How to Revise for A Level Physics

A-Level Physics is a significant leap from GCSE. The subject demands a much deeper grasp of concepts, greater mathematical fluency, and the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar and often abstract scenarios. Many students struggle because they rely on surface-level revision techniques that worked at GCSE but fall short at this advanced level.

To revise A-Level Physics, you need to focus on active learning, mastering problem-solving methods, and refining your exam technique. It’s not enough to just remember formulas—you must understand when and how to use them in varied contexts, often under time pressure.

In this section, we’ll explore proven revision strategies to help you get to grips with A-Level Physics and approach your exams with confidence.

1. Use your specification

For A-Level Physics, the specification becomes even more crucial because of the depth and complexity of the topics. Students should use it to:

• Identify required knowledge – A-Level exams often assess not just memorisation but the application of concepts. Breaking the specification into smaller topics can help students plan focused revision sessions.

• Recognise synoptic links – Many topics in A-Level Physics are interconnected (e.g., mechanics linking to electric fields). The specification can highlight these connections.

• Understand the level of detail required – Some topics may require qualitative understanding, while others demand detailed mathematical application. The spec often clarifies this.

2. Understand the A-level physics mark scheme

1. Mastering derivations & proof-based questions

Unlike GCSE, where formulas are often provided, A-Level students frequently need to derive or prove equations before applying them. Mark schemes reward:

• Correct starting equations from first principles or fundamental laws.

• Logical, step-by-step derivation with clear reasoning.

• Proper use of units and significant figures throughout calculations.

Tip: Practise breaking down derivations into manageable steps—examiners look for a clear method, not just the final answer.

2. Balancing calculation & explanation-based questions

Many students excel at numerical answers but struggle with written explanations, which are essential in A-Level exams. Mark schemes credit:

• Precise scientific terminology (e.g., 'the rate of charge carrier movement increases' rather than 'electrons move faster').

• Logical reasoning that links cause and effect rather than vague descriptions.

• Use of technical terms to demonstrate a strong grasp of concepts.

Example: A question asks why increasing temperature affects resistance in a metal wire.

A weak answer: "The resistance increases because the wire gets hotter."

A high-scoring answer: "As temperature increases, metal ions vibrate more, leading to more frequent electron-ion collisions, increasing resistance."

3. Leverage on key insights from the examiners’ report

Examiners’ reports provide valuable feedback on common mistakes and areas where students can improve. Many A-Level Physics questions require precise reasoning, careful use of equations, and clear explanations of physical concepts. 

Let’s break down some key takeaways from an examiner’s report to see how students can apply this feedback to their own revision.

Credits: AQA

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Credits: AQA

• Misidentifying Symbols & Particles

Many students lost marks for writing incorrect symbols (e.g., using ‘a’ instead of the alpha particle symbol). This highlights the importance of memorizing standard notation and particle symbols to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

• Incomplete or vague explanations

For a question about the W⁻ boson, many students correctly identified the particle but failed to explain the charge’s significance. This shows that just stating the answer isn’t enough—students must provide reasoning based on fundamental physics principles. When revising, practice writing full explanations rather than just recalling facts.

• Misinterpreting data & evidence

In a spectral analysis question, many students struggled to clearly link the evidence to the element being discussed. Instead of answering directly, some focused on comparing the wrong spectral lines. When dealing with data-based questions, always identify what the question is asking first before interpreting the evidence.

• Errors in calculations

Most students completed the calculation correctly, but some lost marks by using incorrect energy difference values. To avoid calculation errors, always double-check that you’re using the correct equation and values. Units and significant figures are also crucial—mark schemes often reward correct precision.

• Confusion in conceptual questions

In a photon and energy level question, many students explained excitation rather than emission, leading to confusion. A-Level Physics often requires distinguishing between related concepts, so practice explaining each process separately to ensure clarity.

How to use this in your revision

• When answering past paper questions, compare your responses to the examiner's reports to see where students commonly go wrong.

• For explanation-based questions, practice structuring your answers logically—define key terms, explain step-by-step, and justify your reasoning.

• Focus on precision—both in calculations and in scientific language. Examiners reward clear, well-reasoned responses over vague or generic explanations.

4. Master all formulas

When it comes to mastering formulas and equations, flashcards are a game-changer. They help you memorise key information in bite-sized chunks, which is perfect for Maths and Physics. Here’s how to make the most of them:

How to use flashcards effectively:

• Write the formula on one side – Include both the equation and any constants involved.

• On the other side, write a short explanation of what the formula represents, how to use it, and if possible, its derivation or proof.

• Use images or diagrams where appropriate – For example, a diagram of a circuit can help you remember the formula for electrical power.

• Test yourself regularly – Try to recall the formulas before checking your flashcards to reinforce your memory.

Mnemonics are also great for remembering tricky formulas or steps. Here are some common ones you might already know:

• Wizards Fight Dragons: (Work = Force × Distance)

• Power Every Time: (Power = Energy ÷ Time)

• King Elephants March Very fast: (Kinetic Energy = ½ mass × velocity²)

• Giant Monkeys Run: (Gravitational field strength = Gravitational constant × mass ÷ distance²)

• Very Unusual Antelopes Time-travel: (Velocity = Initial velocity + acceleration × time)

• Light Can Flow: (Wavelength = Speed of light ÷ frequency)

• Rats Prefer Long Areas: (Resistance = Resistivity × Length ÷ Area)

• Quick Mice Change Temperature: (Heat energy = mass × specific heat × temperature change)

• Silly Inchworms Run: (Refractive index = sine of incidence ÷ sine of refraction)