Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Syllabus overview Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview

Content overview Assessment overview

Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Physics study the following topics: Paper 1 Paper 4
1 Physical quantities and units Multiple Choice 1 hour 15 minutes A Level Structured Questions 2 hours
2 Kinematics 40 marks 100 marks
3 Dynamics 40 multiple-choice questions Structured questions
4 Forces, density and pressure Questions are based on the AS Level syllabus Questions are based on the A Level syllabus
5 Work, energy and power content. content; knowledge of material from the AS Level
6 Deformation of solids Externally assessed syllabus content will be required.
7 Waves 31% of the AS Level Externally assessed
8 Superposition 15.5% of the A Level 38.5% of the A Level
9 Electricity
10 D.C. circuits
11 Particle physics Paper 2 Paper 5

AS Level candidates also study practical skills. AS Level Structured Questions Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
1 hour 15 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes
60 marks 30 marks
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Physics study the AS Level topics and the
following topics: Structured questions Candidates answer two compulsory questions.

12 Motion in a circle Questions are based on the AS Level syllabus Questions are based on the experimental skills in
content. the Practical assessment section of the syllabus.
13 Gravitational fields
Externally assessed The context of the questions may be outside the
14 Temperature syllabus content.
46% of the AS Level
15 Ideal gases Externally assessed
23% of the A Level
16 Thermodynamics 11.5% of the A Level
17 Oscillations
18 Electric fields
19 Capacitance Paper 3
20 Magnetic fields
Advanced Practical Skills 2 hours
21 Alternating currents
40 marks
22 Quantum physics
Practical work and structured questions
23 Nuclear physics
Questions are based on the experimental skills in
24 Medical physics the Practical assessment section of the syllabus.
25 Astronomy and cosmology The context of the questions may be outside the
syllabus content.
A Level candidates also study practical skills. Externally assessed
23% of the AS Level
11.5% of the A Level

Information on availability is in the Before you start section.

School feedback: ‘Cambridge International AS & A Levels prepare students well for university
because they’ve learnt to go into a subject in considerable depth. There’s that ability to really
understand the depth and richness and the detail of a subject. It’s a wonderful preparation for
what they are going to face at university.’
Feedback from: US Higher Education Advisory Council

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview

There are three routes for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics: Assessment objectives
Route Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5 The assessment objectives (AOs) are:

1 AS Level only AO1 Knowledge and understanding

(Candidates take all AS yes yes yes
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
components in the same exam
series) • scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories
• scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units)
2 A Level (staged over two years)
Year 1 AS Level* yes yes yes • scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety
• scientific quantities and their determination
Year 2 Complete the A Level yes yes
• scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.
3 A Level
(Candidates take all components in yes yes yes yes yes AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information
the same exam series) Candidates should be able to handle, apply and evaluate information in words or using other forms of
presentation (e.g. symbols, graphical or numerical) to:
* Candidates carry forward their AS Level result subject to the rules and time limits described in the Cambridge
• locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources
Handbook. See Making entries for more information on carry forward of results.
• translate information from one form to another
Candidates following an AS Level route are eligible for grades a–e. Candidates following an A Level route are • manipulate numerical and other data
eligible for grades A*–E. • use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw conclusions
• give reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships
• make predictions and construct arguments to support hypotheses
• make sense of new situations
• evaluate hypotheses
• demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of physical theories and models
• solve problems.

AO3 Experimental skills and investigations

Candidates should be able to:
• plan experiments and investigations
• collect, record and present observations, measurements and estimates
• analyse and interpret experimental data to reach conclusions
• evaluate methods and quality of experimental data, and suggest improvements to experiments.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Syllabus overview Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Weighting for assessment objectives 3 Subject content

The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each qualification This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.
Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting subject contexts, resources and examples to support your
Assessment objective Weighting in AS Level % Weighting in A Level % learners’ study. These should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as
well as complying with your school policies and local legal requirements.
AO1 Knowledge and understanding 40 40
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level should study topics 1–11.
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information 40 40
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level should study all topics.
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations 20 20

Total 100 100 The content of the AS Level learning outcomes is assumed knowledge for the A Level components.

Teachers should refer to the social, environmental, economic and technological aspects of physics wherever
Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component possible throughout the syllabus. Some examples are included in the syllabus and teachers should encourage
learners to apply the principles of these examples to other situations introduced in the course.
Assessment objective Weighting in components %

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5 The syllabus content for practical skills is in the Practical assessment section.

AO1 Knowledge and understanding 50 50 0 50 0 Teachers should ensure that candidates are prepared for the assessment of both theory learning outcomes
and practical skills.
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information 50 50 0 50 0
Support for teaching practical skills for these qualifications can be found on the School Support Hub
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations 0 0 100 0 100
www.cambridgeinternational.org/support
Total 100 100 100 100 100
Data and formulae
Data and formulae will appear as page 2 in Papers 1 and 2 and pages 2 and 3 in Paper 4. The data and
formulae are shown in section 6.

Decimal markers
In accordance with current ASE convention, decimal markers in examination papers will be a single dot on the
line. Candidates are expected to follow this convention in their answers.

Units
In practical work, candidates will be expected to use SI units or, where appropriate, units approved by the BIPM
for use with the SI (e.g. minute). A list of SI units and units approved for use with the SI may be found in the SI
brochure at www.bipm.org. The use of imperial/customary units such as the inch and degree Fahrenheit is
not acceptable and should be discouraged. In all examinations, where data is supplied for use in questions,
candidates will be expected to use units that are consistent with the units supplied, and should not attempt
conversion to other systems of units unless this is a requirement of the question.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

AS Level subject content 2 Kinematics

1 Physical quantities and units 2.1 Equations of motion

1.1 Physical quantities Candidates should be able to:

Candidates should be able to: 1 define and use distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration

1 understand that all physical quantities consist of a numerical magnitude and a unit 2 use graphical methods to represent distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration

2 make reasonable estimates of physical quantities included within the syllabus 3 determine displacement from the area under a velocity–time graph

4 determine velocity using the gradient of a displacement–time graph

1.2 SI units 5 determine acceleration using the gradient of a velocity–time graph

Candidates should be able to: 6 derive, from the definitions of velocity and acceleration, equations that represent uniformly accelerated
motion in a straight line
1 recall the following SI base quantities and their units: mass (kg), length (m), time (s), current (A),
temperature (K) 7 solve problems using equations that represent uniformly accelerated motion in a straight line, including
the motion of bodies falling in a uniform gravitational field without air resistance
2 express derived units as products or quotients of the SI base units and use the derived units for
quantities listed in this syllabus as appropriate 8 describe an experiment to determine the acceleration of free fall using a falling object

3 use SI base units to check the homogeneity of physical equations 9 describe and explain motion due to a uniform velocity in one direction and a uniform acceleration in a
perpendicular direction
4 recall and use the following prefixes and their symbols to indicate decimal submultiples or multiples of
both base and derived units: pico (p), nano (n), micro (μ), milli (m), centi (c), deci (d), kilo (k), mega (M),
giga (G), tera (T)
3 Dynamics
An understanding of forces from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed.
1.3 Errors and uncertainties 3.1 Momentum and Newton’s laws of motion
Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:
1 understand and explain the effects of systematic errors (including zero errors) and random errors in 1 understand that mass is the property of an object that resists change in motion
measurements
2 recall F = ma and solve problems using it, understanding that acceleration and resultant force are
2 understand the distinction between precision and accuracy always in the same direction
3 assess the uncertainty in a derived quantity by simple addition of absolute or percentage uncertainties 3 define and use linear momentum as the product of mass and velocity

4 define and use force as rate of change of momentum

1.4 Scalars and vectors 5 state and apply each of Newton’s laws of motion
Candidates should be able to: 6 describe and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass and recall that
1 understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities and give examples of scalar and vector the weight of an object is equal to the product of its mass and the acceleration of free fall
quantities included in the syllabus

2 add and subtract coplanar vectors

3 represent a vector as two perpendicular components

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

3.2 Non-uniform motion 4.3 Density and pressure

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:

1 show a qualitative understanding of frictional forces and viscous/drag forces including air resistance 1 define and use density
(no treatment of the coefficients of friction and viscosity is required, and a simple model of drag force
increasing as speed increases is sufficient) 2 define and use pressure

2 describe and explain qualitatively the motion of objects in a uniform gravitational field with air resistance 3 derive, from the definitions of pressure and density, the equation for hydrostatic pressure ∆p = ρg∆ h

3 understand that objects moving against a resistive force may reach a terminal (constant) velocity 4 use the equation ∆p = ρg∆ h

5 understand that the upthrust acting on an object in a fluid is due to a difference in hydrostatic pressure

3.3 Linear momentum and its conservation 6 calculate the upthrust acting on an object in a fluid using the equation F = ρgV (Archimedes’ principle)

Candidates should be able to:

1 state the principle of conservation of momentum 5 Work, energy and power

An understanding of the forms of energy and energy transfers from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics
2 apply the principle of conservation of momentum to solve simple problems, including elastic and or equivalent is assumed.
inelastic interactions between objects in both one and two dimensions (knowledge of the concept of
coefficient of restitution is not required) 5.1 Energy conservation

3 recall that, for an elastic collision, total kinetic energy is conserved and the relative speed of approach is Candidates should be able to:
equal to the relative speed of separation
1 understand the concept of work, and recall and use work done = force × displacement in the direction
4 understand that, while momentum of a system is always conserved in interactions between objects, of the force
some change in kinetic energy may take place
2 recall and apply the principle of conservation of energy

3 recall and understand that the efficiency of a system is the ratio of useful energy output from the system
4 Forces, density and pressure to the total energy input

4.1 Turning effects of forces 4 use the concept of efficiency to solve problems

Candidates should be able to: 5 define power as work done per unit time

1 understand that the weight of an object may be taken as acting at a single point known as its centre of 6 solve problems using P = W / t
gravity
7 derive P = Fv and use it to solve problems
2 define and apply the moment of a force

3 understand that a couple is a pair of forces that acts to produce rotation only
5.2 Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy
4 define and apply the torque of a couple
Candidates should be able to:

1 derive, using W = Fs, the formula ∆EP = mg∆ h for gravitational potential energy changes in a uniform
4.2 Equilibrium of forces gravitational field

Candidates should be able to: 2 recall and use the formula ∆EP = mg∆ h for gravitational potential energy changes in a uniform
gravitational field
1 state and apply the principle of moments
1
2 understand that, when there is no resultant force and no resultant torque, a system is in equilibrium 3 derive, using the equations of motion, the formula for kinetic energy EK = 2 mv2

3 use a vector triangle to represent coplanar forces in equilibrium 1

4 recall and use EK = 2 mv2

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

6 Deformation of solids 7.2 Transverse and longitudinal waves

6.1 Stress and strain Candidates should be able to:

Candidates should be able to: 1 compare transverse and longitudinal waves

1 understand that deformation is caused by tensile or compressive forces (forces and deformations will 2 analyse and interpret graphical representations of transverse and longitudinal waves
be assumed to be in one dimension only)

2 understand and use the terms load, extension, compression and limit of proportionality
7.3 Doppler effect for sound waves
3 recall and use Hooke’s law
Candidates should be able to:
4 recall and use the formula for the spring constant k = F / x
1 understand that when a source of sound waves moves relative to a stationary observer, the observed
5 define and use the terms stress, strain and the Young modulus frequency is different from the source frequency (understanding of the Doppler effect for a stationary
source and a moving observer is not required)
6 describe an experiment to determine the Young modulus of a metal in the form of a wire
2 use the expression fο = f sv / (v ± vs) for the observed frequency when a source of sound waves moves
relative to a stationary observer
6.2 Elastic and plastic behaviour

Candidates should be able to: 7.4 Electromagnetic spectrum

1 understand and use the terms elastic deformation, plastic deformation and elastic limit Candidates should be able to:
2 understand that the area under the force–extension graph represents the work done 1 state that all electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel with the same speed c in free
space
3 determine the elastic potential energy of a material deformed within its limit of proportionality from the
area under the force–extension graph 2 recall the approximate range of wavelengths in free space of the principal regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to γ-rays
1 1
4 recall and use EP = 2 Fx = 2 kx2 for a material deformed within its limit of proportionality
3 recall that wavelengths in the range 400–700 nm in free space are visible to the human eye

7 Waves
An understanding of colour from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed. 7.5 Polarisation

7.1 Progressive waves Candidates should be able to:

Candidates should be able to: 1 understand that polarisation is a phenomenon associated with transverse waves

1 describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes, springs and ripple tanks 2 recall and use Malus’s law (I = I0 cos2θ ) to calculate the intensity of a plane-polarised electromagnetic
wave after transmission through a polarising filter or a series of polarising filters (calculation of the effect
2 understand and use the terms displacement, amplitude, phase difference, period, frequency, of a polarising filter on the intensity of an unpolarised wave is not required)
wavelength and speed

3 understand the use of the time-base and y-gain of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) to determine
frequency and amplitude

4 derive, using the definitions of speed, frequency and wavelength, the wave equation v = f λ

5 recall and use v = f λ

6 understand that energy is transferred by a progressive wave

7 recall and use intensity = power/area and intensity ∝ (amplitude)2 for a progressive wave

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

8 Superposition 9 Electricity

8.1 Stationary waves 9.1 Electric current

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:

1 explain and use the principle of superposition 1 understand that an electric current is a flow of charge carriers

2 show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate stationary waves using microwaves, stretched 2 understand that the charge on charge carriers is quantised
strings and air columns (it will be assumed that end corrections are negligible; knowledge of the
concept of end corrections is not required) 3 recall and use Q = It

3 explain the formation of a stationary wave using a graphical method, and identify nodes and antinodes 4 use, for a current-carrying conductor, the expression I = Anvq, where n is the number density of charge
carriers
4 understand how wavelength may be determined from the positions of nodes or antinodes of a
stationary wave

9.2 Potential difference and power

8.2 Diffraction Candidates should be able to:

Candidates should be able to: 1 define the potential difference across a component as the energy transferred per unit charge

1 explain the meaning of the term diffraction 2 recall and use V = W / Q

2 show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate diffraction including the qualitative effect of the 3 recall and use P = VI, P = I 2R and P = V 2 / R
gap width relative to the wavelength of the wave; for example diffraction of water waves in a ripple tank

9.3 Resistance and resistivity

8.3 Interference
Candidates should be able to:
Candidates should be able to:
1 define resistance
1 understand the terms interference and coherence
2 recall and use V = IR
2 show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate two-source interference using water waves in
a ripple tank, sound, light and microwaves 3 sketch the I–V characteristics of a metallic conductor at constant temperature, a semiconductor diode
and a filament lamp
3 understand the conditions required if two-source interference fringes are to be observed
4 explain that the resistance of a filament lamp increases as current increases because its temperature
4 recall and use λ = ax / D for double-slit interference using light increases

5 state Ohm’s law

8.4 The diffraction grating 6 recall and use R = ρL / A

Candidates should be able to: 7 understand that the resistance of a light-dependent resistor (LDR) decreases as the light intensity
increases
1 recall and use d sin θ = nλ
8 understand that the resistance of a thermistor decreases as the temperature increases (it will be
2 describe the use of a diffraction grating to determine the wavelength of light (the structure and use of assumed that thermistors have a negative temperature coefficient)
the spectrometer are not included)

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

10 D.C. circuits 11 Particle physics

10.1 Practical circuits 11.1 Atoms, nuclei and radiation

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:

1 recall and use the circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus 1 infer from the results of the α-particle scattering experiment the existence and small size of the nucleus

2 draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing the circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus 2 describe a simple model for the nuclear atom to include protons, neutrons and orbital electrons

3 define and use the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a source as energy transferred per unit charge in 3 distinguish between nucleon number and proton number
driving charge around a complete circuit
4 understand that isotopes are forms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their
4 distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference (p.d.) in terms of energy considerations nuclei

5 understand the effects of the internal resistance of a source of e.m.f. on the terminal potential difference 5 understand and use the notation AZ X for the representation of nuclides

6 understand that nucleon number and charge are conserved in nuclear processes

10.2 Kirchhoff’s laws 7 describe the composition, mass and charge of α-, β- and γ-radiations (both β – (electrons) and β+
(positrons) are included)
Candidates should be able to:
8 understand that an antiparticle has the same mass but opposite charge to the corresponding particle,
1 recall Kirchhoff’s first law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of charge and that a positron is the antiparticle of an electron
2 recall Kirchhoff’s second law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of energy 9 state that (electron) antineutrinos are produced during β – decay and (electron) neutrinos are produced
3 derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series during β+ decay

4 use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series 10 understand that α-particles have discrete energies but that β-particles have a continuous range of
energies because (anti)neutrinos are emitted in β-decay
5 derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel
11 represent α- and β-decay by a radioactive decay equation of the form 238
92
U " 234
90
Th + 24 α
6 use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel
12 use the unified atomic mass unit (u) as a unit of mass
7 use Kirchhoff’s laws to solve simple circuit problems

11.2 Fundamental particles

10.3 Potential dividers
Candidates should be able to:
Candidates should be able to:
1 understand that a quark is a fundamental particle and that there are six flavours (types) of quark: up,
1 understand the principle of a potential divider circuit down, strange, charm, top and bottom

2 recall and use the principle of the potentiometer as a means of comparing potential differences 2 recall and use the charge of each flavour of quark and understand that its respective antiquark has the
opposite charge (no knowledge of any other properties of quarks is required)
3 understand the use of a galvanometer in null methods
3 recall that protons and neutrons are not fundamental particles and describe protons and neutrons in
4 explain the use of thermistors and light-dependent resistors in potential dividers to provide a potential
terms of their quark composition
difference that is dependent on temperature and light intensity
4 understand that a hadron may be either a baryon (consisting of three quarks) or a meson (consisting of
one quark and one antiquark)

5 describe the changes to quark composition that take place during β – and β+ decay

6 recall that electrons and neutrinos are fundamental particles called leptons

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

A Level subject content 13.3 Gravitational field of a point mass

12 Motion in a circle Candidates should be able to:

12.1 Kinematics of uniform circular motion 1 derive, from Newton’s law of gravitation and the definition of gravitational field, the equation
g = GM / r 2 for the gravitational field strength due to a point mass
Candidates should be able to:
2 recall and use g = GM / r 2
1 define the radian and express angular displacement in radians
3 understand why g is approximately constant for small changes in height near the Earth’s surface
2 understand and use the concept of angular speed

3 recall and use ω = 2π / T and v = rω

13.4 Gravitational potential

Candidates should be able to:

12.2 Centripetal acceleration
1 define gravitational potential at a point as the work done per unit mass in bringing a small test mass
Candidates should be able to: from infinity to the point
1 understand that a force of constant magnitude that is always perpendicular to the direction of motion 2 use ϕ = –GM / r for the gravitational potential in the field due to a point mass
causes centripetal acceleration
3 understand how the concept of gravitational potential leads to the gravitational potential energy of two
2 understand that centripetal acceleration causes circular motion with a constant angular speed point masses and use EP = –GMm / r
3 recall and use a = rω2 and a = v2 / r

4 recall and use F = mrω2 and F = mv2 / r 14 Temperature

14.1 Thermal equilibrium

13 Gravitational fields Candidates should be able to:

13.1 Gravitational field 1 understand that (thermal) energy is transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower
temperature
Candidates should be able to:
2 understand that regions of equal temperature are in thermal equilibrium
1 understand that a gravitational field is an example of a field of force and define gravitational field as
force per unit mass

2 represent a gravitational field by means of field lines 14.2 Temperature scales

Candidates should be able to:

13.2 Gravitational force between point masses 1 understand that a physical property that varies with temperature may be used for the measurement of
temperature and state examples of such properties, including the density of a liquid, volume of a gas at
Candidates should be able to: constant pressure, resistance of a metal, e.m.f. of a thermocouple
1 understand that, for a point outside a uniform sphere, the mass of the sphere may be considered to be 2 understand that the scale of thermodynamic temperature does not depend on the property of any
a point mass at its centre particular substance
2 recall and use Newton’s law of gravitation F = Gm1m2 / r2 for the force between two point masses 3 convert temperatures between kelvin and degrees Celsius and recall that T / K = θ / °C + 273.15
3 analyse circular orbits in gravitational fields by relating the gravitational force to the centripetal 4 understand that the lowest possible temperature is zero kelvin on the thermodynamic temperature
acceleration it causes scale and that this is known as absolute zero
4 understand that a satellite in a geostationary orbit remains at the same point above the Earth’s surface,
with an orbital period of 24 hours, orbiting from west to east, directly above the Equator

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

14.3 Specific heat capacity and specific latent heat 16 Thermodynamics

An understanding of energy from Cambridge IGCSE/O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed.
Candidates should be able to:
16.1 Internal energy
1 define and use specific heat capacity
Candidates should be able to:
2 define and use specific latent heat and distinguish between specific latent heat of fusion and specific
latent heat of vaporisation 1 understand that internal energy is determined by the state of the system and that it can be expressed
as the sum of a random distribution of kinetic and potential energies associated with the molecules of a
system

15 Ideal gases 2 relate a rise in temperature of an object to an increase in its internal energy

15.1 The mole

Candidates should be able to: 16.2 The first law of thermodynamics

1 understand that amount of substance is an SI base quantity with the base unit mol Candidates should be able to:

2 use molar quantities where one mole of any substance is the amount containing a number of particles 1 recall and use W = p∆V for the work done when the volume of a gas changes at constant pressure and
of that substance equal to the Avogadro constant NA understand the difference between the work done by the gas and the work done on the gas

2 recall and use the first law of thermodynamics ∆U = q + W expressed in terms of the increase in
internal energy, the heating of the system (energy transferred to the system by heating) and the work
15.2 Equation of state done on the system
Candidates should be able to:

1 understand that a gas obeying pV ∝ T, where T is the thermodynamic temperature, is known as an 17 Oscillations
ideal gas
17.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
2 recall and use the equation of state for an ideal gas expressed as pV = nRT, where n = amount of
substance (number of moles) and as pV = NkT, where N = number of molecules Candidates should be able to:

3 recall that the Boltzmann constant k is given by k = R / NA 1 understand and use the terms displacement, amplitude, period, frequency, angular frequency and
phase difference in the context of oscillations, and express the period in terms of both frequency and
angular frequency
15.3 Kinetic theory of gases 2 understand that simple harmonic motion occurs when acceleration is proportional to displacement
from a fixed point and in the opposite direction
Candidates should be able to:
3 use a = – ω2 x and recall and use, as a solution to this equation, x = x0 sin ωt
1 state the basic assumptions of the kinetic theory of gases

2 explain how molecular movement causes the pressure exerted by a gas and derive and use the 4 use the equations v = v0 cos ωt and v = ± ω (x02 − x 2)
1
relationship pV = 3 Nm<c2>, where <c2> is the mean-square speed (a simple model considering
1 5 analyse and interpret graphical representations of the variations of displacement, velocity and
one-dimensional collisions and then extending to three dimensions using 3 <c2> = <cx2> is sufficient)
acceleration for simple harmonic motion
3 understand that the root-mean-square speed cr.m.s. is given by <c 2 >

1
4 compare pV = 3 Nm<c2> with pV = NkT to deduce that the average translational kinetic energy of a
3
molecule is 2 kT, and recall and use this expression

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

17.2 Energy in simple harmonic motion 18.3 Electric force between point charges

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:

1 describe the interchange between kinetic and potential energy during simple harmonic motion 1 understand that, for a point outside a spherical conductor, the charge on the sphere may be
considered to be a point charge at its centre
2 mω x0
1 2 2
2 recall and use E = for the total energy of a system undergoing simple harmonic motion
2 recall and use Coulomb’s law F = Q1Q2 / (4πε 0 r 2) for the force between two point charges in free space

17.3 Damped and forced oscillations, resonance

18.4 Electric field of a point charge
Candidates should be able to:
Candidates should be able to:
1 understand that a resistive force acting on an oscillating system causes damping
1 recall and use E = Q / (4πε 0 r 2) for the electric field strength due to a point charge in free space
2 understand and use the terms light, critical and heavy damping and sketch displacement–time graphs
illustrating these types of damping

3 understand that resonance involves a maximum amplitude of oscillations and that this occurs when an 18.5 Electric potential
oscillating system is forced to oscillate at its natural frequency
Candidates should be able to:

1 define electric potential at a point as the work done per unit positive charge in bringing a small test
18 Electric fields charge from infinity to the point

18.1 Electric fields and field lines 2 recall and use the fact that the electric field at a point is equal to the negative of potential gradient at
that point
Candidates should be able to:
3 use V = Q / (4πε 0 r) for the electric potential in the field due to a point charge
1 understand that an electric field is an example of a field of force and define electric field as force per
unit positive charge 4 understand how the concept of electric potential leads to the electric potential energy of two point
charges and use EP = Qq / (4πε 0 r)
2 recall and use F = qE for the force on a charge in an electric field

3 represent an electric field by means of field lines

19 Capacitance

19.1 Capacitors and capacitance

18.2 Uniform electric fields
Candidates should be able to:
Candidates should be able to:
1 define capacitance, as applied to both isolated spherical conductors and to parallel plate capacitors
1 recall and use E = ∆V / ∆d to calculate the field strength of the uniform field between charged parallel
plates 2 recall and use C = Q / V

2 describe the effect of a uniform electric field on the motion of charged particles 3 derive, using C = Q / V, formulae for the combined capacitance of capacitors in series and in parallel

4 use the capacitance formulae for capacitors in series and in parallel

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

19.2 Energy stored in a capacitor 20.3 Force on a moving charge

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:

1 determine the electric potential energy stored in a capacitor from the area under the potential–charge 1 determine the direction of the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field
graph
2 recall and use F = BQv sin θ
1 1
2 recall and use W = 2 QV = 2 CV2
3 understand the origin of the Hall voltage and derive and use the expression VH = BI / (ntq),
where t = thickness

4 understand the use of a Hall probe to measure magnetic flux density

19.3 Discharging a capacitor
5 describe the motion of a charged particle moving in a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the
Candidates should be able to:
direction of motion of the particle
1 analyse graphs of the variation with time of potential difference, charge and current for a capacitor
6 explain how electric and magnetic fields can be used in velocity selection
discharging through a resistor

2 recall and use τ = RC for the time constant for a capacitor discharging through a resistor

3 use equations of the form x = x0 e –(t / RC) where x could represent current, charge or potential difference 20.4 Magnetic fields due to currents
for a capacitor discharging through a resistor
Candidates should be able to:

1 sketch magnetic field patterns due to the currents in a long straight wire, a flat circular coil and a long
20 Magnetic fields solenoid

20.1 Concept of a magnetic field 2 understand that the magnetic field due to the current in a solenoid is increased by a ferrous core

Candidates should be able to: 3 explain the origin of the forces between current-carrying conductors and determine the direction of the
forces
1 understand that a magnetic field is an example of a field of force produced either by moving charges or
by permanent magnets

2 represent a magnetic field by field lines 20.5 Electromagnetic induction

Candidates should be able to:

20.2 Force on a current-carrying conductor 1 define magnetic flux as the product of the magnetic flux density and the cross-sectional area
perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic flux density
Candidates should be able to:
2 recall and use Φ = BA
1 understand that a force might act on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field
3 understand and use the concept of magnetic flux linkage
2 recall and use the equation F = BIL sin θ, with directions as interpreted by Fleming’s left-hand rule
4 understand and explain experiments that demonstrate:
3 define magnetic flux density as the force acting per unit current per unit length on a wire placed at right- • that a changing magnetic flux can induce an e.m.f. in a circuit
angles to the magnetic field • that the induced e.m.f. is in such a direction as to oppose the change producing it
• the factors affecting the magnitude of the induced e.m.f.

5 recall and use Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws of electromagnetic induction

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

21 Alternating currents 22.2 Photoelectric effect

An understanding of the practical and economic advantages of transmission of power by electricity
from Cambridge IGCSE / O Level Physics or equivalent is assumed. Candidates should be able to:

21.1 Characteristics of alternating currents 1 understand that photoelectrons may be emitted from a metal surface when it is illuminated by
electromagnetic radiation
Candidates should be able to:
2 understand and use the terms threshold frequency and threshold wavelength
1 understand and use the terms period, frequency and peak value as applied to an alternating current or
voltage 3 explain photoelectric emission in terms of photon energy and work function energy

2 use equations of the form x = x0 sin ωt representing a sinusoidally alternating current or voltage 4 recall and use hf = Φ + 2 mvmax2
1

3 recall and use the fact that the mean power in a resistive load is half the maximum power for a 5 explain why the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons is independent of intensity, whereas the
sinusoidal alternating current photoelectric current is proportional to intensity

4 distinguish between root-mean-square (r.m.s.) and peak values and recall and use I r.m.s. = I0 / 2 and
Vr.m.s. = V0 / 2 for a sinusoidal alternating current
22.3 Wave-particle duality

Candidates should be able to:

21.2 Rectification and smoothing
1 understand that the photoelectric effect provides evidence for a particulate nature of electromagnetic
Candidates should be able to: radiation while phenomena such as interference and diffraction provide evidence for a wave nature

1 distinguish graphically between half-wave and full-wave rectification 2 describe and interpret qualitatively the evidence provided by electron diffraction for the wave nature of
particles
2 explain the use of a single diode for the half-wave rectification of an alternating current
3 understand the de Broglie wavelength as the wavelength associated with a moving particle
3 explain the use of four diodes (bridge rectifier) for the full-wave rectification of an alternating current
4 recall and use λ = h / p
4 analyse the effect of a single capacitor in smoothing, including the effect of the values of capacitance
and the load resistance

22.4 Energy levels in atoms and line spectra

22 Quantum physics Candidates should be able to:

22.1 Energy and momentum of a photon 1 understand that there are discrete electron energy levels in isolated atoms (e.g. atomic hydrogen)

Candidates should be able to: 2 understand the appearance and formation of emission and absorption line spectra

1 understand that electromagnetic radiation has a particulate nature 3 recall and use hf = E1 – E2

2 understand that a photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy

3 recall and use E = hf

4 use the electronvolt (eV) as a unit of energy

5 understand that a photon has momentum and that the momentum is given by p = E / c

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

23 Nuclear physics 24 Medical physics

23.1 Mass defect and nuclear binding energy 24.1 Production and use of ultrasound

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:

1 understand the equivalence between energy and mass as represented by E = mc2 and recall and use 1 understand that a piezo-electric crystal changes shape when a p.d. is applied across it and that the
this equation crystal generates an e.m.f. when its shape changes

2 represent simple nuclear reactions by nuclear equations of the form 147 N + 24 He " 178 O + 11 H 2 understand how ultrasound waves are generated and detected by a piezoelectric transducer

3 define and use the terms mass defect and binding energy 3 understand how the reflection of pulses of ultrasound at boundaries between tissues can be used to
obtain diagnostic information about internal structures
4 sketch the variation of binding energy per nucleon with nucleon number
4 define the specific acoustic impedance of a medium as Z = ρc, where c is the speed of sound in the
5 explain what is meant by nuclear fusion and nuclear fission medium

6 explain the relevance of binding energy per nucleon to nuclear reactions, including nuclear fusion and 5 use IR / I0 = (Z1 – Z2)2 / (Z1 + Z2)2 for the intensity reflection coefficient of a boundary between two media
nuclear fission
6 recall and use I = I0e –μ x for the attenuation of ultrasound in matter
7 calculate the energy released in nuclear reactions using E = c2∆ m

24.2 Production and use of X-rays

23.2 Radioactive decay
Candidates should be able to:
Candidates should be able to:
1 explain that X-rays are produced by electron bombardment of a metal target and calculate the minimum
1 understand that fluctuations in count rate provide evidence for the random nature of radioactive decay wavelength of X-rays produced from the accelerating p.d.

2 understand that radioactive decay is both spontaneous and random 2 understand the use of X-rays in imaging internal body structures, including an understanding of the
term contrast in X-ray imaging
3 define activity and decay constant, and recall and use A = λN
3 recall and use I = I0e –μ x for the attenuation of X-rays in matter
4 define half-life
4 understand that computed tomography (CT) scanning produces a 3D image of an internal structure
5 use λ = 0.693 / t 1 by first combining multiple X-ray images taken in the same section from different angles to obtain a 2D
2
image of the section, then repeating this process along an axis and combining 2D images of multiple
6 understand the exponential nature of radioactive decay, and sketch and use the relationship x = x0e –λt, sections
where x could represent activity, number of undecayed nuclei or received count rate

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Subject content

24.3 PET scanning 25.3 Hubble’s law and the Big Bang theory

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:

1 understand that a tracer is a substance containing radioactive nuclei that can be introduced into the 1 understand that the lines in the emission and absorption spectra from distant objects show an increase
body and is then absorbed by the tissue being studied in wavelength from their known values

2 recall that a tracer that decays by β+ decay is used in positron emission tomography (PET scanning) 2 use ∆λ / λ . ∆f / f . v / c for the redshift of electromagnetic radiation from a source moving relative to an
observer
3 understand that annihilation occurs when a particle interacts with its antiparticle and that mass–energy
and momentum are conserved in the process 3 explain why redshift leads to the idea that the Universe is expanding

4 explain that, in PET scanning, positrons emitted by the decay of the tracer annihilate when they interact 4 recall and use Hubble’s law v . H0 d and explain how this leads to the Big Bang theory
with electrons in the tissue, producing a pair of gamma-ray photons travelling in opposite directions (candidates will only be required to use SI units)

5 calculate the energy of the gamma-ray photons emitted during the annihilation of an electron-positron
pair

6 understand that the gamma-ray photons from an annihilation event travel outside the body and can
be detected, and an image of the tracer concentration in the tissue can be created by processing the
arrival times of the gamma-ray photons

25 Astronomy and cosmology

25.1 Standard candles

Candidates should be able to:

1 understand the term luminosity as the total power of radiation emitted by a star

2 recall and use the inverse square law for radiant flux intensity F in terms of the luminosity L of the source
F = L / (4πd 2)

3 understand that an object of known luminosity is called a standard candle

4 understand the use of standard candles to determine distances to galaxies

25.2 Stellar radii

Candidates should be able to:

1 recall and use Wien’s displacement law λmax ∝ 1 / T to estimate the peak surface temperature of a star

2 use the Stefan–Boltzmann law L = 4πσr 2 T 4

3 use Wien’s displacement law and the Stefan–Boltzmann law to estimate the radius of a star

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Details of the assessment

4 Details of the assessment Command words

Command words and their meanings help candidates know what is expected from them in the exam. The table
below includes command words used in the assessment for this syllabus. The use of the command word will
Paper 1 Multiple Choice relate to the subject context.

Written paper, 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks

Command word What it means
Forty multiple-choice items of the four-choice type testing assessment objectives AO1 and AO2. Questions are
Calculate work out from given facts, figures or information
based on the AS Level syllabus content.
Comment give an informed opinion

Compare identify/comment on similarities and/or differences

Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions
Written paper, 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks Define give precise meaning

Describe state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features
Structured questions testing assessment objectives AO1 and AO2. Questions are based on the AS Level
syllabus content. Determine establish an answer using the information available

Explain set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things evident / provide
why and/or how and support with relevant evidence
Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills
Practical test, 2 hours, 40 marks Give produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory

Identify name/select/recognise
This paper tests assessment objective AO3 in a practical context.
Justify support a case with evidence/argument
Two questions assess the AS Level practical skills in the Practical assessment section of the syllabus. The
content of the questions may be outside the syllabus content. Predict suggest what may happen based on available information

Show (that) provide structured evidence that leads to a given result

Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions Sketch make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features

Written paper, 2 hours, 100 marks State express in clear terms

Structured questions testing assessment objectives AO1 and AO2. Suggest apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid
responses in order to make proposals
Questions are based on the A Level syllabus; knowledge of material from the AS Level syllabus content will be
required.

Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation

Written paper, 1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks

Two questions testing assessment objective AO3.

Questions are based on the A Level practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation but may require
knowledge of practical skills from the AS Level syllabus. The content of the questions may be outside of the
syllabus content.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment

5 Practical assessment Mark allocations for Paper 3

Marks will be allocated for Paper 3 according to the table below. The expectations for each skill are listed in the
sections that follow.
Introduction
Teachers should ensure that learners practise experimental skills throughout their course of study. As a guide, Question 1
learners should spend at least 20 per cent of their time doing practical work individually or in small groups. This
20 per cent does not include the time spent observing demonstrations of experiments. Skill Breakdown of skills Minimum mark
allocation*
The practical work that learners do during their course should aim to: Successful collection of data
Manipulation, measurement and
• provide learning opportunities so they develop the skills they need to carry out experimental and 7 marks
observation Quality of data
investigative work
• reinforce their learning of the theoretical subject content of the syllabus Table of results
Presentation of data and
• instil an understanding of the relationship between experimentation and theory in scientific method Recording of data, observations and calculations 6 marks
observations
• be enjoyable, contributing to the motivation of learners. Graph

Candidates’ experimental skills will be assessed in Paper 3 and Paper 5. In each of these papers, the questions Interpretation of graph
Analysis, conclusions and
4 marks
may be based on physics not included in the syllabus content, but candidates will be assessed on their evaluation Drawing conclusions
practical skills rather than their knowledge of theory. Where appropriate, candidates will be given any additional
information that they need. * The remaining 3 marks will be allocated across the skills in this grid and their allocation may vary from paper
to paper.

Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills Question 2

Paper 3 is a timetabled, laboratory-based practical paper focusing on the experimental skills of: Skill Breakdown of skills Minimum mark
allocation*
• manipulation, measurement and observation
• presentation of data and observations Manipulation, measurement and Successful collection of data
5 marks
• analysis, conclusions and evaluation. observation Quality of data

Centres should refer to the document ‘How to manage your sciences practical exams’ for advice on making Presentation of data and Recording of data, observations and calculations
2 marks
entries and organisation of candidates for practical exams. observations
Drawing conclusions
Paper 3 consists of two questions, each of 1 hour and each of 20 marks.
Estimating uncertainties
Analysis, conclusions and
10 marks
Question 1 will be an experiment requiring candidates to collect data, to plot a graph and to draw conclusions. evaluation Identifying limitations

Question 2 will be an experiment requiring candidates to collect data and to draw conclusions, but may or Suggesting improvements
may not include the plotting of a graph. In the second question, the experimental method to be followed will be
inaccurate, and candidates will be required to evaluate the method and suggest improvements. * The remaining 3 marks will be allocated across the skills in this grid and their allocation may vary from paper
to paper.
The two questions will be set in different areas of physics. No prior knowledge of the theory will be required.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment

Expectations for each skill (Paper 3) Presentation of data and observations

Manipulation, measurement and observation Table of results
Candidates should be able to:
Successful collection of data
Candidates should be able to: • present numerical data and values in a single table of results
• record all data in the table
• set up apparatus correctly without assistance from the supervisor
• draw up the table in advance of taking readings so that they do not have to copy up their results
• follow instructions given in the form of written instructions and diagrams (including circuit diagrams)
• include in the table of results columns for raw data and for values calculated from them
• use their apparatus to collect an appropriate quantity of data
• use column headings that include both the quantity and the unit and that conform to accepted scientific
• repeat readings where appropriate
conventions.
• make measurements using common laboratory apparatus, such as millimetre scales, protractors, top-pan
balances, newton meters, analogue or digital electrical meters, measuring cylinders, calipers*, micrometer As an example of accepted scientific convention in column headings, if the quantity being measured is current
screw gauges and thermometers in milliamperes, then ‘I / mA’ would be the usual way to write the column heading, but ‘I in mA’ or ‘I (mA)’ or
• use a stop-watch to measure intervals of time, including the period of an oscillating system by timing an ‘current / mA’ would be allowed. Headings such as ‘I mA’ or just ‘mA’ are not acceptable. The quantity or the
appropriate number of consecutive oscillations unit or both may be written in words rather than symbols. Conventional symbols or abbreviations (such as p.d.)
• use both analogue scales and digital displays. may be used without explanation.

* Where calipers are required in the examination, centres may provide either vernier or digital calipers. Recording of data, observations and calculations
Candidates should be familiar with the type of calipers provided.
Candidates should be able to:

Some candidates will be unable to set up their apparatus without help and may ask for assistance from the • record raw readings of a quantity to the same degree of precision
supervisor. Supervisors will be given clear instructions on what assistance may be given to candidates, but • calculate other quantities from their raw data
this assistance should never go beyond the minimum necessary to enable candidates to take some readings: • show their working in calculations, and the key steps in their reasoning
under no circumstances should help be given with the presentation of data, analysis or evaluation sections. All
• use and justify the correct number of significant figures in calculated quantities.
assistance must be reported to the examiners by recording details of the help given on the supervisor’s report,
and candidates who require assistance will not be awarded full credit for the successful collection of data.
For example, if one measurement of length in a column of raw data is given to the nearest millimetre, then all
the lengths in that column should be given to the nearest millimetre. The degree of precision used should be
Quality of data compatible with the measuring instrument used: it would be inappropriate to record a distance measured on a
Candidates should be able to: millimetre scale as either ‘2 cm’ or ‘2.00 cm’.
• make and record accurate measurements
When a value is calculated from measured quantities (except by addition or subtraction), the appropriate
• make measurements that span the largest possible range of values within the limits either of the equipment number of significant figures for the calculated value usually depends on the measured quantity with the least
provided or of the instructions given. number of significant figures. If this quantity has n significant figures, then n or n+1 significant figures are
appropriate for the calculated value.
Marks will be awarded for measured data in which the values obtained are reasonable. In some cases, the
award of the mark will be based on the scatter of points on a graph; in other cases, the candidate’s data may For example, if values of a potential difference and of a current are measured to 2 and 4 significant figures
be compared with information supplied by the supervisor or known to the examiners. The examiners will only respectively, then the corresponding resistance should be given to 2 or 3 significant figures, but not 1 or 4. The
consider the extent to which the candidate has affected the quality of the data: allowances will be made where number of significant figures may, if necessary, vary down a column of values for a calculated quantity.
the quality of data is limited by the experimental method required or by the apparatus used.

Graph: Layout
Candidates should be able to:
• clearly label graph axes with both the quantity and the unit, following accepted scientific conventions
• choose scales for graph axes such that the data points occupy at least half of the graph grid in both x- and
y-directions
• use a false origin where appropriate
• choose scales for the graph axes that allow the graph to be read easily, such as 1, 2 or 5 units to a 2 cm
square
• place regularly-spaced numerical labels along the whole of each axis at least every 2 cm.

The accepted scientific conventions for labelling the axes of a graph are the same as for the column headings
in a table of results.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment

Graph: Plotting of points Drawing conclusions

Candidates should be able to: Candidates should be able to:
• plot all their data points on their graph grid to an accuracy of better than 1 mm. • draw conclusions from an experiment, including determining the values of constants
• explain whether experimental data supports a given hypothesis
Points should be finely drawn with a sharp pencil, but must still be visible. A fine cross or an encircled dot is
• make predictions.
suitable; plotted points should have a diameter of less than 1 mm.
To determine whether a relationship containing a constant is supported by experimental data, candidates
Graph: Trend line should:
Candidates should be able to: • calculate the percentage difference between values of the constant
• draw straight lines of best fit or curves to show the trend of a graph • compare this percentage difference with a given percentage uncertainty
• draw tangents to curved trend lines. • give a conclusion based on this comparison.

The trend line should show an even distribution of points on either side of the line along its whole length. Lines
Identifying limitations
should be finely drawn, continuous, and with a thickness of less than 1 mm, and should not contain kinks. If
necessary, candidates may identify one point as anomalous and ignore this point when drawing the line. The Candidates should be able to:
anomalous point must be identified, e.g. circled or labelled. • identify and describe the limitations in an experimental procedure
• identify the most significant sources of uncertainty in an experiment.
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation
For uncertainties in measured quantities, candidates should state the quantity being measured and a reason for
Interpretation of graph the uncertainty.
Candidates should be able to:
• relate straight-line graphs to equations of the form y = mx + c, and derive expressions that equate to the Suggesting improvements
gradient and/or the y-intercept of their graphs Candidates should be able to:
• read the coordinates of points on the trend line of a graph • suggest modifications to an experimental arrangement that will improve the accuracy of the experiment or
• determine the gradient of a straight-line graph or of a tangent to a curve to extend the investigation to answer a new question
• determine the y-intercept of a straight-line graph or of a tangent to a curve, including where these are on • describe these modifications clearly in words or diagrams.
graphs with a false origin.
Candidates’ suggestions should be realistic, so that in principle they are achievable in practice in a school
When a gradient is to be determined, the points on the line chosen for the calculation should be separated by laboratory. The suggestions may include the use of other apparatus or different procedures, but not a different
more than half of the length of the line drawn. experiment. The suggested modifications may relate to sources of uncertainty identified by the candidate.
Improvements that could have been made with the apparatus provided while following the instructions in the
In cases where the y-intercept cannot be read directly from the y-axis, it is expected that the coordinates of a question will not normally gain credit.
point on the line and the gradient will be substituted into y = mx + c to determine the y-intercept.
Administration of Paper 3
Estimating uncertainties
Detailed regulations on the administration of Cambridge International practical examinations are contained in
Candidates should be able to: the Cambridge Handbook.
• estimate the absolute uncertainty in measurements
• express the uncertainty in a measurement as an absolute or percentage uncertainty, and translate between Details of the specific requirements for apparatus and materials for a particular examination are given in the
these forms confidential instructions which are sent to centres several weeks prior to the examination. Centres should
contact Cambridge International if they believe the confidential instructions have not been received.
• express the absolute uncertainty in a repeated measurement as half the range of the repeated readings,
where this is appropriate.
It is the responsibility of centres to provide the apparatus for practical examinations. Cambridge is not able to
supply apparatus directly or provide advice on local suppliers of apparatus.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment

Apparatus and materials Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation

Below is a list of the items that are regularly used in Paper 3. The list is not exhaustive: other items are usually Paper 5 will be a timetabled written paper, focusing on the higher-order experimental skills of planning, analysis
required, to allow for variety in the questions set. and evaluation.

cells: 1.5 V This examination will not require laboratory facilities.

connecting leads and crocodile clips
digital ammeter, minimum ranges 0–1 A reading to 0.01 A or better, 0–200 mA reading to 0.1 mA or better, To prepare candidates for this exam, it should be emphasised that candidates will need extensive experience
0–20 mA reading to 0.01 mA or better (digital multimeters are suitable) of laboratory work of A Level standard. In particular, learners cannot be taught to plan experiments effectively
digital voltmeter, minimum ranges 0–2 V reading to 0.001 V or better, 0–20 V reading to 0.01 V or better (digital unless, on a number of occasions, they are required to:
multimeters are suitable)
• plan an experiment
lamp and holder: 6 V 60 mA; 2.5 V 0.3 A
power supply: variable up to 12 V d.c. (low resistance) • perform the experiment according to their plan
rheostat (with a maximum resistance of at least 8 Ω, capable of carrying a current of at least 4 A) • evaluate what they have done.
switch
wire: constantan 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 swg or similar metric sizes This requires many hours of laboratory-based work and careful supervision from teachers to ensure that
experiments are performed safely.
long stem thermometer: –10 °C to 110 °C reading to 1 °C
means to heat water safely to boiling (e.g. an electric kettle) Paper 5 will consist of two questions each of 15 marks.
plastic or polystyrene cup 200 cm3
stirrer Question 1 will be a planning question, in which candidates will be required to design an experimental
investigation of a given problem. The question will not be highly structured: candidates will be expected to
adhesive putty (e.g. Blu-tack) answer with a diagram and an extended piece of writing.
adhesive tape (e.g. Sellotape)
balance reading to 0.1 g (this item may often be shared between sets of apparatus) Question 2 will be an analysis, conclusions and evaluation question, in which candidates will be given an
bar magnet equation and some experimental data. From these they will be required to find the value of a constant. This
bare copper wire: 18, 20, 26 swg or similar metric sizes question will be structured but candidates will be expected to decide for themselves what they need to do in
beaker: 100 cm3, 200 cm3 or 250 cm3 order to reach an answer. They will also be required to estimate the uncertainty in their answer.
card
expendable steel spring (spring constant approx. 25 N m–1; unstretched length approx. 2 cm) Some questions on this paper may be set in areas of physics that are difficult to investigate experimentally in
G-clamp school laboratories, either because of the cost of equipment or because of restrictions on the availability of
Magnadur ceramic magnets materials (e.g. radioactive materials). No question will require knowledge of theory or equipment that is beyond
mass hanger the syllabus. Candidates will be given the necessary information for questions set on topics that do not form
micrometer screw gauge (this item may often be shared between sets of apparatus) part of the syllabus.
modelling clay (e.g. Plasticine)
newton meter (1 N, 10 N)
pendulum bob
protractor
pulley
rule with a millimetre scale (1 m, 0.5 m, 300 mm)
scissors
slotted masses (100 g, 50 g, 20 g, 10 g)
stand, boss and clamp
stop-watch (candidates may use their wristwatches), reading to 0.1 s or better
stout pin or round nail
string/thread/twine
vernier or digital calipers (this item may often be shared between sets of apparatus)
wire cutters

Safety in the laboratory

Responsibility for safety matters rests with centres.

The attention of centres is drawn to any local regulations relating to safety and first aid.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment

Mark allocations for Paper 5 For full credit to be awarded in this section, the overall arrangement must be workable, that is, it should be
possible to collect the data required without undue difficulty if the apparatus were assembled as described.
Marks will be allocated for Paper 5 according to the table below. The expectations for each skill are listed in the
The measuring instruments chosen should be fit for purpose, in that they should measure the correct physical
sections that follow.
quantity to a suitable precision for the experiment.

Question 1 Method of analysis

Candidates should be able to:
Skill Breakdown of skills Mark
allocation • describe how the data should be used in order to reach a conclusion, including details of derived quantities
Defining the problem to be calculated from graphs.

Methods of data collection

Planning 15 marks Additional detail including safety considerations
Method of analysis Marks will be available for additional relevant detail including safety precautions.
Additional detail including safety considerations
How these marks are awarded will depend on the experiment that is to be planned, but they might, for
example, include marks for describing how additional variables are to be kept constant, or for a diagram of a
Question 2 circuit needed to make a particular measurement or a description of initial experiments or an explanation of
how to obtain calibration curves.
Skill Breakdown of skills Mark
allocation For safety considerations, candidates should be able to:
Data analysis • assess the risks of their experiment
Table of results • describe precautions that should be taken to keep risks to a minimum.
Analysis, conclusions and
Graph 15 marks Candidates should be able to:
evaluation
Conclusion • describe the use of an oscilloscope (or storage oscilloscope) to measure voltage, current, time and
frequency
Treatment of uncertainties
• describe how to use light gates connected to a data logger to determine time, velocity and acceleration
• describe how other sensors can be used with a data logger, e.g. motion sensor.
Expectations for each skill (Paper 5)
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation
Planning
Data analysis
Defining the problem Candidates should be able to:
Candidates should be able to:
• rearrange expressions into the forms y = mx + c, y = axn and y = aekx
• identify the independent variable in the experiment • understand how a graph of y against x is used to find the constants m and c in an equation of the form
• identify the dependent variable in the experiment y = mx + c
• identify the variables that are to be kept constant. • understand how a graph of log y against log x is used to find the constants a and n in an equation of the
form y = axn
Methods of data collection • understand how a graph of ln y against x is used to find the constants a and k in an equation of the form
Candidates should be able to: y = aekx
• decide what derived quantities to calculate from raw data in order to enable an appropriate graph to be
• describe the method to be used to vary the independent variable
plotted.
• describe how the independent and dependent variables are to be measured
• describe how other variables are to be kept constant
• describe, with the aid of a clear labelled diagram, the arrangement of apparatus for the experiment and the
procedures to be followed.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Practical assessment Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Table of results 6 Additional information

Candidates should be able to:
• complete a table of results following the conventions required for Paper 3
• calculate other quantities from raw data and record them in a table Mathematical requirements
• use the correct number of significant figures for calculated quantities following the conventions required for We expect candidates to be able to use the following mathematical skills and knowledge in the assessment.
Paper 3. Teaching the mathematical requirements should be included in the AS & A Level Physics course.

Where logarithms are required, units should be shown with the quantity whose logarithm is being taken,
e.g. ln (d / cm). The logarithm itself does not have a unit. At AS Level and A Level
Arithmetic
For logarithmic quantities, the number of decimal places should correspond to the number of significant figures.
For example, if L / cm is 76.5 (3 sf), then lg (L / cm) should be either 1.884 (3 dp) or 1.8837 (4 dp). Candidates should be able to:
• recognise and use expressions in decimal and standard form (scientific) notation
Graph • use a calculator for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and find arithmetic means, powers
Candidates should be able to: (including reciprocals and nth-roots), sines, cosines, tangents (and the inverse functions)
• understand how to perform calculations so that significant figures are neither lost unnecessarily nor carried
• plot a graph following the conventions required for Paper 3
beyond what is justified
• show error bars, in both directions where appropriate, for each point on the graph
• use approximations to check the magnitude of calculated results.
• draw a straight line of best fit and a worst acceptable straight line through the points on the graph.

The worst acceptable line should be either the steepest possible line or the shallowest possible line that passes Algebra
through the error bars of all the data points. It should be distinguished from the line of best fit either by being Candidates should be able to:
drawn as a broken line or by being clearly labelled. • change the subject of an equation (most relevant equations involve only the simpler operations but may
include positive and negative indices and nth-roots)
Conclusion • solve simple algebraic equations
Candidates should be able to: • solve a system of two linear simultaneous equations
• determine the gradient and y-intercept of a straight-line graph -b ! b 2 - 4ac
• derive expressions that equate to the gradient or the y-intercept of their straight lines of best fit • recall and use the formula x = to solve quadratic equations
2a
• draw the required conclusions, with correct units and appropriate number of significant figures, from these
expressions. • substitute physical quantities into physical equations using consistent units and check the dimensional
consistency of such equations

Treatment of uncertainties • set up simple algebraic equations as mathematical models of physical situations, and identify inadequacies
of such models
Candidates should be able to:
• use percentages to express changes or uncertainties
• convert absolute uncertainty estimates into fractional or percentage uncertainty estimates and vice versa
understand and use the symbols <, >, ⩽, ⩾, ≪, ≫, . , ±, /, ∝, 〈x〉 (= xr ) , / , ∆ x,
n
• , .
• show uncertainty estimates, in absolute terms, beside every value in a table of results
• calculate uncertainty estimates in derived quantities Geometry and trigonometry
• estimate the absolute uncertainty in the gradient of a graph by recalling that Candidates should be able to:
absolute uncertainty = gradient of line of best fit – gradient of worst acceptable line
• recall and use formulae for the area and perimeter/circumference of rectangles, circles, right-angled and
• estimate the absolute uncertainty in the y-intercept of a graph by recalling that
isosceles triangles
absolute uncertainty = y-intercept of line of best fit – y-intercept of worst acceptable line
• recall and use formulae for the volume and surface area of cuboids, cylinders and spheres
• express a quantity as a value, an uncertainty estimate and a unit.
• recall and use Pythagoras’ theorem in 2 and 3 dimensions
• use the similarity of triangles and the angle sum of a triangle
• understand and use the definitions of sin, cos and tan as applied to a right-angled triangle, and recall and
use the relationship sin θ / cos θ = tan θ
• recall and use the trigonometric relationships for triangles a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C and
a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc cos A.

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information

Vectors Summary of key quantities, symbols and units

Candidates should be able to:
The list below is intended as a guide to the more important quantities which might be encountered in teaching
• find the resultant of two coplanar vectors, recognising situations where vector addition is appropriate and used in question papers.
• obtain expressions for components of a vector in perpendicular directions, recognising situations where
vector resolution is appropriate. This list is for use in both AS Level and full A Level qualifications.

Graphs Quantity Usual symbols Usual unit

Candidates should be able to: Base quantities
• select appropriate variables and scales for graph plotting mass m kg
• determine the gradient, intercept and intersection of linear graphs length l m
• choose, by inspection, a straight line which will serve as the line of best fit through a set of data points time t s
presented graphically electric current I A
• draw a curved trend line through a set of data points presented graphically, when the arrangement of these thermodynamic temperature T K
data points is clearly indicative of a non-linear relationship amount of substance n mol
1 1
• sketch and recognise the forms of plots of common simple expressions like x , x2, 2 , sin x, cos x Other quantities
x
• draw a tangent to a curve, and understand and use the gradient of the tangent as a means to obtain the acceleration a m s–2
gradient of the curve at a point
acceleration of free fall g m s–2
• understand and use the area below a curve where the area has physical significance.
activity of radioactive source A Bq
amplitude x0 m
Additional requirements for A Level only angle θ °, rad
Geometry and trigonometry angular displacement θ °, rad
Candidates should be able to: angular frequency ω rad s–1

• recall and use sin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1 angular speed ω rad s–1

• recall and use sin θ ≈ tan θ ≈ θ and cos θ ≈ 1 for small θ angular velocity ω rad s–1
area A m2
• understand the relationship between degrees and radians, convert from one to the other and use the
appropriate system in context. atomic mass ma kg, u
attenuation/absorption coefficient μ m –1
Exponentials and logarithms Avogadro constant NA mol–1
Candidates should be able to: Boltzmann constant k J K–1
capacitance C F
• calculate exponentials and logarithms (lg and ln)
a n kx Celsius temperature θ °C
• recognise and use the logarithms of expressions like ab, ,x ,e
b decay constant λ s–1
• sketch and recognise the form of a plot of e –x

density ρ kg m –3
• use logarithmic plots to test exponential and power law variations
displacement s, x m
distance d m
efficiency η
electric charge q, Q C
electric field strength E N C –1, V m –1
electric potential V V
electric potential difference V V
electromotive force E V
electron mass me kg, u
elementary charge e C

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information

Quantity Usual symbols Usual unit Quantity Usual symbols Usual unit
energy E, U, W J specific acoustic impedance Z kg m –2 s–1
force F N specific heat capacity c J kg–1 K–1
frequency f Hz specific latent heat L J kg–1
gravitational constant G N m2 kg–2 speed u, v, w, c m s–1
gravitational field strength g N kg –1 speed of electromagnetic waves c m s–1
gravitational potential ϕ J kg–1 spring constant k N m –1
half-life t1
2
s Stefan–Boltzmann constant σ W m –2 K–4
Hall voltage VH V strain ε
heating q, Q J stress σ Pa
Hubble constant H0 s–1 time constant τ s
intensity I W m –2 torque T Nm
internal energy change ∆U J velocity u, v, w, c m s–1
kinetic energy EK J volume V, v m3
luminosity L W wavelength λ m
magnetic flux Φ Wb weight W N
magnetic flux density B T work w, W J
mean-square speed <c2> m2 s–2 work function energy Φ J
molar gas constant R J mol–1 K–1 Young modulus E Pa
moment of force T Nm
momentum p Ns
neutron mass mn kg, u
neutron number N
nucleon number A
number N, n, m
number density (number per unit volume) n m –3
period T s
permittivity of free space ε0 F m –1
phase difference ϕ °, rad
Planck constant h Js
potential energy EP J
power P W
pressure p Pa
proton mass mp kg, u
proton number Z
radiant flux intensity F W m –2
resistance R Ω
resistivity ρ Ωm

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ε ×
×

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information × syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702

σ ×

Data and formulae Formulae

The following data and formulae will appear on page 2 in Papers 1, 2 and 4.
uniformly accelerated motion s = ut + 12 at 2
Data
v 2 = u 2 + 2as

acceleration of free fall g = 9.81 m s–2

hydrostatic pressure ∆p = ρg∆h

speed of light in free space c = 3.00 × 10 m s

8 –1
upthrust F = ρgV

elementary charge e = 1.60 × 10 –19

C fs v
Doppler effect for sound waves fo = v ! v
s
unified atomic mass unit 1 u = 1.66 × 10 –27
kg
electric current I = Anvq
rest mass of proton mp = 1.67 × 10–27 kg
resistors in series R = R1 + R2 + ...
rest mass of electron me = 9.11 × 10–31 kg
1 1 1
resistors in parallel = + + ...
Avogadro constant NA = 6.02 × 1023 mol–1 R R1 R2

molar gas constant R = 8.31 J K–1 mol–1

Boltzmann constant k = 1.38 × 10–23 J K–1

gravitational constant G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2

permittivity of free space ε0 = 8.85 × 10–12 F m–1

1
( = 8.99 × 109 m F–1)
4rf0

Planck constant h = 6.63 × 10–34 J s

Stefan–Boltzmann constant σ = 5.67 × 10–8 W m–2 K–4

∆ ρ ∆

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 Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Additional information

The following formulae will appear on page 3 in Paper 4. Circuit symbols

GM The following table gives a guide to the circuit symbols that may be used in examination papers.
gravitational potential ϕ =– r

GMm cell switch

gravitational potential energy EP = – r

1 Nm
pressure of an ideal gas p = 3 V 〈c2〉

simple harmonic motion a = – ω 2x battery of cells or earth

velocity of particle in s.h.m. v = v0 cos ωt

v = ± ω (x02 − x 2)
power supply electric bell
Q
electric potential V =
4rf0 r

a.c. power supply buzzer

Qq
electrical potential energy EP =
4rf0 r
junction of conductors microphone
1 1 1
capacitors in series = + + ...
C C1 C2
lamp loudspeaker
capacitors in parallel C = C1 + C2 + ...

t
discharge of a capacitor x = x0 e-RC fixed resistor motor M

BI
Hall voltage VH = G
ntq variable resistor generator

alternating current/voltage x = x0 sin ωt

thermistor ammeter A
radioactive decay x = x0e–mt

0.693
decay constant m =
t1
2
light-dependent resistor voltmeter V

IR (Z1 − Z2) 2
intensity reflection coefficient = heater galvanometer
I0 (Z1 + Z2) 2

Stefan–Boltzmann law L = 4πσr 2T 4

Dm Df v
Doppler redshift ≈ ≈c
m f

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potentiometer oscilloscope

diode capacitor

light-emitting diode

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