Pearson Edexcel · International A Level · WPH01–WPH04
Physics — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics (WPH01–WPH04)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics (WPH01–WPH04)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics
Pearson International A Level Physics is delivered in units (e.g. WPH01 Working as a Physicist & Mechanics, WPH02 Waves & Electricity, WPH03 Practical skills in physics, WPH04 Further mechanics, fields, thermodynamics, radiation — exact titles vary by specification version). Content spans mechanics, materials, waves, DC circuits, fields, thermal physics, nuclear and particle ideas, with practical competencies embedded.
Mark schemes: Pearson mark schemes typically separate marks for physics principle, working (substitution into standard equations), and final answer with unit. Extended responses: link the stem data to theory; ‘evaluate’ items need both sides and a judgement. Practical: uncertainty ranges, graph gradients with units, and improvements that refer to reducing named error sources.
Active recall: 0 / 53 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Essential | Independent variable | The variable you change deliberately. | |
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Core | Dependent variable | The variable you measure. | |
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Core | Control variable | Kept constant to isolate the relationship tested. | |
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Core | Resolution | Smallest change an instrument can detect. | |
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Core | Precision | Repeatability — scatter of repeat readings. | |
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Core | Accuracy | Closeness to true/accepted value. | |
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Advanced | Uncertainty in gradient | Often from max/min worst-line on graph — quote range for derived quantity. | |
| Working as a physicist & measurements | Core | SI base units | Use consistent SI in calculations unless question specifies otherwise. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Newton’s laws of motion | Inertia; F = ma; equal and opposite pairs on different bodies. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Momentum | p = mv — conserved in isolated system collisions/explosions. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Impulse | FΔt = Δp — area under force–time graph. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Work done | F s cos θ for constant force along displacement. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Conservation of mechanical energy | In absence of non-conservative work — KE + PE constant. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Power | Rate of work done or rate of energy transfer. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Stress | Force per unit cross-sectional area. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Strain | Fractional deformation. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Young modulus | Stress/strain in Hooke’s linear region. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Advanced | Elastic potential energy | ½kx² for spring obeying Hooke’s law. | |
| Mechanics & materials | Core | Fluid pressure | p = ρgh in uniform fluid; upthrust = weight of fluid displaced. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | Progressive wave | Transfers energy; particles oscillate about mean position. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | Phase difference | Fraction of a cycle between two points. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | Superposition | Resultant displacement = sum of individual displacements. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | Interference | Constructive/destructive — path difference conditions. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | Diffraction | Bending around obstacles / through gaps — pronounced when λ ≈ gap. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | Stationary wave | Nodes (no displacement) and antinodes (maximum amplitude). | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | Photoelectric effect | Einstein: hf = φ + KEmax — supports quantum of light. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Core | de Broglie wavelength | λ = h/p for matter. | |
| Waves, superposition & quantum behaviour | Advanced | Electron diffraction | Electrons show wave behaviour — rings/patterns from crystals. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Ohm’s law | For ohmic conductor at constant temperature, V ∝ I. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Resistivity | ρ = RA/l — material property. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Internal resistance | Lost volts = Ir — terminal p.d. = emf − Ir. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Potential divider | Series resistors split supply p.d. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Coulomb’s law | Force between point charges in vacuum/air. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Electric field strength | Force per unit positive charge. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Electric potential | Work per unit charge from infinity. | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | Capacitance | C = Q/V; energy ½CV². | |
| Electric circuits & fields | Core | RC time constant | τ = RC — charge/discharge exponentials. | |
| Magnetic fields & electromagnetic induction | Core | Magnetic flux density B | Defined from F = BIl sin θ. | |
| Magnetic fields & electromagnetic induction | Core | Force on moving charge | F = Bqv sin θ — circular motion in uniform B. | |
| Magnetic fields & electromagnetic induction | Core | Magnetic flux | Φ = BA cos θ. | |
| Magnetic fields & electromagnetic induction | Core | Flux linkage | NΦ for coil of N turns. | |
| Magnetic fields & electromagnetic induction | Advanced | Faraday’s law | Induced e.m.f. ∝ rate of change of flux linkage. | |
| Magnetic fields & electromagnetic induction | Advanced | Lenz’s law | Induced current opposes change causing it. | |
| Magnetic fields & electromagnetic induction | Core | Transformer | Alternating flux links primary and secondary coils. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | Internal energy | Sum of molecular kinetic and potential energies. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | First law of thermodynamics | ΔU = Q + W (sign conventions as stated in question). | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | Ideal gas | pV = nRT; kinetic theory assumptions. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | Mean kinetic energy | Related to absolute temperature for ideal gas. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | Radioactive decay | Random, spontaneous; activity A = λN. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | Half-life | Time for activity or undecayed nuclei to halve. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | Decay constant | λ = ln2 / t½. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Advanced | Mass defect & binding energy | ΔE = Δm c² — stability from binding energy per nucleon curve. | |
| Thermal physics, gases & nuclear | Core | Alpha, beta, gamma | Ionisation, penetration, use in equations with conservation of nucleon number and charge. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Physics (WPH01–WPH04) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important physics terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics (WPH01–WPH04). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Physics glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for International A Level Physics (WPH01–WPH04) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Physics. Quantitative relationships belong on formula sheets; this list emphasises language and concepts.
- Can I download this Physics keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Physics list aligned to the WPH01–WPH04 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel International A Level Physics for Pearson Edexcel International A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Physics at International A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.