Edexcel A-Level Physics
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL A-Level Physics specification covers 14 study areas with 582 learning objectives (9PH0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 14 study areas
- 1 study page
- 582 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 1,044
- verified practice questions
- 194
- verified teaching notes
- 14
- topics
- 1
- explainer videos
- 1
- audio lessons
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Your exams
- Paper 1: Advanced Physics IFriday, 21 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2: Advanced Physics IIThursday, 27 May 2027, PM
- Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in PhysicsTuesday, 8 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Advanced Physics I | 105 min | 90 | 30% |
| Paper 2: Advanced Physics II | 105 min | 90 | 30% |
| Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics | 150 min | 120 | 40% |
Explore your topics
14 study areas
Working as a Physicist1 topic
Mechanics2 topics
Electric Circuits2 topics
Materials2 topics
Waves and Particle Nature of Light2 topics
Further Mechanics2 topics
Electric and Magnetic Fields2 topics
Nuclear and Particle Physics1 topic
Thermodynamics2 topics
Nuclear Radiation2 topics
Gravitational Fields1 topic
Oscillations2 topics
Science Practical Endorsement18 topics
- Topic 2: Mechanics22 specification points covering 9.66 objectives
- Topic 3: Electric Circuits18 specification points covering 31.54 objectives
- Topic 4: Materials10 specification points covering 49.30 objectives
- Topic 5: Waves and Particle Nature of Light38 specification points covering 59.114 objectives
- Topic 6: Further Mechanics11 specification points covering 97.33 objectives
- Topic 7: Electric and Magnetic Fields22 specification points covering 108.66 objectives
- Topic 9: Thermodynamics12 specification points covering 144.36 objectives
- Topic 11: Nuclear Radiation10 specification points covering 164.30 objectives
- Topic 13: Oscillations11 specification points covering 181.33 objectives
About this course
About Pearson Edexcel A-Level Physics
Pearson Edexcel A-Level Physics offers a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that develops your understanding of the fundamental principles governing the physical world. The course is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for further study or a career in science and engineering.
The specification is structured into six core topics that cover classical and modern physics, from mechanics and electricity to nuclear and particle physics. You will also explore the practical applications of physics and develop essential investigative skills through a range of required practicals. The course culminates in three written exams that assess your knowledge, application, and analytical abilities.
Assessment Structure
The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Physics qualification is assessed through three written papers, each contributing to the final grade. Paper 1 covers topics 1-5 and includes multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculation, and extended writing questions, contributing 30% of the total qualification. Paper 2 focuses on topics 6-13 and also contributes 30%, with a similar mix of question types. Paper 3 is a synoptic paper that assesses all topics, including practical skills and data analysis, and contributes 40% of the total. Each paper is 2 hours long and worth 90 marks, making a total of 270 marks. There is no coursework component, but practical skills are assessed through questions in the written papers, and students must complete a set of core practicals to be awarded the Practical Endorsement.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Edexcel offers a clear and logical progression of topics, with a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills that are directly assessed in the final exams. This structure helps students build confidence and mastery over time.
- The assessment model includes a synoptic paper that encourages you to make connections across different areas of physics, fostering a deeper understanding and better preparation for university-level study.
- Edexcel provides a wealth of high-quality support resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports, which are invaluable for effective revision and exam technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the AS and A-Level Physics qualifications from Edexcel?
How is the practical endorsement assessed in Edexcel A-Level Physics?
What is the difficulty level of Edexcel A-Level Physics compared to other exam boards?
Are there any specific mathematical skills required for Edexcel A-Level Physics?
What career paths can I pursue with an Edexcel A-Level in Physics?
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
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
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Treating the newton or joule as a base unit: correct by resolving it into kg m s⁻² or kg m² s⁻² respectively.
- •Confusing the unit of a quantity with the quantity itself, e.g. calling the kilogram a force: correct by linking each unit to its base quantity.
- •Writing derived units with baseline exponents such as m s-2: correct to raised notation, m s⁻².
- •Assuming an unfamiliar experiment cannot be tackled without a memorised method: correct by identifying variables and choosing instruments from first principles.
- •Ignoring resolution and range when choosing an instrument: correct by matching the instrument to the size and precision of the measurement.
- •Taking a single reading and treating it as reliable: correct by repeating readings and averaging where appropriate.
- •Treating an estimate as an exact value and quoting many significant figures; the correction is to keep one or two significant figures and acknowledge the uncertainty.
- •Guessing a number with no anchor or breakdown; the correction is to build the value from familiar reference quantities or simpler factors.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Learn the seven base units as a fixed list and test any unfamiliar unit against it.
- •When a unit looks derived, split it into base units before deciding whether it is base or derived.
- •Use dimensional checking on both sides of an equation to confirm consistency quickly.
- •Name the specific instrument and justify its range and resolution for the measurement.
- •State which variables are controlled and exactly how each is held constant.
- •Link each precaution to the error or hazard it reduces rather than listing generic safety points.
- •Write down the anchor values and the breakdown before calculating, so each factor can be checked.
- •Round intermediate estimates to one or two significant figures and keep the final answer at that precision.
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