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GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

Trilogy-style mixed biology, chemistry and physics. AQA board.

Pass mark 24/40 60 minutes AQA How many can I get wrong?
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Try 3 real GCSE Combined Science (AQA) questions
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Q1. Which organelle in a plant cell is responsible for photosynthesis?
  • A.  Mitochondrion
  • B.  Chloroplast
  • C.  Nucleus
  • D.  Ribosome
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Chloroplast
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. This process, photosynthesis, only occurs in plant and algal cells that contain chloroplasts. Mitochondria are for respiration, not photosynthesis.
Q2. During vigorous exercise, why might a person's muscles start to ache and feel fatigued?
  • A.  Lactic acid builds up in the muscles from anaerobic respiration
  • B.  The muscles begin photosynthesising to save energy
  • C.  Aerobic respiration stops producing carbon dioxide
  • D.  Glucose is being converted directly into oxygen
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Lactic acid builds up in the muscles from anaerobic respiration
When the body cannot supply oxygen to muscles fast enough during vigorous exercise, muscle cells respire anaerobically, producing lactic acid, which causes fatigue and cramp. This is why breathing rate and heart rate stay elevated after exercise, to pay off the oxygen debt.
Q3. What is the empirical formula of a compound containing 40% carbon, 6.7% hydrogen and 53.3% oxygen by mass? (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16)
  • A.  CH2O
  • B.  C2H4O2
  • C.  CH3O
  • D.  C2H6O2
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. CH2O
Dividing each percentage by its Ar gives moles: C = 40/12 = 3.33, H = 6.7/1 = 6.7, O = 53.3/16 = 3.33; dividing by the smallest (3.33) gives a ratio of C:H:O = 1:2:1, so the empirical formula is CH2O. The other options do not give the smallest whole-number ratio required for an empirical formula.
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Biology — cells, organisation & infection · 39
Biology — bioenergetics, homeostasis & ecology · 33
Chemistry — atoms, bonding & quantitative · 36
Chemistry — changes, rates & organic · 33
Physics — energy, electricity & particles · 38
Physics — forces, waves & magnetism · 37
GCSE Combined Science (AQA) — common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the GCSE Combined Science (AQA)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
What is the pass mark for the GCSE Combined Science (AQA)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with AQA.