inertia. 2nd: F = ma. 3rd: equal + opposite force pairs.

WHY: Required for the practical-based investigations of acceleration.
Medium

Terminal Velocity (skydiver)

Forces balance — weight down = air resistance up. Describe stages with reference to acceleration.

WHY: Classic 4-marker question.
Medium

Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves

Examples (light vs sound). Oscillation direction relative to wave direction.

WHY: Recall + small applied question.
Medium

Magnetism — Field Lines

Bar magnet shape. Field around a wire/solenoid. Right-hand rule for direction.

WHY: Combined likes the "draw the field" question.
Medium

Required Practical — Ripple Tank / Waves on a String

Measure frequency, wavelength, calculate speed. Slow-motion observation methods.

WHY: A practical write-up question is common.
Possible

Motor Effect (combined-spec level)

Force on current-carrying wire in a field. Fleming's left-hand rule.

WHY: Lower confidence — sometimes only a basic recall.
Possible

Resultant Forces / Scale Diagrams

Add two forces tip-to-tail. Calculate net force. Acceleration direction.

WHY: Standard but sometimes skipped at combined level.
2

Flashcards — Click to Flip

Tap any card to reveal the answer.

3

Practice Questions

4

Formula Sheet

Physics P2 Formulas (✗ = not given)

  • ✗ s = vt distance = speed × time
  • ✗ a = Δv/t acceleration
  • ✗ F = ma resultant force
  • ✗ W = mg weight (g = 9.8 N/kg or 10 N/kg in calc)
  • ✗ F = ke spring force
  • ✗ momentum p = mv (HT only — check tier)
  • ✗ v = fλ wave speed
  • ✗ T = 1/f period
  • ✓ Given: v² − u² = 2as
  • ✓ Given: F = BIL (HT only)
Universal

Exam Day Tactics

⚡ The 6-Marker Formula

Plan 30 seconds first. 6 points minimum. Use connective phrases: "this is because…", "this means that…", "as a result…". Don't repeat the same point in different words — examiners only count once.

⚡ Command Words

Describe = what's happening. Explain = WHY (use "because"). Evaluate = pros + cons + judgement. Compare = use "whereas" or "but". Calculate = show working, write units.

⚡ Maths Marks

Always write the equation FIRST (free mark). Substitute values. Calculate. Add unit. Standard form: single non-zero digit before decimal, e.g. 6.3 × 10⁵. Sig figs: match the question's data.

⚡ Graph Skills

Plot crosses, not dots. Best-fit line through data trend — NOT dot-to-dot. Reading values: use the gridlines, read perpendicular. Gradient = rise/run with units.

⚡ "Evaluate the Use Of" Questions

Always TWO sides + judgement. Use the data given in the question — quote numbers back. End with: "Overall, X because…"

⚡ Required Practical Pattern

If asked to improve: think (1) reduce random error → repeat & mean, (2) reduce systematic error → calibrate or check instrument, (3) control variables, (4) reduce parallax / use data logger.

⚡ Magic Vocab That Earns Marks

Bio: active site, complementary, semi-permeable, concentration gradient. Chem: activation energy, frequent collisions, intermolecular forces. Phys: directly proportional, terminal velocity, resultant force.

⚡ Time Allocation

1 mark ≈ 1 minute. 75 marks in 75 minutes (combined paper). Leave 5 min at end to check standard form, units, and any blank questions. Don't leave anything blank — write something.

★

Last-Night Checklist

The Night Before

  • Review formula sheets — write all non-given formulas on a single page.
  • Re-read your 6-mark answers from past mocks. Look at the mark scheme.
  • Sleep 8 hours. Cramming past 10pm = diminishing returns.
  • Pack: 2 black pens, pencil, ruler, calculator (check batteries), eraser, sharpener, water.
  • Eat breakfast. Brain is 2% of mass but uses 20% of glucose.
  • Arrive 20 min early — read board for room/seat allocation.