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100+ Free AS-Level Physics Practice Questions

Pass your AS-Level Physics (AQA 7407 / Edexcel 8PH0 / OCR H156) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AS-Level Physics Exam

A-E

AS grading scale

Ofqual

2 papers

Written exam papers

AQA 7407 specification

1.5 hours

Per paper duration

AQA, Edexcel, OCR timetables

70 marks

Typical paper mark total

AQA 7407 specification

Year 12

Standalone one-year qualification

Ofqual 2015 reforms

40 percent

Minimum maths content

Ofqual subject content

12

Required practicals at full A-Level (6 at AS-level)

AQA 7407 specification

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

AQA, Edexcel and OCR AS-Level Physics is a one-year Year 12 qualification assessed through two 1.5-hour written papers. Content spans measurements, particles, waves, mechanics, materials, and electricity, with required practical techniques tested across both papers on the 2026 series.

Sample AS-Level Physics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AS-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 NOT an SI base unit?
A.newton
B.kelvin
C.ampere
D.mole
Explanation: The seven SI base units are kg, m, s, A, K, mol and cd. The newton is a derived unit equal to kg m s^-2 (from F = ma).
2Express the joule in SI base units.
A.kg m^2 s^-2
B.kg m s^-2
C.kg m^2 s^-3
D.kg m^-1 s^-2
Explanation: Work = force x distance, so J = N m = (kg m s^-2)(m) = kg m^2 s^-2.
3The prefix 'femto' represents which power of ten?
A.10^-15
B.10^-12
C.10^-9
D.10^-18
Explanation: The SI prefix femto (f) means 10^-15. The standard prefix ladder runs pico (10^-12), femto (10^-15), atto (10^-18).
4A length is recorded as 0.04560 m. How many significant figures does this value have?
A.4
B.5
C.3
D.6
Explanation: Leading zeros are not significant, but trailing zeros after the decimal point are. The significant figures are 4, 5, 6 and 0, giving 4 s.f.
5A student repeatedly measures a current and gets values clustered tightly around 1.45 A, but the true value is 1.50 A. The measurements are best described as:
A.precise but not accurate
B.accurate but not precise
C.both accurate and precise
D.neither accurate nor precise
Explanation: Precision refers to repeatability (tight clustering). Accuracy refers to closeness to the true value. Tight clustering far from 1.50 A indicates high precision with a systematic error reducing accuracy.
6Which of these is an example of a systematic error?
A.A voltmeter with a zero-error offset of +0.2 V
B.Random fluctuations in temperature affecting resistance
C.Parallax error from inconsistent eye position
D.Spread of readings from a noisy signal
Explanation: Systematic errors shift every reading in the same direction by a predictable amount. A zero error means every measurement is too high (or low) by the same offset.
7A length is measured as L = 2.40 m with absolute uncertainty 0.02 m. What is the percentage uncertainty?
A.0.83%
B.0.83 m
C.1.2%
D.0.02%
Explanation: Percentage uncertainty = (absolute uncertainty / measured value) x 100 = (0.02 / 2.40) x 100 = 0.833%, which rounds to 0.83%.
8Two lengths A = (5.20 +/- 0.05) cm and B = (3.10 +/- 0.05) cm are added. What is the absolute uncertainty in A + B?
A.0.10 cm
B.0.05 cm
C.0.025 cm
D.0.15 cm
Explanation: When quantities are added or subtracted, absolute uncertainties add: 0.05 + 0.05 = 0.10 cm.
9The resistance is R = V/I where V has 3% uncertainty and I has 2% uncertainty. The percentage uncertainty in R is:
A.5%
B.1%
C.6%
D.2.5%
Explanation: For division (and multiplication) percentage (fractional) uncertainties add: 3% + 2% = 5%.
10A pendulum has period T measured with 1% uncertainty. The acceleration of free fall g is found from g = 4 pi^2 L / T^2 where L has 0.5% uncertainty. The percentage uncertainty in g is:
A.2.5%
B.1.5%
C.1.25%
D.3.5%
Explanation: T is squared, so contributes 2 x 1% = 2% uncertainty. Combined with L: 0.5% + 2% = 2.5%. Powers multiply the percentage uncertainty by the exponent.

About the AS-Level Physics Exam

AS-Level Physics is a standalone Year 12 qualification offered by AQA (7407), Edexcel/Pearson (8PH0) and OCR (H156). It covers measurements and errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials, and electricity, and is assessed through two written papers with required practical apparatus knowledge embedded throughout.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours total (2 x 1.5 hour papers)

Passing Score

Grade E is the minimum pass, Grades A-E count as a pass

Exam Fee

£50-£90 per subject (school-set entry fee) (AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), OCR)

AS-Level Physics Exam Content Outline

Section 1

Measurements and their errors

SI base units (kg, m, s, A, K, mol, cd), derived units, prefixes femto to peta, significant figures, random vs systematic error, precision vs accuracy, absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainty, combining uncertainties, log graphs for power laws

Section 2

Particles and radiation

Atomic structure, isotopes, atomic mass unit, alpha/beta/gamma decay equations, antimatter, quarks and leptons, hadrons (baryons and mesons), conservation laws, four fundamental interactions, photoelectric effect, atomic energy levels, wave-particle duality and de Broglie wavelength

Section 3

Waves

Progressive vs stationary waves, transverse vs longitudinal, v = f-lambda, coherence and phase, superposition and interference, Young's double slit, diffraction grating, polarisation, refraction and Snell's law, critical angle and total internal reflection, optical fibres with material and modal dispersion, stationary waves on strings, harmonics, resonance

Section 4

Mechanics and materials

Scalars and vectors, equilibrium, moments and centre of mass, suvat kinematics, projectile motion, Newton's laws, momentum and impulse, elastic and inelastic collisions, work, energy, power, efficiency, density, Hooke's law, elastic potential energy, stress, strain, Young modulus, stress-strain curves, brittle vs ductile materials

Section 5

Electricity

Current and charge, drift velocity, potential difference, resistance, Ohm's law, I-V characteristics for filament lamp, diode, thermistor and LDR, resistivity, series and parallel circuits, power, EMF and internal resistance, potential dividers, alternating current, peak and rms values, transformers

Optional

Further mechanics (circular motion)

Angular speed, period and frequency relationships, centripetal acceleration and force, conical pendulum (board-dependent inclusion at AS-level)

Embedded

Required practicals and apparatus

Vernier callipers and micrometer use, oscilloscope V/div and time/div readings, determining resistivity of a wire, measuring Young modulus, I-V characteristics, stationary waves on a string, Young's double slit, measuring g by free-fall or pendulum, uncertainty propagation

How to Pass the AS-Level Physics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade E is the minimum pass, Grades A-E count as a pass
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours total (2 x 1.5 hour papers)
  • Exam fee: £50-£90 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

AS-Level Physics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorise the SI base units and derived units, plus the prefix table femto to peta — they appear in every paper
2Practise uncertainty calculations: absolute sums for addition, fractional sums for multiplication and division
3Learn the AQA required practical apparatus list verbatim; examiners ask for specific equipment by name
4Draw clear free-body force diagrams before resolving vectors or applying F = ma
5Use the data and formulae booklet during practice so you know which equations are given vs which must be memorised

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam boards offer AS-Level Physics?

AS-Level Physics is offered by AQA (7407), Edexcel/Pearson (8PH0) and OCR (H156 Physics A and H157 Physics B Advancing Physics). All boards follow the Ofqual subject content but differ on practical assessment style and paper structure.

How is AS-Level Physics assessed?

AS-Level Physics is assessed through two written papers of approximately 1.5 hours each, typically 70-80 marks per paper. Required practicals are tested through written questions; there is no separate practical endorsement at AS-level (the endorsement is A-level only).

Does AS-Level Physics count towards an A-Level?

Since the 2015 reforms in England, AS-Level Physics is a standalone qualification that no longer counts towards the full A-Level. The full A-Level (AQA 7408, Edexcel 9PH0, OCR H556) is examined linearly at the end of Year 13.

How is AS-Level Physics graded?

AS-Levels are graded A-E (no A*). UCAS tariff points are awarded for AS grades but are lower than A-Level points. Grade E is the minimum pass.

What maths is needed for AS-Level Physics?

At least 40 percent of marks across AS Physics assess maths skills at GCSE higher tier and above. Logarithms, trigonometry, rearranging equations, vectors and percentage uncertainty are core requirements; co-studying AS or A-Level Mathematics is strongly recommended.