Physics 9702
Mechanics, materials, waves, electricity and particle physics at AS; fields, thermodynamics, oscillations, quantum and astronomy at A Level.
- Paper 1 Multiple Choice15.5%
- Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions23%
- Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills11.5%
- Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions38.5%
- Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation11.5%
What is assessed
5 components. Question formats: multiple choice, structured, practical, extended response.
Forty four-option multiple-choice items on the AS Level content, testing AO1 and AO2.
What the paper looks like
40 one-mark, four-option items in 75 minutes (under 2 minutes each) covering all AS topics roughly in syllabus order. Many need a short calculation with the data sheet; others test definitions, units, graph reading, circuit reasoning and qualitative ideas. Distractors are built from typical slips (wrong power, missed factor of 2, unit prefix). Calculator allowed.
Compulsory structured questions on the AS Level content, testing AO1 and AO2.
What the paper looks like
About 6–8 compulsory multi-part questions totalling 60 marks, each 7–12 marks with parts of 1–4 marks. Command words: define, state, calculate, show that, explain, describe, sketch, determine. Questions combine recall (definitions, laws) with calculations, graph work (gradients, tangents, areas) and short explanations. Show working and units; calculator and data sheet provided.
Two laboratory-based questions (about 1 hour and 20 marks each) assessing AS practical skills (AO3); contexts may lie outside the syllabus content.
What the paper looks like
Two laboratory questions (about 1 hour and 20 marks each). Question 1 is usually a graph-based investigation: collect six or more sets of readings, tabulate with units and consistent precision, plot a graph, find gradient and intercept, and relate to a given equation. Question 2 is a shorter experiment with uncertainty estimates, a test of a relationship, and identification of limitations with matching improvements.
Compulsory structured questions on the A Level content, also requiring AS knowledge, testing AO1 and AO2.
What the paper looks like
About 10–12 compulsory structured questions (100 marks), each roughly 7–12 marks, covering A Level topics 12–25 with AS knowledge assumed. Expect definitions (field strength, potential, capacitance, half-life), derivations (“show that”), multi-step calculations, sketch graphs (exponential decay, resonance, binding energy curve) and explanations. Data and formulae sheets on pages 2–3.
Two compulsory 15-mark questions on planning an investigation and on analysing and evaluating data (AO3).
What the paper looks like
Two 15-mark questions. Question 1 asks for a written plan for a given relationship: identify independent, dependent and controlled variables, describe method and measurements, analysis via a straight-line graph (often log–log or ln), and safety. Question 2 gives data to process (often logarithms with uncertainties), plot with error bars, draw best-fit and worst-acceptable lines, find gradient/intercept with uncertainties and evaluate a conclusion.
Assessment overview
From the 2025–2027 syllabus. Checked against the Cambridge syllabus
| Assessment objective | A Level weighting |
|---|---|
| AO1 Knowledge and understanding | 40% |
| AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information | 40% |
| AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 20% |
Changes in this syllabus version
- Wording of learning outcomes 3.3.3, 7.5.2, 15.3.4 and 25.3.1 updated.
- Assessment structure unchanged from the previous syllabus; textbooks endorsed for exams from 2022 remain suitable.
Command words used in Physics papers (15)
- Calculate
- Work out a value from the facts or figures given
- Comment
- Give an opinion based on evidence or knowledge
- Compare
- Point out similarities and/or differences
- Define
- Give the exact meaning of a term
- Describe
- Give the main features or characteristics
- Determine
- Reach an answer using the information provided
- Explain
- Give reasons or purposes, showing how and why, with supporting evidence
- Give
- Provide an answer from a source or from memory
- Identify
- Name, select or recognise
- Justify
- Back up a case or answer with evidence or argument
- Predict
- Say what is likely to happen using the information available
- Show (that)
- Set out clear working that leads to the stated result
- Sketch
- Draw simply by hand, showing the key features
- State
- Express clearly and briefly
- Suggest
- Apply knowledge to an unfamiliar situation where several valid answers are possible
Examiner guidance from recent reports (14)
Topic map
Practice types
Free sample questions
Which of the following is the Young modulus expressed in SI base units?
- kg m⁻¹ s⁻²
- kg m s⁻²
- kg m⁻² s⁻²
- kg m² s⁻²
Answer: A. kg m⁻¹ s⁻²
Young modulus = stress/strain, and strain has no unit, so its unit is the pascal, N m⁻². A newton is kg m s⁻², so N m⁻² = kg m s⁻² × m⁻² = kg m⁻¹ s⁻².
A metal cube has side length (2.50 ± 0.02) cm and mass (48.0 ± 0.5) g. What is the percentage uncertainty in…
- 1.8%
- 2.6%
- 3.4%
- 4.4%
Answer: C. 3.4%
ρ = m/l³. Percentage uncertainty = %m + 3 × %l = (0.5/48.0)×100 + 3 × (0.02/2.50)×100 = 1.04% + 2.40% = 3.4%. Forgetting the power of 3 gives 1.8%; using a factor of 2 gives 2.6%.
FAQs
Are these official 9702 past-paper questions?
No. They are original questions written to match the Physics syllabus topics. Official past papers are available to schools through Cambridge.
Why choose an exam year?
Cambridge updates syllabuses periodically. Your exam year selects the matching configuration so topics and components follow the right version.
How do AS and A Level differ here?
Both pathways share code 9702. AS pages include AS topics and components only; A Level pages add the A Level content and papers.
Is a calculator allowed?
In this configuration a scientific calculator is permitted for the listed papers. Check your syllabus for the exact rule.