WJEC AS Physics specification (2420)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC AS Physics (2420) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC AS Level in Physics is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the principles and applications of physics through theoretical study and practical investigation. The course promotes analytical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving. It supports the development of experimental skills and scientific literacy, preparing learners for further academic study in physics, engineering or other STEM disciplines. Real-world relevance and conceptual understanding are at the heart of the course design.Subject content breakdown
AS Unit 1: Motion, Energy and Matter
- Kinematics and dynamics
- Projectiles and Newton’s laws
- Work, energy and power
- Momentum and conservation
- Solid, liquid and gaseous states of matter
- Thermal physics and specific heat capacity
- Internal energy and the gas laws
AS Unit 2: Electricity and Light
- Electric current, potential difference and resistance
- Resistivity, Ohm’s law and series/parallel circuits
- Electrical power and energy
- Kirchhoff’s laws
- Wave properties and behaviour
- Reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference
- The photon model and the photoelectric effect
Assessment structure
AS Unit 1: Motion, Energy and Matter
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- Section A: Short answer questions on theory and applications
- Section B: Longer, structured questions including practical scenarios
- Worth 20% of A level; 50% of AS Level
AS Unit 2: Electricity and Light
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- Section A: Short answer and structured questions
- Section B: Questions based on experimental techniques and analysis
- Worth 20% of A level; 50% of AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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