AQA A Level Physics Revision Notes
Score maximum marks in your exams with our AQA A Level Physics revision notes. Written by teachers and examiners, they'll help you to fill knowledge gaps, understand complex concepts and boost your exam confidence. They’re designed for this specific exam board and syllabus, meaning you only revise what you need to know. Use our written notes, illustrations and worked examples to prepare you for your A Level Physics assessment.
1. Measurements & Their Errors
1.1 Use of SI Units & Their Prefixes
1.2 Limitation of Physical Measurements
2. Particles & Radiation
2.1 Atomic Structure & Decay Equations
2.2 Classification of Particles
2.3 Conservation Laws & Particle Interactions
2.4 The Photoelectric Effect
2.5 Energy Levels & Photon Emission
3. Waves
3.1 Longitudinal & Transverse Waves
3.2 Stationary Waves
3.3 Interference
3.4 Diffraction
3.5 Refraction
4. Mechanics & Materials
4.1 Scalars & Vectors
4.2 Moments
4.3 Equations of Motion
4.4 Newton’s Laws of Motion
4.5 Linear Momentum & Conservation
4.6 Work, Energy & Power
4.7 Bulk Properties of Solids
4.8 The Young Modulus
5. Electricity
5.1 Current–Voltage Characteristics
5.2 Resistance & Resistivity
5.3 Circuits & The Potential Divider
5.4 Electromotive Force & Internal Resistance
6. Further Mechanics & Thermal Physics
6.1 Circular Motion
6.2 Simple Harmonic Motion
6.3 Forced Vibrations & Resonance
6.4 Thermal Energy Transfer
6.5 Ideal Gases
6.6 Molecular Kinetic Theory Model
7. Fields & Their Consequences
7.1 Gravitational Fields
7.2 Gravitational Potential
7.3 Orbits of Planets & Satellites
7.4 Electric Fields
7.5 Electric Potential
7.6 Capacitance
7.7 Capacitor Charge & Discharge
7.8 Magnetic Fields
7.9 Electromagnetic Induction
7.10 Alternating Currents & Transformers
8. Nuclear Physics
8.1 Alpha, Beta & Gamma Radiation
8.2 Radioactive Decay
8.3 Nuclear Instability & Radius
8.4 Nuclear Fusion & Fission
9. Astrophysics
9.1 Telescopes
9.2 Classification of Stars
9.3 Cosmology
10. Medical Physics
10.1 Physics of the Eye
10.2 Physics of the Ear
10.3 Biological Measurement
10.4 Non-Ionising Imaging
10.5 X-ray Imaging
10.6 Radionuclide Imaging & Therapy
11. Engineering Physics
11.1 Rotational Dynamics
11.2 Thermodynamics & Engines
12. Turning Points in Physics
12.1 The Discovery of the Electron
12.2 Wave-Particle Duality
12.3 Special Relativity
Common Questions
What topics are covered in each exam paper?
Sections 1 to 8 are compulsory and Sections 9 to 13 are optional. Students take one optional module which is assessed in Paper 3. Paper 1: 1. Measurements & Their Errors 2. Particles & Radiation 3. Waves 4. Mechanics & Materials 5. Electricity 6.1 Periodic Motion Paper 2: 6.2 Thermal Physics 7. Fields & Their Consequences 8. Nuclear Physics Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1 Paper 3: Section A: Practical skill and data analysis Section B: One from the following sections: 9. Astrophysics 10. Medical Physics 11. Engineering Physics 12. Turning Points in Physics 13. Electronics
How can I test my subject knowledge?
Test yourself with our AQA A Level Physics topic questions. Get immediate feedback and model answers, tailored to this specific exam board and syllabus. Once you're ready, view our AQA A Level Physics past papers and mark schemes. Use them to practice your exam technique and familiarise yourself with the exam format.
