WJEC A-Level Physics Active Recall Guide
WJEC · A-Level
WJEC A-Level Physics Active Recall Guide
A question-and-answer revision guide for WJEC A-Level Physics, built to be worked in three passes rather than read.
- WJEC
- A-Level
- 29 topics
The 3-step active recall method
Re-reading notes is a futile process when your aim is to remember the information and successfully apply it in exam settings. Active recall is the method you use to ensure the information sticks for a long period of time.
But even active recall can be futile unless you have a structured way of implementing it. This is where the 3-step active recall method comes in, a structured method that is signature to the Levo Learning guides.
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Step 1
Answer up to 10 questions cold, closed book, even if you are unsure on the topic.
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Step 2
Answer the same questions again, but open book. Write the correct answer down even if it seems pointless.
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Step 3
Repeat as step 1 and answer the questions closed book again.
Worked across the WJEC A-Level Physics specification, one subtopic at a time.
The subject, and what is assessed
WJEC A-Level Physics is assessed by five units, two taken at AS and three at A2. The two AS units each last 1 hour 30 minutes and are worth 20% of the A-Level.
A2 Unit 3 lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and A2 Unit 4 lasts 2 hours, each worth 25%. A2 Unit 5 is a practical examination worth 10%.
AS content remains examinable at A2, so first year material stays in use through the second year.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS Unit 1 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 20% | |
| AS Unit 2 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 20% | |
| A2 Unit 3 | 2 hours 15 minutes | 25% | |
| A2 Unit 4 | 2 hours | 25% | |
| A2 Unit 5 | Practical examination | 10% |
Memorisation, then application
Marks are given for applying content to the question that has been set, which cannot happen while the content is still being looked up. Step 1 shows what is actually held.
Step 2 puts the correct wording in front of you while the gap is still fresh. Step 3 repeats the cold test, and the difference between the first and third attempt is the part that has moved.
Every question in the guide is paired with its answer in the same document, so step 2 is done from the guide itself rather than from a separate set of notes.
What is inside the guide
Questions are grouped by topic and then by subtopic, following the WJEC specification. Open a topic to see its subtopics.
Basic Physics3 subtopics
- Handling data58
- Algebra36
- Graphs54
Kinematics1 subtopic
- Kinematics35
Dynamics1 subtopic
- Dynamics37
Energy Concepts1 subtopic
- Energy concepts10
Solids under Stress1 subtopic
- Solids under stress44
Using Radiation to Investigate Stars1 subtopic
- Using radiation to investigate stars25
Particles and Nuclear Structure1 subtopic
- Particles and nuclear structure18
Conduction of Electricity1 subtopic
- Conduction of electricity39
Resistance1 subtopic
- Resistance16
D.C. Circuits1 subtopic
- D.C. circuits55
The Nature of Waves1 subtopic
- The nature of waves22
Wave Properties1 subtopic
- Wave properties25
Refraction of Light1 subtopic
- Refraction of light29
Photons1 subtopic
- Photons42
Lasers1 subtopic
- Lasers20
Circular Motion1 subtopic
- Circular motion32
Vibrations1 subtopic
- Vibrations14
Kinetic Theory1 subtopic
- Kinetic theory25
Thermal Physics1 subtopic
- Thermal physics18
Nuclear Decay1 subtopic
- Nuclear decay34
Nuclear Energy1 subtopic
- Nuclear energy44
Capacitance1 subtopic
- Capacitance10
Electrostatic and Gravitational Fields of Force1 subtopic
- Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force61
Orbits and the Wider Universe1 subtopic
- Orbits and the wider universe20
Magnetic Fields1 subtopic
- Magnetic fields29
Option A: Alternating Currents1 subtopic
- Alternating currents27
Option B: Medical Physics1 subtopic
- Medical physics16
Option C: The Physics of Sports1 subtopic
- The physics of sports47
Energy and the Environment4 subtopics
- Factors affecting the rate at which the temperature of the Earth rises20
- Common sources of renewable and non-renewable energy85
- Fuel cells18
- Thermal conduction and insulation35
Sample questions
Taken from the WJEC A-Level Physics guide. Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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Basic Physics
Why must calculated results be reported to the number of significant figures of the least accurate measurement used?
Show the answer
Because the final result cannot be more precise than the least precise measurement that contributed to it; reporting more figures would imply false precision. -
Kinematics
How do you determine the instantaneous velocity from a displacement-time graph?
Show the answer
By finding the gradient of the tangent to the curve at the point of interest. -
Dynamics
When analysing a displacement-time curve, what must you draw at the point of interest to find the instantaneous velocity?
Show the answer
A tangent to the curve at that specific point. -
Solids under Stress
How is stress defined in the context of materials under load?
Show the answer
Stress is the force applied per unit cross-sectional area of a material. -
Using Radiation to Investigate Stars
Why can we use the approximation tan θ ≈ θ when measuring stellar parallax?
Show the answer
Because parallax angles are extremely small (measured in radians), and for small angles the tangent of the angle is approximately equal to the angle itself. -
Particles and Nuclear Structure
What ICT tools are appropriate for processing experimental data and identifying patterns in nuclear investigations?
Show the answer
Spreadsheets and graphing software. -
Conduction of Electricity
In the equation I = Q/t, what does I represent and what is its unit?
Show the answer
I represents current, measured in amperes (A). -
Resistance
In the formula R = ρL/A, what does R represent and what is its unit?
Show the answer
R represents resistance, measured in ohms (Ω).
Questions about this guide
How do you use active recall for WJEC A-Level Physics?
Answer up to 10 questions cold and closed book. Answer the same questions again open book, writing the correct answer down.
Then answer them closed book one more time. The difference between the first and third attempt is what has moved into recall.
How is WJEC A-Level Physics assessed?
WJEC A-Level Physics is assessed by 5 components: AS Unit 1 (1 hour 30 minutes, 20%); AS Unit 2 (1 hour 30 minutes, 20%); A2 Unit 3 (2 hours 15 minutes, 25%); A2 Unit 4 (2 hours, 25%); A2 Unit 5, practical examination (10%).
What topics does the WJEC A-Level Physics active recall guide cover?
It covers Basic Physics, Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy Concepts, Solids under Stress, Using Radiation to Investigate Stars, Particles and Nuclear Structure, Conduction of Electricity, Resistance, D.C. Circuits, The Nature of Waves, Wave Properties, Refraction of Light and Photons.
The full list is set out on this page.
Is the WJEC A-Level Physics guide a PDF?
Yes. It is a digital PDF sent to the email address on your order after purchase.
Check the address is correct at checkout, and check junk or spam if it has not arrived.
Does the guide include the answers?
Yes. Every question has its answer in the same document, grouped by topic, so step 2 of the method is done from the guide.
WJEC A-Level Physics Active Recall Guide
Every question paired with its answer, grouped by topic, ready to work in three passes.