Skip to main content
Beta Live

Ace A-Level Physics with Smart Revision

Tackle A-Level Physics with practice on mechanics, fields, quantum physics, and astrophysics. Full worked solutions included.

Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications

About A-Level Physics

A-Level Physics explores the fundamental laws that govern the universe, from the mechanics of moving objects to the behaviour of subatomic particles. You will study topics including forces and motion, electrical circuits, waves and optics, fields (gravitational, electric, and magnetic), nuclear physics, and often astrophysics or medical physics as an option. The mathematical demands are significant — you will regularly use algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to solve problems.

Physics is essential or highly recommended for engineering degrees of all types, and is valued for mathematics, computer science, architecture, and geophysics courses. It develops analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills that are prized across STEM careers and beyond.

The key challenges include developing physical intuition for abstract concepts like fields and quantum behaviour, applying mathematics confidently in unfamiliar contexts, and managing the breadth of the specification. Many students find that understanding the why behind equations, rather than just memorising them, is what separates good grades from great ones.

Topics Covered

Measurements Particles & Radiation Waves Mechanics Electricity Further Mechanics Fields Nuclear Physics Astrophysics Practical Skills

Exam Boards

A-Level Physics is available from these exam boards

How UpGrades Helps

Exam-Style Questions

Practice with Physics questions that mirror the format and difficulty of real A-Level exams.

Detailed Explanations

Understand not just the answer, but the reasoning and methodology behind every Physics solution.

Progress Tracking

See exactly how you're progressing across all 10 Physics topics with detailed analytics.

Study Tips for Physics

  • Derive equations rather than just memorising them — understanding how v = u + at connects to the area under a velocity-time graph, for example, deepens your understanding and helps you apply formulae in unfamiliar contexts.
  • For every problem, start by drawing a clear diagram, labelling all known quantities with units, and identifying what you need to find. This structured approach prevents you from diving into calculations without a clear plan.
  • Practise unit analysis (dimensional analysis) as a checking tool. If your answer for energy comes out in metres per second, you know something has gone wrong before you even check the numbers.
  • When revising fields topics, compare and contrast gravitational and electric fields side by side — the mathematical structures are almost identical, and understanding the parallels helps you learn both more efficiently.

Exam Tips for A-Level Physics

  • Always state the equation you are using before substituting values. Examiners award marks for selecting the correct equation, and if your arithmetic goes wrong, you still collect method marks.
  • In explain or describe questions, use precise physics vocabulary and refer to specific laws or principles by name. Saying the force increases is weaker than saying by Newton s second law the resultant force produces a greater acceleration.
  • Check your answers for reasonableness. If you calculate that a car accelerates at 500 m/s squared, or that a wavelength of light is 3 metres, something has clearly gone wrong — use common sense as a final check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is A-Level Physics? +
A-Level Physics is considered one of the harder A-Levels due to its mathematical demands and abstract concepts. You need a strong foundation in GCSE Maths (grade 7 or above is recommended) and a willingness to think deeply about how and why things work. With consistent practice, it is very manageable.
Do I need A-Level Maths to do A-Level Physics? +
Most schools strongly recommend taking A-Level Maths alongside Physics, and some universities require both for engineering or physics degrees. While it is technically possible to study Physics without Maths, you will find the mathematical content significantly harder without the support of the Maths A-Level.
How many exams are there in A-Level Physics? +
Typically there are three written papers, each around two hours long, taken at the end of Year 13. The exact structure depends on your exam board — for example, AQA has papers on different topic sections plus a synoptic paper, while OCR splits content differently. Practical skills are assessed via a separate endorsement.
What careers does A-Level Physics lead to? +
A-Level Physics opens paths to engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace), astrophysics, medical physics, renewable energy, architecture, geophysics, quantitative finance, data science, and software engineering, among many others.

Start revising Physics

Join the waitlist and be among the first to access UpGrades when we launch

Join the Waitlist