Methodology

This list is based on analysis of Cambridge International A-Level Physics 9702 past papers (2019–2024), examiner reports, mark schemes and syllabus. Topics are ranked by frequency and mark allocation.

Top 10 most frequently tested topics

1. Mechanics (forces and motion)

Evidence: Equations of motion; Newton’s laws; momentum. Examiner reports note working and units.

Covers: kinematics; projectile motion; Newton’s laws; momentum; circular motion.

2. Electricity and circuits

Evidence: Current, voltage, resistance; Kirchhoff. Appears in almost every paper.

Covers: Ohm’s law; power; series and parallel; Kirchhoff’s laws; potential divider.

3. Waves

Evidence: Wave properties; superposition; stationary waves. Examiner reports note phase and path difference.

Covers: wave properties; reflection; refraction; diffraction; interference; stationary waves.

4. Quantum physics and photoelectric effect

Evidence: Photons; photoelectric effect; energy levels. Examiner reports note photon energy and threshold.

Covers: photon energy; photoelectric effect; wave-particle duality; energy levels.

5. Gravitational and electric fields

Evidence: Field strength; potential; satellite motion. Examiner reports note g vs G confusion.

Covers: gravitational field; electric field; potential; satellite motion; escape velocity.

6. Capacitance

Evidence: Capacitor charging; energy stored. Examiner reports note exponential and time constant.

Covers: capacitance; energy stored; charging and discharging; time constant.

7. Simple harmonic motion (SHM)

Evidence: SHM equations; pendulum; mass-spring. Examiner reports note a = −ω²x and energy.

Covers: SHM definition; equations; energy; pendulum; mass-spring.

8. Thermal physics

Evidence: Ideal gas; thermodynamics. Examiner reports note PV = nRT and first law.

Covers: kinetic theory; ideal gas; first law of thermodynamics; specific heat capacity.

9. Magnetic fields and electromagnetism

Evidence: Magnetic field; electromagnetic induction; transformers. Examiner reports note Fleming’s rules.

Covers: magnetic flux; Faraday’s law; Lenz’s law; motors; transformers.

10. Radioactivity and nuclear physics

Evidence: Decay; half-life; binding energy. Examiner reports note decay equations and units.

Covers: alpha, beta, gamma; decay equations; half-life; binding energy; fission and fusion.

Revision priority

Mechanics and electricity carry the most marks. Show working and include units. See common mistakes.

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Sources: Cambridge past papers 2019–2024, examiner reports, syllabus.