A Level 2026 Exam Trends: Cambridge Physics 9702

Cambridge International A Level Physics (9702) is assessed with Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS) or Paper 4 (A2 structured), Paper 5 (planning, analysis, evaluation). Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• 9702 structure is unchanged for 2025–2026: Paper 1 (MCQ), Paper 2/4 (structured questions), Paper 5 (practical: planning, analysis, evaluation). Paper 3 is the practical test (if taken).
• Calculations are central: formula, substitution, answer with unit. Working is credited; uncertainty and significant figures are often tested. Formula sheet provided; correct use and unit conversion (e.g. keV to J) are expected.
• Paper 5 – planning (method, variables, safety), analysis (graphs, uncertainty), evaluation (sources of error, improvements). Quality of written method and physics reasoning are assessed.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Mechanics: Motion (suvat, graphs), forces, momentum, work and energy, circular motion. Vector nature and free-body diagrams; explanation in terms of physics principles.
• Waves: Superposition, interference, diffraction, standing waves; electromagnetic spectrum. Phase and path difference; calculations with correct units.
• Electricity and magnetism: Circuits (Kirchhoff, potential divider), capacitors, electromagnetic induction, alternating current. Working in calculations; explanation (e.g. Lenz’s law).
• Quantum and nuclear: Photoelectric effect, energy levels, radioactivity (decay, half-life). Definitions (e.g. photon, binding energy) and application to scenarios.
• Practical (Paper 5): Variables, control, graph (axis, gradient, intercept, uncertainty); conclusion; evaluation with specific points (e.g. systematic error, improvement).

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports cite calculation errors (wrong formula, unit), explanation without physics principles, Paper 5 planning and evaluation underperforming.
• No reported shift in difficulty; accuracy in calculations and clarity in explanation are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and style match past Cambridge A Level series. Past papers are a good guide to topic balance and Paper 5 style.
• Topics are predictable from the syllabus; contexts vary. Exact questions are not predictable; marking focus (working, units, uncertainty, evaluation) is consistent.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Calculations: Formula, substitution, answer with unit; working credited. Uncertainty (absolute, percentage) and s.f. as specified.
• Explanations: Use physics principles and correct terms. Paper 5 – method clear and practical; evaluation with specific errors and improvements. Marking consistent with past series.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Calculations – fluency with formulae and units; multi-step and synoptic (e.g. mechanics + energy).
• Explanation – in terms of physics (forces, energy, particles); diagrams where helpful.
• Practical – planning, analysis (graphs, uncertainty), evaluation.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Calculations – formula, substitution, unit; unit conversion; uncertainty.
2. Mechanics and circular motion – forces, energy, momentum; vector treatment.
3. Electricity and magnetism – circuits, capacitors, induction; explanation (e.g. Lenz).
4. Paper 5 – planning (variables, method, safety); graphs (gradient, uncertainty); evaluation (specific errors, improvements).
5. Past papers – Paper 2/4 and Paper 5 under timed conditions.

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Based on current syllabus and examiner reports. Always use the latest Cambridge 9702 syllabus for your series.

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