CIE A Level Physics (9702) Past Papers & Mark Schemes For 2026 Exam Prep

CIE A Level Physics (9702) Past Papers, Mark Schemes & Revision Guide 2027

Prepare for your CIE A Level Physics (9702) 2026 past papers with focused revision, exam practice and mark scheme guidance at Exam Papers Practice. Whether you are preparing for 2027 Cambridge International A Level Physics mock exams or final examinations, practising past papers can help you strengthen your understanding of physics, improve calculation accuracy and develop confidence with challenging exam questions. Revise essential topics such as mechanics, waves, electricity, circular motion, gravitational fields, thermal physics, oscillations, electric and magnetic fields, quantum physics, nuclear physics, medical physics, astronomy and cosmology. Combine Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 past papers with mark schemes, worked solutions and timed practice to identify weaknesses, understand how marks are awarded and improve your exam technique.

CIE A Level Physics (9702) Exam Overview

Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) is assessed through five examination papers. Students completing the full A Level take Papers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, either in one examination series or through a staged route that allows AS Level results to be carried forward under Cambridge regulations. Papers 1–3 cover AS Level content and practical skills, while Paper 4 assesses A Level structured questions and Paper 5 assesses advanced practical planning, analysis and evaluation.

The weighting column shows the contribution of each paper to the final A Level. The marks from different papers are weighted according to the syllabus assessment structure; the raw marks should not simply be added and treated as equally weighted.

CIE A Level Physics Paper 1: Multiple Choice

Paper 1: 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks

Paper 1 tests knowledge and understanding of the AS Level Physics syllabus through 40 multiple-choice questions. Questions may test definitions, physical principles, equations, graphs, units, experimental concepts and applications of physics.

Key revision areas include:

• Physical quantities and units: SI units, prefixes, derived units, errors and uncertainties.

• Kinematics and dynamics: Motion graphs, acceleration, forces, momentum and Newton’s laws.

• Forces, density and pressure: Moments, density, pressure and equilibrium.

• Work, energy and power: Energy transfers, conservation of energy and power calculations.

• Waves and superposition: Wave properties, interference, diffraction and stationary waves.

• Electricity and D.C. circuits: Current, potential difference, resistance, electromotive force and circuit calculations.

• Particle physics: Fundamental particles, quarks, leptons and interactions.

Practise CIE A Level Physics Paper 1 past papers to improve speed, accuracy and your ability to eliminate incorrect options. Review every mistake and identify whether it came from a misunderstanding, a formula error, unit conversion or misreading the question.

CIE A Level Physics Paper 2: AS Level Structured Questions

Paper 2: 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks

Paper 2 assesses AS Level Physics through structured written questions. You need to select suitable equations, substitute values correctly, explain physical principles and show enough working to make your reasoning clear.

Focus your revision on:

• Using equations and rearranging them accurately.

• Converting between SI units and prefixes.

• Interpreting graphs and calculating gradients.

• Explaining physical processes using correct scientific terminology.

• Showing working for multi-step calculations.

• Applying AS Level principles to unfamiliar situations.

Use Cambridge Physics 9702 Paper 2 past papers and mark schemes to practise written answers and identify the steps required for calculation and explanation marks.

CIE A Level Physics Paper 3: Advanced Practical Skills

Paper 3: 2 hours, 40 marks

Paper 3 is a laboratory-based practical examination. It assesses experimental skills rather than simply testing the recall of physics theory. Candidates carry out practical tasks, collect and record data, analyse results and evaluate experimental methods.

Key practical skills include:

• Taking accurate measurements and recording observations.

• Constructing clear tables with appropriate headings and units.

• Plotting graphs using suitable scales.

• Drawing best-fit lines and calculating gradients.

• Determining physical quantities from experimental data.

• Identifying sources of uncertainty and suggesting improvements.

• Evaluating an experimental procedure and drawing supported conclusions.

Practise CIE Physics 9702 Paper 3 practical past papers alongside laboratory work. Pay particular attention to significant figures, graph scales, units, uncertainty, repeat measurements and the precision of your conclusions.

CIE A Level Physics Paper 4: A Level Structured Questions

Paper 4: 2 hours, 100 marks

Paper 4 assesses the A Level topics and also requires knowledge of relevant AS Level content. It carries the largest individual weighting in the full A Level qualification, so consistent practice with structured questions is important.

Major revision areas include:

• Motion in a circle and centripetal acceleration.

• Gravitational fields and gravitational potential.

• Temperature, ideal gases and thermodynamics.

• Oscillations and simple harmonic motion.

• Electric fields and capacitance.

• Magnetic fields and electromagnetic effects.

• Alternating currents.

• Quantum physics and nuclear physics.

• Medical physics.

• Astronomy and cosmology.

Practise CIE A Level Physics Paper 4 past papers to strengthen your understanding of linked concepts and multi-step calculations. Learn to explain derivations, interpret graphs, state assumptions and use equations in context rather than memorising formulas without understanding them.

CIE A Level Physics Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and Evaluation

Paper 5: 1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks

Paper 5 assesses advanced practical skills through written questions. It focuses on experimental planning, analysis of data, conclusions, uncertainties and evaluation. The experimental context may be unfamiliar, so the emphasis is on applying practical methods logically.

Important skills include:

• Defining independent, dependent and control variables.

• Describing a suitable experimental method.

• Selecting apparatus and explaining how measurements will be taken.

• Identifying safety considerations where appropriate.

• Constructing tables and processing data.

• Plotting and interpreting graphs.

• Calculating gradients, intercepts and physical constants.

• Discussing uncertainties, limitations and improvements.

• Drawing conclusions that are supported by evidence.

Use CIE A Level Physics Paper 5 past papers and mark schemes to practise writing detailed, practical answers. Avoid vague suggestions such as “take more readings”; explain specifically how a change would improve reliability, reduce uncertainty or make the measurement more precise.

Complete CIE A Level Physics (9702) Specification Summary

For the 2025–2027 examination syllabus, Cambridge Physics 9702 includes 11 AS Level topic areas and 14 additional A Level topic areas. Students taking the full A Level should revise both parts of the course.

Important: Always check the official Cambridge International Physics 9702 syllabus for the examination year you are taking. Use the official Cambridge Physics 9702 syllabus page to confirm current subject content and assessment requirements.

Detailed Topic Breakdown for CIE A Level Physics

1. Physical Quantities and Units

This topic underpins calculations throughout the Physics 9702 syllabus. You need to use physical quantities correctly, understand SI units and interpret measurement uncertainty.

• Recall SI base quantities and their units.

• Express derived units in terms of base units.

• Use prefixes and convert between units.

• Check equations using dimensional consistency.

• Understand systematic and random errors.

• Apply appropriate significant figures and uncertainty conventions.

Practise unit conversions and dimensional checks regularly. A correct method can still lose accuracy if units, prefixes or powers of ten are handled incorrectly.

2. Kinematics

Kinematics describes motion without focusing on the forces causing it.

• Distinguish distance from displacement and speed from velocity.

• Calculate acceleration from changes in velocity.

• Interpret displacement-time and velocity-time graphs.

• Calculate displacement from the area under a velocity-time graph.

• Determine acceleration from the gradient of a velocity-time graph.

• Apply equations of motion where appropriate.

Learn what the gradient and area of each graph represent. In unfamiliar questions, identify the quantities given before choosing an equation.

3. Dynamics

Dynamics links motion to forces and momentum.

• Apply Newton’s laws of motion.

• Draw and interpret force diagrams.

• Calculate resultant force and acceleration.

• Use momentum and impulse relationships.

• Apply conservation of momentum where appropriate.

• Explain the relationship between forces and changes in motion.

Always define the direction of motion and use consistent signs when resolving forces or calculating momentum.

4. Forces, Density and Pressure

This topic combines force, equilibrium and material properties.

• Calculate moments and apply the principle of moments.

• Analyse equilibrium using resultant forces and moments.

• Calculate density from mass and volume.

• Relate pressure to force and area.

• Understand pressure in fluids where required.

• Apply the relevant equations to physical situations.

Draw a clear diagram when several forces act on an object. Check whether the question requires rotational equilibrium, translational equilibrium or both.

5. Work, Energy and Power

Energy principles are widely used in mechanics and other areas of physics.

• Calculate work done by a force.

• Understand kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.

• Apply conservation of energy.

• Calculate power and efficiency.

• Explain energy transfers in physical systems.

• Use appropriate units for work, energy and power.

Identify the initial and final energy stores or transfers before selecting an equation. Check that the result is physically reasonable.

6. Deformation of Solids

This topic explores how materials respond to applied forces.

• Understand extension, compression and deformation.

• Apply Hooke’s law within its appropriate limits.

• Interpret force-extension graphs.

• Understand the limit of proportionality and elastic behaviour.

• Calculate elastic potential energy where specified.

• Relate experimental data to material properties.

Pay attention to the difference between a graph’s gradient and the area beneath it. They represent different physical quantities.

7. Waves

Waves transfer energy without the overall transfer of matter.

• Distinguish transverse and longitudinal waves.

• Understand amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period.

• Use the wave equation.

• Explain phase difference.

• Relate wave intensity to amplitude where required.

• Understand electromagnetic wave properties and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Practise drawing labelled diagrams and explaining how frequency, wavelength and wave speed are related.

8. Superposition

Superposition covers the combination of waves and the resulting interference patterns.

• Explain the principle of superposition.

• Understand coherent sources and phase difference.

• Explain constructive and destructive interference.

• Describe stationary waves, nodes and antinodes.

• Understand diffraction and the factors affecting its significance.

• Apply the relevant equations to interference and wave experiments.

When explaining interference, make the relationship between path difference and phase difference explicit.

9. Electricity

Electricity introduces charge flow, potential difference and resistance.

• Define electric current and potential difference.

• Use charge, current and time relationships.

• Apply Ohm’s law where appropriate.

• Understand resistance and resistivity.

• Analyse current-voltage characteristics.

• Distinguish electromotive force from potential difference.

Remember that current is the rate of flow of charge, while potential difference is energy transferred per unit charge.

10. D.C. Circuits

Circuit questions require careful use of electrical relationships.

• Apply Kirchhoff’s laws where required.

• Calculate resistance in series and parallel circuits.

• Understand electromotive force and internal resistance.

• Calculate terminal potential difference.

• Use potential dividers.

• Interpret circuit diagrams and experimental results.

Label currents, potential differences and resistances clearly. Check whether the question refers to the total resistance or the resistance of an individual component.

11. Particle Physics

Particle physics introduces fundamental particles and the interactions between them.

• Distinguish hadrons, baryons, mesons and leptons.

• Understand quarks and antiquarks.

• Recall relevant particle properties.

• Apply conservation rules to particle interactions.

• Interpret particle symbols and simple interaction diagrams.

• Use the required terminology accurately.

Practise identifying particles from their properties and checking whether a proposed interaction obeys the relevant conservation laws.

12. Motion in a Circle

Circular motion involves continuous changes in the direction of velocity.

• Define angular speed and relate it to linear speed.

• Calculate centripetal acceleration.

• Understand the direction of centripetal force.

• Apply circular-motion equations.

• Analyse objects moving in horizontal or vertical circles where required.

Centripetal force is the resultant force directed towards the centre of the circular path, not an additional force that must always be added separately.

13. Gravitational Fields

This topic develops the relationship between mass and gravitational effects.

• Define gravitational field strength.

• Understand gravitational potential.

• Apply Newton’s law of gravitation.

• Relate field strength to gravitational force.

• Analyse gravitational potential energy and orbital motion.

• Use the relevant equations for satellites and circular orbits.

Distinguish gravitational potential from gravitational potential energy. Read the question carefully to determine which quantity is required.

14. Temperature

Temperature concerns thermal equilibrium and the measurement of temperature.

• Understand thermal equilibrium.

• Distinguish temperature from internal energy.

• Understand the operation of thermometers.

• Use temperature scales and conversions where required.

• Explain how physical properties can be used for temperature measurement.

When explaining a thermometer, connect the measured physical property to the temperature change.

15. Ideal Gases

The ideal gas model links pressure, volume, temperature and molecular behaviour.

• Apply the ideal gas equation.

• Convert temperature to kelvin.

• Understand the assumptions of the ideal gas model.

• Relate pressure to molecular collisions.

• Use the kinetic model to explain macroscopic gas behaviour.

Check that temperature is expressed in kelvin before substituting into gas equations.

16. Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics explores energy transfer and internal energy.

• Understand internal energy and its components.

• Explain heating and work in terms of energy transfer.

• Apply the first law of thermodynamics using the syllabus convention.

• Interpret changes in a system’s energy.

• Relate thermal processes to physical situations.

State clearly whether energy is entering or leaving the system and follow the sign convention used in the question.

17. Oscillations

Oscillations describe repeated motion about an equilibrium position.

• Define simple harmonic motion.

• Understand displacement, velocity and acceleration in oscillations.

• Interpret displacement-time graphs.

• Relate period, frequency and angular frequency.

• Understand phase relationships.

• Apply the required equations to oscillating systems.

Practise explaining why acceleration in simple harmonic motion is directed towards the equilibrium position and proportional to displacement.

18. Electric Fields

Electric fields describe the force experienced by charges.

• Define electric field strength and electric potential.

• Apply Coulomb’s law.

• Understand uniform and radial electric fields.

• Interpret electric field lines.

• Calculate forces and potential differences.

• Relate field strength to potential where required.

Use diagrams to establish the direction of the field and the sign of a charge before performing calculations.

19. Capacitance

Capacitors store charge and energy in electric fields.

• Define capacitance.

• Apply the relationship between charge, capacitance and potential difference.

• Understand combinations of capacitors.

• Calculate energy stored in a capacitor.

• Interpret charging and discharging curves.

• Understand the time constant of an RC circuit.

Check whether capacitors are in series or parallel before applying the correct equivalent-capacitance relationship.

20. Magnetic Fields

Magnetic fields exert forces on moving charges and current-carrying conductors.

• Interpret magnetic field patterns.

• Determine the direction of magnetic forces.

• Apply the relevant force equations.

• Understand magnetic fields produced by currents.

• Explain the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields.

• Connect magnetic effects to relevant applications in the syllabus.

Practise direction rules with diagrams and distinguish the direction of the field from the direction of the force.

21. Alternating Currents

Alternating-current topics examine changing current and voltage.

• Interpret sinusoidal AC waveforms.

• Define peak and root-mean-square values.

• Apply relationships between RMS and peak quantities.

• Understand transformers and their operation.

• Analyse relevant AC circuits and rectification.

• Relate electrical power to current and potential difference.

Read the graph scale carefully and distinguish peak values from RMS values.

22. Quantum Physics

Quantum physics explores energy transfer in discrete amounts and the behaviour of radiation.

• Understand photons and photon energy.

• Apply the photoelectric equation.

• Explain threshold frequency and work function.

• Interpret photoelectric-effect observations.

• Understand de Broglie wavelength where specified.

• Explain wave-particle duality.

Learn the meaning of each term in the equations and use units consistently when calculating photon energies or wavelengths.

23. Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics covers nuclear structure, radioactive decay and energy.

• Understand proton number and nucleon number.

• Interpret nuclear notation.

• Apply conservation rules to nuclear equations.

• Understand radioactive decay and half-life.

• Relate mass and energy through mass-energy equivalence.

• Explain binding energy and nuclear stability.

Practise balancing nuclear equations and distinguish activity, decay constant and half-life.

24. Medical Physics

Medical physics applies physical principles to diagnosis and treatment.

• Understand the relevant properties of X-rays and ultrasound.

• Explain how imaging techniques produce information.

• Understand attenuation and the interactions of radiation with matter.

• Interpret medical imaging diagrams and data.

• Discuss appropriate advantages, limitations and safety considerations.

Answer application questions by linking the physics principle to the actual medical process rather than listing facts without explanation.

25. Astronomy and Cosmology

Astronomy and cosmology apply physics to stars and the Universe.

• Understand stellar properties and evolution as specified.

• Interpret relevant astronomical data.

• Understand redshift and evidence for the expanding Universe.

• Apply the relevant relationships between distance, speed and wavelength.

• Explain evidence used in cosmological models.

• Use scientific data to support conclusions.

Practise explaining how observations support a conclusion and distinguish measured evidence from the interpretation of that evidence.

CIE A Level Physics Assessment Objectives

Understanding the assessment objectives can help you prepare for the different skills tested in Cambridge Physics 9702.

• AO1 – Knowledge and understanding: Demonstrate knowledge of physical facts, concepts, laws, definitions, scientific terminology and conventions.

• AO2 – Handling, applying and evaluating information: Apply physics knowledge to unfamiliar situations, interpret information, analyse data and make reasoned judgements.

• AO3 – Experimental skills and investigations: Plan experiments, collect and analyse data, evaluate methods and draw evidence-based conclusions.

The exact assessment-objective weightings and their distribution across papers should be checked in the official syllabus for your examination year. Practical skills are assessed in both Paper 3 and Paper 5, so do not focus on theory papers alone.

Read the official Cambridge International Physics 9702 syllabus for the complete assessment requirements.

Common Mistakes in CIE A Level Physics Exams

1. Choosing the wrong equation

The mistake: Substituting values into an equation without checking whether it describes the physical situation.

The solution: Identify the quantities given and the quantity required. Write the relevant equation first, rearrange it if necessary, then substitute values with consistent units.

2. Forgetting units and prefixes

The mistake: Using millimetres instead of metres or mixing prefixes in calculations.

The solution: Convert quantities to suitable SI units before calculating and include the correct unit in the final answer.

3. Giving incomplete explanations

The mistake: Writing a vague statement that does not explain the underlying physical principle.

The solution: Use accurate scientific terminology and link cause and effect. For example, explain how a change in a physical quantity leads to the observed result.

4. Misreading graphs

The mistake: Confusing a graph’s gradient with its area or reading the wrong scale.

The solution: Identify what the axes represent, check the units, select suitable points and explain the physical meaning of the calculated gradient or area.

5. Neglecting practical skills

The mistake: Spending all revision time on theory while ignoring graph plotting, uncertainties, evaluation and experimental planning.

The solution: Practise Papers 3 and 5 separately. Review how to record data, draw best-fit lines, calculate gradients, discuss limitations and suggest specific improvements.

6. Memorising formulas without understanding them

The mistake: Remembering an equation but not knowing when or how to apply it.

The solution: Practise questions in different contexts and explain what each variable represents, what assumptions apply and how the equation relates to the physical model.

7. Weak time management

The mistake: Spending too long on one calculation and rushing later questions.

The solution: Practise full papers under timed conditions, keep track of time and return to difficult questions when possible.

How to Structure Strong Physics Answers

Use a logical approach when answering CIE A Level Physics questions.

1. Identify the command word: Decide whether the question asks you to calculate, state, describe, explain, compare, derive or evaluate.

2. Identify the physics principle: Select the relevant law, relationship or model.

3. Write the equation: Start with the appropriate formula for calculation questions.

4. Substitute carefully: Use consistent units, show working and retain suitable precision.

5. Explain the reasoning: For written answers, link the relevant physical cause to the effect.

6. Check the final answer: Review units, significant figures, signs and whether the result is physically reasonable.

For practical questions, also identify variables, measurement methods, uncertainty, graph analysis and the evidence needed to support a conclusion.

How to Revise Effectively for CIE A Level Physics (9702)

Phase 1: Review the complete syllabus

Divide revision into AS Level topics 1–11 and additional A Level topics 12–25. Identify weak areas and make sure your revision covers both sections of the course.

Phase 2: Practise topic-based questions

Start with individual topics such as mechanics, electricity, waves, fields and quantum physics. Use worked examples to understand the method before attempting questions independently.

Phase 3: Develop practical skills

Practise data tables, graphs, gradients, uncertainties, experimental methods and evaluation. Prepare separately for Paper 3 laboratory tasks and Paper 5 written practical questions.

Phase 4: Complete timed past papers

Attempt Papers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 under realistic examination conditions. Match your practice to your exam route and prioritise Paper 4 structured questions because they carry the largest individual weighting in the full A Level.

Phase 5: Review mark schemes and correct mistakes

Compare your answers with the appropriate mark schemes. Record errors in a revision log, revisit the relevant topic and redo similar questions without looking at the solution.

Phase 6: Retest weak areas

Return to questions you previously found difficult. Check whether you can apply the correct method independently and explain the physics accurately.

When Should You Start Using CIE A Level Physics Past Papers?

• Early revision: Learn the syllabus content, review definitions and build confidence with basic calculations.

• Mid-stage preparation: Practise topic-based questions and develop skills in multi-step calculations and written explanations.

• Practical revision: Work on graph plotting, experimental methods, uncertainty and evaluation.

• Final preparation: Complete timed papers, review mark schemes and concentrate on recurring weaknesses.

• Before 2027 mock exams: Confirm that your practice materials match the 9702 syllabus and the examination route you are taking.

For students preparing for 2027 Cambridge A Level Physics exams, combining topic revision, timed papers and careful review makes preparation more systematic.

Frequently Asked Questions: CIE A Level Physics (9702)

Where can I find CIE A Level Physics 9702 past papers?

Visit Exam Papers Practice to explore available Cambridge A Level Physics revision resources. You can also visit the official Cambridge Physics 9702 page for syllabus information and links to official assessment resources. Availability of past papers and mark schemes depends on the materials released for each examination series.

How many papers are there in CIE A Level Physics 9702?

The full A Level qualification uses five papers: Papers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. These cover multiple-choice questions, AS structured questions, advanced practical skills, A Level structured questions, and planning, analysis and evaluation.

What topics are included in A Level Physics 9702?

The full syllabus covers 25 topic areas, from physical quantities, mechanics, waves and electricity to gravitational and electric fields, thermodynamics, oscillations, quantum physics, nuclear physics, medical physics, astronomy and cosmology.

What is the difference between AS Level and A Level Physics 9702?

AS Level covers topics 1–11 and uses Papers 1, 2 and 3. The full A Level includes the AS content plus topics 12–25 and requires Papers 4 and 5 as well. Paper 4 tests A Level structured questions, while Paper 5 assesses advanced practical planning, analysis and evaluation.

Are 2026 Physics past papers useful for 2027 exams?

Yes, provided the questions match the syllabus applicable to your examination. Past papers can help you practise question styles, test your understanding, improve time management and learn how marks are awarded. Always confirm the syllabus year before relying on older papers.

How can I improve my CIE A Level Physics grade?

Revise the syllabus systematically, practise exam questions regularly, show complete working, learn definitions and equations, and review mark schemes carefully. Give practical skills sufficient attention and use your mistakes to guide further revision.

How important are Paper 3 and Paper 5?

Both papers assess practical skills. Paper 3 is a laboratory-based examination, while Paper 5 is a written examination focused on planning, analysis and evaluation. Practising experimental techniques, graphs, uncertainties and conclusions is important for both.

Where can teachers and schools find Cambridge Physics 9702 resources?

Teachers and schools can use Cambridge’s official syllabus and assessment resources to support lesson planning, mock exams and feedback. Exam Papers Practice can complement these materials with available revision resources and exam-style practice.

Prepare for Your 2027 CIE A Level Physics Exams with Exam Papers Practice

Achieving your target grade in CIE A Level Physics (9702) requires a strong understanding of physical principles, accurate calculations, effective exam technique and regular practical-skills practice. Working through past papers, checking mark schemes and correcting mistakes can help you identify weak areas and become more confident with unfamiliar questions.

At Exam Papers Practice, our revision resources are designed to support students, teachers, tutors and schools with structured exam preparation. Explore available CIE A Level Physics past papers, 9702 mark schemes and revision resources to organise your study and practise the skills required across all five examination papers.

Start practising today and take the next step towards stronger Cambridge A Level Physics exam performance.