Course Outline
Paper structure, syllabus topics, grade thresholds, and examiner tips for Cambridge O Level Physics.
Exam Structure
| Component | Format | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 40 multiple-choice questions | 1 h | 40 | 25% |
| Paper 2 | Structured and free-response | 1 h 45 min | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 3 | Practical | 2 h | 40 | 25% |
| Total | 160 | 100% |
Paper 4 (alternative to practical, 1 h 15 min) replaces Paper 3 where a full practical exam is not possible.
Paper 1 — Multiple Choice
40 four-option questions. No penalty for wrong answers — always attempt every question. Questions test definitions, units, formulae, and interpretation of graphs. Common traps: mixing up scalar and vector quantities, confusing weight with mass, and sign errors in circuit calculations.
Paper 2 — Theory
Section A: compulsory structured questions. Section B: choice of two from three extended questions. Definitions must be precise — learn the exact wording in the syllabus. Show full working in calculations and include units in every answer.
Paper 3 / 4 — Practical
Paper 3: hands-on experiments — measuring, plotting graphs, identifying sources of error, and suggesting improvements. Paper 4: data-based alternatives (interpreting results, drawing best-fit lines, calculating gradients).
Syllabus Topics
1 — Measurement
SI units · scalars and vectors · measurement techniques (length, mass, time, temperature) · significant figures and error estimation
2 — Motion
Speed, velocity, and acceleration · distance–time and velocity–time graphs · equations of uniformly accelerated motion · free fall
3 — Forces and Dynamics
Types of forces · Newton's three laws · mass vs weight · friction · terminal velocity · momentum and impulse · moments and equilibrium · centre of gravity
4 — Pressure
Pressure formula (P = F/A) · pressure in liquids · atmospheric pressure and manometers · Boyle's Law
5 — Energy, Work, and Power
Work done · kinetic and potential energy · conservation of energy · efficiency · power · renewable and non-renewable energy sources
6 — Thermal Physics
Internal energy and temperature · specific heat capacity · specific latent heat · gas laws (pressure, volume, temperature) · conduction, convection, and radiation
7 — Properties of Waves
Transverse and longitudinal waves · frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and speed · reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference · electromagnetic spectrum
8 — Light
Reflection and refraction · laws of reflection · refractive index · total internal reflection and critical angle · lenses (converging and diverging) · dispersion
9 — Sound
Production and transmission · speed of sound · echo and ultrasound · hearing range
10 — Electricity
Static electricity · current, charge, and potential difference · Ohm's Law · resistance · series and parallel circuits · electrical energy and power · domestic electricity (ring main, fuses, earthing)
11 — Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Permanent magnets · magnetic field patterns · electromagnets · force on a current-carrying conductor · electric motor · electromagnetic induction · transformer equations
12 — Nuclear Physics
Structure of the nucleus · isotopes · radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma) · half-life · uses and hazards of radioactivity
Grade Thresholds
| Grade | Approx. % |
|---|---|
| A | 70 – 75 |
| B | 60 – 65 |
| C | 50 – 55 |
| D | 40 – 45 |
| E | 30 – 35 |
Check Cambridge's published grade threshold documents for the exact values for your series.
Examiner Tips
- Define clearly: "velocity is speed in a given direction" scores; "velocity is how fast something moves" does not.
- In circuit calculations, always redraw series/parallel sections before applying formulae.
- Graph-drawing: use more than half the grid, label axes with units, draw the best-fit line (not dot-to-dot).
- Newton's 3rd Law pairs: the forces must act on different objects of the same type — e.g. the book pushes the table down, and the table pushes the book up.
Start practising
Quizzes, notes, and flashcards for the topics currently covered.