Edexcel International A-Level Physics: Frequent mistakes

Pearson Edexcel Principal Examiner Feedback for International A-level Physics emphasises practical skills, terminology, control variables and command words. Incomplete analysis of graphical data is a recurring issue.

Practical skills

Terminology

Imprecision with terminology—using “amount” instead of correct scientific quantities (e.g. mass, volume, force).

Fix: Mass (kg), not “amount”. Volume (m³), not “amount”. Use correct SI quantities.

Control variables

Failing to identify appropriate control variables or confusing circuit parameters (e.g. voltage, resistance) with experimental variables.

Fix: Control = kept constant. Independent = changed. Dependent = measured. Identify correctly for the experiment.

Graphical data analysis

Incomplete analysis of graphical data. Candidates ignore supplementary information essential for complete answers.

Fix: Use all data. Consider gradients, intercepts, trends. Read any supplementary text.

Command words

Missing final comments

Missing final appropriate comments when responding to “deduce”, “evaluate”, or “assess” questions. This prevents full mark achievement.

Fix: Deduce = state conclusion from evidence. Evaluate = strengths and limitations + conclusion. Assess = weigh up + judgement. End with clear conclusion.

Reading comprehension

Not reading questions carefully to account for all relevant information provided. Missing constraints or conditions.

Fix: Re-read. Underline key words. Check units, limits, conditions.

General (shared with Sciences)

• Show working for calculations
• Units in final answers
• Significant figures to match data
• Use the resource—refer to diagrams, data, apparatus

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Based on Pearson Edexcel International A-level Physics Principal Examiner Feedback (WPH15, WPH16).