Edexcel A-Level Physics
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course version · 601/4848/2Version from Sept 2015Change version
Choose your course version: the course code is on your timetable or a past paper. Not sure? We’ll start you on the most likely version when you sign up.
Official Regulatory Specification
Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/4848/2
- Awarding Organisation
- Pearson Edexcel
- Regulatory Type
- GCE A Level
- National Level & Units
- A-Level • 47 units
Explore your topics
10 topics
Course topics10 topics
- Waves and Particle Nature of Light16 objectives
- Mechanics12 objectives
- Space6 objectives
- Thermodynamics8 objectives
- Further Mechanics4 objectives
- Materials8 objectives
- Working as a Physicist10 objectives
- Electric Circuits12 objectives
- Nuclear and Particle Physics10 objectives
- Electric and Magnetic Fields8 objectives
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
- •Using incorrect sign conventions for angles.
- •Confusing critical angle with angle of incidence.
- •Failing to convert units or use consistent units.
- •Forgetting to include direction (sign) in momentum calculations.
- •Using wrong units (e.g., kg m/s vs Ns).
- •Assuming momentum is always conserved in inelastic collisions.
- •Forgetting to use correct units (SI).
- •Confusing geostationary and geosynchronous orbits.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Memorise Snell's law and critical angle formula.
- •Practise drawing ray diagrams.
- •Check calculator mode (degrees vs radians).
- •Always draw a diagram showing before and after.
- •Check units and convert if necessary.
- •State the principle of conservation of momentum before applying.
- •Memorise key formulas: v = sqrt(GM/r), T = 2πr/v.
- •Understand the significance of the Clarke belt.
Ready for a little practice?
Create your account to start practising Physics.
7 days Premium · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge