Overview of Cambridge International AS Level Physics (9702)

The Cambridge International AS Level Physics curriculum serves as the first half of the full A Level course and provides a robust foundation in fundamental physical concepts and experimental skills.

AS Level Subject Content

Candidates for the AS Level study foundational theories and principles across 11 core topics. This content forms the baseline for all further study in the subject:

• Mechanics and Materials: Physical quantities and units, kinematics, dynamics (including Newton's laws), forces, density, pressure, work, energy, power, and the deformation of solids.
• Waves and Electricity: Progressive waves, superposition (interference, diffraction, and stationary waves), electric currents, potential difference, resistance, and D.C. circuits.
• Particle Physics: Atoms, nuclei, radiation, and fundamental particles.

AS Level Assessment Structure

The AS Level qualification is evaluated through three specific examination papers:

• Paper 1 (Multiple Choice): 40 multiple-choice questions based entirely on the AS Level syllabus content.
• Paper 2 (AS Level Structured Questions): Written structured questions testing knowledge, understanding, and the application of AS Level information.
• Paper 3 (Advanced Practical Skills): A 2-hour laboratory-based exam focusing on the successful physical collection of data, presentation of observations, analysis, and the evaluation of methods.

The Difference Between AS and A Level

The primary difference between the AS and A Level lies in the depth of content and the complexity of the assessments. The AS Level focuses on core, foundational physics principles (Topics 1–11) and foundational hands-on laboratory data collection. In contrast, the full A Level encompasses all AS content plus 14 additional advanced topics (Topics 12–25)—such as gravitational fields, quantum physics, thermodynamics, and medical physics. Furthermore, A Level candidates are assessed on higher-order investigative skills through two additional exams: Paper 4 (advanced structured questions) and Paper 5 (a written exam focusing on the planning, analysis, and evaluation of theoretical experiments).

Exam Paper Structure

Candidates taking only the AS Level sit for Papers 1, 2, and 3. Those taking the full A Level sit for all five papers.