Understand Physics
Cambridge AS & A Level Physics course and assessment guide
Cambridge AS & A Level Physics combines secure subject knowledge with application, analysis and clear communication. This guide groups the official syllabus content into a readable learning journey and explains the usual assessment progression.
Know the papers.
Prepare with purpose.
The AS route can be taken as a qualification or as the first part of the full A Level. The final paper combination depends on the subject and entry route.
AS theory
AS candidates demonstrate knowledge, application and interpretation across the AS content.
Practical skills
Sciences include a timetabled practical paper; mathematics assesses technique and problem solving through written papers.
A Level theory
A Level adds more demanding content and unfamiliar applications, requiring linked reasoning across topics.
Planning, analysis and evaluation
Science candidates plan investigations and evaluate evidence; mathematics candidates choose methods and communicate complete solutions.
Every area,
explained clearly.
AS Level foundations
Measurements and mechanics lead into matter, waves and electricity, with practical work throughout.
Physical quantities and unitsSI units, scalars, vectors and homogeneity establish precise physical communication.＋
SI units, scalars, vectors and homogeneity establish precise physical communication. Uncertainty and significant figures support trustworthy measurement.
Kinematics and dynamicsMotion graphs and equations describe movement, while Newton's laws explain its causes.＋
Motion graphs and equations describe movement, while Newton's laws explain its causes. Momentum and force connect interactions to measurable change.
Forces, density and pressureMoments, equilibrium, density and fluid pressure model structures and materials.＋
Moments, equilibrium, density and fluid pressure model structures and materials. Clear diagrams are central to solving multi-force situations.
Work, energy and powerEnergy transfers, efficiency and power provide conservation-based approaches to mechanics.＋
Energy transfers, efficiency and power provide conservation-based approaches to mechanics. Gravitational and kinetic energy are applied to realistic systems.
Deformation of solidsForce-extension behaviour, stress, strain and Young modulus quantify material response.＋
Force-extension behaviour, stress, strain and Young modulus quantify material response. Elastic and plastic regions are distinguished experimentally.
Waves and superpositionWave terms, interference, diffraction and stationary waves explain sound and light patterns.＋
Wave terms, interference, diffraction and stationary waves explain sound and light patterns. Practical measurements connect phase and path difference to observations.
Electricity and d.c. circuitsCharge, current, potential difference, resistance and power build circuit models.＋
Charge, current, potential difference, resistance and power build circuit models. Kirchhoff's laws, potential dividers and internal resistance support quantitative networks.
Particle physicsAtoms, nuclei, fundamental particles and interactions introduce modern classifications.＋
Atoms, nuclei, fundamental particles and interactions introduce modern classifications. Conservation laws are used to analyse particle processes.
A Level extension
Fields, oscillations, thermal physics, electromagnetism and quantum ideas extend the AS foundation.
Circular motion and gravitationCentripetal acceleration is linked to gravitational or other radial forces.＋
Centripetal acceleration is linked to gravitational or other radial forces. Field strength, potential and orbital motion connect local mechanics to astronomy.
Temperature and ideal gasesThermal equilibrium, gas laws and kinetic theory connect microscopic motion to macroscopic measurements.＋
Thermal equilibrium, gas laws and kinetic theory connect microscopic motion to macroscopic measurements. Internal energy and molecular speed deepen the particle model.
ThermodynamicsHeating, work and internal energy are tracked through the first law.＋
Heating, work and internal energy are tracked through the first law. Specific heat, latent heat and gas processes are treated quantitatively.
OscillationsSimple harmonic motion is described through equations, graphs, energy and phase.＋
Simple harmonic motion is described through equations, graphs, energy and phase. Damping, resonance and forced motion connect ideal models to real systems.
Electric and magnetic fieldsField strength, potential, capacitance and forces on charges are developed quantitatively.＋
Field strength, potential, capacitance and forces on charges are developed quantitatively. Magnetic fields and charged-particle motion connect electricity to mechanics.
Electromagnetic induction and alternating currentsFlux linkage, Faraday's law and Lenz's law explain induced emf.＋
Flux linkage, Faraday's law and Lenz's law explain induced emf. Alternating quantities, transformers and transmission show major applications.
Quantum physics and nuclear physicsPhotons, the photoelectric effect, wave-particle ideas and atomic spectra motivate quantum models.＋
Photons, the photoelectric effect, wave-particle ideas and atomic spectra motivate quantum models. Radioactive decay, binding energy and nuclear reactions explain nuclear change.
Medical physics and astronomyImaging, ultrasound, radiation and diagnostic techniques apply physics to medicine.＋
Imaging, ultrasound, radiation and diagnostic techniques apply physics to medicine. Stellar properties, cosmology and observational evidence extend physics to the universe.
A student-friendly summary of the Cambridge International AS & A Level syllabus. Centres should confirm the syllabus version and component option for their examination series.
Content is presented as an original student-friendly explanation. Always use the official syllabus for the examination year as the final authority.