Edexcel A-Level Physics exam papers and weighting (9PH0)
Guide overview All 13 topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each Edexcel A-Level Physics paper assesses
Edexcel A-Level Physics (specification 9PH0) covers thirteen topics, assessed by three written papers and a separately reported practical endorsement. Working as a Physicist runs through both context papers; Paper 1 examines mechanics, electric circuits, further mechanics, electric and magnetic fields, and nuclear and particle physics, and Paper 2 examines materials, waves and the particle nature of light, thermodynamics, space, nuclear radiation, gravitational fields and oscillations. Paper 3 is synoptic and can draw on any topic, so nothing is examined only once. Sixteen core practicals run through the course and are examined alongside the theory.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1 Advanced Physics I |
Working as a Physicist, mechanics, electric circuits, further mechanics, electric and magnetic fields, and nuclear and particle physics Multiple-choice, short open, calculation and extended writing questions Includes questions on the core practicals and on mathematics at Level 2 or above |
1 hour 45 minutes | 90 marks | 30% |
|
Paper 2 Advanced Physics II |
Working as a Physicist, materials, waves and the particle nature of light, thermodynamics, space, nuclear radiation, gravitational fields and oscillations Multiple-choice, short open, calculation and extended writing questions Includes questions on the core practicals and on mathematics at Level 2 or above |
1 hour 45 minutes | 90 marks | 30% |
|
Paper 3 General and Practical Principles in Physics |
Any topic on the specification, drawn together synoptically Questions on experimental method, on planning and on the analysis of data Includes questions set in unfamiliar contexts and an extended writing question |
2 hours 30 minutes | 120 marks | 40% |
|
9PH0/04 Science Practical Endorsement |
Reported separately from the A-Level grade as a pass or not classified Assessed by the teacher against common practical criteria across a minimum of 12 practical activities |
Assessed throughout the course | No marks | Reported separately |
Every topic, and where it is examined
| Topic | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Working as a Physicist | Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 | 82 |
| Mechanics | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 180 |
| Electric Circuits | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 148 |
| Materials | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 101 |
| Waves and Particle Nature of Light | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 288 |
| Further Mechanics | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 98 |
| Electric and Magnetic Fields | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 187 |
| Nuclear and Particle Physics | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 120 |
| Thermodynamics | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 96 |
| Space | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 72 |
| Nuclear Radiation | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 82 |
| Gravitational Fields | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 62 |
| Oscillations | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 100 |
Assessment details from the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physics, specification 9PH0. Pearson Edexcel specification.
Edexcel A-Level Physics Active Recall Guide
1,616 questions across every paper on the specification.