Exam Prep
How to Prepare for A-Level Physics
By Dr Ayesha Khan · · 4 min read
Quick answer
A-Level physics rewards problem-solving and mathematical fluency more than memorisation. Secure the maths, especially rearranging equations and handling units, understand concepts deeply enough to apply them to unfamiliar problems, and practise past-paper questions relentlessly, since problem-solving improves only by doing.
Physics is problem-solving
A-Level physics is less about recalling facts and more about applying a relatively small set of principles to unfamiliar problems. The hardest questions combine several ideas, and you cannot memorise your way through them.
This means practice is central: you learn physics by solving problems, getting stuck, and working through the difficulty, not by rereading the theory.
The maths must be automatic
Physics runs on maths — rearranging equations, working with units and powers of ten, using trigonometry and graphs. If these are slow or error-prone, they bottleneck everything.
Getting the mathematical skills fluent early frees your attention for the physics itself. Many students who 'struggle with physics' actually struggle with the maths underneath it.
Understand, don't memorise
Learning equations without understanding what they mean leaves you unable to apply them to novel situations. Understand what each quantity represents and why the relationship holds.
This understanding is what lets you choose the right approach for an unfamiliar problem, which is exactly what the top marks require.
Draw the diagram
Most physics problems become clearer with a diagram — forces, circuits, rays, fields. Drawing it organises the information and often reveals the route to the answer.
Skipping the diagram to save time usually costs more time later. It is almost always worth drawing.
Units and significant figures
Marks are lost routinely to unit errors and significant-figure slips, even when the physics is correct. Carry units through calculations and check them, and follow the significant-figure conventions.
These are easy marks to keep once you build the habit, and easy marks to lose without it.
Past papers, relentlessly
Problem-solving improves only through practice, so work through as many past-paper questions as possible, marked against the scheme. Note the method for each question type you find hard.
Over time you build a repertoire of approaches, and unfamiliar problems start to resemble ones you have already solved.
Frequently asked questions
Is A-Level physics about memorising?+
Less than students expect. It is mostly about applying a small set of principles to unfamiliar problems, and the hardest questions combine several ideas. Problem-solving practice matters more than memorising.
How important is maths for A-Level physics?+
Central. Physics runs on rearranging equations, units, powers of ten and graphs, and if these are slow or error-prone they bottleneck everything. Making the maths fluent early is essential.
Why can't I apply equations to new problems?+
Usually because they were memorised without understanding. Learn what each quantity means and why the relationship holds, and you can choose the right approach for unfamiliar problems.
How do I stop losing marks on correct physics?+
Watch units and significant figures. Marks are lost routinely to these even when the physics is right. Carry units through calculations, check them, and follow the significant-figure conventions.
What's the best way to practise physics?+
Past-paper questions, relentlessly, marked against the scheme, noting the method for each hard question type. Problem-solving improves only by doing, and over time unfamiliar problems start to feel familiar.
Try your first session free
Meet your tutor, set your goals, and see the difference one-to-one attention makes. No card required, no commitment.