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Phys Spec

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Phys Spec

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AS AND

A-LEVEL
PHYSICS

Get help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/7408
You can talk directly to the Science subject team
E: [email protected]
T: 01483 477 756

AS (7407)
A-level (7408)

Specifications
For teaching from September 2015 onwards
For AS exams in May/June 2016 onwards
For A-level exams in May/June 2017 onwards
Version 1.2 December 2015

aqa.org.uk

G00407

Copyright 2015 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

AQA retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications. However, schools and colleges registered with AQA are permitted to copy
material from these specifications for their own internal use.
AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number
3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX.

AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

Contents
1 Introduction

1.1 Why choose AQA for AS and A-level Physics

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

2 Specification at a glance
2.1 Subject content
2.2 AS
2.3 A-level

8
8
8
9

3 Subject content

3.1 Measurements and their errors

3.2 Particles and radiation
3.3 Waves
3.4 Mechanics and materials
3.5 Electricity
3.6 Further mechanics and thermal physics (A-level only)
3.7 Fields and their consequences (A-level only)
3.8 Nuclear physics (A-level only)
3.9 Astrophysics (A-level only)
3.10 Medical physics (A-level only)
3.11 Engineering physics (A-level only)
3.12 Turning points in physics (A-level only)
3.13 Electronics (A-level only)

4 Scheme of assessment
4.1 Aims
4.2 Assessment objectives
4.3 Assessment weightings

5 General administration
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8

5
6

Entries and codes

Overlaps with other qualifications
Awarding grades and reporting results
Re-sits and shelf life
Previous learning and prerequisites
Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion
Working with AQA for the first time
Private candidates

10
12
17
21
27
30
34
41
45
49
54
58
62

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68
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70

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71
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73

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6 Mathematical requirements and exemplifications

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5

Arithmetic and numerical computation

Handling data
Algebra
Graphs
Geometry and trigonometry

7 AS practical assessment
7.1 Use of apparatus and techniques
7.2 AS required practical activities
7.3 Practical skills to be assessed in written papers

8 A-level practical assessment

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4

Use of apparatus and techniques

A-level required practical activities
Practical skills to be assessed in written papers
A-level practical skills to be assessed via endorsement

74
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79

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Are you using the latest version of these specifications?

You will always find the most up-to-date version of these specifications on our website at
aqa.org.uk/7408
We will write to you if there are significant changes to these specifications.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

1 Introduction
1.1 Why choose AQA for AS and A-level Physics
Relevant in the classroom and the real world
We involved over a thousand teachers in developing these specifications, to ensure that the subject
content is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to teach and learn. Weve also presented
it in a straightforward way, giving you the freedom to teach in the way that works for your students.
These Physics specifications are a stepping stone to future study, which is why we also consulted
universities, to ensure these specifications allow students to develop the skills that they want to see.
This approach has led to specifications that will support you to inspire students, nurture a passion for
physics and lay the groundwork for further study in science or engineering.

The way you teach your choice

Our specifications have been written in a context-free style. This means that you can select the
contexts and applications that you feel bring the subject alive. We have also produced a range of
excellent teaching resources that you can use alongside your own material.
The AS and A-level courses allow for a choice of starting points. You can choose a familiar starting
point for students, such as mechanics, or begin with fresh topics to create interest and a new
dimension to their knowledge, such as particle physics.
Weve provided five optional topics as part of the full A-level course so students can focus on their
areas of interest:
Astrophysics
Medical physics
Turning points in physics
Engineering physics (re-branded Applied physics)
Electronics.

Practical at the heart of science

Like you, we believe that Physics is fundamentally an experimental subject. These specifications
provide numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students
with the essential practical skills they need.

Teach AS and A-level together

Weve ensured that the AS and A-level are fully co-teachable. The AS exams include similar questions
to those in the A-level, with less difficulty.
Weve created our A-level content with our GCSE in mind to make sure that there is a seamless
progression between qualifications. Weve also followed ASE guidance on use of scientific terminology
across our science subjects.

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Assessment success
Weve tested our specimen question papers with students, making sure theyre interesting,
straightforward and clear and hold no hidden surprises. To ensure that your students are rewarded for
the physics skills and knowledge theyve developed, our exams include:
specified content tested in each of the first two papers at A-level to help students prepare for their
exams
a variety of assessment styles within each paper so students can confidently engage with the
questions
multiple choice questions are included to allow for a wide breadth of Physics from the specifications
to be tested.
With us, your students will get the results they deserve, from the exam board you trust.
You can find out about all our science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/science

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We know that support and resources are vital for your teaching and that you have limited time to find
or develop good quality materials. So weve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a
range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams.

Teaching resources
We have too many Physics resources to list here so visit aqa.org.uk/7408 to see them all. They include:
additional practice papers to help students prepare for exams
guidance on how to plan both the AS and A-level courses with supporting schemes of work for
co-teaching
several AQA-approved student textbooks reviewed by experienced senior examiners
guidance on maths skills requirements with additional support via Exampro
resources to support key topics (including the optional topics), with detailed lesson plans written by
experienced teachers
training courses to help you deliver AQA Physics qualifications
subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly-qualified teachers who are just getting started
to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/7408 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:
past papers, mark schemes and examiners reports
specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses
Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions
exemplar student answers with examiner commentaries.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

Analyse your students' results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and
where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where
to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era
For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our
post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up to date with professional development

Wherever you are in your career, theres always something new to learn. As well as subject-specific
training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.
Improve your teaching skills in areas including differentiation, teaching literacy and meeting Ofsted
requirements.
Prepare for a new role with our leadership and management courses.
You can attend a course at venues around the country, in your school or online whatever suits your
needs and availability. Find out more at coursesandevents.aqa.org.uk

Get help and support

Visit our website for
information, guidance,
support and resources at
aqa.org.uk/7408
You can talk directly to the
Physics subject team
E: [email protected]
T: 01483 477 756

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2 Specification at a glance
These qualifications are linear. Linear means that students will sit all the AS exams at the end of their
AS course and all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course.

2.1 Subject content

Core content

Options

Measurements and their errors (page 10)

Particles and radiation (page 12)

10 Medical physics (A-level only) (page 49)

Waves (page 17)

11 Engineering physics (A-level only) (page 54)

Mechanics and materials (page 21)

Electricity (page 27)

12 Turning points in physics (A-level only)

(page 58)

Further mechanics and thermal physics

(A-level only) (page 30)

Fields and their consequences (A-level only)

(page 34)

Nuclear physics (A-level only) (page 41)

Astrophysics (A-level only) (page 45)

13 Electronics (A-level only) (page 62)

2.2 AS
Assessments
Paper 1

Paper 2

What's assessed

Sections 15

Assessed

written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

70 marks
50% of AS

written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

70 marks
50% of AS

Questions

70 marks of short and long answer questions

split by topic.

Section A: 20 marks of short and long answer

questions on practical skills and data analysis
Section B: 20 marks of short and long answer
questions from across all areas of AS content
Section C: 30 multiple choice questions

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2.3 A-level
Assessments
Paper 1

Paper 2

Paper 3

What's assessed

Sections 15 and 6.1

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3 Subject content
Sections 3.1 to 3.5 are designed to be covered in the first year of the A-level and are also the AS
subject content. So you can teach AS and A-level together.
These specifications are presented in a two column format. The left hand column contains the
specification content that all students must cover, and that can be assessed in the written papers. The
right hand column exemplifies the opportunities for skills to be developed throughout the course. As
such knowledge of individual experiments on the right hand side is not assumed knowledge for the
assessment. The codes in the right hand column refer to the skills in relevant appendices. MS refers to
the Mathematical Skills, AT refers to the Apparatus and Techniques and PS refers to the Practical Skills.

3.1 Measurements and their errors

Content in this section is a continuing study for a student of physics. A working knowledge of the
specified fundamental (base) units of measurement is vital. Likewise, practical work in the subject
needs to be underpinned by an awareness of the nature of measurement errors and of their numerical
treatment. The ability to carry through reasonable estimations is a skill that is required throughout the
course and beyond.

3.1.1 Use of SI units and their prefixes

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Fundamental (base) units.

Use of mass, length, time, amount of substance,
temperature, electric current and their associated SI units.
SI units derived.
Knowledge and use of the SI prefixes, values and standard
form.
The fundamental unit of light intensity, the candela, is
excluded.
Students are not expected to recall definitions of the
fundamental quantities.
Dimensional analysis is not required.
Students should be able to use the prefixes:
T, G, M, k, c, m, , n, p, f ,

Students should be able to convert between different units of

the same quantity, eg J and eV, J and kW h.

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3.1.2 Limitation of physical measurements

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Random and systematic errors.

PS 2.3

Precision, repeatability, reproducibility, resolution and

accuracy.

Students should be able to identify

random and systematic errors and
suggest ways to reduce or remove
them.

Uncertainty:
Absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties represent
uncertainty in the final answer for a quantity.
Combination of absolute and percentage uncertainties.
Represent uncertainty in a data point on a graph using error
bars.
Determine the uncertainties in the gradient and intercept of a
straight-line graph.
Individual points on the graph may or may not have
associated error bars.

PS 3.3
Students should understand the link
between the number of significant
figures in the value of a quantity and
its associated uncertainty.
MS 1.5
Students should be able to combine
uncertainties in cases where the
measurements that give rise to the
uncertainties are added, subtracted,
multiplied, divided, or raised to
powers. Combinations involving
trigonometric or logarithmic functions
will not be required.

3.1.3 Estimation of physical quantities

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Orders of magnitude.

MS 1.4

Estimation of approximate values of physical quantities.

Students should be able to estimate

approximate values of physical
quantities to the nearest order of
magnitude.
Students should be able to use
these estimates together with their
knowledge of physics to produce
further derived estimates also to the
nearest order of magnitude.

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3.2 Particles and radiation

This section introduces students both to the fundamental properties of matter, and to electromagnetic
radiation and quantum phenomena. Teachers may wish to begin with this topic to provide a new
interest and knowledge dimension beyond GCSE. Through a study of these topics, students
become aware of the way ideas develop and evolve in physics. They will appreciate the importance
of international collaboration in the development of new experiments and theories in this area of
fundamental research.

3.2.1 Particles
3.2.1.1 Constituents of the atom
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Simple model of the atom, including the proton, neutron

and electron. Charge and mass of the proton, neutron and
electron in SI units and relative units.
The atomic mass unit (amu) is included in the A-level
Nuclear physics section.
Specific charge of the proton and the electron, and of nuclei
and ions.
Proton number Z , nucleon number A, nuclide notation.
A
Students should be familiar with the Z X notation.

Meaning of isotopes and the use of isotopic data.

3.2.1.2 Stable and unstable nuclei

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

The strong nuclear force; its role in keeping the nucleus

stable; short-range attraction up to approximately 3 fm,
very-short range repulsion closer than approximately 0.5 fm.

AT i

Unstable nuclei; alpha and beta decay.

Equations for alpha decay, decay including the need for

the neutrino.

The existence of the neutrino was hypothesised to account

for conservation of energy in beta decay.

Demonstration of the range of alpha

particles using a cloud chamber,
spark counter or Geiger counter.
MS 0.2
Use of prefixes for small and large
distance measurements.

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3.2.1.3 Particles, antiparticles and photons

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

For every type of particle, there is a corresponding

antiparticle.

AT i

Comparison of particle and antiparticle masses, charge and

rest energy in MeV.
Students should know that the positron, antiproton,
antineutron and antineutrino are the antiparticles of the
electron, proton, neutron and neutrino respectively.
Photon model of electromagnetic radiation, the Planck
constant.

E = hf =

Detection of gamma radiation.

MS 1.1, 2.2
Students could determine the
frequency and wavelength of the two
gamma photons produced when a
slow electron and a slow positron
annihilate each other.
The PET scanner could be used as an
application of annihilation.

Knowledge of annihilation and pair production and the

energies involved.
2
The use of E = mc is not required in calculations.

3.2.1.4 Particle interactions

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Four fundamental interactions: gravity, electromagnetic,

weak nuclear, strong nuclear. (The strong nuclear force may
be referred to as the strong interaction.)

PS 1.2
Momentum transfer of a heavy ball
thrown from one person to another.

The concept of exchange particles to explain forces

between elementary particles.
0

Knowledge of the gluon, Z and graviton will not be tested.

The electromagnetic force; virtual photons as the
exchange particle.

The weak interaction limited to and decay, electron

+
capture and electronproton collisions; W and W as the
exchange particles.
Simple diagrams to represent the above reactions or
interactions in terms of incoming and outgoing particles and
exchange particles.

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3.2.1.5 Classification of particles

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Hadrons are subject to the strong interaction.

AT k

The two classes of hadrons:

baryons (proton, neutron) and antibaryons
(antiproton and antineutron)
mesons (pion, kaon).

Use of computer simulations of

particle collisions.

Baryon number as a quantum number.

Conservation of baryon number.
The proton is the only stable baryon into which other
baryons eventually decay.

ATl
Cosmic ray showers as a source of
high energy particles including pions
and kaons; observation of stray
tracks in a cloud chamber; use of two
Geiger counters to detect a cosmic
ray shower.

The pion as the exchange particle of the strong nuclear force.

The kaon as a particle that can decay into pions.
Leptons: electron, muon, neutrino (electron and muon types
only) and their antiparticles.
Lepton number as a quantum number; conservation of
lepton number for muon leptons and for electron leptons.
The muon as a particle that decays into an electron.
Strange particles
Strange particles as particles that are produced through the
strong interaction and decay through the weak interaction
(eg kaons).
Strangeness (symbol s) as a quantum number to reflect the
fact that strange particles are always created in pairs.
Conservation of strangeness in strong interactions.
Strangeness can change by 0, +1 or -1 in weak interactions.
Appreciation that particle physics relies on the collaborative
efforts of large teams of scientists and engineers to validate
new knowledge.

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3.2.1.6 Quarks and antiquarks

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Properties of quarks and antiquarks: charge, baryon number

and strangeness.
Combinations of quarks and antiquarks required for baryons
(proton and neutron only), antibaryons (antiproton and
antineutron only) and mesons (pion and kaon only).
Only knowledge of up (u), down (d) and strange (s) quarks
and their antiquarks will be tested.
The decay of the neutron should be known.

3.2.1.7 Applications of conservation laws

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Change of quark character in and in decay.

Application of the conservation laws for charge, baryon

number, lepton number and strangeness to particle
interactions. The necessary data will be provided in
questions for particles outside those specified.
Students should recognise that energy and momentum are
conserved in interactions.

3.2.2 Electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena

3.2.2.1 The photoelectric effect
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Threshold frequency; photon explanation of threshold

frequency.

PS 3.2 / MS 2.3

Work function , stopping potential.

Photoelectric equation: h f = + Ek (max

Demonstration of the photoelectric

effect using a photocell or an
electroscope with a zinc plate
attachment and UV lamp.

Ek (max is the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons.

The experimental determination of stopping potential is

not required.

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3.2.2.2 Collisions of electrons with atoms

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Ionisation and excitation; understanding of ionisation and

excitation in the fluorescent tube.
The electron volt.
Students will be expected to be able to convert eV into J
and vice versa.

3.2.2.3 Energy levels and photon emission

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Line spectra (eg of atomic hydrogen) as evidence for

transitions between discrete energy levels in atoms.

AT j / MS 0.1, 0.2

h f = E1 E2

Observation of line spectra using a

diffraction grating.

In questions, energy levels may be quoted in J or eV.

3.2.2.4 Wave-particle duality

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Students should know that electron diffraction suggests that

particles possess wave properties and the photoelectric
effect suggests that electromagnetic waves have a
particulate nature.

PS 1.2

Details of particular methods of particle diffraction are not

expected.

MS 1.1, 2.3

de Broglie wavelength =

h
mv

where mv is the momentum.

Demonstration using an electron

diffraction tube.

Use prefixes when expressing

wavelength values.

Students should be able to explain how and why the amount

of diffraction changes when the momentum of the particle is
changed.
Appreciation of how knowledge and understanding of the
nature of matter changes over time.
Appreciation that such changes need to be evaluated
through peer review and validated by the scientific
community.

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3.3 Waves
GCSE studies of wave phenomena are extended through a development of knowledge of the
characteristics, properties, and applications of travelling waves and stationary waves. Topics treated
include refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference.

3.3.1 Progressive and stationary waves

3.3.1.1 Progressive waves
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Oscillation of the particles of the medium;

PS 2.3 / MS 0.1, 4.7 / AT a, b

amplitude, frequency, wavelength, speed, phase, phase

Laboratory experiment to determine

the speed of sound in free air using
direct timing or standing waves with a
graphical analysis.

difference, c = f f =

1
T

Phase difference may be measured as angles (radians and

degrees) or as fractions of a cycle.

3.3.1.2 Longitudinal and transverse waves

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Nature of longitudinal and transverse waves.

PS 2.2, 2.4 / MS 1.2, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5 / AT i

Examples to include: sound, electromagnetic waves, and

waves on a string.

Students can investigate the factors

that determine the speed of a water
wave.

Students will be expected to know the direction of

displacement of particles/fields relative to the direction of
energy propagation and that all electromagnetic waves
travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
Polarisation as evidence for the nature of transverse waves.
Applications of polarisers to include Polaroid material and
the alignment of aerials for transmission and reception.
Maluss law will not be expected.

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3.3.1.3 Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Stationary waves.

MS 4.7 / PS 1.2, 2.1 / AT i

Nodes and antinodes on strings.

Students can investigate the factors

that determine the frequency of
stationary wave patterns of a
stretched string.

f =

1
2l

for first harmonic.

The formation of stationary waves by two waves of the same

frequency travelling in opposite directions.
A graphical explanation of formation of stationary waves will
be expected.
Stationary waves formed on a string and those produced
with microwaves and sound waves should be considered.
Stationary waves on strings will be described in terms of
harmonics. The terms fundamental (for first harmonic) and
overtone will not be used.
Required practical 1: Investigation into the variation of
the frequency of stationary waves on a string with length,
tension and mass per unit length of the string.

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3.3.2 Refraction, diffraction and interference

3.3.2.1 Interference
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Path difference. Coherence.

AT i

Interference and diffraction using a laser as a source of

monochromatic light.

Investigation of two-source
interference with sound, light and
microwave radiation.

Youngs double-slit experiment: the use of two coherent

sources or the use of a single source with double slits to
produce an interference pattern.
Fringe spacing, w =

D
s

Production of interference pattern using white light.

Students are expected to show awareness of safety issues
associated with using lasers.
Students will not be required to describe how a laser works.
Students will be expected to describe and explain interference
produced with sound and electromagnetic waves.
Appreciation of how knowledge and understanding of nature
of electromagnetic radiation has changed over time.
Required practical 2: Investigation of interference effects
to include the Youngs slit experiment and interference by a
diffraction grating.

3.3.2.2 Diffraction
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Appearance of the diffraction pattern from a single slit using

monochromatic and white light.
Qualitative treatment of the variation of the width of the
central diffraction maximum with wavelength and slit
width. The graph of intensity against angular separation is
not required.
Plane transmission diffraction grating at normal incidence.
Derivation of dsin = n
Use of the spectrometer will not be tested.
Applications of diffraction gratings.

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3.3.2.3 Refraction at a plane surface

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Refractive index of a substance,n =

c
cs

MS 0.6, 4.1

Students should recall that the refractive index of air is

approximately 1.
Snells law of refraction for a boundaryn1sin 1 = n2sin 2
Total internal reflection sin c =

n2
n1

Simple treatment of fibre optics including the function of

the cladding.
Optical fibres will be limited to step index only.
Material and modal dispersion.
Students are expected to understand the principles and
consequences of pulse broadening and absorption.

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3.4 Mechanics and materials

Vectors and their treatment are introduced followed by development of the students knowledge and
understanding of forces, energy and momentum. The section continues with a study of materials
considered in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. As with earlier topics, this section and
also the following section Electricity would provide a good starting point for students who prefer to
begin by consolidating work.

3.4.1 Force, energy and momentum

3.4.1.1 Scalars and vectors
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Nature of scalars and vectors.

MS 0.6, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5 / PS 1.1

Examples should include:

Investigation of the conditions for

equilibrium for three coplanar forces
acting at a point using a force board.

velocity/speed, mass, force/weight, acceleration,

displacement/distance.
Addition of vectors by calculation or scale drawing.
Calculations will be limited to two vectors at right angles.
Scale drawings may involve vectors at angles other than 90
.
Resolution of vectors into two components at right angles to
each other.
Examples should include components of forces along and
perpendicular to an inclined plane.
Problems may be solved either by the use of resolved forces
or the use of a closed triangle.
Conditions for equilibrium for two or three coplanar
forces acting at a point. Appreciation of the meaning of
equilibrium in the context of an object at rest or moving
with constant velocity.

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3.4.1.2 Moments
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Moment of a force about a point.

Moment defined as force perpendicular distance from the
point to the line of action of the force.
Couple as a pair of equal and opposite coplanar forces.
Moment of couple defined as force perpendicular distance
between the lines of action of the forces.
Principle of moments.
Centre of mass.
Knowledge that the position of the centre of mass of uniform
regular solid is at its centre.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.4.1.3 Motion along a straight line

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration.

MS 3.6, 3.7 / PS 1.1, 3.1

v=
a=

s
t
v
t

Distinguish between instantaneous

velocity and average velocity.

Calculations may include average and instantaneous speeds

and velocities.
Representation by graphical methods of uniform and nonuniform acceleration.
Significance of areas of velocitytime and accelerationtime
graphs and gradients of displacementtime and velocitytime
graphs for uniform and non-uniform acceleration eg graphs
for motion of bouncing ball.

MS 3.5, 3.6
Measurements and calculations from
displacementtime, velocitytime and
accelerationtime graphs.
MS 0.5, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
Calculations involving motion in a
straight line.

Equations for uniform acceleration:

v = u + at
u+v
s= 2 t
s = ut +

at2
2

v2 = u2 + 2as
Acceleration due to gravity, g.
Required practical 3: Determination of g by a freefall
method.

MS 0.3, 1.2, 3.7 / AT d

Students should be able to identify
random and systematic errors in the
experiment and suggest ways to
remove them.
MS 3.9
Determine g from a graph.

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3.4.1.4 Projectile motion

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Independent effect of motion in horizontal and vertical

directions of a uniform gravitational field. Problems will be
solvable using the equations of uniform acceleration.

PS 2.2, 3.1

Qualitative treatment of friction.

Investigation of the factors that

determine the motion of an object
through a fluid.

Distinctions between static and dynamic friction will not be

tested.
Qualitative treatment of lift and drag forces.
Terminal speed.
Knowledge that air resistance increases with speed.
Qualitative understanding of the effect of air resistance on
the trajectory of a projectile and on the factors that affect the
maximum speed of a vehicle.

3.4.1.5 Newtons laws of motion

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Knowledge and application of the three laws of motion in

appropriate situations.

PS 4.1 / MS 0.5, 3.2 / AT a, b, d

F = ma for situations where the mass is constant.

Students can verify Newtons second

law of motion.
MS 4.1, 4.2
Students can use free-body diagrams.

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3.4.1.6 Momentum
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

momentum = mass velocity

MS 2.2, 2.3

Conservation of linear momentum.

Students can apply conservation of

momentum and rate of change of
momentum to a range of examples.

Principle applied quantitatively to problems in one

dimension.
Force as the rate of change of momentum, F =
Impulse = change in momentum

mv
t

Ft = mv , where F is constant.

Significance of the area under a forcetime graph.

Quantitative questions may be set on forces that vary with
time. Impact forces are related to contact times (eg kicking a
football, crumple zones, packaging).
Elastic and inelastic collisions; explosions.
Appreciation of momentum conservation issues in the
context of ethical transport design.

3.4.1.7 Work, energy and power

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Energy transferred, W = Fscos

MS 0.3 / PS 3.3, 4.1 / AT a, b, f.

rate of doing work = rate of energy transfer, P =

W
t

= Fv

Quantitative questions may be set on variable forces.

Significance of the area under a forcedisplacement graph.

efficiency =

useful output power

input power

Investigate the efficiency of an electric

motor being used to raise a mass
through a measured height. Students
should be able to identify random and
systematic errors in the experiment
and suggest ways to remove them.

Efficiency can be expressed as a percentage.

3.4.1.8 Conservation of energy

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Principle of conservation of energy.

MS 0.4, 2.2

Ep = mgh and Ek =

Estimate the energy that can be

derived from food consumption.

1
2
2 mv

Quantitative and qualitative application of energy

conservation to examples involving gravitational potential
energy, kinetic energy, and work done against resistive
forces.

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3.4.2 Materials
3.4.2.1 Bulk properties of solids
Content
Density, =

Opportunities for skills

development
MS 0.2, 4.3 / PS 3.3, 4.1

m
V

Hookes law, elastic limit,

Students can compare the use of

analogue and digital meters.

F = kL , k as stiffness and spring constant.

MS 0.4, 4.3 / AT e

Tensile strain and tensile stress.

Estimate the volume of an object

leading to an estimate of its density.

Elastic strain energy, breaking stress.

energystored = 2 FL = areaunder forceextensiongraph

Description of plastic behaviour, fracture and brittle
behaviour linked to forceextension graphs.

Quantitative and qualitative application of energy

conservation to examples involving elastic strain energy and
energy to deform.
Spring energy transformed to kinetic and gravitational
potential energy.
Interpretation of simple stressstrain curves.
Appreciation of energy conservation issues in the context of
ethical transport design.

3.4.2.2 The Young modulus

Content

Young modulus =

Opportunities for skills

development
tensile stress
tensile strain

FL
AL

MS 3.1

Use of stressstrain graphs to find the Young modulus.

(One simple method of measurement is required.)
Required practical 4: Determination of the Young modulus
by a simple method.

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3.5 Electricity
This section builds on and develops earlier study of these phenomena from GCSE. It provides
opportunities for the development of practical skills at an early stage in the course and lays the
groundwork for later study of the many electrical applications that are important to society.

3.5.1 Current electricity

3.5.1.1 Basics of electricity
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Electric current as the rate of flow of charge; potential

difference as work done per unit charge.

AT b, f

Q
t , V

W
Q

Resistance defined as R =

Students can construct circuits from

the range of components.

V
I

3.5.1.2 Currentvoltage characteristics

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

For an ohmic conductor, semiconductor diode, and

filament lamp.
Ohms law as a special case where I V under constant
physical conditions.
Unless specifically stated in questions, ammeters and
voltmeters should be treated as ideal (having zero and
infinite resistance respectively).

Questions can be set where either I or V is on the horizontal

axis of the characteristic graph.

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3.5.1.3 Resistivity
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Resistivity, =

MS 3.2, 4.3 / PS 1.2 / AT a, b, f, g

RA
L

Description of the qualitative effect of temperature on the

resistance of metal conductors and thermistors.

Investigation of the variation of

resistance of a thermistor with
temperature.

Only negative temperature coefficient (ntc) thermistors will

be considered.
Applications of thermistors to include temperature sensors
and resistancetemperature graphs.
Superconductivity as a property of certain materials which
have zero resistivity at and below a critical temperature
which depends on the material.
Applications of superconductors to include the production
of strong magnetic fields and the reduction of energy loss in
transmission of electric power.
Critical field will not be assessed.
Required practical 5: Determination of resistivity of a wire
using a micrometer, ammeter and voltmeter.

3.5.1.4 Circuits
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Resistors:

MS 0.3 / PS 4.1 / AT a, b, f, g

inseries, RT = R1 + R2 + R3 +
1
1
1
1
in parallel, R = R + R + R +

Students can construct circuits with

various component configurations
and measure currents and potential
differences.

Energ yand powerequations: E = IV t;

V2
P = IV = I 2R = R
The relationships between currents, voltages and
resistances in series and parallel circuits, including cells in
series and identical cells in parallel.
Conservation of charge and conservation of energy in dc
circuits.

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3.5.1.5 Potential divider

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

The potential divider used to supply constant or variable

potential difference from a power supply.

MS 3.2 / PS 4.1 / AT f

The use of the potentiometer as a measuring instrument is

not required.
Examples should include the use of variable resistors,
thermistors, and light dependent resistors (LDR) in the
potential divider.

Students can investigate the

behaviour of a potential divider circuit.
MS 3.2 / AT g
Students should design and construct
potential divider circuits to achieve
various outcomes.

3.5.1.6 Electromotive force and internal resistance

Content

E
Q

Opportunities for skills

development

,= I R+r

Terminal pd; emf

Students will be expected to understand and perform

calculations for circuits in which the internal resistance of
the supply is not negligible.
Required practical 6: Investigation of the emf and internal
resistance of electric cells and batteries by measuring the
variation of the terminal pd of the cell with current in it.

MS 3.1, 3.3 / PS 2.2, 3.1 / AT f

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3.6 Further mechanics and thermal physics (A-level only)

The earlier study of mechanics is further advanced through a consideration of circular motion and simple
harmonic motion (the harmonic oscillator). A further section allows the thermal properties of materials, the
properties and nature of ideal gases, and the molecular kinetic theory to be studied in depth.

3.6.1 Periodic motion (A-level only)

3.6.1.1 Circular motion (A-level only)
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Motion in a circular path at constant speed implies there is

an acceleration and requires a centripetal force.

MS 0.4

Magnitude of angular speed =

v
r

= 2 f

Radian measure of angle.

Estimate the acceleration and

centripetal force in situations that
involve rotation.

Direction of angular velocity will not be considered.

Centripetal acceleration a =

v2
r

= 2r

The derivation of the centripetal acceleration formula will not

be examined.
Centripetal force F =

mv2
r

= m2r

3.6.1.2 Simple harmonic motion (SHM) (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Analysis of characteristics of simple harmonic motion (SHM).

AT i, k

Condition for SHM: a x

Data loggers can be used to produce

s t, v t and a tgraphs for SHM.

2
Defining equation: a = x

2
2
x = Acos t and v = A x

Graphical representations linking the variations of x, v and a

with time.
Appreciation that the v tgraph is derived from the gradient
of the x t graph and that the a tgraph is derived from
the gradient of the v t graph.

MS 3.6, 3.8, 3.9, 3.12

Sketch relationships between x, v, a

a t for simple harmonic oscillators.
and

Maximum speed = A

2
Maximum acceleration = A

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3.6.1.3 Simple harmonic systems (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Study of mass-spring system: T = 2

Study of simple pendulum: T = 2

l
g

m
k

Questions may involve other harmonic oscillators (eg liquid

in U-tube) but full information will be provided in questions
where necessary.

MS 4.6 / AT b, c
Students should recognise the use
of the small-angle approximation in
the derivation of the time period for
examples of approximate SHM.

Variation of Ek,Ep, and total energy with both displacement

and time.
Effects of damping on oscillations.
Required practical 7: Investigation into simple harmonic
motion using a massspring system and a simple pendulum.

3.6.1.4 Forced vibrations and resonance (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Qualitative treatment of free and forced vibrations.

AT g, i, k

Resonance and the effects of damping on the sharpness of

resonance.

Investigation of the factors that

determine the resonant frequency of a
driven system.

Examples of these effects in mechanical systems and

situations involving stationary waves.

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3.6.2 Thermal physics (A-level only)

3.6.2.1 Thermal energy transfer (A-level only)
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Internal energy is the sum of the randomly distributed kinetic

energies and potential energies of the particles in a body.

MS 1.5 / PS 2.3 / AT a, b, d, f

The internal energy of a system is increased when energy

is transferred to it by heating or when work is done on it
(and vice versa), eg a qualitative treatment of the first law of
thermodynamics.
Appreciation that during a change of state the potential
energies of the particle ensemble are changing but not the
kinetic energies. Calculations involving transfer of energy.
For a change of temperature: Q = mc where c is specific
heat capacity.
Calculations including continuous flow.

For a change of state Q = ml where l is the specific

latent heat.

Investigate the factors that affect the

change in temperature of a substance
using an electrical method or the
method of mixtures.
Students should be able to identify
random and systematic errors in the
experiment and suggest ways to
remove them.
PS 1.1, 4.1 / AT k
Investigate, with a data logger and
temperature sensor, the change in
temperature with time of a substance
undergoing a phase change when
energy is supplied at a constant rate.

3.6.2.2 Ideal gases (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Gas laws as experimental relationships between p, V , T and

the mass of the gas.
Concept of absolute zero of temperature.
Ideal gas equation: pV = nRT for n moles and pV = NkT
for N molecules.

Work done = pV
Avogadro constant N A, molar gas constant R, Boltzmann
constant k
Molar mass and molecular mass.
Required practical 8: Investigation of Boyle's law (constant
temperature) and Charless law (constant pressure) for a gas.

MS 3.3, 3.4, 3.14 / AT a

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3.6.2.3 Molecular kinetic theory model (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Brownian motion as evidence for existence of atoms.

Explanation of relationships between p, V and T in terms of
a simple molecular model.
Students should understand that the gas laws are empirical
in nature whereas the kinetic theory model arises from
theory.
1

Assumptions leading to pV = 3 Nm crms including

derivation of the equation and calculations.
A simple algebraic approach involving conservation of
momentum is required.
Appreciation that for an ideal gas internal energy is kinetic
energy of the atoms.
Use of average molecular kinetic energy =
1
2m

crms

= 2 kT =

3RT
2N A

Appreciation of how knowledge and understanding of the

behaviour of a gas has changed over time.

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3.7 Fields and their consequences (A-level only)

The concept of field is one of the great unifying ideas in physics. The ideas of gravitation, electrostatics
and magnetic field theory are developed within the topic to emphasise this unification. Many ideas from
mechanics and electricity from earlier in the course support this and are further developed. Practical
applications considered include: planetary and satellite orbits, capacitance and capacitors, their charge
and discharge through resistors, and electromagnetic induction. These topics have considerable impact
on modern society.

3.7.1 Fields (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Concept of a force field as a region in which a body

experiences a non-contact force.
Students should recognise that a force field can be
represented as a vector, the direction of which must be
determined by inspection.
Force fields arise from the interaction of mass, of static
charge, and between moving charges.
Similarities and differences between gravitational and
electrostatic forces:
Similarities: Both have inverse-square force laws that have
many characteristics in common, eg use of field lines, use of
potential concept, equipotential surfaces etc
Differences: masses always attract, but charges may attract
or repel

3.7.2 Gravitational fields (A-level only)

3.7.2.1 Newton's law (A-level only)
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Gravity as a universal attractive force acting between all matter.

Magnitude of force between point masses: F =
Gis the gravitational constant.

Gm1m2
r2

where

MS 0.4
Students can estimate the
gravitational force between a variety
of objects.

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3.7.2.2 Gravitational field strength (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Representation of a gravitational field by gravitational field

lines.

gas force per unit mass as defined by g =

F
m

Magnitude of g in a radial field given by g =

GM
r2

3.7.2.3 Gravitational potential (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Understanding of definition of gravitational potential,

including zero value at infinity.

MS 3.8, 3.9

Understanding of gravitational potential difference.

Work done in moving mass m given by W = mV

Students use graphical

representations to investigate
relationships between v, r and g.

Equipotential surfaces.

Idea that no work is done when moving along an

equipotential surface.

V in a radial field given by V =

GM
r

Significance of the negative sign.

Graphical representations of variations of g and V withr.

V related to gby: g =

V
r

V from area under graph of g against r.

3.7.2.4 Orbits of planets and satellites (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Orbital period and speed related to radius of circular orbit;

2
3
derivation of T r

MS 0.4

Energy considerations for an orbiting satellite.

Total energy of an orbiting satellite.
Escape velocity.
Synchronous orbits.

Use of satellites in low orbits and geostationary orbits, to

include plane and radius of geostationary orbit.

Estimate various parameters of

planetary orbits, eg kinetic energy of a
planet in orbit.
MS 3.11
Use logarithmic plots to show
relationships between T and r for
given data.

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3.7.3 Electric fields (A-level only)

3.7.3.1 Coulomb's law (A-level only)
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Force between point charges in a vacuum:

MS 0.3, 2.3

1 Q1Q2
40 r2

Students can estimate the magnitude

of the electrostatic force between
various charge configurations.

Permittivity of free space, 0

Appreciation that air can be treated as a vacuum when

calculating force between charges.
For a charged sphere, charge may be considered to be at
the centre.
Comparison of magnitude of gravitational and electrostatic
forces between subatomic particles.

3.7.3.2 Electric field strength (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Representation of electric fields by electric field lines.

PS 1.2, 2.2 / AT b

Electric field strength.

Students can investigate the patterns

of various field configurations using
conducting paper (2D) or electrolytic
tank (3D).

Eas force per unit charge defined by E =

F
Q

Magnitude of E in a uniform field given by E =

V
d

Derivation from work done moving charge between plates:

Fd = QV

Trajectory of moving charged particle entering a uniform

electric field initially at right angles.
Magnitude of E in a radial field given by E =

1 Q
40 r2

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3.7.3.3 Electric potential (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Understanding of definition of absolute electric potential,

including zero value at infinity, and of electric potential
difference.
Work done in moving charge Q given by W = Q V
Equipotential surfaces.

No work done moving charge along an equipotential surface.

Magnitude of V in a radial field given by V =

1 Q
40 r

Graphical representations of variations of E and V with r.

V related to E by E =

V
r

V from the area under graph of Eagainst r.

Quantitative treatment of capacitor discharge, Q = Q0e

Use of the corresponding equations for V and I .

Quantitative treatment of capacitor charge,Q = Q0 1 e

Required practical 9: Investigation of the charge and

discharge of capacitors. Analysis techniques should include
log-linear plotting leading to a determination of the time
constant, RC

MS 3.8, 3.10, 3.11 / PS 2.2, 2.3 / AT

f, k

Magnetic flux defined by = BA where B is normal to A.

Flux linkage as N where N is the number of turns cutting

the flux.
Flux and flux linkage passing through a rectangular coil
rotated in a magnetic field:
flux linkage N = BANcos

Required practical 11: Investigate, using a search coil and

oscilloscope, the effect on magnetic flux linkage of varying
the angle between a search coil and magnetic field direction.

3.7.5.4 Electromagnetic induction (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Simple experimental phenomena.

Faradays and Lenzs laws.
Magnitude of induced emf = rate of change of flux linkage

Applications such as a straight conductor moving in a

magnetic field.
emf induced in a coil rotating uniformly in a magnetic field:

= BANsint

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3.7.5.5 Alternating currents (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Sinusoidal voltages and currents only; root mean square,

peak and peak-to-peak values for sinusoidal waveforms only.

I rms =

; V rms =

Application to the calculation of mains electricity peak and

peak-to-peak voltage values.
Use of an oscilloscope as a dc and ac voltmeter, to measure
time intervals and frequencies, and to display ac waveforms.
No details of the structure of the instrument are required but
familiarity with the operation of the controls is expected.

3.7.5.6 The operation of a transformer (A-level only)

Content

The transformer

Opportunities for skills

development
Ns
equation: N p

Vs
Vp

I SV S
PV P

Transformer efficiency = I

MS 0.3 / AT b, h
Investigate relationships between
currents, voltages and numbers of
coils in transformers.

Production of eddy currents.

Causes of inefficiencies in a transformer.
Transmission of electrical power at high voltage including
calculations of power loss in transmission lines.

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3.8 Nuclear physics (A-level only)

This section builds on the work of Particles and radiation to link the properties of the nucleus to the
production of nuclear power through the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable
nuclei, and the link between energy and mass. Students should become aware of the physics that
underpins nuclear energy production and also of the impact that it can have on society.

3.8.1 Radioactivity (A-level only)

3.8.1.1 Rutherford scattering (A-level only)
Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Qualitative study of Rutherford scattering.

Appreciation of how knowledge and understanding of the
structure of the nucleus has changed over time.

3.8.1.2 , and radiation (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Their properties and experimental identification using simple

absorption experiments; applications eg to relative hazards
of exposure to humans.
Applications also include thickness measurements of
aluminium foil paper and steel.
Inverse-square law for radiation:I =

k
x2

Experimental verification of inverse-square law.

Applications eg to safe handling of radioactive sources.
Background radiation; examples of its origins and
experimental elimination from calculations.
Appreciation of balance between risk and benefits in the
uses of radiation in medicine.
Required practical 12: Investigation of the inverse-square
law for gamma radiation.

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3.8.1.3 Radioactive decay (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Random nature of radioactive decay; constant decay

probability of a given nucleus;

MS 1.3, 3.10, 3.11 / PS 3.1, 3.2

t = N
N = N 0et

Use of activity, A = N

Investigate the decay equation using

a variety of approaches (including
the use of experimental data, dice
simulations etc) and a variety of
analytical methods.

Modelling with constant decay probability.

Questions may be set which require students to use

A = A0et
Questions may also involve use of molar mass or the
Avogadro constant.
Half-life equation:T =

ln2

Determination of half-life from graphical decay data

including decay curves and log graphs.
Applications eg relevance to storage of radioactive waste,
radioactive dating etc.

3.8.1.4 Nuclear instability (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Graph of N against Z for stable nuclei.

+
Possible decay modes of unstable nuclei including , ,
and electron capture.

Changes in N and Z caused by radioactive decay and

representation in simple decay equations.
Questions may use nuclear energy level diagrams.

Existence of nuclear excited states; ray emission;

application eg use of technetium-99m as a source in
medical diagnosis.

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3.8.1.5 Nuclear radius (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Estimate of radius from closest approach of alpha particles

and determination of radius from electron diffraction.

MS 1.4

Knowledge of typical values for nuclear radius.

Make order of magnitude calculations

of the radius of different atomic nuclei.

Students will need to be familiar with the Coulomb equation

for the closest approach estimate.
Dependence of radius on nucleon number:

R = R0 A1/3 derived from experimental data.

Interpretation of equation as evidence for constant density
of nuclear material.
Calculation of nuclear density.
Students should be familiar with the graph of intensity
against angle for electron diffraction by a nucleus.

3.8.1.6 Mass and energy (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

2
Appreciation that E = mc applies to all energy changes,

Simple calculations involving mass difference and binding

energy.
Atomic mass unit, u.
Conversion of units; 1 u = 931.5 MeV.
Fission and fusion processes.
Simple calculations from nuclear masses of energy released
in fission and fusion reactions.
Graph of average binding energy per nucleon against
nucleon number.
Students may be expected to identify, on the plot, the
regions where nuclei will release energy when undergoing
fission/fusion.
Appreciation that knowledge of the physics of nuclear energy
allows society to use science to inform decision making.

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3.8.1.7 Induced fission (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Fission induced by thermal neutrons; possibility of a chain

reaction; critical mass.
The functions of the moderator, control rods, and coolant in
a thermal nuclear reactor.
Details of particular reactors are not required.
Students should have studied a simple mechanical model of
moderation by elastic collisions.
Factors affecting the choice of materials for the moderator,
control rods and coolant. Examples of materials used for
these functions.

3.8.1.8 Safety aspects (A-level only)

Content

Opportunities for skills

development

Fuel used, remote handling of fuel, shielding, emergency

shut-down.
Production, remote handling, and storage of radioactive
waste materials.
Appreciation of balance between risk and benefits in the
development of nuclear power.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.9 Astrophysics (A-level only)

Fundamental physical principles are applied to the study and interpretation of the Universe. Students gain
deeper insight into the behaviour of objects at great distances from Earth and discover the ways in which
information from these objects can be gathered. The underlying physical principles of the devices used
are covered and some indication is given of the new information gained by the use of radio astronomy.
The discovery of exoplanets is an example of the way in which new information is gained by astronomers.

3.9.1 Telescopes (A-level only)

3.9.1.1 Astronomical telescope consisting of two converging lenses (A-level only)
Content
Ray diagram to show the image formation in normal adjustment.
Angular magnification in normal adjustment.

M =

angle subtended by image at eye

angle subtended by object at unaided eye

Focal lengths of the lenses.

M = fo
e

3.9.1.2 Reflecting telescopes (A-level only)

Content
Cassegrain arrangement using a parabolic concave primary mirror and convex secondary mirror.
Ray diagram to show path of rays through the telescope up to the eyepiece.
Relative merits of reflectors and refractors including a qualitative treatment of spherical and
chromatic aberration.

3.9.1.3 Single dish radio telescopes, I-R, U-V and X-ray telescopes (A-level only)
Content
Similarities and differences of radio telescopes compared to optical telescopes. Discussion should
include structure, positioning and use, together with comparisons of resolving and collecting powers.

3.9.1.4 Advantages of large diameter telescopes (A-level only)

Content
Minimum angular resolution of telescope.
Rayleigh criterion,

Collecting power is proportional to diameter2.

Students should be familiar with the rad as the unit of angle.
Comparison of the eye and CCD as detectors in terms of quantum efficiency, resolution, and
convenience of use.
No knowledge of the structure of the CCD is required.
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3.9.2 Classification of stars (A-level only)

3.9.2.1 Classification by luminosity (A-level only)
Content
Apparent magnitude, m.
The Hipparcos scale.
Dimmest visible stars have a magnitude of 6.
Relation between brightness and apparent magnitude. Difference of 1 on magnitude scale is equal to
an intensity ratio of 2.51.
Brightness is a subjective scale of measurement.

3.9.2.2 Absolute magnitude, M (A-level only)

Content
Parsec and light year.
d

Definition of M , relation to m: m M = 5log 10

3.9.2.3 Classification by temperature, black-body radiation (A-level only)

Content
Stefans law and Wiens displacement law.
General shape of black-body curves, use of Wiens displacement law to estimate black-body
temperature of sources.
Experimental verification is not required.

maxT = constant = 2.9 103mK

Assumption that a star is a black body.

Inverse square law, assumptions in its application.
Use of Stefans law to compare the power output, temperature and size of stars

P = AT 4

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.9.2.4 Principles of the use of stellar spectral classes (A-level only)

Description of the main classes:

Spectral
class

Intrinsic
colour

Temperature / K

Prominent absorption lines

blue

25 000 50 000

He+, He, H

blue

11 000 25 000

He, H

blue-white

7 500 11 000

H (strongest)
ionized metals

white

6 000 7 500

ionized metals

yellow-white

5 000 6 000

ionized & neutral metals

orange

3 500 5 000

neutral metals

red

< 3 500

neutral atoms, TiO

Temperature related to absorption spectra limited to Hydrogen Balmer absorption lines: requirement for
atoms in an n = 2 state.

3.9.2.5 The Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram (A-level only)

Content
General shape: main sequence, dwarfs and giants.
Axis scales range from 10 to +15 (absolute magnitude) and 50 000 K to 2 500 K (temperature) or
OBAFGKM (spectral class).
Students should be familiar with the position of the Sun on the HR diagram.
Stellar evolution: path of a star similar to our Sun on the HR diagram from formation to white dwarf.

3.9.2.6 Supernovae, neutron stars and black holes (A-level only)

Content
Defining properties: rapid increase in absolute magnitude of supernovae; composition and density of
neutron stars; escape velocity > cfor black holes.
Gamma ray bursts due to the collapse of supergiant stars to form neutron stars or black holes.
Comparison of energy output with total energy output of the Sun.
Use of type 1a supernovae as standard candles to determine distances. Controversy concerning
accelerating Universe and dark energy.
Students should be familiar with the light curve of typical type 1a supernovae.
Supermassive black holes at the centre of galaxies.
Calculation of the radius of the event horizon for a black hole, Schwarzschild radius Rs , Rs

2GM
c2

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3.9.3 Cosmology (A-level only)

3.9.3.1 Doppler effect (A-level only)
Content
f
f

v
c

and z =

v
c

for v c applied to optical and radio frequencies.

Calculations on binary stars viewed in the plane of orbit.

Galaxies and quasars.

3.9.3.2 Hubble's law (A-level only)

Content
Red shift v = Hd
Simple interpretation as expansion of universe; estimation of age of universe, assuming H is constant.
Qualitative treatment of Big Bang theory including evidence from cosmological microwave
background radiation, and relative abundance of hydrogen and helium.

3.9.3.3 Quasars (A-level only)

Content
Quasars as the most distant measurable objects.
Discovery of quasars as bright radio sources.
Quasars show large optical red shifts; estimation involving distance and power output.
Formation of quasars from active supermassive black holes.

3.9.3.4 Detection of exoplanets (A-level only)

Content
Difficulties in the direct detection of exoplanets.
Detection techniques will be limited to variation in Doppler shift (radial velocity method) and the
transit method.
Typical light curve.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.10 Medical physics (A-level only)

Students with an interest in biological and medical topics are offered the opportunity to study some of
the applications of physical principles and techniques in medicine. The physics of the eye and ear as
sensory organs is discussed. The important and developing field of medical imaging, with both nonionising and ionising radiations is considered. Further uses of ionising radiation are developed in a
section on radiation therapy.

3.10.1

Physics of the eye (A-level only)

3.10.1.1

Physics of vision (A-level only)

Content
The eye as an optical refracting system, including ray diagrams of image formation.
Sensitivity of the eye; spectral response as a photodetector.
Spatial resolution of the eye; explanation in terms of the behaviour of rods and cones.

3.10.1.2

Defects of vision and their correction using lenses (A-level only)

Content
Properties of converging and diverging lenses; principal focus, focal length and power,
1

power = f ; u +

1
v

= f ;m =

v
u

Myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism.

Ray diagrams and calculations of powers (in dioptres) of correcting lenses for myopia and hypermetropia.
The format of prescriptions for astigmatism.

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3.10.2

Physics of the ear (A-level only)

3.10.2.1

Ear as a sound detection system (A-level only)

Content
Simple structure of the ear, transmission processes.

3.10.2.2

Sensitivity and frequency response (A-level only)

Content
Production and interpretation of equal loudness curves.
Human perception of relative intensity levels and the need for a logarithmic scale to reflect this.
Definition of intensity.

Intensit ylevel = 10log

I
I0

2
12
where the threshold of hearing I 0 = 1.0 10 Wm

Measurement of sound intensity levels and the use of dB and dBA scales; relative intensity levels
of sounds.

3.10.2.3

Defects of hearing (A-level only)

Content
The effect on equal loudness curves and the changes experienced in terms of hearing loss due to injury
resulting from exposure to excessive noise or deterioration with age (excluding physiological changes).

3.10.3

Biological measurement (A-level only)

3.10.3.1

Simple ECG machines and the normal ECG waveform (A-level only)

Content
Principles of operation for obtaining the ECG waveform; explanation of the characteristic shape of a
normal ECG waveform.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.10.4

Non-ionising imaging (A-level only)

3.10.4.1

Ultrasound imaging (A-level only)

Content
Reflection and transmission characteristics of sound waves at tissue boundaries, acoustic
impedance, Z , and attenuation.
Advantages and disadvantages of ultrasound imaging in comparison with alternatives including
safety issues and resolution.
Piezoelectric devices
Principles of generation and detection of ultrasound pulses.
A-scans and B-scans.
Examples of applications.
Use of the equations Z = c and

3.10.4.2

Ir
Ii

Z2 Z1 2
Z2 + Z1

Fibre optics and endoscopy (A-level only)

Content
Properties of fibre optics and applications in medical physics; including total internal reflection at the
corecladding interface.
Physical principles of the optical system of a flexible endoscope; the use of coherent and non-coherent
fibre bundles; examples of use for internal imaging and related advantages.

3.10.4.3

Magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (A-level only)

Content
Basic principles of MR scanner:
cross-section of patient scanned using magnetic fields
protons initially aligned with spins parallel
spinning hydrogen nuclei (protons) precess about the magnetic field lines of a
superconducting magnet
'gradient' field coils used to scan cross-section
short radio frequency (RF) pulses cause excitation and change of spin state in successive
small regions
protons excited during the scan emit RF signals as they de-excite
RF signals detected and the resulting signals are processed by a computer to produce a
visual image.
Students will not be asked about the production of magnetic fields used in an MR scanner, or about
de-excitation relaxation times.

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3.10.5

X-ray imaging (A-level only)

3.10.5.1

The physics of diagnostic X-rays (A-level only)

Content
Physical principles of the production of X-rays; maximum photon energy, energy spectrum;
continuous spectrum and characteristic spectrum.
Rotating-anode X-ray tube; methods of controlling the beam intensity, the photon energy, the image
sharpness and contrast, and the patient dose.

3.10.5.2

Image detection and enhancement (A-level only)

Content
Flat panel (FTP) detector including X-ray scintillator, photodiode pixels, electronic scanning.
Advantages of FTP detector compared with photographic detection.
Contrast enhancement; use of X-ray opaque material as illustrated by the barium meal technique.
Photographic detection with intensifying screen and fluoroscopic image intensification; reasons for
using these.

3.10.5.3

Absorption of X-rays (A-level only)

Content
Exponential attenuation.
Linear coefficient , mass attenuation coefficient m, half-value thickness
I = I 0ex m =

Differential tissue absorption of X-rays excluding details of the absorption processes.

3.10.5.4

CT scanner (A-level only)

Content
Basic principles of CT scanner:
movement of X-ray tube
narrow, monochromatic X-ray beam
array of detectors
computer used to process the signals and produce a visual image.
Comparisons will be limited to advantages and disadvantages of image resolution, cost and safety
issues. Students will not be asked about the construction or operation of the detectors.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.10.6

Radionuclide imaging and therapy (A-level only)

3.10.6.1

Imaging techniques (A-level only)

Content
Use of a gamma-emitting radioisotope as a tracer; technetium-99m, iodine-131 and indium-111 and
their relevant properties.
The properties should include the radiation emitted, the half-life, the energy of the gamma radiation,
the ability for it to be labelled with a compound with an affinity for a particular organ.
The Molybdenum-Technetium generator, its basic use and importance.
PET scans.

3.10.6.2

Half-life (A-level only)

Content
Physical, biological and effective half-lives;

3.10.6.3

1
TE

= T + T ; definitions of each term.

B
P

Gamma camera (A-level only)

Content
Basic structure and workings of a photomultiplier tube and gamma camera.

3.10.6.4

Use of high-energy X-rays (A-level only)

Content
External treatment using high-energy X-rays. Methods used to limit exposure to healthy cells.

3.10.6.5

Use of radioactive implants (A-level only)

Content
Internal treatment using beta emitting implants.

3.10.6.6

Imaging comparisons (A-level only)

Content
Students will be required to make comparisons between imaging techniques. Questions will be
limited to consideration of image resolution, convenience and safety issues.

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3.11 Engineering physics (A-level only)

This option offers opportunities for students to reinforce and extend the work of core units
by considering applications in areas of engineering and technology. It extends the students
understanding in areas of rotational dynamics and thermodynamics. The emphasis in this option is
on an understanding of the concepts and the application of physics. Questions can be set in novel or
unfamiliar contexts, but in such cases the scene is set and any relevant required information is given.

3.11.1

Rotational dynamics (A-level only)

3.11.1.1

Concept of moment of inertia (A-level only)

Content
I = mr2for a point mass. I = mr2 for an extended object.

Qualitative knowledge of the factors that affect the moment of inertia of a rotating object.
Expressions for moment of inertia will be given where necessary.

3.11.1.2

Rotational kinetic energy (A-level only)

Content
1

Ek = 2 I2
Factors affecting the energy storage capacity of a flywheel.
Use of flywheels in machines.
Use of flywheels for smoothing torque and speed, and for storing energy in vehicles, and in machines
used for production processes.

3.11.1.3

Rotational motion (A-level only)

Content
Angular displacement, angular speed, angular velocity, angular acceleration, =

Representation by graphical methods of uniform and non-uniform angular acceleration.

Equations for uniform angular acceleration;
2 = 1+ t, =
= 1t +

t
2

1 + 2
2

, 2 = 1 + 2

Students should be aware of the analogy between rotational and translational dynamics.

3.11.1.4

Torque and angular acceleration (A-level only)

Content
T = Fr
T = I

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3.11.1.5

Angular momentum (A-level only)

Content
angular momentum = I
Conservation of angular momentum.
Angular impulse = change in angular momentum; T t = I where T is constant.

Applications may include examples from sport.

3.11.1.6

Work and power (A-level only)

Content
W = T;P = T
Awareness that frictional torque has to be taken into account in rotating machinery.

3.11.2

Thermodynamics and engines (A-level only)

3.11.2.1

First law of thermodynamics (A-level only)

Content
Quantitative treatment of first law of thermodynamics, Q = U + W

where Q is energy transferred to the system by heating, U is increase in internal energy and W is
work done by the system.
Applications of first law of thermodynamics.

3.11.2.2

Non-flow processes (A-level only)

Content
Isothermal, adiabatic, constant pressure and constant volume changes.
pV = nRT
adiabatic change: pV = constant

isothermal change: pV = constant

at constant pressure W = pV
Application of first law of thermodynamics to the above processes.

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3.11.2.3

The pV diagram (A-level only)

Content
Representation of processes on pV diagram.
Estimation of work done in terms of area below the graph.
Extension to cyclic processes: work done per cycle = area of loop
Expressions for work done are not required except for the constant pressure case, W = pV

3.11.2.4

Engine cycles (A-level only)

Content
Understanding of a four-stroke petrol engine cycle and a diesel engine cycle, and of the
corresponding indicator diagrams.
Comparison with the theoretical diagrams for these cycles; use of indicator diagrams for predicting
and measuring power and efficiency
input power = calorific value fuel flow rate
Indicated power as area of pV loop no. of cycles per second no. of cylinders
Output or brake power,P = T

friction power = indicated power brake power

Engine efficiency; overall, thermal and mechanical efficiencies.
Overall efficiency =
Thermal efficiency =

brake power
input power
indicated power
input power

Mechanical efficiency =

brake power
indicated power

A knowledge of engine constructional details is not required.

Questions may be set on other cycles, but they will be interpretative and all essential information will
be given.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.11.2.5

Second Law and engines (A-level only)

Content
Impossibility of an engine working only by the First Law.
Second Law of Thermodynamics expressed as the need for a heat engine to operate between a
source and a sink.
efficiency =

W
QH

QH QC
QH

maximum theoretical efficiency =

source at TH
QH
QC
sink

T H T C
TH

W
at TC

Reasons for the lower efficiencies of practical engines.

Maximising use of W and QH for example in combined heat and power schemes.

3.11.2.6

Reversed heat engines (A-level only)

Content
Basic principles and uses of heat pumps and refrigerators.
A knowledge of practical heat pumps or refrigerator cycles and devices is not required.

hot space at TH
QH
W
QC
cold space at TC
Coefficients of performance:
refrigerator: COPref =
heat pump: COPhp =

QC
W
QH
W

=
=

QC
QH QC

QH
QH QC

= T
= T

TC
TC

TH
H TC

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3.12 Turning points in physics (A-level only)

This option is intended to enable key concepts and developments in physics to be studied in
greater depth than in the core content. Students will be able to appreciate, from historical and
conceptual viewpoints, the significance of major paradigm shifts for the subject in the perspectives of
experimentation and understanding. Many present-day technological industries are the consequence
of these key developments and the topics in the option illustrate how unforeseen technologies can
develop from new discoveries.

3.12.1

The discovery of the electron (A-level only)

3.12.1.1

Cathode rays (A-level only)

Content
Production of cathode rays in a discharge tube.

3.12.1.2

Thermionic emission of electrons (A-level only)

Content
The principle of thermionic emission.
1

Work done on an electron accelerated through a pd V ; 2 mv2 = eV

3.12.1.3

Specific charge of the electron (A-level only)

Content
Determination of the specific charge of an electron,
Significance of Thomsons determination of

e
me ,

by any one method.

e
me

Comparison with the specific charge of the hydrogen ion.

3.12.1.4

Principle of Millikans determination of the electronic charge, e (A-level only)

Content
Condition for holding a charged oil droplet, of charge Q, stationary between oppositely charged
parallel plates.
QV
d =mg

Motion of a falling oil droplet with and without an electric field; terminal speed to determine the mass
and the charge of the droplet.
Stokes Law for the viscous force on an oil droplet used to calculate the droplet radius.
F = 6rv
Significance of Millikans results.
Quantisation of electric charge.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

3.12.2

Wave-particle duality (A-level only)

3.12.2.1

Newtons corpuscular theory of light (A-level only)

Content
Comparison with Huygens wave theory in general terms.
The reasons why Newtons theory was preferred.

3.12.2.2

Significance of Youngs double slits experiment (A-level only)

Content
Explanation for fringes in general terms, no calculations are expected.
Delayed acceptance of Huygens wave theory of light.

3.12.2.3

Electromagnetic waves (A-level only)

Content
Nature of electromagnetic waves.
Maxwells formula for the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum c =

1
00

where 0 is the permeability of free space and 0 is the permittivity of free space.

Students should appreciate that 0 relates to the electric field strength due to a charged object in free
space and 0 relates to the magnetic flux density due to a current-carrying wire in free space.
Hertzs discovery of radio waves including measurements of the speed of radio waves.
Fizeaus determination of the speed of light and its implications.

3.12.2.4

The discovery of photoelectricity (A-level only)

Content
The ultraviolet catastrophe and black-body radiation.
Plancks interpretation in terms of quanta.
The failure of classical wave theory to explain observations on photoelectricity.
Einsteins explanation of photoelectricity and its significance in terms of the nature of
electromagnetic radiation.

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3.12.2.5

Waveparticle duality (A-level only)

Content
de Broglies hypothesis: p =
=

h
2meV

h
;

Low-energy electron diffraction experiments; qualitative explanation of the effect of a change of

electron speed on the diffraction pattern.

3.12.2.6

Electron microscopes (A-level only)

Content
Estimate of anode voltage needed to produce wavelengths of the order of the size of the atom.
Principle of operation of the transmission electron microscope (TEM).
Principle of operation of the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM).

3.12.3

Special relativity (A-level only)

3.12.3.1

The Michelson-Morley experiment (A-level only)

Content
Principle of the Michelson-Morley interferometer.
Outline of the experiment as a means of detecting absolute motion.
Significance of the failure to detect absolute motion.
The invariance of the speed of light.

3.12.3.2

Einsteins theory of special relativity (A-level only)

Content
The concept of an inertial frame of reference.
The two postulates of Einsteins theory of special relativity:
1 physical laws have the same form in all inertial frames
2 the speed of light in free space is invariant.

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3.12.3.3

Time dilation (A-level only)

Content
Proper time and time dilation as a consequence of special relativity.
Time dilation:
t=

t0
1

Evidence for time dilation from muon decay.

3.12.3.4

Length contraction (A-level only)

Content
Length of an object having a speed v
l = l0 1

3.12.3.5

v2
c2

Mass and energy (A-level only)

Content
Equivalence of mass and energy, E = mc2 ; E =

m0c2
1

Graphs of variation of mass and kinetic energy with speed.

Bertozzis experiment as direct evidence for the variation of kinetic energy with speed.

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3.13 Electronics (A-level only)

This option is designed for those who wish to learn more about modern electronic technologies as a
development of their core work in electricity. A variety of discrete devices is introduced followed by
discussions of both analogue and digital techniques ranging from the operational amplifier to digital
signal processing. The option ends with a look at the issues surrounding data communication.

3.13.1

Discrete semiconductor devices (A-level only)

3.13.1.1

MOSFET (metal-oxide semiconducting field-effect transistor) (A-level only)

Content
Simplified structure, behaviour and characteristics.
Drain, source and gate.
V DS, V GS, I DSS, and V th
Use as a switch, use as a device with a very high input resistance.
Use in N-channel, enhancement mode only is required.

3.13.1.2

Zener diode (A-level only)

Content
Characteristic curve showing zener breakdown voltage and typical minimum operating current.
Anode and cathode.
Use with a resistor as a constant voltage source.
Use to provide a reference voltage.
Use as a stabiliser is not required.

3.13.1.3

Photodiode (A-level only)

Content
Characteristic curves and spectral response curves.
Use in photo-conductive mode as a detector in optical systems.
Use with scintillator to detect atomic particles.

3.13.1.4

Hall effect sensor (A-level only)

Content
Use as magnetic field sensor to monitor attitude.
Use in tachometer.
Principles of operation are not required.

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3.13.2

Analogue and digital signals (A-level only)

3.13.2.1

Difference between analogue and digital signals (A-level only)

Content
Bits, bytes.
Analogue-to-digital conversion:
sampling audio signals for transmission in digital form
conversion of analogue signals into digital data using two voltage levels
quantisation
sampling rate
effect of sampling rate and number of bits per sample on quality of conversion
advantages and disadvantages of digital sampling
process of recovery of original data from noisy signal
effect of noise in communication systems.
Pulse code modulation.
Students should appreciate the use of a variety of sensors to collect analogue data.
The ability to carry out binary arithmetic is not required. Knowledge of binary numbers 1 to 10
is adequate.

3.13.3

Analogue signal processing (A-level only)

3.13.3.1

LC resonance filters (A-level only)

Content
Resonant frequency, f 0 =

1
2 LC

Only parallel resonance arrangements are required.

Analogy between LC circuit and massspring system.
Inductance as mass analogy.
Capacitance as spring analogy.
Derivation of the equation is not required.
Energy (voltage) response curve.
The response curve for current is not required.
Q factor, Q =

f0
fB

f B is the bandwidth of the filter at the 50% energy points.

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3.13.3.2

The ideal operational amplifier (A-level only)

Content
Operation and characteristics of an ideal operational amplifier:
power supply and signal connections
infinite open-loop gain
infinite input resistance.
Open-loop transfer function for a real operational amplifier, V out = AOL V + V
Use as a comparator.

The operational amplifier should be treated as an important system building block.

3.13.4

Operational amplifier in:

3.13.4.1

Inverting amplifier configuration (A-level only)

Content
V

out
Derivation of V =
in

Rf
Rin

, calculations.

Meaning of virtual earth, virtual-earth analysis.

3.13.4.2

Non-inverting amplifier configuration (A-level only)

Content
V out
V in

=1+

Rf
Rl

Derivation is not required.

3.13.4.3

Summing amplifier configuration (A-level only)

Content
V out = Rf

V1
R1

V2
R2

V3
R3

Difference amplifier configuration.

Derivation is not required.
V out = V + V

Rf
Rl

Derivation is not required.

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3.13.4.4

Real operational amplifiers (A-level only)

Content
Limitations of real operational amplifiers.
Frequency response curve.
gain bandwidth = constant for a given device.

3.13.5

Digital signal processing (A-level only)

3.13.5.1

Combinational logic (A-level only)

Content
Use of Boolean algebra related to truth tables and logic gates.

A = notA
A B = AandB
A + B = AorB

Identification and use of AND, NAND, OR, NOR, NOT and EOR gates in combination in logic circuits.
Construction and deduction of a logic circuit from a truth table.
The gates should be treated as building blocks. The internal structure or circuit of the gates is
not required.

3.13.5.2

Sequential logic (A-level only)

Content
Counting circuits:
Binary counter
BCD counter
Johnson counter.
Inputs to the circuits, clock, reset, up/down.
Outputs from the circuits.
Modulo-n counter from basic counter with the logic driving a reset pin.
The gates should be treated as building blocks. The internal structure or circuit of the gates is
not required.

3.13.5.3

Astables (A-level only)

Content
The astable as an oscillator to provide a clock pulse.
Clock (pulse) rate (frequency), pulse width, period, duty cycle, mark-to-space ratio.
Variation of running frequency using an external RC network.
Knowledge of a particular circuit or a specific device (eg 555 chip) will not be required.
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3.13.6

Data communication systems (A-level only)

3.13.6.1

Principles of communication systems (A-level only)

Content
Communication systems, block diagram of 'real time' communication system.
input
information
transducer e.g.
input
microphone

modulator

amplifier

transmitter
e.g. aerial

transmission path e.g. radio waves

receiver
e.g. aerial

amplifier

demodulator

output
transducer e.g.
loudspeaker

information
output

Only the purpose of each stage is required.

3.13.6.2

Transmission media (A-level only)

Content
Transmission-path media: metal wire, optic fibre, electromagnetic (radio, microwave).
Ground wave, refraction and reflection of sky waves, diffraction of long-wavelength radiation around
the Earths surface.
Satellite systems and typical transmission frequencies.
Students should recognise that up-links and down-links require different frequencies so that the
receivers are not de-sensed.
Advantages and disadvantages of various transmission media. Students should consider data
transmission rate, cost, and security issues.

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3.13.6.3

Time-division multiplexing (A-level only)

Content
Basic principles of time-division multiplexing.

3.13.6.4

Amplitude (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) techniques (A-level only)

Content
Principles of modulation; bandwidth.
Carrier wave and information signal.
Details of modulation circuits for modulating a carrier signal with the information signal will not be
required.
Graphical representation of both AM and FM modulated signals.
A detailed mathematical treatment is not required.
Students will be expected to identify the carrier frequency and the information frequency from a
graph of the variation of signal voltage with time.
Bandwidth requirements of simple AM and FM:
bandwidth = 2 f M for AM
bandwidth = 2 f + f M for FM

Data capacity of a channel.

Comparison of bandwidth availability for various media.

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4 Scheme of assessment
Find past papers and mark schemes, and specimen papers for new courses, on our website at
aqa.org.uk/pastpapers
The AS specification is designed to be taken over one or two years with all assessments taken at the
end of the course. The A-level specification is designed to be taken over two years with all assessments
taken at the end of the course.
Assessments and certification for the AS specification are available for the first time in May/June 2016
and then every May/June for the life of the specification.
Assessments and certification for the A-level specification are available for the first time in May/June
2017 and then every May/June for the life of the specification.
These are linear qualifications. In order to achieve the award, students must complete all exams in May/
June in a single year. All assessments must be taken in the same series.
Questions for these specifications will be set which require students to demonstrate:
their knowledge and understanding of the content developed in one section or topic, including the
associated mathematical and practical skills or
the ability to apply mathematical and practical skills to areas of content they are not normally
developed in or
the ability to draw together different areas of knowledge and understanding within one answer.
A range of question types will be used, including those that require extended responses. Extended
response questions will allow students to demonstrate their ability to construct and develop a
sustained line of reasoning which is coherent, relevant, substantiated and logically structured. Extended
responses may be in written English, extended calculations, or a combination of both, as appropriate to
the question.
All materials are available in English only.

4.1 Aims
Courses based on these specifications should encourage students to:
develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further
study and careers associated with the subject
develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate
to each other
develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of
scientific methods
develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to
the success of the economy and society
use theories, models and ideas to develop scientific explanations
use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems, present
scientific arguments and scientific ideas
use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer
scientific questions and solve scientific problems

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carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range
of contexts
analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships
evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence
know that scientific knowledge and understanding develops over time
communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology
consider applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks
consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the environment
evaluate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity
evaluate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision making.

4.2 Assessment objectives

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all AS and A-level Physics
specifications and all exam boards.
The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.
AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and
procedures.
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
in a theoretical context
in a practical context
when handling qualitative data
when handling quantitative data.
AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation
to issues, to:
make judgements and reach conclusions
develop and refine practical design and procedures.

Weighting of assessment objectives for AS Physics

Assessment objectives (AOs)

Component weightings
(approx %)

Overall weighting
(approx %)

Paper 1

Paper 2

AO1

AO2

AO3

Overall weighting of components

100

40% of the overall assessment of AS Physics will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2
or above.
At least 15% of the overall assessment of AS Physics will assess knowledge, skills and understanding
in relation to practical work.

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Weighting of assessment objectives for A-level Physics

Assessment objectives (AOs)

Component weightings
(approx %)

Overall weighting
(approx %)

Paper 1

Paper 2

Paper 3

AO1

AO2

AO3

Overall weighting of components

100

40% of the overall assessment of A-level Physics will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2
or above.
At least 15% of the overall assessment of A-level Physics will assess knowledge, skills and understanding
in relation to practical work.

4.3 Assessment weightings

The marks awarded on the papers will be scaled to meet the weighting of the components. Students'
final marks will be calculated by adding together the scaled marks for each component. Grade
boundaries will be set using this total scaled mark. The scaling and total scaled marks are shown in the
table below.

AS
Component

Maximum raw mark

Scaling factor

Maximum scaled
mark

Paper 1

Paper 2

70
Total scaled mark:

140

A-level
Component

Maximum
raw mark

Scaling
factor

Maximum
scaled mark

Paper 1

Paper 2

Paper 3: Section A

Paper 3: Section B (Astrophysics option)

Paper 3: Section B (Medical physics option)

Paper 3: Section B (Engineering physics option)

Paper 3: Section B (Turning points in physics option)

Paper 3: Section B (Electronics option)

Total scaled mark:

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250

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5 General administration
You can find information about all aspects of administration, as well as all the forms you need, at
aqa.org.uk/examsadmin

5.1 Entries and codes

1210

7408E (Electronics)

1210

These specifications comply with Ofquals:

General conditions of recognition that apply to all regulated qualifications
GCE qualification level conditions that apply to all GCEs
GCE subject level conditions that apply to all GCEs in this subject
all relevant regulatory documents.
Ofqual has accredited these specifications. The qualification accreditation number (QAN) for the AS is
601/4746/5. The QAN for the A-level is 601/4747/7.

5.2 Overlaps with other qualifications

There is overlapping content in the AS and A-level Physics specifications. This helps you teach the AS
and A-level together.

5.3 Awarding grades and reporting results

The AS qualification will be graded on a five-point scale: A, B, C, D and E.
The A-level qualification will be graded on a six-point scale: A*, A, B, C, D and E.
Students who fail to reach the minimum standard for grade E will be recorded as U (unclassified) and
will not receive a qualification certificate.
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5.4 Re-sits and shelf life

Students can re-sit these qualifications as many times as they wish, within the shelf life of the
qualifications.

5.5 Previous learning and prerequisites

There are no previous learning requirements. Any requirements for entry to a course based on these
specifications are at the discretion of schools and colleges.
However, we recommend that students should have the skills and knowledge associated with at least
GCSE Science and Additional Science or GCSE Physics course or equivalent.

5.6 Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion

General qualifications are designed to prepare students for a wide range of occupations and further
study. Therefore our qualifications must assess a wide range of competences.
The subject criteria have been assessed to see if any of the skills or knowledge required present any
possible difficulty to any students, whatever their ethnic background, religion, sex, age, disability or
sexuality. If any difficulties were encountered, the criteria were reviewed again to make sure that tests of
specific competences were only included if they were important to the subject.
As members of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) we participate in the production of the JCQ
document Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments: General and Vocational qualifications.
We follow these guidelines when assessing the needs of individual students who may require an access
arrangement or reasonable adjustment. This document is published on the JCQ website at jcq.org.uk

Students with disabilities and special needs

We can make arrangements for disabled students and students with special needs to help them access
the assessments, as long as the competences being tested are not changed. Access arrangements
must be agreed before the assessment. For example, a Braille paper would be a reasonable adjustment
for a Braille reader but not for a student who does not read Braille.
We are required by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments to remove or lessen any
disadvantage that affects a disabled student.
If you have students who need access arrangements or reasonable adjustments, you can apply using
the Access arrangements online service at aqa.org.uk/eaqa

Special consideration
We can give special consideration to students who have been disadvantaged at the time of the
assessment through no fault of their own for example a temporary illness, injury or serious problem
such as the death of a relative. We can only do this after the assessment.
Your exams officer should apply online for special consideration at aqa.org.uk/eaqa
For more information and advice about access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and special
consideration please see aqa.org.uk/access or email [email protected]

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5.7 Working with AQA for the first time

If your school or college has not previously offered any AQA specification, you need to register as an
AQA centre to offer our specifications to your students. Find out how at aqa.org.uk/becomeacentre
If your school or college is new to these specifications, please let us know by completing an Intention to
enter form. The easiest way to do this is via e-AQA at aqa.org.uk/eaqa

5.8 Private candidates

A private candidate is someone who enters for exams through an AQA-approved school or college but
is not enrolled as a student there.
If you are a private candidate you may be self-taught, home-schooled or have private tuition, either with
a tutor or through a distance learning organisation. You must be based in the UK.
If you have any queries as a private candidate, you can:
speak to the exams officer at the school or college where you intend to take your exams
visit our website at aqa.org.uk/examsadmin
email: [email protected]

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6 Mathematical requirements
and exemplifications
In order to be able to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in physics, students need
to have been taught, and to have acquired competence in, the appropriate areas of mathematics as
indicated in the table of coverage below.
Overall, at least 40% of the marks in assessments for physics will require the use of mathematical skills.
These skills will be applied in the context of physics A-level and will be at least the standard of higher
tier GCSE Mathematics.
The following tables illustrate where these mathematical skills may be developed during teaching or
could be assessed. Those shown in bold type would only be tested in the full A-level course.
This list of examples is not exhaustive. These skills could be developed or assessed in other areas
of specification content. Other areas where these skills could be developed have been exemplified
throughout the specifications.

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6.1 Arithmetic and numerical computation

Mathematical skills

Exemplification of mathematical skill in the

context of A-level Physics

MS 0.1

Recognise and make use of

appropriate units in calculations

Students may be tested on their ability to:

identify the correct units for physical properties
such as ms1, the unit for velocity
convert between units with different prefixes eg
cm3 to m3

MS 0.2

Recognise and use expressions in

decimal and standard form

MS 0.3

Use ratios, fractions and

percentages

Students may be tested on their ability to:

use physical constants expressed in standard
form such as c = 3.00x108ms1

MS 0.4

Estimate results

Students may be tested on their ability to:

estimate the effect of changing experimental
parameters on measurable values

MS 0.5

Use calculators to find and

use power, exponential and
logarithmic functions

MS 0.6

Use calculators to handle sinx,

cosx, tanx when x is expressed in
degrees or radians

Students may be tested on their ability to:

solve for unknowns in decay problems such as
N = N 0et

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate efficiency of devices
calculate percentage uncertainties in
measurements

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate the direction of resultant vectors

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6.2 Handling data

Mathematical skills

Exemplification of mathematical skill in the

context of A-level Physics

MS 1.1

Use an appropriate number of

significant figures

Students may be tested on their ability to:

report calculations to an appropriate number
of significant figures given raw data quoted to
varying numbers of significant figures
understand that calculated results can only
be reported to the limits of the least accurate
measurement

MS 1.2

Find arithmetic means

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate a mean value for repeated experimental
readings

MS 1.3

Understand simple probability

Students may be tested on their ability to:

understand probability in the context of
radioactive decay

MS 1.4

Make order of magnitude

calculations

Students may be tested on their ability to:

evaluate equations with variables expressed in
different orders of magnitude

MS 1.5

Identify uncertainties in
measurements and use simple
techniques to determine uncertainty
when data are combined by
addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division and raising to powers

Students may be tested on their ability to:

determine the uncertainty where two readings for
length need to be added together

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6.3 Algebra
Mathematical skills

Exemplification of mathematical skill in the

context of A-level Physics

MS 2.1

Understand and use the symbols:

=, <, <<, >>, >, , ,

MS 2.2

Change the subject of an equation,

including non-linear equations

Students may be tested on their ability to:

recognise the significance of the symbols in the
p
expression F t

Students may be tested on their ability to:

rearrange E = mc2 to make m the subject

MS 2.3

Substitute numerical values

into algebraic equations using
appropriate units for physical
quantities

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate the momentum p of an object by
substituting the values for mass m and velocity v
into the equation p = mv

MS 2.4

Solve algebraic equations,

including quadratic equations

Students may be tested on their ability to:

solve kinematic equations for constant
acceleration such as v = u + at and
s = ut + at2

MS 2.5

Use logarithms in relation to

quantities that range over several
orders of magnitude

Students may be tested on their ability to:

recognise and interpret real world examples of
logarithmic scales

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6.4 Graphs
Mathematical skills

Exemplification of mathematical skill in the

context of A-level Physics

MS 3.1

Translate information between

graphical, numerical and algebraic
forms

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate Young modulus for materials using
stressstrain graphs

MS 3.2

Plot two variables from

experimental or other data

Students may be tested on their ability to:

plot graphs of extension of a wire against force
applied

MS 3.3

Understand that y = mx + c
represents a linear relationship

Students may be tested on their ability to:

rearrange and compare v = u + at with
y = mx + c for velocitytime graph in constant
acceleration problems

MS 3.4

Determine the slope and intercept

of a linear graph

Students may be tested on their ability to:

read off and interpret intercept point from a graph
eg the initial velocity in a velocitytime graph

MS 3.5

Calculate rate of change from a

graph showing a linear relationship

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate acceleration from a linear velocitytime
graph

MS 3.6

Draw and use the slope of a

tangent to a curve as a measure of
rate of change

Students may be tested on their ability to:

draw a tangent to the curve of a displacement
time graph and use the gradient to approximate
the velocity at a specific time

MS 3.7

Distinguish between instantaneous

rate of change and average rate of
change

Students may be tested on their ability to:

understand that the gradient of the tangent of a
displacementtime graph gives the velocity at a
point in time which is a different measure to the
average velocity

MS 3.8

Understand the possible physical

significance of the area between a
curve and the x axis and be able
to calculate it or estimate it by
graphical methods as appropriate

Students may be tested on their ability to:

recognise that for a capacitor the area under a
voltagecharge graph is equivalent to the energy
stored

MS 3.9

Apply the concepts underlying

calculus (but without requiring
the explicit use of derivatives or
integrals) by solving equations
involving rates of change, eg
x
t = x using a graphical method
or spreadsheet modelling

Students may be tested on their ability to:

determine g from distance-time plot for projectile
motion

MS 3.10

Interpret logarithmic plots

Students may be tested on their ability to:

obtain time constant for capacitor discharge
by interpreting plot of log V against time

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Mathematical skills

Exemplification of mathematical skill in the

context of A-level Physics

MS 3.11

Use logarithmic plots to test

exponential and power law
variations

Students may be tested on their ability to:

use logarithmic plots with decay law of
radioactivity / charging and discharging of a
capacitor

MS 3.12

Sketch relationships which are

modelled by y = k /x, y = kx2
, y = k /x2, y = kx, y= sinx,
y= cosx, y = ex , and y = sin2x ,
y = cos2x as applied to physical
relationships

Students may be tested on their ability to:

sketch relationships between pressure and
volume for an ideal gas

6.5 Geometry and trigonometry

Mathematical skills

Exemplification of mathematical skill in the

context of A-level Physics

MS 4.1

Use angles in regular 2D and 3D

structures

Students may be tested on their ability to:

interpret force diagrams to solve problems

MS 4.2

Visualise and represent 2D and 3D

forms including two-dimensional
representations of 3D objects

Students may be tested on their ability to:

draw force diagrams to solve mechanics
problems

MS 4.3

Calculate areas of triangles,

circumferences and areas of
circles, surface areas and volumes
of rectangular blocks, cylinders and
spheres

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate the area of the crosssection to work
out the resistance of a conductor given its length
and resistivity

MS 4.4

Use Pythagoras theorem, and the

angle sum of a triangle

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate the magnitude of a resultant vector,
resolving forces into components to solve
problems

MS 4.5

Use sin, cos and tan in physical

problems

Students may be tested on their ability to:

resolve forces into components

MS 4.6

Use of small angle approximations

including sin , tan
, cos 1 for small where
appropriate

Students may be tested on their ability to:

calculate fringe separations in interference
patterns

MS 4.7

Understand the relationship

between degrees and radians and
translate from one to the other

Students may be tested on their ability to:

convert angle in degrees to angle in radians

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7 AS practical assessment
Practical work is at the heart of physics, so we have placed it at the heart of this specification.
Assessment of practical skills in this AS specification will be by written exams only.
The practical endorsement does not apply to the AS specification. A rich diet of practical work is
essential to develop students' manipulative skills and understanding of the processes of scientific
investigation. It also contributes to teaching and learning of the concepts within this specification.
Questions in the papers have been written in the expectation that students have carried out at least the
six required practical activities in Section 7.2.
15% of the marks in the papers will relate to practical work.

7.1 Use of apparatus and techniques

All students taking an A-level Physics qualification are expected to have carried out the required
practical activities in Section 7.2. These develop skills in the use of many of the following apparatus
and techniques. This list is a compulsory element of the full A-level course. It is reproduced here for
reference and to aid co-teaching the AS and A-level specifications.

Apparatus and techniques

ATa

use appropriate analogue apparatus to record a range of measurements (to include

length/distance, temperature, pressure, force, angles, volume) and to interpolate
between scale markings

ATb

use appropriate digital instruments, including electrical multimeters, to obtain a range of

measurements (to include time, current, voltage, resistance, mass)

ATc

use methods to increase accuracy of measurements, such as timing over multiple

oscillations, or use of fiduciary marker, set square or plumb line

ATd

use stopwatch or light gates for timing

ATe

use calipers and micrometers for small distances, using digital or vernier scales

ATf

correctly construct circuits from circuit diagrams using DC power supplies, cells, and a
range of circuit components, including those where polarity is important

ATg

design, construct and check circuits using DC power supplies, cells, and a range of
circuit components

ATh

use signal generator and oscilloscope, including volts/division and time-base

ATi

generate and measure waves, using microphone and loudspeaker, or ripple tank, or
vibration transducer, or microwave / radio wave source

ATj

use laser or light source to investigate characteristics of light, including interference and
diffraction

ATk

use ICT such as computer modelling, or data logger with a variety of sensors to collect
data, or use of software to process data

ATl

use ionising radiation, including detectors

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7.2 AS required practical activities

The following practicals must be carried out by all students taking this course. Written papers will
assess knowledge and understanding of these, and the skills exemplified within each practical.

Required activity

Apparatus and technique

reference

1 Investigation into the variation of the frequency of stationary

waves on a string with length, tension and mass per unit length of
the string.

a, b, c, i

2 Investigation of interference effects to include the Youngs slit

experiment and interference by a diffraction grating.

a, j

3 Determination of g by a free-fall method.

a, c, d, k

4 Determination of the Young modulus by a simple method.

a, c, e

5 Determination of resistivity of a wire using a micrometer, ammeter

and voltmeter.

a, b, e, f

6 Investigation of the emf and internal resistance of electric cells

and batteries by measuring the variation of the terminal pd of the
cell with current in it.

b, f, g

Teachers are encouraged to vary their approach to these practical activities. Some are more suitable for
highly structured approaches that develop key techniques. Others allow opportunities for students to
develop investigative approaches.
This list is not designed to limit the practical activities carried out by students. A rich practical
experience for students will include more than the six required practical activities. The explicit teaching
of practical skills will build students competence. Many teachers will also use practical approaches to
the introduction of content knowledge in the course of their normal teaching.

7.3 Practical skills to be assessed in written papers

Overall, at least 15% of the marks for all AS level Physics courses will require the assessment of
practical skills.
In order to be able to answer these questions, students need to have been taught, and to have acquired
competence in, the appropriate areas of practical skills as indicated in the table of coverage below.

7.3.1 Independent thinking

Practical skill
PS1.1

Solve problems set in practical contexts

PS1.2

Apply scientific knowledge to practical contexts

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7.3.2 Use and application of scientific methods and practices

Practical skill
PS2.1

Comment on experimental design and evaluate scientific methods

PS2.2

Present data in appropriate ways

PS2.3

Evaluate results and draw conclusions with reference to measurement

uncertainties and errors

PS2.4

Identify variables including those that must be controlled

7.3.3 Numeracy and the application of mathematical concepts in a

practical context
Practical skill
PS3.1

Plot and interpret graphs

PS3.2

Process and analyse data using appropriate mathematical skills as exemplified in

the mathematical appendix for each science

PS3.3

Consider margins of error, accuracy and precision of data

7.3.4 Instruments and equipment

Practical skill
PS4.1

Know and understand how to use a wide range of experimental and practical
instruments, equipment and techniques appropriate to the knowledge and
understanding included in the specification

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

8 A-level practical assessment

Practical work is at the heart of physics, so we have placed it at the heart of this specification.
Practical assessments have been divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those
that can only be directly assessed whilst students are carrying out experiments.
A-level grades will be based only on marks from written exams.
A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. This will be assessed by
teachers and will be based on direct observation of students competency in a range of skills that are
not assessable in written exams.

8.1 Use of apparatus and techniques

All students taking an A-level Physics qualification are expected to have had opportunities to use the
following apparatus and develop and demonstrate these techniques. These apparatus and techniques
are common to all A-level Physics specifications.
Carrying out the 12 required practicals in Section 8.2 means that students will have experienced use
of each of these apparatus and techniques. However, teachers are encouraged to develop students
abilities by inclusion of other opportunities for skills development, as exemplified in the right hand
column of the content section of this specification.

Apparatus and techniques

ATa

use appropriate analogue apparatus to record a range of measurements (to include

length/distance, temperature, pressure, force, angles, volume) and to interpolate
between scale markings

ATb

use appropriate digital instruments, including electrical multimeters, to obtain a range of

measurements (to include time, current, voltage, resistance, mass)

ATc

use methods to increase accuracy of measurements, such as timing over multiple

oscillations, or use of fiduciary marker, set square or plumb line

ATd

use stopwatch or light gates for timing

ATe

use calipers and micrometers for small distances, using digital or vernier scales

ATf

correctly construct circuits from circuit diagrams using DC power supplies, cells, and a
range of circuit components, including those where polarity is important

ATg

design, construct and check circuits using DC power supplies, cells, and a range of
circuit components

ATh

use signal generator and oscilloscope, including volts/division and time-base

ATi

generate and measure waves, using microphone and loudspeaker, or ripple tank, or
vibration transducer, or microwave / radio wave source

ATj

use laser or light source to investigate characteristics of light, including interference and
diffraction

ATk

use ICT such as computer modelling, or data logger with a variety of sensors to collect
data, or use of software to process data

ATl

use ionising radiation, including detectors

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8.2 A-level required practical activities

The following practicals must be carried out by all students taking this course. Written papers will
assess knowledge and understanding of these, and the skills exemplified within each practical.

Required activity

Apparatus and technique

reference

1 Investigation into the variation of the frequency of stationary

waves on a string with length, tension and mass per unit length of
the string.

a, b, c, i

2 Investigation of interference effects to include the Youngs slit

experiment and interference by a diffraction grating.

a, j

3 Determination of g by a free-fall method

a, c, d, k

4 Determination of the Young modulus by a simple method.

a, c, e

5 Determination of resistivity of a wire using a micrometer, ammeter

and voltmeter.

a, b, e, f

6 Investigation of the emf and internal resistance of electric cells

and batteries by measuring the variation of the terminal pd of the
cell with current in it.

b, f, g

7 Investigation into simple harmonic motion using a mass-spring

system and a simple pendulum.

a, b, c, h, i

8 Investigation of Boyles (constant temperature) law and Charless

(constant pressure) law for a gas.

9 Investigation of the charge and discharge of capacitors. Analysis

techniques should include log-linear plotting leading to a
determination of the time constant RC.

b, f, g, h, k

10 Investigate how the force on a wire varies with flux density, current
and length of wire using a top pan balance.

a, b, f

11 Investigate, using a search coil and oscilloscope, the effect on

magnetic flux linkage of varying the angle between a search coil
and magnetic field direction.

a, b, f, h

12 Investigation of the inverse-square law for gamma radiation.

a, b, k, l

Teachers are encouraged to vary their approach to these practical activities. Some are more suitable for
highly structured approaches that develop key techniques. Others allow opportunities for students to
develop investigative approaches.
This list is not designed to limit the practical activities carried out by students. A rich practical
experience for students will include more than the 12 required practical activities. The explicit teaching
of practical skills will build students competence. Many teachers will also use practical approaches to
the introduction of content knowledge in the course of their normal teaching. Students work in these
activities can also contribute towards the endorsement of practical skills.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

8.3 Practical skills to be assessed in written papers

Overall, at least 15% of the marks for all A-level Physics courses will require the assessment of
practical skills.
In order to be able to answer these questions, students need to have been taught, and to have acquired
competence in, the appropriate areas of practical skills as indicated in the table of coverage below.

8.3.1 Independent thinking

Practical skill
PS1.1

Solve problems set in practical contexts

PS1.2

Apply scientific knowledge to practical contexts

8.3.2 Use and application of scientific methods and practices

Practical skill
PS2.1

Comment on experimental design and evaluate scientific methods

PS2.2

Present data in appropriate ways

PS2.3

Evaluate results and draw conclusions with reference to measurement

uncertainties and errors

PS2.4

Identify variables including those that must be controlled

8.3.3 Numeracy and the application of mathematical concepts in a

practical context
Practical skill
PS3.1

Plot and interpret graphs

PS3.2

Process and analyse data using appropriate mathematical skills as exemplified in

the mathematical appendix for each science

PS3.3

Consider margins of error, accuracy and precision of data

8.3.4 Instruments and equipment

Practical skill
PS4.1

Know and understand how to use a wide range of experimental and practical
instruments, equipment and techniques appropriate to the knowledge and
understanding included in the specification

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8.4 A-level practical skills to be assessed via endorsement

8.4.1 Cross-board statement on practical endorsement
The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course of study for A-level
qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics. It will appear on all students certificates as a separately
reported result, alongside the overall grade for the qualification. The arrangements for the assessment of
practical skills will be common to all awarding organisations. These arrangements will include:
A minimum of 12 practical activities to be carried out by each student which, together, meet the
requirements of Appendices 5b (Practical skills identified for direct assessment and developed
through teaching and learning) and 5c (Use of apparatus and techniques) from the prescribed
subject content, published by the Department for Education. The required practical activities will be
defined by each awarding organisation.
Teachers will assess students against Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) issued jointly
by the awarding organisations. The CPAC (see below) are based on the requirements of Appendices
5b and 5c of the subject content requirements published by the Department for Education, and
define the minimum standard required for the achievement of a pass.
Each student will keep an appropriate record of their practical work, including their assessed
practical activities.
Students who demonstrate the required standard across all the requirements of the CPAC will
receive a pass grade.
There will be no separate assessment of practical skills for AS qualifications.
Students will answer questions in the AS and A-level exam papers that assess the requirements of
Appendix 5a (practical skills identified for indirect assessment and developed through teaching and
learning) from the prescribed subject content, published by the Department for Education. These
questions may draw on, or range beyond, the practical activities included in the specification.

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AS Physics (7407) and A-level Physics (7408). AS exams May/June 2016 onwards. A-level exams May/June 2017 onwards. Version 1.2

8.4.2 Criteria for the assessment of practical competency in A-level

Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Competency

Practical mastery
In order to be awarded a Pass a Learner must, by the end of the
practical science assessment, consistently and routinely meet
the criteria in respect of each competency listed below. A Learner
may demonstrate the competencies in any practical activity
undertaken as part of that assessment throughout the course of
study.
Learners may undertake practical activities in groups. However,
the evidence generated by each Learner must demonstrate that
he or she independently meets the criteria outlined below in
respect of each competency. Such evidence:
(a) will comprise both the Learners performance during each
practical activity and his or her contemporaneous record of
the work that he or she has undertaken during that activity,
and
(b) must include evidence of independent application of
investigative approaches and methods to practical work.

1. Follows written procedures

(a) Correctly follows written instructions to carry out the

experimental techniques or procedures.

2. Applies investigative
approaches and methods
when using instruments and
equipment

(a) Correctly uses appropriate instrumentation, apparatus and

materials (including ICT) to carry out investigative activities,
experimental techniques and procedures with minimal
assistance or prompting.
(b) Carries out techniques or procedures methodically, in
sequence and in combination, identifying practical issues and
making adjustments where necessary.
(c) Identifies and controls significant quantitative variables where
applicable, and plans approaches to take account of variables
that cannot readily be controlled.
(d) Selects appropriate equipment and measurement strategies in
order to ensure suitably accurate results.

3. Safely uses a range of

practical equipment and
materials

(a) Identifies hazards and assesses risks associated with those

hazards, making safety adjustments as necessary, when
carrying out experimental techniques and procedures in the
lab or field.
(b) Uses appropriate safety equipment and approaches to
minimise risks with minimal prompting.

4. Makes and records

observations

(a) Makes accurate observations relevant to the experimental or

investigative procedure.
(b) Obtains accurate, precise and sufficient data for experimental
and investigative procedures and records this methodically
using appropriate units and conventions.

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Competency

Practical mastery

5. Researches, references
and reports

(a) Uses appropriate software and/or tools to process data, carry

out research and report findings.
(b) Cites sources of information demonstrating that research has
taken place, supporting planning and conclusions.

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AS AND
A-LEVEL
PHYSICS

Get help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/7408
You can talk directly to the Science subject team
E: [email protected]
T: 01483 477 756

AS (7407)
A-level (7408)

Specifications
For teaching from September 2015 onwards
For AS exams in May/June 2016 onwards
For A-level exams in May/June 2017 onwards
Version 1.2 December 2015

aqa.org.uk

G00407

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