Physics

    WJEC
    A-Level

    Specification: WJEC-A-Level-Physics

    The WJEC A-Level Physics specification covers 30 topics with 0 learning objectives (WJEC-A-Level-Physics). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

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

    30

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    126

    Exam Tips

    129

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About WJEC A-Level Physics

    The WJEC A-Level Physics course invites you to explore the fundamental principles that govern the universe, from the tiniest particles to the vastness of space. You will investigate motion, energy, and the behaviour of matter, then move into the realms of electricity, light, and wave phenomena. The course builds a deep understanding of classical physics while introducing modern concepts such as quantum physics and nuclear structure.

    Structured into six units, the specification balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills. The AS units lay a solid foundation, covering mechanics, materials, and basic circuit theory, while the A2 units extend into oscillations, gravitational and electromagnetic fields, and optional topics like medical physics or astrophysics. Throughout, you will develop mathematical fluency and an analytical approach to problem-solving.

    Practical work is at the heart of the course, with dedicated, externally assessed practical exams that challenge you to design experiments, analyse data, and evaluate methods. This ensures you not only learn physics theory but also how it is applied in real-world scientific investigation, preparing you for further study or careers in science, engineering, and technology.

    Assessment Structure

    The WJEC A-Level Physics qualification is assessed across six units, three for the AS and three for the A2, all typically taken at the end of a two-year linear course. Units 1 (Motion, Energy and Matter) and 2 (Electricity and Light) are 1.5-hour written papers each worth 20% of the A-level. Unit 3 is a practical examination contributing 10%. At A2, Units 4 (Oscillations and Fields) and 5 (Electromagnetism, Nuclei and Options) are 2-hour written papers each worth 20%, while Unit 6 is a further practical exam worth 10%. Total marks across all units amount to 400, with grades A*–E awarded based on overall performance.

    Why Choose WJEC?

    • WJEC stands out for its structured, transparent assessment style, with question papers written in clear, accessible language and a consistent format that helps you focus on showing your physics ability rather than deciphering the exam.
    • The inclusion of two separate, externally marked practical exams means your hands-on skills are properly recognised and rigorously tested, giving you a qualification that truly reflects your experimental competence — ideal for students aiming for lab-based university courses.
    • The option of studying astrophysics, medical physics, or engineering physics in Unit 5 allows you to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations, keeping the content engaging and relevant.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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

    WJEC
    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 scalar and vector quantities
    • •Incorrectly resolving vectors into components
    • •Failing to check for homogeneity in equations
    • •Misapplying the principle of moments by not using perpendicular distances
    • •Incorrectly identifying the centre of gravity for non-uniform objects
    • •Confusing scalar and vector quantities
    • •Incorrectly resolving vectors into components
    • •Failing to check for homogeneity in equations

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Always check that units on both sides of an equation are consistent (homogeneity)
    • •Use clear diagrams when resolving vectors into perpendicular components
    • •Ensure the principle of moments is applied with forces perpendicular to the distance from the pivot
    • •Practice converting between different unit prefixes (e.g., cm³ to m³)
    • •When calculating density, ensure mass and volume are in consistent SI units
    • •Always check that units on both sides of an equation are consistent (homogeneity)
    • •Use clear diagrams when resolving vectors into perpendicular components
    • •Ensure the principle of moments is applied with forces perpendicular to the distance from the pivot

    Specification Topics

    30 topics

    The nature of waves

    This topic covers the fundamental principles of units, dimensions, and the distinction between scalar and vector quantities. It provides the essential mathematical and conceptual foundation required for the subsequent study of Newtonian mechanics, kinetic theory, and thermal physics.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Basic physics

    This topic covers the fundamental principles of units, dimensions, and the distinction between scalar and vector quantities. It provides the essential mathematical and conceptual foundation required for the subsequent study of Newtonian mechanics, kinetic theory, and thermal physics.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Conduction of electricity

    This topic covers the fundamental principles of units, dimensions, and the distinction between scalar and vector quantities. It provides the essential mathematical and conceptual foundation required for the subsequent study of Newtonian mechanics, kinetic theory, and thermal physics.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Electromagnetic induction

    This topic covers the principles of electromagnetic induction, starting with the definition of magnetic flux and flux linkage. It explores Faraday's and Lenz's laws, applying them to linear conductors moving in magnetic fields and coils rotating within magnetic fields.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Wave properties

    This topic covers the fundamental principles of rectilinear and projectile motion. Learners examine accelerated motion in a straight line, the behavior of bodies falling in a gravitational field, and the independence of vertical and horizontal motion for projectiles.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Kinematics

    This topic covers the fundamental principles of rectilinear and projectile motion. Learners examine accelerated motion in a straight line, the behavior of bodies falling in a gravitational field, and the independence of vertical and horizontal motion for projectiles.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Resistance

    This topic covers the fundamental principles of rectilinear and projectile motion. Learners examine accelerated motion in a straight line, the behavior of bodies falling in a gravitational field, and the independence of vertical and horizontal motion for projectiles.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Refraction of light

    This topic covers the fundamental concepts of force, free body diagrams, and Newton's laws of motion. It also explores linear momentum, the principle of conservation of momentum, and the application of these concepts to solve problems involving elastic and inelastic collisions.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Dynamics

    This topic covers the fundamental concepts of force, free body diagrams, and Newton's laws of motion. It also explores linear momentum, the principle of conservation of momentum, and the application of these concepts to solve problems involving elastic and inelastic collisions.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    D.C. circuits

    This topic covers the fundamental concepts of force, free body diagrams, and Newton's laws of motion. It also explores linear momentum, the principle of conservation of momentum, and the application of these concepts to solve problems involving elastic and inelastic collisions.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Energy concepts

    This topic explores the fundamental relationship between work, energy, and power within physical systems. It covers the principle of conservation of energy, including gravitational, elastic, and kinetic energy, and examines how dissipative forces like friction and drag affect system efficiency.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Photons

    This topic explores the fundamental relationship between work, energy, and power within physical systems. It covers the principle of conservation of energy, including gravitational, elastic, and kinetic energy, and examines how dissipative forces like friction and drag affect system efficiency.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Capacitance

    This topic explores the fundamental relationship between work, energy, and power within physical systems. It covers the principle of conservation of energy, including gravitational, elastic, and kinetic energy, and examines how dissipative forces like friction and drag affect system efficiency.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Lasers

    This topic explores the dynamics of objects moving in a circular path at a constant speed. It introduces the fundamental concepts of angular velocity, period, and frequency, and derives the relationship between centripetal force, acceleration, and the radius of the circular path.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Solids under stress

    This topic explores the dynamics of objects moving in a circular path at a constant speed. It introduces the fundamental concepts of angular velocity, period, and frequency, and derives the relationship between centripetal force, acceleration, and the radius of the circular path.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Circular motion

    This topic explores the dynamics of objects moving in a circular path at a constant speed. It introduces the fundamental concepts of angular velocity, period, and frequency, and derives the relationship between centripetal force, acceleration, and the radius of the circular path.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Nuclear decay

    This topic covers the physical and mathematical treatment of undamped simple harmonic motion (SHM). It investigates the energy interchanges during SHM, the effects of damping, and the phenomena of forced oscillations and resonance in real systems.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force

    This topic covers the physical and mathematical treatment of undamped simple harmonic motion (SHM). It investigates the energy interchanges during SHM, the effects of damping, and the phenomena of forced oscillations and resonance in real systems.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Vibrations

    This topic covers the physical and mathematical treatment of undamped simple harmonic motion (SHM). It investigates the energy interchanges during SHM, the effects of damping, and the phenomena of forced oscillations and resonance in real systems.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Using radiation to investigate stars

    This topic covers the ideal gas law and the equation of state for an ideal gas. It develops the kinetic theory of gases, including the assumptions of the model, to derive the kinetic theory of pressure for a perfect gas and relate molecular motion to temperature.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Kinetic theory

    This topic covers the ideal gas law and the equation of state for an ideal gas. It develops the kinetic theory of gases, including the assumptions of the model, to derive the kinetic theory of pressure for a perfect gas and relate molecular motion to temperature.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Particles and nuclear structure

    This topic covers the ideal gas law and the equation of state for an ideal gas. It develops the kinetic theory of gases, including the assumptions of the model, to derive the kinetic theory of pressure for a perfect gas and relate molecular motion to temperature.

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Orbits and the wider universe

    This topic explores the internal energy of systems, focusing on the kinetic and potential energy of molecules. It introduces the first law of thermodynamics, the concept of thermal equilibrium, and the calculation of work done by gases, alongside specific heat capacity for solids and liquids.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Nuclear energy

    This topic explores the internal energy of systems, focusing on the kinetic and potential energy of molecules. It introduces the first law of thermodynamics, the concept of thermal equilibrium, and the calculation of work done by gases, alongside specific heat capacity for solids and liquids.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Thermal physics

    This topic explores the internal energy of systems, focusing on the kinetic and potential energy of molecules. It introduces the first law of thermodynamics, the concept of thermal equilibrium, and the calculation of work done by gases, alongside specific heat capacity for solids and liquids.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Magnetic fields

    This topic explores the fundamental properties of magnetic fields and their interactions with moving charges and current-carrying conductors. It covers the quantitative analysis of magnetic force, the production of magnetic fields by currents, and the motion of charged particles in combined electric and magnetic fields, including applications in particle accelerators.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Alternating currents

    This topic explores the principles of alternating currents, focusing on the generation of emf in rotating coils and the behavior of components in AC circuits. It covers the relationships between voltage and current for capacitors and inductors, the concepts of impedance and phase, and the phenomenon of resonance in LCR circuits.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Medical physics

    This topic explores the physical principles and technological applications of medical imaging and radiation therapy. It covers the production and attenuation of X-rays, the use of ultrasound for diagnostic imaging, the principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the use of radionuclides in tracers and PET scanning.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    The physics of sports

    This option explores the application of physical principles to sporting activities, focusing on mechanics and fluid dynamics. It covers the use of centre of gravity for stability, rotational dynamics including moment of inertia and angular momentum, and the application of projectile motion and Bernoulli's equation to sports.

    0 objectives

    Energy and the environment

    This topic explores the environmental impact of energy usage and the physics behind various power generation methods. It covers the balance of Earth's energy budget, the physics of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and the quantitative analysis of thermal energy loss in buildings.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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    Physics WJEC A-Level Topics & Revision | MasteryMind