Overall Exam Difficulty Verdict

The May/June 2025 AS Level Physics papers present a balanced level of difficulty (rated 3 out of 5 stars). While the mathematical requirements were standard, high marks depended heavily on a precise understanding of physical definitions, careful boundary-condition analysis, and strong graphing skills in the practical component. Candidates who prioritized structural derivations and systematic error-analysis performed exceptionally well.

Where the Marks Were Won and Lost

A significant portion of the marks in Paper 23 was concentrated in Section 5 (Polarisation) and Section 7 (DC Circuits). Many candidates lost easy marks by failing to recognize the complementary angle when applying Malus’s Law \( I = I_0 \cos^2(\theta) \). The initial transmission axis was perpendicular to the plane of polarisation, requiring an angle of \( 70^\circ \) rather than \( 20^\circ \), which proved to be a major discriminator. In Paper 33, excellent graph-plotting skills yielded high marks, but minor omissions in column heading units (e.g., failing to write \( \text{V cm}^{-1} \)) led to preventable mark losses.

Examiner Pitfalls and Traps

  • The Sign Convention in Kinematics: In Paper 23 Q1, when dealing with object B projected upwards while object A falls from rest, failing to assign a consistent positive direction led to incorrect quadratic calculations for time and height.
  • Wave Nature Misconception: A persistent error in Paper 13 was the belief that sound waves can be polarized. Candidates must remember that polarisation is exclusive to transverse waves.
  • Weight vs. Air Resistance: When analyzing the effect of a passenger in a car climbing a slope, many candidates incorrectly assumed that air resistance would increase, neglecting the fact that air resistance depends primarily on the speed and shape of the car, not its mass.

Preparation Strategy & Key Predictions

For future series, candidates must master derivation-style questions (such as showing that \( P = Fv \) from first principles) and practice drawing smooth, continuous trigonometric curves for physical quantities. Potential divider and potentiometer circuits continue to be heavily tested; future papers are highly likely to test transient state changes, such as thermistors or light-dependent resistors in potential divider networks.