Cambridge (CIE) A Level Physics specification (9702)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) 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 Cambridge (CIE) 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 Cambridge (CIE) A Level Physics (9702) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics provides learners with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles governing the physical world. The syllabus emphasises scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding, and analytical thinking, alongside practical and investigative skills. Topics span classical and modern physics, from mechanics and waves to quantum phenomena. Learners develop the ability to apply theory to solve problems and interpret experimental data. The course fosters skills valuable for further study in physics, engineering, or other science-related disciplines.
Subject content breakdown
1. Physical quantities and units
- SI units, derived units, scalar and vector quantities
- Prefixes and standard form
2. Measurement techniques
- Use of micrometers, callipers, oscilloscopes
- Determining uncertainties and graphical analysis
3. Kinematics
- Displacement, velocity, acceleration
- Equations of motion and graphical interpretation
4. Dynamics
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Linear momentum and impulse
5. Forces, density and pressure
- Turning effects, equilibrium, centre of gravity
- Pressure in fluids and solids
6. Work, energy and power
- Kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy
- Efficiency and power output
7. Deformation of solids
- Stress, strain, Hooke’s law, Young modulus
8. Waves
- Wave properties, reflection, refraction, diffraction
- Superposition, stationary waves, interference
9. Superposition
- Young’s double-slit experiment
- Coherence, phase difference
10. Electricity
- Current, voltage, resistance, power
- Kirchhoff’s laws, potential dividers, internal resistance
11. Circular motion
- Angular velocity, centripetal force and acceleration
12. Gravitational fields
- Newton’s law of gravitation, field strength, potential
13. Oscillations
- Simple harmonic motion, damping, resonance
14. Thermal physics
- Heat capacity, latent heat, kinetic model of gases
15. Ideal gases
- Equation of state, molecular model, assumptions
16. Uniform electric fields
- Field strength, potential difference, parallel plates
17. Capacitance
- Charging and discharging, energy stored
18. Current of electricity
- Charge carriers, drift velocity, Ohm’s law
19. D.C. circuits
- Series and parallel, circuit analysis
20. Magnetic fields
- Magnetic flux, force on charged particles
21. Electromagnetic induction
- Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws, transformers
22. Alternating currents
- RMS values, phase difference, power in AC circuits
23. Quantum physics
- Photoelectric effect, energy levels, wave-particle duality
24. Nuclear physics
- Radioactivity, decay equations, fission and fusion
25. Medical physics
- Imaging techniques, ultrasound, PET, X-rays
26. Astronomy and cosmology
- Hubble’s law, redshift, Big Bang theory
Assessment structure
Paper 1 Multiple Choice (AS Level)
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
- 40 multiple-choice questions based on AS content
- 31% of AS Level, 15.5% of A Level
Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks
- Short and structured questions from the AS syllabus
- 46% of AS Level, 23% of A Level
Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills
- 2 hours, 40 marks
- Two practical experiments, including data analysis and planning
- 23% of AS Level, 11.5% of A Level
Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions
- 2 hours, 100 marks
- Structured questions based on A Level topics
- 38.5% of A Level
Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks
- Design, interpret, and evaluate experimental methods
- 11.5% of A Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) 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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