Edexcel International AS Physics specification (XPH11)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel International 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel International 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 Edexcel International AS Physics (XPH11) 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 OxfordAQA International AS in Physics provides a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, combining conceptual understanding with practical application. It encourages analytical thinking, precision in measurement, and scientific communication. Learners explore mechanics, electricity, waves and quantum physics in real-world and experimental contexts. The course promotes skills in investigation, problem-solving, and data analysis, supporting further study in science, engineering or related fields.
Subject content breakdown
1. Mechanics
- Scalars and vectors
- Motion graphs and equations of motion
- Forces, Newton’s laws, friction
- Momentum, work, energy and power
- Moments and equilibrium
2. Electricity
- Current, potential difference and resistance
- Ohm’s law and resistivity
- Series and parallel circuits
- Electrical power and energy
- Internal resistance and electromotive force (emf)
3. Materials
- Density, stress and strain
- Young modulus
- Hooke’s law and elastic energy
- Fluid pressure and upthrust
4. Waves
- Wave properties: speed, frequency, wavelength
- Superposition and interference
- Diffraction and reflection
- Stationary waves and resonance
5. Quantum and nuclear physics
- Photoelectric effect
- Energy levels and photons
- Atomic models and radioactive decay
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Mechanics, materials and electricity
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Structured and extended questions from Units 1, 2 and 3
- 50% of AS Level
Paper 2: Waves and particle nature of light
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Structured and extended questions from Units 4 and 5
50% of AS Level
- Both papers assess practical and mathematical skills
- Calculators permitted
- Exams available in January and June
- Grading: A–E (AS Level)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel International 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.
Share this article