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Cambridge International A Level Physics 9702 A2

Complete Cambridge International A Level Physics 9702 by connecting advanced physical models, representations and equations, then produce precise structured reasoning and experimental planning, data analysis and evaluation across Papers 4–5.

Syllabus
Current syllabus · first assessment 2028
Course
Physics
Level
A2

Questions to revisit

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Explore the Cambridge A2 Physics syllabus

Navigate 14 advanced theory groups covering Topics 12–25 plus dedicated Paper 5 and mathematical, data, formula and circuit-symbol skills. The 16-group map connects 49 Topic destinations while keeping AS foundations available through prerequisite repair rather than duplicating the AS syllabus.

16
syllabus groups
49
mapped topics
  1. 12. Motion in a circle2 topics Explore unit
  2. 13. Gravitational fields4 topics Explore unit
  3. 14. Temperature3 topics Explore unit
  4. 15. Ideal gases3 topics Explore unit
  5. 16. Thermodynamics2 topics Explore unit
  6. 17. Oscillations3 topics Explore unit
  7. 18. Electric fields5 topics Explore unit
  8. 19. Capacitance3 topics Explore unit
  9. 20. Magnetic fields5 topics Explore unit
  10. 21. Alternating currents2 topics Explore unit
  11. 22. Quantum physics4 topics Explore unit
  12. 23. Nuclear physics2 topics Explore unit
  13. 24. Medical physics3 topics Explore unit
  14. 25. Astronomy and cosmology3 topics Explore unit
  15. Practical assessment skills1 topic Explore unit
  16. Mathematical, data, formula and circuit-symbol skills4 topics Explore unit

Where to start

Start from one known advanced Topic or diagnose whether the recurring failure belongs to modelling, representation, calculation, inference or experimental reasoning.

Choose your starting point

  1. I know the weak Topic

    Open the exact A2 theory or skills group and locate the failed assumption, representation, equation condition, unit or evidence step.

    Browse the A2 syllabus

  2. I do not know what is weak

    Use mixed Paper 4 and data questions to separate advanced-model gaps from calculation, explanation or Paper 5 reasoning failures.

    Start an A2 diagnostic

Choose the right A2 Physics starting point

  1. Explain the advanced model

    Reconstruct the system, assumptions, field or graph and causal relationship, then connect it explicitly to AS foundations.

    Review a Concept

  2. Retrieve conditions and units

    Reproduce defining conditions, linked relationships, symbols and units without notes, including the trigger for each representation or equation.

    Check Mastery

  3. Apply and repair

    Solve a structured or data question, identify the first invalid decision and retry a nearby item with the corrected evidence chain.

    Practise questions

How to study Cambridge International A2 Physics 9702

Connect advanced physical models across fields, energy, graphs and equations, then practise distinct evidence chains for Paper 4 reasoning and Paper 5 planning and analysis.

Practise A2 Physics by model and evidence

Use distinct routines for fields and oscillations, electrical systems, modern-physics inference and Paper 5 planning, graphing, uncertainty and evaluation.

  • Circular motion, fields and oscillations

    Centripetal motion, gravitational and electric fields, potential, SHM and resonance

    Define direction and the reference point, then connect force, acceleration, potential, energy and graph shape before selecting equations. State approximations, preserve signs and use boundary, phase or limiting behaviour to test whether the calculated motion or field result is coherent.

    Practise fields and motion

  • Capacitance, magnetism and alternating currents

    Capacitor discharge, magnetic forces, induction, AC, rectification and smoothing

    Annotate charge flow, field direction, phase and energy transfer on circuit or field diagrams before calculating. Connect the diagram to graph shape and algebra, then explain induction, rectification or smoothing as a causal sequence and check the limiting circuit behaviour.

    Practise electrical systems

  • Quantum, nuclear, medical and cosmological evidence

    Photons, binding energy, decay, imaging, standard candles and Hubble's law

    Separate observation, model and inference, then use conservation, proportionality and evidence chains to justify each conclusion. Attach numerical results to units, scale and physical meaning, and distinguish what a graph or measurement supports from assumptions imported into the model.

    Practise modern physics

  • Paper 5 planning and data analysis

    Variables, apparatus, linearisation, error bars, gradients, intercepts and uncertainty

    Write a workable plan with independent, dependent and controlled variables, labelled apparatus, measurements, analysis and safety. Transform data deliberately, draw best-fit and worst acceptable lines, derive constants with units and uncertainty, then pair each concrete limitation with one feasible matched improvement.

    Practise Paper 5

Build a consistent study approach

Cambridge A2 Physics extends AS foundations into Topics 12–25 and expects connected reasoning across models. Use the A2 syllabus map to move between circular motion, fields, thermal physics, oscillations, electromagnetism and modern applications. For each question, define the system and reference direction, identify assumptions, translate between diagrams, graphs and equations, preserve units and test whether the sign, scale and conclusion fit the physical model.

Reconstruct the model and evidence chain in Concept, then retrieve defining conditions, symbols, relationships and units in Mastery without following a solution. Apply them through the Question Bank and repair the first failed assumption, representation, equation choice, algebra, unit or inference. Separately rehearse complete Paper 5 plans and data analyses, including linearisation, best and worst acceptable lines, uncertainty and matched experimental improvements.

Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 A2 assessment

Staged A2 candidates take Papers 4 and 5 after carrying forward Papers 1–3 under current Cambridge rules. Linear candidates take Papers 1–5 together, but these two components assess the exact A2 stage.

Paper / componentQuestionsTime% of grade
Paper 4 A Level Structured QuestionsCompulsory structured questions100 marksThe externally assessed paper covers A Level content, requires AS knowledge and splits its demand evenly between AO1 knowledge and AO2 handling, application and evaluation.How to prepare: Practise timed mixed work with every model choice visible: assumptions, representation, equation chain, algebra, units and conclusion. Link Topics across fields, energy, oscillations, electromagnetism and modern applications instead of revising each chapter as an isolated formula set.2 hours38.5% of the full A Level
Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and EvaluationTwo written questions worth 15 marks each30 marksThe written paper is entirely AO3. Question 1 tests experimental planning; Question 2 tests data transformation, graphing, conclusions and uncertainty from supplied evidence, potentially in unfamiliar contexts.How to prepare: Alternate complete planning and analysis responses. Specify variables, apparatus, measurements, controls, analysis and safety; then practise linearisation, tables, error bars, best and worst acceptable lines, gradient and intercept uncertainty, units, precision and matched improvements grounded in real practical experience.1 hour 15 minutes11.5% of the full A Level

SourceCambridge International · Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus9702 · Version 1 · exams 2028, 2029 and 2030

Frequently Asked Questions

Staged candidates normally take Papers 1–3 at AS, carry those marks forward under the rules for their examination series, then take Papers 4 and 5 at A2. Linear candidates take Papers 1–5 in one series. A2 is a completion stage, not a separate Cambridge qualification or certificate.

Paper 4 supplies data and formulae on pages 2–3, including AS relationships and A Level extensions. You must still select and rearrange the correct relationship, convert units, show working and interpret the physical result. Paper 5 has no separate formula sheet or additional examination materials.

No. Paper 5 is a written paper and requires no laboratory facilities during the examination. However, Cambridge says extensive practical experience is necessary because candidates must design workable experiments, choose instruments, process data, draw and evaluate graphs, calculate uncertainty and propose realistic improvements, sometimes in unfamiliar contexts.

Show all working and appropriate units. Keep intermediate values unrounded or sufficiently precise, and match calculated precision to the least precise measurements where applicable. In Paper 5, final absolute uncertainties are normally reported to one significant figure, while an extra figure in intermediate tables, gradients or intercepts can reduce accumulated rounding error.