Cambridge International AS Level Physics 9702
Study Cambridge International AS Level Physics 9702 by connecting physical models, diagrams, equations and evidence, then practise precise theoretical reasoning, quantitative working and laboratory decisions across Papers 1–3.
- Syllabus
- Current syllabus · first assessment 2028
- Course
- Physics
- Level
- AS
Questions to revisit
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Explore the Cambridge AS Level Physics syllabus
Navigate the 11 official AS theory groups plus dedicated practical-assessment and mathematical, data, formula and circuit-symbol skills. The 13-group map connects 37 Topic destinations so measurement, uncertainty, graphing and formula use remain part of Physics learning rather than exam-day extras.
- 13
- syllabus groups
- 37
- mapped topics
- 1. Physical quantities and units4 topics Explore unit
- 2. Kinematics1 topic Explore unit
- 3. Dynamics3 topics Explore unit
- 4. Forces, density and pressure3 topics Explore unit
- 5. Work, energy and power2 topics Explore unit
- 6. Deformation of solids2 topics Explore unit
- 7. Waves5 topics Explore unit
- 8. Superposition4 topics Explore unit
- 9. Electricity3 topics Explore unit
- 10. D.C. circuits3 topics Explore unit
- 11. Particle physics2 topics Explore unit
- Practical assessment skills1 topic Explore unit
- Mathematical, data, formula and circuit-symbol skills4 topics Explore unit
Where to start
Start from one known Topic or diagnose whether the first repeated failure is conceptual, representational, quantitative, explanatory or practical.
Choose your starting point
I know the weak Topic
Open its theory or skills group and identify whether the model, representation, equation, units, explanation or practical decision is failing.
Browse the AS syllabusI do not know what is weak
Use mixed theory and data questions to locate the first repeated failure before choosing a Concept or practice set.
Start a diagnostic
Choose the right AS Physics starting point
Explain the physical model
Reconstruct the system, assumptions, diagram and causal relationship, then connect the verbal, graphical and mathematical representations.
Review a ConceptRetrieve relationships and units
Reproduce definitions, symbols, units, equations and method triggers without notes, including what supplied formulae do not decide for you.
Check MasteryApply and repair
Solve a relevant question, compare the evidence chain and correct the first wrong decision before attempting a nearby item independently.
Practise questions
How to study Cambridge International AS Level Physics 9702
Build each physical model across diagrams, words, equations and evidence, then practise distinct routines for multiple choice, structured questions and laboratory work.
Practise AS Physics by evidence type
Use different routines for mechanics models, wave and circuit representations, particle explanations and Paper 3 measurement, graphing and evaluation decisions.
Mechanics and deformation
Kinematics, forces, momentum, energy, pressure, stress and strain
Sketch the system, define a positive direction and label forces, motion, energy or deformation quantities before selecting an equation. Carry SI units through the working, then check conservation, sign and magnitude against the physical boundary and limiting behaviour.
Practise mechanicsWaves, superposition and circuits
Wave graphs, phase, interference, diffraction, resistance, Kirchhoff's laws and potential dividers
Translate between apparatus or circuit diagrams, graphs, verbal mechanisms and equations. Annotate phase, path difference, current and potential relationships before calculating, and use boundary or limiting cases to test whether the proposed wave or circuit behaviour is coherent.
Practise waves and circuitsParticle physics and written reasoning
Nuclear processes, radiation, conservation laws and fundamental particles
Balance charge and nucleon number, use accepted particle notation and separate observation from inference. Build short explanations as linked causal statements with precise physical vocabulary, then check that every stated interaction or decay respects the relevant conservation rules.
Practise particle physicsPaper 3 measurement and data
Instrument readings, repeated measurements, tables, graphs, uncertainty, limitations and improvements
Collect repeated readings with instrument-compatible precision, organise headings and units, choose a useful graph scale and draw a justified best-fit line. Quantify uncertainty, identify a specific experimental limitation and propose one matched improvement that would reduce its effect.
Practise practical skills
Build a consistent study approach
Cambridge AS Physics rewards connected evidence, not isolated formula recall. Use the AS syllabus map to move from physical quantities and mechanics through waves, circuits and particle physics while revisiting mathematical and practical skills. For each problem, define the system, draw or interpret the representation, state assumptions, choose a relationship from the conditions, preserve units and test whether the sign, scale and conclusion are physically plausible.
Rebuild the model and causal explanation in Concept, then retrieve definitions, symbols, units and method triggers in Mastery without copying a solution. Apply them through the Question Bank and identify the first failure as concept, representation, equation choice, algebra, units, explanation or data handling. Repair that decision and retry a nearby question, while rehearsing complete measurement, graph and evaluation decisions for Paper 3.
Cambridge AS Level Physics 9702 assessment
AS candidates take Papers 1, 2 and 3 in the same series. The three components reward different evidence: rapid model discrimination, fully shown structured reasoning and laboratory measurement, graphing, conclusion and evaluation skills.
SourceCambridge International · Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus9702 · Version 1 · exams 2028, 2029 and 2030
Frequently Asked Questions
Papers 1 and 2 include AS data and selected formulae on page 2. You must still recognise the relevant relationship, rearrange it, substitute consistent units and interpret the result. The A Level-only extension formulae used for Paper 4 are outside this AS page and should not shape AS revision.
Paper 3 contains two laboratory questions covering apparatus use, measurement, repeated readings, tables, graphs, conclusions, uncertainty, limitations and improvements. One question requires a graph; the other includes evaluating an inaccurate method. Cambridge recommends that at least 20% of course time involve learners doing practical work, excluding demonstrations.
No. Cambridge states that every AS and A Level science route includes a practical component and there is no Alternative to Practical option for this qualification. Private candidates need arrangements that provide appropriate practical preparation and entry for an Advanced Practical Skills paper through an approved centre.
Show the method and appropriate units in Papers 2 and 3. Record raw readings with precision consistent with the instrument, and normally give calculated practical values to the same or one more significant figure than the least precise input. Avoid premature rounding; keep sufficient precision until the final result.