Cambridge International A Level Physics Exam Technique Cheat Sheet 2026 (9702)
Every Cambridge International A Level Physics command word decoded — what examiners actually want, the structure that earns full marks, the top mistakes flagged in real examiner reports, and the phrases that pick up the marks others leave on the table. Free printable PDF.
6 command words decoded
5 top mistakes flagged
Phrases that earn marks
Print-ready PDF
Command words — click to expand
Top tips for Physics
- 1Show ALL working — Cambridge awards M marks even with a wrong final answer.
- 2Carry full precision until the FINAL step — only round on the last line.
- 3Uncertainty: round absolute uncertainty to 1 s.f., then round the answer to match the uncertainty's d.p.
- 4Vector questions: include direction (angle from horizontal) in the final answer.
- 5Use the data and formulae sheet — don't try to memorise constants.
⚠️ Top mistakes examiners flag for Physics
- ✗Forgetting to include units in the final answer.
- ✗Confusing g (9.81 N/kg) with G (the gravitational constant).
- ✗Rounding mid-calculation, then losing accuracy.
- ✗Sketching graphs without axis labels.
- ✗Confusing potential difference and electromotive force (e.m.f. is total, p.d. is across a component).
✅ Phrases that earn marks
- → …by Newton's second law, F = ma
- → …the field strength is given by E = V/d
- → …by conservation of momentum, m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
- → …by Faraday's law, ε = −dΦ/dt
- → …the uncertainty is ±0.05 cm (1 s.f.)
❌ Phrases that lose marks
- ✗ Gravity (say: the gravitational field strength)
- ✗ Energy is lost (say: energy is transferred to thermal energy in the surroundings)
- ✗ Speed (when velocity is meant — velocity includes direction)
- ✗ Forgetting units on final answers
Losing marks on Physics working — even when the final answer is right?
Cambridge International A Level Physics awards method marks (M marks) for every step shown. A Tutopiya Physics tutor walks through your mock paper line-by-line, finds where you're skipping the M marks, and rewrites the working with you. Submit a free enquiry and we'll match you with a specialist.
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Cambridge International A Level Physics exam technique — FAQ
What are the most important command words in Cambridge International A Level Physics? ▼
Cambridge International A Level Physics (9702) papers use 6 core command words. The most frequently misread are Define (with units) (where students add unnecessary explanation) and Explain (using law) (where students describe instead of reasoning with because/therefore). The full breakdown — what each word means, the answer structure, and the do/don't list — is in the interactive cheat sheet above.
What's the difference between "describe" and "explain" in Cambridge International A Level Physics? ▼
Describe asks WHAT happens — quote values from data, state the trend, no reasoning. Explain asks WHY — every sentence must contain "because", "therefore" or "as a result". Mixing them up is one of the highest-frequency reasons Cambridge International A Level Physics students lose marks they could have earned with the same content.
What are the top examiner-flagged mistakes for Cambridge International A Level Physics? ▼
Across recent Cambridge International A Level Physics examiner reports, the most-flagged mistakes are: Forgetting to include units in the final answer.; Confusing g; Rounding mid-calculation, then losing accuracy.. The full list with explanations is in the "Top mistakes" block in the cheat sheet above.
Can I print the Cambridge International A Level Physics exam technique cheat sheet as a PDF? ▼
Yes — click the "Download Physics Cheat Sheet PDF" button above. Sign up free (no payment), and the printable A4 PDF downloads instantly. The PDF includes the command-word table, top tips, common mistakes and the earn/avoid phrase pairs — designed to fit on one page so you can pin it above your desk.
Will this cheat sheet help me get a top grade in Cambridge International A Level Physics? ▼
The cheat sheet covers EXAM TECHNIQUE — how to read command words, structure answers, and use mark-scheme language. Combined with strong subject knowledge it can lift students by 1–2 grades by closing the gap on extended-response questions. Use the Cambridge International A Level Physics Grade Predictor to see where you currently sit and how many marks you need for the next grade up.
Is this Cambridge International A Level Physics cheat sheet free? ▼
Yes — fully free. Sign up takes 10 seconds (name + email) and unlocks the PDF download for this and every other Tutopiya study tool. We use the email to send occasional Cambridge International A Level Physics revision resources and exam updates. Unsubscribe at any time.
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