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100+ Free A-Level Physics Practice Questions

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The single-slit diffraction pattern of monochromatic light has a central maximum twice as wide as the secondary maxima. When the slit width is halved, the central maximum:

A
B
C
D
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Key Facts: A-Level Physics Exam

A*-E

Grading scale

Ofqual

May-June

Exam series

AQA, Edexcel, OCR timetable

3 boards

Specifications available

AQA, Edexcel, OCR

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

AQA, Edexcel, OCR A-Level Physics is assessed through linear end-of-course exam papers (Year 13). Coverage spans measurements and errors, particles and radiation, waves, and grading uses the A*-E scale on 2026 specifications.

Sample A-Level Physics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your A-Level Physics exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following is a base SI unit?
A.Newton
B.Joule
C.Kilogram
D.Watt
Explanation: The seven SI base units are the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole and candela. The kilogram is the SI base unit of mass. Newton, joule and watt are all derived units expressible in terms of the base units (e.g. 1 N = 1 kg m s^-2).
2A measurement is recorded as 4.50 x 10^-9 m. Which SI prefix could be used to express this length?
A.4.50 pm
B.4.50 nm
C.4.50 μm
D.4.50 mm
Explanation: The prefix nano- (n) represents 10^-9, so 4.50 x 10^-9 m = 4.50 nm. A-Level students must know the prefixes pico (10^-12), nano (10^-9), micro (10^-6) and milli (10^-3).
3A student uses a vernier calliper, resolution 0.01 cm, to measure a diameter as 2.34 cm. The percentage uncertainty in this single reading is closest to:
A.0.04%
B.0.21%
C.0.43%
D.4.3%
Explanation: For a single reading the absolute uncertainty is taken as half the resolution = 0.005 cm (some boards take the full resolution, but AQA convention is half). Percentage uncertainty = (0.005/2.34) x 100 = 0.21%. If the full resolution 0.01 cm is taken, % uncertainty = (0.01/2.34) x 100 = 0.43%, which is the more cautious convention favoured by Edexcel.
4Which of the following best describes a systematic error?
A.An error that varies unpredictably between repeated readings
B.An error caused by a one-off mistake by the experimenter
C.An error that shifts every reading in the same direction by a similar amount
D.An error that is reduced by taking more repeats
Explanation: A systematic error has the same sign and similar magnitude in every reading (e.g. a zero error on an ammeter or a wrongly calibrated scale). Repeats do not reduce systematic error; only recalibration or a different technique can. Random errors, by contrast, scatter readings about the true value.
5A length L = 2.50 ± 0.02 m and width W = 1.20 ± 0.01 m. The percentage uncertainty in the area A = LW is closest to:
A.0.4%
B.0.8%
C.1.6%
D.2.4%
Explanation: For a product or quotient, percentage uncertainties add. % uncertainty in L = (0.02/2.50) x 100 = 0.8%. % uncertainty in W = (0.01/1.20) x 100 ≈ 0.83%. Sum ≈ 1.6%.
6A quantity is calculated from x^3, where x has a percentage uncertainty of 2%. The percentage uncertainty in x^3 is:
A.2%
B.4%
C.6%
D.8%
Explanation: When raising a quantity to a power n, the percentage uncertainty multiplies by |n|. For x^3, percentage uncertainty = 3 x 2% = 6%. This is a standard A-Level rule examined frequently with sphere volumes V = (4/3)πr^3.
7Which combination of quarks makes up a proton?
A.up, up, down
B.up, down, down
C.up, anti-up, down
D.up, down, strange
Explanation: A proton is a baryon made of two up quarks and one down quark (uud). Charges: (+2/3) + (+2/3) + (-1/3) = +1 e. AQA specifies that students know the quark composition of protons (uud) and neutrons (udd).
8Which of the following is a lepton?
A.Proton
B.Neutron
C.Muon
D.Pion
Explanation: Leptons are fundamental particles that do not feel the strong interaction. The charged leptons are the electron, muon and tau (each with a corresponding neutrino). Protons and neutrons are baryons; pions are mesons.
9Mesons are described as:
A.A quark and an antiquark
B.Three quarks
C.Three antiquarks
D.An electron and a positron
Explanation: A meson is a hadron made from one quark and one antiquark. Examples include pions (π+, π0, π-) and kaons. Three-quark hadrons are baryons; three-antiquark hadrons are antibaryons.
10An antiparticle has, compared with its corresponding particle:
A.Equal mass and equal charge
B.Equal mass and opposite charge
C.Opposite mass and opposite charge
D.Opposite mass and equal charge
Explanation: A particle and its antiparticle have the same rest mass but opposite values of all additive quantum numbers (charge, baryon number, lepton number, strangeness). For example, the positron has the same mass as the electron but charge +e instead of -e.

About the A-Level Physics Exam

A-Level Physics is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR as part of the UK A-Level qualification framework. The course covers measurements and errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials and is assessed primarily through written exam papers at the end of the two-year course.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

5-7 hours total across multiple papers

Passing Score

Grade E is the minimum pass, Grades A*-E count as a pass (A*-A-B-C-D-E)

Exam Fee

£75-£130 per subject (school-set entry fee) (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

A-Level Physics Exam Content Outline

Core

Measurements and Errors

SI units, prefixes, significant figures, random vs systematic errors, uncertainty propagation

Core

Particles and Radiation

Quarks, leptons, baryons, antiparticles, photoelectric effect, line spectra, wave-particle duality

Core

Waves and Optics

Progressive waves, superposition, stationary waves, diffraction, refraction, interference, Young's double-slit

Core

Mechanics and Materials

Vectors, projectile motion, Newton's laws, momentum, work-energy, Hooke's law, Young's modulus, materials

Core

Electricity

Current, potential difference, resistance, resistivity, EMF, Kirchhoff's laws, semiconductors, potential dividers

Core

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Circular motion, simple harmonic motion, thermal energy transfer, gas laws, kinetic theory

Core

Fields

Gravitational fields, electric fields, capacitance, magnetic flux, electromagnetic induction, transformers

Core

Nuclear Physics

Rutherford scattering, radioactive decay, nuclear binding energy, fission and fusion, applications and dangers

Core

Optional Topic

Astrophysics OR Medical Physics OR Engineering Physics OR Turning Points in Physics OR Electronics

How to Pass the A-Level Physics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade E is the minimum pass, Grades A*-E count as a pass (A*-A-B-C-D-E)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 5-7 hours total across multiple papers
  • Exam fee: £75-£130 per subject (school-set entry fee)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

A-Level Physics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use past papers from your specific exam board — questions follow the same style year on year
2Time yourself on full papers to build pacing for the long extended-response questions
3Build a clear understanding of mark schemes — examiners reward specific assessment objectives
4Review examiner reports each summer; common errors repeat

Frequently Asked Questions

What exam boards offer A-Level Physics?

A-Level Physics is offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR. All boards follow Ofqual subject content but vary in the choice of set texts, optional topics, and paper structure.

When is the A-Level Physics exam taken?

Exams are written in the May-June series at the end of the two-year linear A-Level course. Most students sit the papers in Year 13.

How is A-Level Physics graded?

A-Levels are graded A*-E. A* is the highest grade and E is the minimum pass. UCAS tariff points are awarded for A-Level grades on most university applications.

How many papers does A-Level Physics have?

Most A-Level subjects have 3 written papers. The exact number, timing, and weighting depend on the chosen exam board. Some subjects also include a non-examined assessment (NEA) coursework component.