Physics

Physics — A Level

British Curriculum · Cambridge Assessment International Education · Years 12-13 · Ages 16-18

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) is a prerequisite for engineering and physical science degrees, and is assessed by theory papers plus a laboratory practical examination that carries significant weight.

AS covers physical quantities and units, kinematics, dynamics, forces, work energy and power, deformation of solids, waves, superposition, electricity, DC circuits and particle physics. A2 adds circular motion, gravitational fields, temperature, ideal gases, thermodynamics, oscillations, electric and magnetic fields, capacitance, alternating currents, quantum physics, nuclear physics and medical imaging.

The practical papers examine experimental design, uncertainty propagation and graphical analysis. Uncertainties in particular are a reliable source of lost marks and are rarely taught to the depth the exam demands.

Key topics covered

• Kinematics & Dynamics — Motion, Newton's laws, momentum, work, energy, power and materials.
• Waves & Superposition — Wave properties, interference, diffraction, stationary waves and the Doppler effect.
• Electricity & DC Circuits — Current, potential difference, resistance, EMF, internal resistance and networks.
• Circular Motion & Gravitation — Angular motion, centripetal force, gravitational fields and orbits.
• Thermal Physics & Gases — Temperature, ideal gases, kinetic theory and the first law of thermodynamics.
• Fields & Capacitance — Electric and magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, capacitors and AC.
• Quantum & Nuclear Physics — Photons, energy levels, radioactive decay, mass-energy and medical imaging.
• Practical & Uncertainties — Experimental design, uncertainty propagation, graph analysis and evaluation.