Edexcel A-Level Physics
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course version · 9PH0Version from Sept 2015Change version
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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
Space1 topic
Nuclear Radiation2 topics
Gravitational Fields1 topic
Oscillations2 topics
Science Practical Endorsement18 topics
- Topic 2: Mechanics66 objectives
- Topic 3: Electric Circuits54 objectives
- Topic 4: Materials30 objectives
- Topic 5: Waves and Particle Nature of Light114 objectives
- Topic 6: Further Mechanics33 objectives
- Topic 7: Electric and Magnetic Fields66 objectives
- Topic 9: Thermodynamics36 objectives
- Topic 11: Nuclear Radiation30 objectives
- Topic 13: Oscillations33 objectives
Assessment Objectives1 topic
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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