Cambridge (CIE) AS Physics specification (9702)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) 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 Cambridge (CIE) 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 Cambridge (CIE) AS 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 Level Physics develops learners’ understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and their application to real-world situations. The course focuses on theoretical concepts and practical skills, encouraging learners to analyse, model and solve physical problems using appropriate techniques. Emphasis is placed on investigative methods, scientific reasoning, and communication of ideas. This foundation supports further study in physics, engineering, or other related sciences.
Subject content breakdown
1. Physical quantities and units
- SI units, prefixes and derived quantities
- Scalar and vector quantities
2. Measurement techniques
- Measuring length, time, mass, temperature, current, and voltage
- Micrometer, vernier scale, timing methods, uncertainties
3. Kinematics
- Displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration
- Equations of motion and graphical analysis
4. Dynamics
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Force, mass, weight, and acceleration
- Friction, terminal velocity
5. Forces, density and pressure
- Free-body diagrams
- Centre of mass, upthrust, pressure in fluids
- Density and pressure calculations
6. Work, energy and power
- Work done, energy transfer, conservation of energy
- Kinetic and potential energy
- Power and efficiency
7. Deformation of solids
- Hooke’s law, stress-strain, Young modulus
- Elastic and plastic deformation
- Force-extension graphs
8. Waves
- Wave properties, types of waves
- Superposition, diffraction, interference
- Stationary waves
9. Superposition
- Coherence and path difference
- Two-source interference
- Applications of superposition
10. Electricity
- Current, voltage, resistance
- Ohm’s law and non-ohmic conductors
- Series and parallel circuits
- Internal resistance, electromotive force (e.m.f.)
11. D.C. circuits
- Kirchhoff’s laws
- Potential dividers
- Practical circuit analysis
Practical skills
- Planning, conducting and evaluating experiments
- Use of apparatus and measurements
- Graphical analysis and uncertainty
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Multiple Choice
- 1 hour, 40 marks
- 40 multiple choice questions based on AS Level content
- 31% of AS Level
Paper 2 – AS Level Structured Questions
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks
- Structured questions covering the AS syllabus
- 46% of AS Level
Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills
- 2 hours, 40 marks
- Practical assessment based on two experiments
- Skills tested: manipulation, observation, data recording and analysis
23% of AS Level
All three papers must be taken in the same series for the AS Level award
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) 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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