CCEA AS Physics across four papers: why data analysis outweighs every content topic in our analysis, the sign and unit-conversion slips that wreck otherwise correct calculations, and the graph habits worth fixing before AS 3B.
閱讀時間 4 分鐘更新於: 2026年9月3日
試卷概覽
卷數
4
總分
290
考試時間
5小時 30分鐘
題型
12
試卷
時間
分數
題數
比重
題型
AS 1: Forces, Energy and Electricity
1小時 45分鐘
100
15
34%
Definition and short explanation, Structured multi-step mechanics or electricity calculation, Graphical plot and analysis, Applied extended context calculation
AS 2: Waves, Photons and Astronomy
1小時 45分鐘
100
10
34%
Definition and wave characteristics, Practical method description, Ray diagram and optical calculation, Quantum and photon physics calculation, Astrophysical Doppler calculation
AS 3A: Practical Techniques
1小時
40
4
14%
Optical ray tracing experiment, Oscillations and timing experiment, Dimensional and density measurement, Electrical circuit resistance measurement
AS 3B: Data Analysis and Evaluation
1小時
50
4
17%
Non-linear best fit graph and maxima analysis, Linear graph gradient and physical parameter extraction, Detailed uncertainty and error propagation analysis, Linear intercept mapping and percentage difference
評級
ABCDEU
計算機規定
A scientific calculator is required and must support power, exponential and logarithmic functions and trigonometric functions in degrees or radians, per the specification's mathematical requirements. The general JCQ and CCEA rule applies on top of that: the calculator must have no lid or case with printed instructions or formulae, must not offer symbolic algebra manipulation or a connection to another device, and must not have any retrievable information stored in it, including saved formulae, notes or programs. Clear the memory before the exam and use exam mode if your calculator has one.
AO1: AO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physics ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. (38%)
AO2: AO2: apply knowledge and understanding of physics ideas, processes, techniques and procedures in theoretical and practical contexts, when handling qualitative and quantitative data, and to solve scientific problems. (40%)
AO3: AO3: analyse, interpret and evaluate physics information, ideas and evidence to make judgements and reach conclusions, refine practical design and procedures, and record and communicate reliable, valid observations and measurements. (22%)
Structured mechanics and electricity calculations in one pass
用途: Calculate the whole right-hand side of a mechanics or electricity formula in one continuous sequence, without re-entering rounded intermediate numbers.
使用時機: For any substitution question in mechanics or electricity where the formula involves powers or square roots, such as kinetic energy.
步驟
Write the formula first, then substitute and calculate the whole right-hand side in one continuous keystroke sequence using the calculator's power and square root keys, rather than working out intermediate numbers by hand and re-entering them.
考試提示: This is a live calculation performed on the numbers given in that question during the exam. CCEA and JCQ rules do not allow any formula, note or program to be stored in the calculator beforehand. Clear the memory before the exam and use exam mode if available.
Percentage uncertainty with a power term
用途: Build up the combined percentage uncertainty of a calculated quantity correctly when one of its measured variables is raised to a power.
使用時機: For uncertainty questions where the formula includes a variable raised to a power, such as thickness cubed.
步驟
Calculate the percentage uncertainty of the measured variable, then multiply it directly by the power that variable is raised to in the formula, as one running total, before adding the other percentage uncertainties.
考試提示: This is a live calculation applied to your own measurements or the figures given in the exam. No formula, note or program may already be stored in the calculator when the exam begins.
Standard form entry for photon and Doppler calculations
用途: Enter a very small or very large physical constant, such as Planck's constant or the speed of light, correctly in standard form.
使用時機: For photon energy or Doppler effect calculations that use constants from the formula sheet with very small or very large values.
步驟
Use the EXP or times-ten-to-the-power key to enter very small or very large values, such as Planck's constant or the speed of light from the formula sheet, directly in standard form rather than typing every digit by hand.
考試提示: This is a live entry technique for constants printed on the formula sheet provided in the exam. Storing constants, formulae or programs in the calculator's memory in advance is not permitted.
常見錯誤
1medium涉及分數: 2Refraction
Leaving fringe separation or slit spacing in millimetres when calculating an optical wavelength with \( \lambda = \frac{ay}{d} \), which expects the values in metres.
如何避免: Convert slit spacing and fringe separation to metres on their own working line before substituting into the formula.
2medium涉及分數: 2Principle of moments
Omitting the perpendicular component when resolving forces in a moments calculation on an angled structural bracket, using the full force rather than its perpendicular component.
如何避免: Resolve the force into its perpendicular component first, then multiply by the perpendicular distance from the pivot, rather than using the raw force value.
3medium涉及分數: 2Analysis (AS 3 Practical and Theory)
Choosing a graph scale that leaves the plotted data occupying less than half the grid on one or both axes.
如何避免: Work out the full range of your x and y values before you plot anything, then pick a scale that lets the data fill more than half of each axis.
4medium涉及分數: 2Evaluation (AS 3 Practical and Theory)
Forgetting to multiply a percentage uncertainty by the exponent when a variable such as \( T^4 \) or \( r^3 \) is raised to a power inside a formula.
如何避免: Multiply the percentage uncertainty of that variable by the power it is raised to, before combining it with the other uncertainties in the calculation.
5high涉及分數: 2Work done, potential energy and kinetic energy
Missing a unit conversion during a multi-step energy calculation, for example leaving energy in megajoules or time in hours instead of converting to joules and seconds.
如何避免: Convert every non-SI value to SI units on a separate line before starting the main calculation, so the conversion is a checkable step, not a mental one.
6medium涉及分數: 2Analysis (AS 3 Practical and Theory)
Drawing an undersized gradient triangle, under 5 cm along either axis, when calculating a gradient on an AS 3B data-analysis graph.
如何避免: Pick two points on the line of best fit at least 5 cm apart before you draw the triangle, on whichever axis you use to measure it.
7medium涉及分數: 1Internal resistance and electromotive force
Omitting the negative sign when stating or calculating a gradient that represents internal resistance, quoting the value of \( -r \) as a positive number.
如何避免: Read the sign of the gradient directly from the direction the line slopes on the graph, and keep that negative sign both in the gradient statement and in any quoted resistance value.
8medium涉及分數: 2Linear momentum and impulse
Failing to account for the vector sign change when calculating the change in momentum for a rebounding body, calculating \( |v_1| - |v_2| \) instead of \( v_1 - (-v_2) \).
如何避免: Assign a positive direction first, give the rebound velocity a negative sign, and calculate the change using the signed values rather than subtracting the two speeds.