What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Physics?

Always explicitly state the principle of conservation of energy in your solution before equating energy terms

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Physics? (2)

Use the correct units consistently; check that energy is in joules (J) and power in watts (W), converting if necessary

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Physics? (3)

For practical-based questions, describe a systematic method to vary a variable and record results, mentioning repeat readings and averaging

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Physics? (4)

Ensure all calculations are shown clearly with appropriate units

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Physics? (5)

Be prepared to interpret I-V characteristics for non-ohmic components

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level Physics?

Confusing energy transfer rates (power) with total energy transferred

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level Physics? (2)

Assuming 100% efficiency without recognising dissipative processes like friction or resistance

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level Physics? (3)

Misapplying Ohm's law when calculating power in non-linear components

Physics

Edexcel

A-Level

Specification: Pearson-A-Level-Physics

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Ready to practise?

AI-powered quizzes tailored to your specification

Start Practising

Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

35%-40%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

AO2

40%-45%

Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: in a theoretical context, in a practical context, when handling qualitative data, when handling quantitative data

AO3

28%-30%

Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: make judgements and reach conclusions, develop and refine practical design and procedures

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

Edexcel

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing energy transfer rates (power) with total energy transferred
•Assuming 100% efficiency without recognising dissipative processes like friction or resistance
•Misapplying Ohm's law when calculating power in non-linear components
•Confusing e.m.f. with terminal potential difference
•Incorrectly applying Ohm's law to non-ohmic components
•Misinterpreting I-V graphs for non-linear components
•Errors in deriving or applying series and parallel resistance formulas
•Incorrect use of units for resistivity and other derived quantities

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always explicitly state the principle of conservation of energy in your solution before equating energy terms
•Use the correct units consistently; check that energy is in joules (J) and power in watts (W), converting if necessary
•For practical-based questions, describe a systematic method to vary a variable and record results, mentioning repeat readings and averaging
•Ensure all calculations are shown clearly with appropriate units
•Be prepared to interpret I-V characteristics for non-ohmic components
•Practice analyzing potential divider circuits with variable resistors
•Understand the physical models behind resistance changes in thermistors and LDRs
•Use significant figures appropriately in all calculations

Specification Topics

14 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the fundamental principles of energy transfer and conservation within physical systems. It develops the learner's ability to apply mathematical models to predict system behavior and to critically evaluate the efficiency of real-world energy conversion processes. Practical investigation skills are honed through experimental analysis of energy dissipation mechanisms.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Further Mechanics

This topic covers the fundamental principles of electric circuits, including the definitions of current, potential difference, and resistance. It explores the conservation of charge and energy in series and parallel circuits, the properties of various electrical components, and the application of Ohm's law and resistivity.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Ready to master Physics?

Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your Edexcel A-Level specification.

Get Started Free

Physics

Ready to practise?

Key Features

Assessment Objectives

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

E2E stub topic

Further Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Nuclear Radiation

Oscillations

Nuclear and Particle Physics

Space

Waves and Particle Nature of Light

Gravitational Fields

Electric Circuits

Materials

Working as a Physicist

Mechanics

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Ready to master Physics?