Edexcel A Level Physics specification (9PH0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel A Level Physics (9PH0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Physics qualification equips students with the analytical, mathematical and investigative skills needed to understand and apply physical principles. It builds on prior learning to explore the fundamental forces, particles, and interactions that govern the natural world, as well as the applications of physics in engineering, astronomy, medical physics and electronics. The course promotes scientific literacy, practical experimentation, and evaluative thinking—supporting progression into STEM fields and related higher education or employment pathways.Subject content breakdown
Topic 1: Working as a Physicist
- SI units, prefixes, uncertainties, errors
- Practical skills, methods, apparatus and techniques
Topic 2: Mechanics
- Scalars and vectors, kinematics, forces and equilibrium
- Work, energy, power; conservation of momentum
Topic 3: Electric Circuits
- Current, potential difference, resistance, resistivity
- Series/parallel circuits, internal resistance, I–V characteristics
Topic 4: Materials
- Density, stress-strain, Young modulus
- Behaviour under force, elasticity, brittle/ductile properties
Topic 5: Waves and the Particle Nature of Light
- Wave characteristics, superposition, diffraction, interference
- Refraction, polarisation; photoelectric effect and photon theory
Topic 6: Further Mechanics
- Circular motion, simple harmonic motion, resonance and damping
Topic 7: Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Coulomb’s law, electric field strength, potential and energy
- Magnetic flux, flux linkage, electromagnetic induction
Topic 8: Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Fundamental particles, quarks and leptons, conservation laws
- Radioactivity, nuclear decay, binding energy and mass defect
Topic 9: Thermodynamics
- Temperature, heat transfer, ideal gases, internal energy
Topic 10: Space
- Gravitational fields, orbits, Hubble’s law, cosmology
Topic 11: Nuclear Radiation
- Alpha, beta, gamma radiation; inverse square law
- Applications and safety
Topic 12: Gravitational Fields
- Newton’s law of gravitation, gravitational potential, satellite motion
Topic 13: Oscillations
- SHM, energy in oscillations, damping, forced vibrations and resonance
Topic 14: Astrophysics
- Telescopes, stellar classification, stellar evolution, Wien’s law, redshift
Topic 15: Medical Physics
- X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, PET imaging, attenuation
Topic 16: Engineering Physics
- Rotational dynamics, torque, stress and strain, thermodynamics applications
Topic 17: Turning Points in Physics
- Wave-particle duality, the photoelectric effect, special relativity
Topic 18: Electronics
- Logic gates, analogue and digital circuits, op-amps, filters, sensors
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Advanced Physics I
- 1 hour 45 minutes; 90 marks; 30% of A Level
- Topics 1–8 (working as a physicist, mechanics, electric circuits, materials, waves, further mechanics, fields, nuclear/particle physics)
- Structured questions including calculations and extended response
Paper 2: Advanced Physics II
- 1 hour 45 minutes; 90 marks; 30% of A Level
- Topics 1–6 and 9–13 (includes thermodynamics, space, nuclear radiation, gravitational fields, oscillations)
- Structured questions with analysis and problem-solving
Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics
- 2 hours 30 minutes; 120 marks; 40% of A Level
- Topics 1–13 (synoptic content across A Level)
- Focus on practical skills, data analysis, experimental design and applications
- Includes multiple-choice and extended writing
Practical Endorsement
- Reported separately (pass/fail)
- Based on 16 core practicals completed during the course
- Assesses planning, implementing, analysing, evaluating and reporting
All assessments are written examinations with no coursework
- Calculators permitted
- Formulae provided in an equation booklet
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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