Executive Exam Overview
The 9702 May/June 2026 series assesses core principles through structured reasoning, algebraic fluency, and deep physical intuition. Standard syllabus routines are paired with demanding conceptual sub-parts—notably in alternating current r.m.s. values for non-sinusoidal waveforms, cyclic thermodynamic processes, and non-linear data linearization in practical planning.
Where the Marks Are Won and Lost
- Core Mechanics & Momentum: High precision is rewarded in conservation of momentum and relative speed of approach/separation calculations. Common mark losses stem from treating velocity as scalar speed or ignoring vector signs during collisions.
- Fields & Potentials: Both gravitational and electric fields require unambiguous definitions of potential (specifically work done per unit mass or positive charge from infinity). Sketches of field variations across negative and positive domains frequently trip students who overlook inverse-square gradients.
- Practical Skills & Error Analysis: Papers 33 and 53 heavily weight logarithmic data linearization, correct absolute/percentage uncertainty combinations, and explicit significance-rule compliance.
Key Examiner Traps
Examiners consistently penalise imprecise definitions—such as defining Young modulus without referencing ratio/stress per unit strain, omitting 'perpendicular' when defining magnetic flux density, or confusing phase difference with path difference. In A2 thermodynamics and ideal gases, candidates must distinguish clearly between total microscopic internal energy \(U = \frac{3}{2}NkT\) and kinetic energy alone when discussing ideal gas assumptions.
Strategic Advice & Predictions
Focus revision on multi-step derivations (capacitors in parallel/series, Coulomb force relations) and exact graphical conventions (line of best fit vs worst acceptable line). Expect upcoming series to place renewed emphasis on wave-particle duality experiments, medical PET scanning physics, and oscillatory resonance damping curves.