Physics · National 5
National 5 Physics covers dynamics and space, electricity and energy, and waves and radiation. It is a lot of problem solving with relationships (formulae) you are given, plus explaining how physics works in the real world.
What it offers you
Physics leads on to engineering, astronomy, electronics, energy and research careers, and its problem-solving approach is prized well beyond science.
What National 5 actually asks of you
Section 1 — objective questions
Multiple choice and short response across all three units.
Section 2 — questions
Extended answer questions with calculations using the relationships sheet, plus explanations and descriptions of physics in context.
Assignment — research a physics topic, carry out an experiment, and report with data analysis and evaluation.
Exact timings and mark allocations are printed on the front cover of each paper below.
Topics that come up
Papers & marking schemes
SQA publishes the most recent five years of papers. Older papers and specimen papers live on their site — open Physics National 5 on sqa.org.uk.