AQA AS Physics specification (7407)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA AS 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 AS 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 AS Physics (7407) 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 AS Level in Physics encourages students to develop a deep understanding of physical principles, experimental skills and analytical techniques. It emphasises the application of physics to real-world contexts and fosters logical reasoning and problem-solving. The course builds a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, supporting progression to further study in science, engineering or mathematics. Practical work is integrated throughout, developing investigative competence and scientific literacy.Subject content breakdown
1. Measurements and their errors
- Use of SI units and their prefixes
- Limitations of physical measurements and data handling
- Uncertainties and error analysis in experiments
2. Particles and radiation
- Constituents of the atom
- Stable and unstable nuclei
- Particles, antiparticles and photons
- Particle interactions and exchange particles
- Quarks and antiquarks
3. Waves
- Progressive and stationary waves
- Interference, diffraction, and superposition
- Refraction, polarisation, and path difference
4. Mechanics and materials
- Scalars and vectors
- Motion along a straight line
- Forces, energy and momentum
- Density, stress-strain relationships
- Young modulus and elastic behaviour
5. Electricity
- Current–voltage characteristics
- Resistivity and resistance
- EMF, internal resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Potential dividers and Kirchhoff’s laws
Required practicals
- Six required practical activities across AS content
- Development of key apparatus and techniques skills
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks
- Sections 1–5 (all AS content)
- Multiple choice, short and long answer questions
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Paper 2
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks
- Sections 1–5 (assumed knowledge), including practical skills and data analysis
- Multiple choice, short and long answer questions
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA AS 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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