AQA A Level Physics specification (7408)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Physics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Physics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Physics (7408) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA A-level Physics specification is designed to deepen students’ understanding of fundamental physical principles and their applications. It promotes analytical thinking and problem-solving skills through a mix of theoretical concepts and practical investigation. Learners are encouraged to explore the relationships between physics and the world around them, including technology and engineering contexts. The course supports progression to university study in physics, engineering, astrophysics, and related fields by fostering mathematical fluency and scientific literacy.Subject content breakdown
1. Measurements and Their Errors
- Use of SI units, prefixes, and uncertainties in practical work
2. Particles and Radiation
- Atomic structure, fundamental particles, photon interactions, radioactive decay
3. Waves
- Properties of waves, refraction, diffraction, interference, stationary waves
4. Mechanics and Materials
- Kinematics, dynamics, Newton’s laws, momentum
- Density, stress, strain and Young modulus
5. Electricity
- Current, potential difference, resistance, circuits, internal resistance, EMF
6. Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
- Circular motion, simple harmonic motion
- Temperature, internal energy, kinetic theory, ideal gases
7. Fields and Their Consequences
- Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields
- Orbits, field strength, potential, capacitors and electromagnetic induction
8. Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear properties, fission, fusion and safety
Optional Topic (one of the following)
- Astrophysics
- Medical physics
- Engineering physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics
Required Practicals
- 12 mandatory practical activities spanning all areas
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Sections 1–5 and 6.1 (periodic motion)
- Multiple choice, short and long answer questions
- 2 hours, 85 marks
- 34% of A-level
Paper 2
- Sections 6.2, 7 and 8, plus assumed knowledge from Sections 1–6.1
- Multiple choice, short and long answer questions
- 2 hours, 85 marks
- 34% of A-level
Paper 3
- Section A: Practical skills and data analysis
- Section B: One optional topic
- 2 hours, 80 marks
- 32% of A-level
Practical Endorsement
- Assessed through completion of 12 required practicals
- Reported separately as pass/fail
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level Physics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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