Current syllabus · first assessment 2028
A-Level CAIE Physics A2 Study Guide & Review
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.
- 01Learn concepts
- 02Practise questions
- 03Review mistakes
Syllabus knowledge tree
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
Preview the course map
Explore the course units and topics. Sign in to open the full mastery workspace and see your progress.
How to study Cambridge International A2 Physics 9702
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.
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 motionCapacitance, 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 systemsQuantum, 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 physicsPaper 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 5Where 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
- Browse the A2 syllabus
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.
- Start an A2 diagnostic
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.
Choose the right A2 Physics starting point
- Review a Concept
Explain the advanced model
Reconstruct the system, assumptions, field or graph and causal relationship, then connect it explicitly to AS foundations.
- Check Mastery
Retrieve conditions and units
Reproduce defining conditions, linked relationships, symbols and units without notes, including the trigger for each representation or equation.
- Practise questions
Apply and repair
Solve a structured or data question, identify the first invalid decision and retry a nearby item with the corrected evidence chain.
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.
SourceCambridge International · Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus9702 · Version 1 · exams 2028, 2029 and 2030
Cambridge A2 Physics 9702 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.