Edexcel A-level Physics Year 12 revision

Topic 1: Working as a physicist

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Key concepts of physics and Practical and maths skills, and takes it further.

There are 8 parts: we start with units, estimation and uncertainty, and finish with measuring instruments and techniques.

1. 1.1Units, estimation and uncertaintyFree 15 questions
2. 1.2Random and systematic errors, precision, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility and resolution47 questions
3. 1.3Combining uncertainties: absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty34 questions
4. 1.4Graphs: linearisation, error bars, and gradient and intercept uncertainties32 questions
5. 1.5Mathematical skills: standard form, significant figures, logarithms, exponentials, trigonometry and small-angle approximations25 questions
6. 1.6Planning investigations: variables, methods and risk assessment41 questions
7. 1.7Evaluating methods and conclusions; research sources and referencing50 questions
8. 1.8Measuring instruments and techniques: micrometer, calipers, oscilloscope, light gates and data loggers68 questions

Topic 2: Mechanics

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Motion and forces and Forces and their effects, and takes it further.

There are 7 parts: we start with scalars, vectors and moments, and finish with conservation of energy, efficiency and energy transfers.

1. 2.1Scalars, vectors and momentsFree 47 questions
2. 2.2Centre of mass, couples and equilibrium of coplanar forces77 questions
3. 2.3Motion and projectilesFree 61 questions
4. 2.4Practical: determining g by free fall34 questions
5. 2.5Newton's laws, momentum, work and power59 questions
6. 2.6Impulse, force–time graphs, elastic and inelastic collisions and explosions75 questions
7. 2.7Conservation of energy, efficiency and energy transfers72 questions

Topic 3: Electric circuits

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Electricity and circuits, and takes it further.

There are 8 parts: we start with current, resistance and resistivity, and finish with superconductivity and critical temperature.

1. 3.1Current, resistance and resistivityFree 71 questions
2. 3.2Charge carriers and drift velocity (I = nAvq): conductors, semiconductors and insulators65 questions
3. 3.3I–V characteristics: ohmic conductors, filament lamps, diodes, thermistors and LDRs73 questions
4. 3.4Circuits, EMF and potential dividers76 questions
5. 3.5Electrical energy and power: P = IV, I²R, V²/R and the kilowatt-hour69 questions
6. 3.6Practical: determining the resistivity of a wire26 questions
7. 3.7Practical: determining the EMF and internal resistance of a cell69 questions
8. 3.8Superconductivity and critical temperature68 questions

Topic 4: Materials

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Forces and matter, and takes it further.

There are 6 parts: we start with density, pressure in fluids and upthrust, and finish with the practical on determining the Young modulus of a wire.

1. 4.1Density, pressure in fluids and upthrustFree 59 questions
2. 4.2Viscosity, laminar and turbulent flow and Stokes' law25 questions
3. 4.3Practical: falling-ball method for the viscosity of a liquid59 questions
4. 4.4Materials20 questions
5. 4.5Stress–strain behaviour of ductile, brittle and polymeric materials, hysteresis and elastic strain energy72 questions
6. 4.6Practical: determining the Young modulus of a wire25 questions

Topic 5: Waves and the particle nature of light

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Waves and Light and the electromagnetic spectrum, and takes it further.

There are 9 parts: we start with progressive and stationary waves, and finish with wave–particle duality.

1. 5.1Progressive and stationary wavesFree 55 questions
2. 5.2Longitudinal and transverse waves and polarisation74 questions
3. 5.3Refraction, diffraction and interference26 questions
4. 5.4Practical: stationary waves on a string (frequency, length, tension and mass per unit length)60 questions
5. 5.5Practical: speed of sound in air (oscilloscope method and resonance tubes)70 questions
6. 5.6Practical: wavelength of light using double slits and diffraction gratings55 questions
7. 5.7Total internal reflection, critical angle and optical fibres45 questions
8. 5.8Photons, photoelectric effect and energy levels54 questions
9. 5.9Wave–particle duality: de Broglie wavelength and electron diffraction53 questions

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