Spec Detail

p1 Paper 1 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Duration 45 min · Marks 40 · Weighting 30.00 · Structure fixed_items · Question count fixed 40 · Assembly exact_fixed_count

Patterns: 40

p2 Paper 2 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

Duration 45 min · Marks 40 · Weighting 30.00 · Structure fixed_items · Question count fixed 40 · Assembly exact_fixed_count

Patterns: 40

p3 Paper 3 - Theory (Core)

Duration 75 min · Marks 80 · Weighting 50.00 · Structure flexible_structured_core · Question count flexible_total_marks · Assembly exact_total_marks

Patterns: 5

p4 Paper 4 - Theory (Extended)

Duration 75 min · Marks 80 · Weighting 50.00 · Structure flexible_structured_extended · Question count flexible_total_marks · Assembly exact_total_marks

Patterns: 5

p5 Paper 5 - Practical Test

Duration 75 min · Marks 40 · Weighting 20.00 · Structure flexible_practical · Question count flexible_total_marks · Assembly exact_total_marks

Patterns: 5

p6 Paper 6 - Alternative to Practical

Duration 60 min · Marks 40 · Weighting 20.00 · Structure flexible_alternative_practical · Question count flexible_total_marks · Assembly exact_total_marks

Patterns: 5

1 Motion, forces and energy

• 1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques 10 outcomes
  • 1.1.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of physical quantities and measurement techniques in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.1.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of physical quantities and measurement techniques in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.1.C3 Calculate physical quantities in physical quantities and measurement techniques using g = W/m and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.1.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in physical quantities and measurement techniques, including rays, circuits, forces or field pattern... p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.1.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for physical quantities and measurement techniques, including gradients and relationships where appropriat... p1, p2, p3, p4
• 1.2 Motion 10 outcomes
  • 1.2.C1 Calculate physical quantities in motion using ΔEp = mgΔh and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.2.C2 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for motion, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.2.C3 Calculate physical quantities in motion using P = W/t and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.2.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in motion, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.2.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for motion, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 1.3 Mass and weight 10 outcomes
  • 1.3.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of mass and weight in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.3.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of mass and weight in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.3.C3 Calculate physical quantities in mass and weight using E = IVt and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.3.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in mass and weight, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.3.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for mass and weight, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 1.4 Density 10 outcomes
  • 1.4.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of density in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.4.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of density in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.4.C3 Calculate physical quantities in density using F = ma and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.4.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in density, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.4.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for density, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 1.5 Forces 10 outcomes
  • 1.5.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of forces in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.5.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of forces in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.5.C3 Calculate physical quantities in forces using pV = constant and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.5.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in forces, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.5.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for forces, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 1.6 Momentum 10 outcomes
  • 1.6.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of momentum in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.6.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of momentum in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.6.C3 Calculate physical quantities in momentum using P = I2R and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.6.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in momentum, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.6.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for momentum, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 1.7 Energy, work and power 10 outcomes
  • 1.7.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of energy, work and power in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.7.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of energy, work and power in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.7.C3 Calculate physical quantities in energy, work and power using F = Δp/Δt and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.7.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in energy, work and power, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.7.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for energy, work and power, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 1.8 Pressure 10 outcomes
  • 1.8.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of pressure in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.8.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of pressure in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.8.C3 Calculate physical quantities in pressure using I = Q/t and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.8.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in pressure, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 1.8.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for pressure, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4

2 Thermal physics

• 2.1 Kinetic particle model of matter 10 outcomes
  • 2.1.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of kinetic particle model of matter in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.1.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of kinetic particle model of matter in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.1.C3 Calculate physical quantities in kinetic particle model of matter using a = Δv/Δt and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.1.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in kinetic particle model of matter, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where approp... p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.1.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for kinetic particle model of matter, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature 10 outcomes
  • 2.2.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of thermal properties and temperature in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.2.C2 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for thermal properties and temperature, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.2.C3 Calculate physical quantities in thermal properties and temperature using W = Fd = ΔE and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.2.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in thermal properties and temperature, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appr... p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.2.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for thermal properties and temperature, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy 10 outcomes
  • 2.3.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of transfer of thermal energy in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.3.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of transfer of thermal energy in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.3.C3 Calculate physical quantities in transfer of thermal energy using P = IV and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.3.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in transfer of thermal energy, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 2.3.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for transfer of thermal energy, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4

3 Waves

• 3.1 General properties of waves 10 outcomes
  • 3.1.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of general properties of waves in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.1.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of general properties of waves in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.1.C3 Calculate physical quantities in general properties of waves using k = F/x and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.1.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in general properties of waves, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate... p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.1.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for general properties of waves, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 3.2 Light 10 outcomes
  • 3.2.C1 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in light, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.2.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of light in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.2.C3 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in light, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.2.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in light, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.2.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for light, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum 10 outcomes
  • 3.3.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of electromagnetic spectrum in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.3.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of electromagnetic spectrum in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.3.C3 Calculate physical quantities in electromagnetic spectrum using IpVp = IsVs and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.3.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electromagnetic spectrum, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.3.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for electromagnetic spectrum, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 3.4 Sound 10 outcomes
  • 3.4.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of sound in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.4.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of sound in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.4.C3 Calculate physical quantities in sound using impulse = FΔt = Δ(mv) and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.4.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in sound, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 3.4.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for sound, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4

4 Electricity and magnetism

• 4.1 Simple magnetism and magnetic fields 10 outcomes
  • 4.1.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of simple magnetism and magnetic fields in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.1.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of simple magnetism and magnetic fields in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.1.C3 Calculate physical quantities in simple magnetism and magnetic fields using v = fλ and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.1.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in simple magnetism and magnetic fields, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where ap... p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.1.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for simple magnetism and magnetic fields, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 4.2 Electrical quantities 10 outcomes
  • 4.2.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of electrical quantities in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.2.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of electrical quantities in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.2.C3 Calculate physical quantities in electrical quantities using v = s/t and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.2.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electrical quantities, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.2.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for electrical quantities, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 4.3 Electric circuits 10 outcomes
  • 4.3.C1 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electric circuits, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.3.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of electric circuits in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.3.C3 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electric circuits, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.3.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electric circuits, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.3.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for electric circuits, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 4.4 Electrical safety 10 outcomes
  • 4.4.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of electrical safety in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.4.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of electrical safety in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.4.C3 Calculate physical quantities in electrical safety using R = V/I and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.4.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electrical safety, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.4.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for electrical safety, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 4.5 Electromagnetic effects 10 outcomes
  • 4.5.C1 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electromagnetic effects, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.5.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of electromagnetic effects in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.5.C3 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electromagnetic effects, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.5.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in electromagnetic effects, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 4.5.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for electromagnetic effects, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4

5 Nuclear physics

• 5.1 The nuclear model of the atom 10 outcomes
  • 5.1.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of the nuclear model of the atom in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.1.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of the nuclear model of the atom in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.1.C3 Calculate physical quantities in the nuclear model of the atom using p = F/A and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.1.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in the nuclear model of the atom, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropria... p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.1.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for the nuclear model of the atom, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 5.2 Radioactivity 10 outcomes
  • 5.2.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of radioactivity in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.2.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of radioactivity in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.2.C3 Calculate physical quantities in radioactivity using Vp/Vs = Np/Ns and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.2.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in radioactivity, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 5.2.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for radioactivity, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4

6 Space physics

• 6.1 The Earth and the Solar System 10 outcomes
  • 6.1.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of the earth and the solar system in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.1.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of the earth and the solar system in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.1.C3 Calculate physical quantities in the earth and the solar system using p = mv and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.1.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in the earth and the solar system, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropri... p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.1.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for the earth and the solar system, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
• 6.2 Stars and the Universe 10 outcomes
  • 6.2.C1 Describe and explain the physics principles of stars and the universe in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.2.C2 Describe and explain the physics principles of stars and the universe in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.2.C3 Calculate physical quantities in stars and the universe using c = ΔE/(mΔθ) and appropriate SI units. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.2.C4 Draw, label and interpret diagrams used in stars and the universe, including rays, circuits, forces or field patterns where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4
  • 6.2.C5 Plot, sketch and interpret graphs for stars and the universe, including gradients and relationships where appropriate. p1, p2, p3, p4

P Experimental skills and investigations

• P.1 Apparatus, materials and techniques 3 outcomes
  • P.1.1 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for apparatus, materials and techniques using safe procedures and precise language of me... p5, p6
  • P.1.2 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for apparatus, materials and techniques using safe procedures and precise language of me... p5, p6
  • P.1.3 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for apparatus, materials and techniques using safe procedures and precise language of me... p5, p6
• P.2 Measurement, observation and recording 3 outcomes
  • P.2.1 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for measurement, observation and recording using safe procedures and precise language of... p5, p6
  • P.2.2 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for measurement, observation and recording using safe procedures and precise language of... p5, p6
  • P.2.3 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for measurement, observation and recording using safe procedures and precise language of... p5, p6
• P.3 Processing data, tables and graphs 3 outcomes
  • P.3.1 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for processing data, tables and graphs using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
  • P.3.2 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for processing data, tables and graphs using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
  • P.3.3 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for processing data, tables and graphs using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
• P.4 Diagrams, circuits and ray-tracing 3 outcomes
  • P.4.1 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for diagrams, circuits and ray-tracing using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
  • P.4.2 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for diagrams, circuits and ray-tracing using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
  • P.4.3 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for diagrams, circuits and ray-tracing using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
• P.5 Planning, evaluation and improvements 3 outcomes
  • P.5.1 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for planning, evaluation and improvements using safe procedures and precise language of... p5, p6
  • P.5.2 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for planning, evaluation and improvements using safe procedures and precise language of... p5, p6
  • P.5.3 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for planning, evaluation and improvements using safe procedures and precise language of... p5, p6
• P.6 Safety and language of measurement 3 outcomes
  • P.6.1 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for safety and language of measurement using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
  • P.6.2 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for safety and language of measurement using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6
  • P.6.3 Plan, carry out, record and evaluate practical work for safety and language of measurement using safe procedures and precise language of mea... p5, p6