specification overview
AQA A-Level Physics (7408) is a two-year linear qualification covering measurements, particles/quantum, waves, mechanics, materials, electricity, thermal, fields, nuclear, plus one optional Section (Astrophysics, Medical, Engineering, Turning Points, or Electronics). Three papers sat at year 13, with 12 required practicals feeding the Practical Endorsement.
subject content
3.1. Measurements and their errors
All papers- Use of SI units and their prefixes
- Limitation of physical measurements; estimation
3.2. Particles and radiation
Paper 1- Constituents of the atom, quarks and leptons
- Photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality, EM spectrum
3.3. Waves
Paper 1- Progressive and stationary waves, superposition, interference
- Refraction and diffraction
3.4. Mechanics and materials
Paper 1- Force, energy and momentum
- Materials: bulk properties, Young modulus
3.5. Electricity
Paper 1- Current electricity
- DC circuits and internal resistance
3.6. Further mechanics and thermal physics
Paper 1 (3.6.1 Periodic motion), Paper 2 (3.6.2 Thermal physics)- Circular motion, simple harmonic motion
- Thermal physics: ideal gases, kinetic theory
3.7. Fields and their consequences
Paper 2- Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields
- Capacitance and electromagnetic induction
3.8. Nuclear physics
Paper 2- Radioactivity, nuclear decay
- Nuclear energy: fission and fusion
3.9-13. Optional Section (choose one)
Paper 3- Astrophysics OR Medical Physics OR Engineering Physics OR Turning Points in Physics OR Electronics
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Sections 3.1-3.5 (Particles, Waves, Mechanics, Materials, Electricity) plus 3.6.1 (Periodic motion) | 2h | 85 | 34% | 60 marks short and long structured questions + 25 marks multiple choice |
| Paper 2 | Sections 3.6.2 (Thermal Physics), 3.7 (Fields) and 3.8 (Nuclear), plus assumed knowledge from Paper 1 | 2h | 85 | 34% | 60 marks short and long structured questions + 25 marks multiple choice |
| Paper 3 | Section A: Practical skills and data analysis. Section B: chosen Optional Section | 2h | 80 | 32% | Section A: 45 marks on practical experiments and data analysis. Section B: 35 marks on chosen option |
Students take one of 5 optional Sections (Astrophysics, Medical, Engineering, Turning Points, or Electronics) on Paper 3. Papers 1 and 2 each include 25 marks of multiple choice.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. | 33% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures in theoretical and practical contexts, including handling qualitative and quantitative data. | 42% |
| AO3 | Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence to make judgements, reach conclusions and refine practical design and procedures. | 25% |
required practicals
| Practical | What it involves |
|---|---|
| RP1 Stationary waves on a string | Investigation into the variation of the frequency of stationary waves on a string with length, tension and mass per unit length of the string. |
| RP2 Interference and diffraction | Investigation of interference effects to include the Young's slit experiment and interference by a diffraction grating. |
| RP3 Determination of g by free fall | Determination of g by a free-fall method. |
| RP4 Determination of the Young modulus | Determination of the Young modulus by a simple method. |
| RP5 Determination of resistivity | Determination of resistivity of a wire using a micrometer, ammeter and voltmeter. |
| RP6 EMF and internal resistance | 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. |
| RP7 Simple harmonic motion | Investigation into simple harmonic motion using a mass-spring system and a simple pendulum. |
| RP8 Boyle's law and Charles's law | Investigation of Boyle's (constant temperature) and Charles's (constant pressure) laws for a gas. |
| RP9 Charge and discharge of a capacitor | Investigation of the charge and discharge of capacitors. Analysis techniques should include log-linear plotting leading to a determination of the time constant RC. |
| RP10 Force on a current-carrying wire | Investigate how the force on a current-carrying wire varies with flux density, current and length of wire using a top-pan balance. |
| RP11 Search coil and magnetic flux linkage | 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. |
| RP12 Inverse-square law for gamma radiation | Investigation of the inverse-square law for gamma radiation. |
key tips for success
Pick your optional section carefully
Paper 3 Section B is one of five options. Astrophysics is common; Engineering is popular for engineering-bound students; Medical for medical/biology-bound students. Your school picks the option.
Master the 12 required practicals
Practical-context questions appear on all three papers plus feed the Practical Endorsement. Learn method, apparatus and expected results for each.
Practise MC pace
Papers 1 and 2 each open with 25 marks of multiple choice. Practise pacing so you don't burn through more than 25 minutes on it.
Build maths fluency
AO2 is 42%. Physics leans heavily on algebra, logarithms, exponentials, differential equations, vectors. Practise until automatic.
Master field equations
Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields have analogous equations. Learn the parallels so you can apply confidence to unfamiliar problems.
Track your Practical Endorsement
Assessed continuously through year. Some university science courses require a Pass, so check in with your teacher regularly.
Where to next
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