Exam Intelligence · 12 Official Documents Analysed

How to Score Higher in Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Physics (WPH11–WPH16)

Q: How is IAL Physics (WPH) assessed?

Six unit papers across IAS and IA2: WPH11 Mechanics & Materials (80 marks), WPH12 Waves & Electricity (80 marks), WPH13 Practical Skills I (50 marks) at IAS; then WPH14 Further Mechanics, Fields & Particles (90 marks), WPH15 Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations & Cosmology (90 marks), WPH16 Practical Skills II (50 marks) at IA2. Each unit paper combines multiple-choice, short structured questions, and longer extended-answer questions. Practical skills papers (WPH13 and WPH16) test the sixteen Core Practicals via written planning and analysis questions — eight at IAS (CP1–CP8 in WPH13) and eight at IA2 (CP9–CP16 in WPH16). There is no separate practical exam.

Q: Which IAL Physics units count toward AS vs A2, and how does that affect my final grade?

WPH11 (Mechanics & Materials, 80 marks), WPH12 (Waves & Electricity, 80 marks) and WPH13 (Practical Skills I, 50 marks) are IAS units sat at the end of Year 1 — together they form the IAS qualification and contribute 50% of your full IAL grade (300 of 600 UMS). WPH14 (Further Mechanics, Fields & Particles, 90 marks), WPH15 (Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations & Cosmology, 90 marks) and WPH16 (Practical Skills II, 50 marks) are IA2 units sat at the end of Year 2 and contribute the other 50%. The four theory units (1, 2, 4, 5) carry 120 UMS each; the two practical units (3, 6) carry 60 UMS each — so the practical units are worth half as much per unit as theory units in the final grade, but they still amount to 20% of the IAL between them. To be awarded A*, candidates need an A at full IAL plus at least 90% of total UMS available across the IA2 units combined (≥270 of 300).

Q: What's on the Edexcel IAL Physics formulae and data sheet, and what isn't?

Pearson provides a single formulae and data sheet with every WPH paper. It contains: SI prefixes, fundamental constants (g, c, e, h, k, etc.), basic mechanics formulae (suvat, momentum, energy), wave/optics relations (n sin θ, fλ = v), some electrical formulae (V = IR, P = IV), gravitational and electric field formulae, gas laws and selected nuclear data. What it does NOT contain: derivations or step-by-step working, the specific formula for elastic potential energy stored (½Fx), most rotational dynamics formulae, half-life manipulations, or commonly-tested rearrangements. Walk into the exam knowing the sheet's exact pages so you don't waste time hunting — and never assume a formula is 'on the sheet' if you haven't checked.

Q: How should I prepare for the practical-skills papers (WPH13 and WPH16)?

Practise the eight Core Practicals hands-on if possible. Memorise resolutions: micrometer = 0.01 mm, vernier = 0.1 mm. Use HALF the resolution as uncertainty for a single reading. Percentage uncertainty must be given to 1 or 2 sf only — three sig figs loses the mark. For planning questions, write SPECIFIC procedures ('measure x with a micrometer at 5 positions, calculate mean') not generic ones ('repeat and average'). Always state the linearised form of the relationship being tested and identify what the gradient represents.

Q: How was this guide built?

Every claim and quoted phrase in this guide is taken verbatim from one of 12 official Pearson Edexcel examiner reports for IAL Physics covering June 2023 and June 2024 across all six units (WPH11 to WPH16). We extracted the recurring patterns (errors, scoring habits, command-word interpretations), tagged each with the source paper code, and converted them into actionable revision advice. Every quote has its source paper labelled (e.g. 'WPH14 Unit 4, June 2023') so you can trace it back to the original ER on the Pearson Qualifications website.

Evidence-based Physics WPH11–WPH16 exam guide built from official Edexcel examiner reports and mark schemes. Specialised and comprehensive study tips — specific, cited insights so you can achieve top grades.

View Past Papers

Evidence-BasedBuilt from 12 official examiner reports & mark schemes (2023–2024)

What Are Assessment Objectives (AOs)?

Before we dive in, you need to understand how Edexcel actually marks your answers.

AO stands for Assessment Objective. Think of AOs as the different “skills” Edexcel tests you on in every single question. When an examiner marks your paper, they don't just give you a mark out of 12 based on how “good” your answer feels — they allocate specific marks to each AO separately.

For example, a 12-mark question might be split as: AO1 (2 marks) + AO2 (2 marks) + AO3 (2 marks) + AO4 (6 marks). If you write a perfect textbook answer but don't evaluate, you can only score 6 out of 12 — because the other 6 marks are specifically reserved for evaluation.

This is why understanding AOs matters: they tell you exactly what the examiner is looking for and how many marks each skill is worth. Here are the 3 AOs for this subject:

AO1

Knowledge and Understanding

32–34%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physics facts, definitions, equations, units, and core practical techniques. Standard definitions (yield point, terminal velocity, polarisation) must be learned word-perfectly — examiners reject paraphrases that drop key elements.

AO2

Application of Knowledge

45–50% (AO2a 34–36% + AO2b 11–14%)

Apply physics to familiar and unfamiliar contexts — substitute correctly, convert units, follow through multi-step calculations, and link equations to specific scenarios in the question. Generic regurgitated answers from previous mark schemes lose marks when the context is new.

AO3

Experimental Skills (incl. Analysis and Evaluation of Data and Methods)

20% total — assessed exclusively in Units 3 (WPH13) and 6 (WPH16) at 10% each; 0% in theory units 1, 2, 4, 5

Analyse data and graphs, interpret experimental results, and evaluate scientific information. 'Deduce' / 'evaluate' command words require an explicit comparison and final conclusion — calculating a value without comparing it to the threshold loses the final mark.

The key takeaway: Most students lose marks not because they lack knowledge (AO1), but because they skip the higher-order skills — building chains of reasoning (AO2) and making supported judgements (AO3). Everything below shows you exactly how to hit each AO based on what Edexcel examiners have written in their reports.

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Top Mistakes in International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16

The most common reasons students lose marks in International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16, cited directly from official Edexcel examiner reports across multiple sessions.

Missing units on calculated answers, especially when the unit is non-standard

Flagged in every WPH unit, both 2023 and 2024 sessions · Affects: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4

What examiners say

“Finding the radius of the bubble proved challenging for many candidates, and it was common for candidates to miss one mark by neglecting units for their calculated values.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2023

“The formula was used to calculate the correct value for wavelength, however, as was all too common, this candidate failed to provide the unit for wavelength in the answer line.”
— WPH12 Unit 2, June 2024

“Always provide an appropriate unit with a numerical answer.”
— WPH13 Unit 3, June 2023

How to fix this

Write the unit on EVERY answer line — for derived quantities (Pa, N s m⁻², kg m⁻³, V, A, T, J, Hz) the mark is awarded for the correct value AND the correct unit together. Build the habit of putting brackets around the unit during your working as you carry the value forward. If asked to 'show that' a value is X, give the unit even if it is bracketed in the mark scheme — examiners may not award the mark without it on other questions.

Truncating or rounding intermediate values, then losing the 'show that' / final-answer mark

Flagged in WPH11 and WPH12 introductions for both 2023 and 2024 · Affects: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 4

What examiners say

“Final answers must be correctly rounded, not truncated, and the use of truncated or rounded values in multi-stage calculations will not generally yield the required value for the final mark.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2023

“A small proportion of candidates truncated their calculated answer from 417 × 10⁶ J to 410 × 10⁶ J instead of correctly rounding it to 420 × 10⁶ J.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2024

“As with the majority of "show that" type questions, to score the final mark, a value for the quantity stated needed to be given to one more significant figure than the value in the question.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2024

How to fix this

Use calculator memory for intermediate values — never copy a 3-sf rounded number back into the next step. For 'show that X is about Y' questions, give your answer to AT LEAST one more significant figure than the printed Y (e.g. show 1.28 A, not 1.3 A). Round only on the final line and round correctly (417 → 420, not 410).

Failing to make a comparison/conclusion in 'deduce' or 'evaluate' questions

Repeatedly flagged across WPH11/12/14/15 · Affects: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 5

What examiners say

“Many candidates did not compare their calculated values in order to give a conclusion, which prevented them from scoring the third marking point.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2024

“The command word "deduce" requires a decision to be made at the end, otherwise full marks cannot be achieved.”
— WPH12 Unit 2, June 2023

“In this paper where the command word was deduced, evaluated, or assessed, the final mark could sometimes not be awarded on otherwise good responses because a final appropriate comment was missing.”
— WPH15 Unit 5, June 2023

How to fix this

After every 'deduce/evaluate/assess' calculation, write a one-line conclusion that EXPLICITLY compares your calculated value with the threshold or condition in the question. Templates: 'The calculated stress (2.03 × 10⁷ Pa) is less than 15 % of the yield stress (3.75 × 10⁷ Pa), therefore it is safe.' or 'D < U, so Stokes' law applies.' If you don't write the comparison line, the answer mark is automatically lost.

Missing the word 'resultant' when discussing forces and acceleration

WPH11 introduction in both years explicitly highlights this · Affects: Unit 1

What examiners say

“Several questions asked for candidates to give explanations. While some candidates were able to answer these questions well, there was a fairly large proportion who were unable to include the detail needed to give complete answers, eg discussing a force instead of discussing the resultant force on an object.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2024

“There was often a particular lack of clarity when referring to the resultant force acting on ball A.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2024

“Precise use of terms was required to score these marks, the nature of the forces needed to be clear, and candidates often fail to mention that it is a resultant force which causes acceleration.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2023

How to fix this

Whenever you write F = ma or describe acceleration, the F must be the RESULTANT force. Use phrases like 'the resultant force is in the direction of motion, so the object accelerates' or 'the resultant force is zero, so the object is at terminal velocity'. Never say 'a force causes the ball to decelerate' — say 'the resultant force on the ball is opposite to its motion, so it decelerates'.

Missing the word 'oscillations' or 'vibrations' when defining polarised light

Standard polarisation definition — repeated WPH12 issue 2023 and 2024 · Affects: Unit 2

What examiners say

“It is vital that the word "oscillations" or "vibrations" appear in the answers, otherwise candidates will not score any marks.”
— WPH12 Unit 2, June 2023

“Failure to mention either vibrations or oscillations results in no marks being scored.”
— WPH12 Unit 2, June 2023

“Many candidates failed to appreciate the importance of the context and simply regurgitated a definition of polarised and unpolarised light.”
— WPH12 Unit 2, June 2024

How to fix this

Learn the polarisation definition with these key elements: 'oscillations/vibrations' + 'in one plane' (or 'one direction') + 'including (or perpendicular to) the direction of wave travel'. Don't just say 'light travels in one direction' — that's the wave's direction of travel, not the oscillation plane. Then APPLY the definition to the question's specific context (LCD screen, fish in water, sunglasses) — examiners reject pre-learned generic definitions.

Substituting the wrong charge for alpha particles (using e instead of 2e)

WPH14 — repeatedly seen in both sessions · Affects: Unit 4

What examiners say

“The final part of the calculation required the use of charge = 2e, but some used e, 4e or even just 2.”
— WPH14 Unit 4, June 2023

“The method is correct, but the charge used is just e when it should be 2e for the alpha particle.”
— WPH14 Unit 4, June 2023

How to fix this

Memorise particle charges as MULTIPLES of e: alpha = +2e, beta⁻ = −e (or just −1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C), proton = +e. In r = p/BQ or F = BQv, substitute Q = 2 × 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ for alpha. Use Eₖ = p²/2m to skip the velocity step entirely — you only need momentum directly.

Forgetting to halve time or double distance in pulse-echo / ultrasound questions

WPH12 — recurring across sessions · Affects: Unit 2

What examiners say

“A typical 1 mark response from a candidate who has failed to incorporate the factor of 2 into their calculation, which results in an incorrect distance of 8.26 cm, which is most likely to be related to one of the other cracks, so only scores MP1.”
— WPH12 Unit 2, June 2023

“Successful candidates recognised that a correct calculation involved either doubling the time or halving the distance and substituting these into the equation v = s/t.”
— WPH12 Unit 2, June 2024

How to fix this

In pulse-echo: distance to object = ½ × speed × time (because the pulse travels there AND back). Write the factor of 2 as a separate visible step: 'distance travelled by pulse = vt = 1500 × 37 × 10⁻³ = 55.5 m, so depth = 55.5/2 = 27.75 m'. Do NOT use v = fλ unless the question gives frequency or wavelength — pulse-echo uses speed = distance/time only.

Incomplete free-body diagrams and vector resolution errors in materials/mechanics questions

WPH11 introduction 2024 explicitly flags diagram skill gaps · Affects: Unit 1

What examiners say

“Where diagrams were asked for, eg vector diagrams or free-body force diagrams, many candidates struggled – perhaps suggesting that more practice is needed for candidates at these skills.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2024

“Most candidates were able to infer that the horizontal component of the tension increased, but a statement about the vertical force was also required for the first marking point. Further marks were only rarely awarded as the full answer required some trigonometrical reasoning that only a few of the candidates were able to produce.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2023

“Practice your trigonometry during revision time.”
— WPH11 Unit 1, June 2023

How to fix this

On free-body diagrams: draw arrows for weight (mg, always down), normal contact force (perpendicular to surface), friction/drag (opposing motion), and any applied force or tension. Label each arrow with both the symbol AND the direction. For inclined planes or angled tension chains, resolve into perpendicular components: F sinθ and F cosθ — sketch the right-angle triangle every time and identify which component is opposite/adjacent to the angle.

Apply what you've learned

Practice identifying these mistakes in real papers. Try a recent paper and mark yourself — you'll spot these patterns immediately.

Try June 2019 All WPH11–WPH16 Papers

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What International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 Examiners Reward

Patterns that consistently earn high marks in International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16, based on Edexcel examiner report commentary on top-scoring answers.

Show every numerical substitution clearly — including the equation in symbols first

'Always show all of the numbers used in calculations, so it is clear that you have used the correct method to achieve the answer.' Examiners cannot award method marks if the working jumps to a final answer.

Source: WPH12 Unit 2, June 2023

Quote 'show that' answers to one extra significant figure than the printed value

'Show the answer to at least one more significant figure than the value given (in the case of this question, that means 1.28A instead of 1.3A).'

Source: WPH12 Unit 2, June 2023

Annotate diagrams with values and forces — moments questions reward clear visual working

'Candidates who annotate their diagrams tend to do better with moment problems than those who do not. It was very difficult to follow some candidates' working.'

Source: WPH11 Unit 1, June 2023

Use the equation given in the question — apply nλ = d sinθ for diffraction gratings, not d⁻¹

'When explaining the behaviour of waves during diffraction it would always be helpful to use the formula nλ = dsinθ to explain how a change in angle affects the wavelength or vice versa.'

Source: WPH12 Unit 2, June 2024

Carry full sig-figs in calculator memory; round only on the final line

'It is advisable that students should use calculators to retain all significant figures for values carried forward and only round answers for the final line. Judicious use of calculator memory can avoid rounding errors.'

Source: WPH11 Unit 1, June 2023

When the question specifies a number of answers, give exactly that number — extras can lose marks

'When a question asks for a specific number of responses only give that number, so in this case only give two safety precautions.' Beware: 'right + wrong = wrong' if any extra answer contradicts.

Source: WPH16 Unit 6, June 2023

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International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 Answer Frameworks

Structured approaches for each International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 question type, derived from Edexcel mark scheme requirements.

'Show that' calculations (2–4 marks)

2–4 minutes

Structure

State equation in symbols → substitute values with units → calculate to ≥1 extra sig fig → write final value with unit → note 'shown'

•ALWAYS give the answer to one more significant figure than the printed 'about' value (1.28 A not 1.3 A)
•Show every number used — never jump straight to the answer
•Include units throughout, not just at the end
•Don't reverse-engineer from the printed value — examiners spot it and cap marks

'Deduce' or 'evaluate' questions (3–5 marks)

4–6 minutes

Structure

Calculate the relevant quantity → calculate the threshold/condition → COMPARE the two values → write an explicit conclusion sentence

•The final conclusion sentence is its own mark — don't skip it
•Use templates like 'D < U, so Stokes' law applies' or 'stress = 2.0 × 10⁷ Pa < 15% of yield = 3.75 × 10⁷ Pa, so it is safe'
•Always link your numerical comparison back to the physical condition asked
•Don't just calculate one value and stop — both values must be visible for examiners to check the comparison

Practical-skills planning questions (5–6 marks, WPH13/16)

8–10 minutes

Structure

Apparatus & quantities to measure → equation/relationship to test → variables to control → at least 5 sets of data → graph of straight-line form → technique for accuracy

•Be SPECIFIC: 'measure thickness x using a micrometer at 5 different positions and average' — not 'measure thickness'
•State the linearised form (e.g. ln C = ln C₀ − μx, compared with y = c + mx) and identify the gradient meaning
•For accuracy: 'measure background count and subtract' or 'use set-square to ensure ruler is vertical' — generic 'repeat and average' alone rarely scores
•Don't waste marks repeating safety/graph plotting if those are tested in earlier parts

6-mark linkage / extended explanation

6–8 minutes

Structure

Coherent logical chain — apply principles to whole circuit/system, not just one component → use specification symbols → end with the asked-for outcome

•Discuss the WHOLE circuit/system if asked — don't narrow to one component (e.g. LDR alone scored capped marks vs. LDR + whole circuit)
•Use I = V/R, P = IV, P = V²/R explicitly — link each step
•Avoid 'it' as a pronoun — name the specific object
•Annotate the diagram with arrows, values, polarities to support the written argument

Practice by topic

Use topical past papers to practice specific question types. Each topic collects questions from multiple years — perfect for drilling the frameworks above.

Topical Past Papers

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International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 Command Words Decoded

Each command word in International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 is a scoring instruction. Understanding what Edexcel examiners expect is critical to earning full marks.

show that2–4 marks

Reach the printed value through visible working. The mark for the final value is awarded only if you give it to AT LEAST one more significant figure than the printed 'about' value.

Common mistake

Giving the answer to the same sig-figs as the printed value (e.g. writing 1.3 A when the question says 'about 1.3 A' — should be 1.28 A).

state1 mark

Give a brief factual answer or value. No working required.

Common mistake

Writing a long explanation when a single phrase or value suffices, or giving extra answers that contradict the correct one (right + wrong = wrong).

explain2–4 marks

Give the physics reasoning — link cause to effect using the correct technical terms (resultant, momentum, conservation, refraction).

Common mistake

Describing what happens without explaining why, or omitting key terms like 'resultant', 'oscillations', or 'momentum'.

calculate2–4 marks

Find a numerical value using equation, substitution, and final unit.

Common mistake

Leaving answers as fractions, surds, or factors of pi — 'In physics examinations, answers should not be left as fractions, surds, recurring decimals or in factors of pi.' (WPH12 2023). Missing units lose the answer mark.

derive2–3 marks

Use given equations to obtain the required equation. The derivation must end with the required equation written down as the last step.

Common mistake

Stopping at an intermediate form (e.g. r = mv/BQ instead of r = p/BQ) without making the final substitution p = mv.

deduce3–5 marks

Calculate values AND give an explicit final comparison/conclusion. The last sentence is its own mark point.

Common mistake

Calculating both quantities but never writing the explicit comparison ('… therefore the load CAN/CANNOT be moved'). Missing this conclusion costs the third marking point.

describe1–2 marks

State what is observed or what happens — no need to give physics reasoning.

Common mistake

Focusing on the values (e.m.f., resistance) when the question specifically asks for changes to a graph, or giving a method when the question asks for an outcome.

evaluate / assess3–5 marks

Calculate, then make a judgement against the criterion in the question. End with a comparative statement.

Common mistake

'"Evaluate whether…" was frequently understood to require the calculation of the actual (effective) power; but in many minds, the result of the calculation made reference to the incorrect 110 W value superfluous.' — i.e. failing to compare the calculated value with the threshold given.

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International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 Diagram Checklist

Incorrect diagrams in International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 are flagged in every Edexcel examiner report. Use this checklist before every practice and in the exam.

Free-body force diagram (object on surface or suspended)

Draw every force as an arrow from the object: weight (mg, always vertically down), normal contact force (perpendicular to surface), tension/applied force (along the line of action), friction or drag (opposing motion). Label each arrow with the symbol and value.

Common error: Missing weight or normal force; drawing forces from outside the object instead of from its centre; not resolving angled forces into perpendicular components.

Circuit diagram with cell, ammeter, voltmeter (e.m.f. / internal resistance practical)

Axes: Current I / A × Terminal p.d. V / V

Straight line with negative gradient. y-intercept = e.m.f. ε. Gradient = −r (internal resistance). Equation: ε − Ir = V. With two cells in series, intercept doubles AND gradient doubles in magnitude.

Common error: Forgetting units on ε and r values; confusing gradient sign; describing changes to e.m.f./internal resistance instead of changes to the GRAPH when asked about the graph.

Refraction ray diagram at a boundary

Incident ray, normal (dashed line perpendicular to boundary), refracted ray. Mark angles of incidence θ₁ and refraction θ₂ between the rays and the NORMAL — never between the ray and the boundary itself. Apply n₁ sinθ₁ = n₂ sinθ₂.

Common error: Measuring angles to the boundary instead of to the normal; forgetting to substitute n_air = 1; mixing the two angles into the wrong sides of Snell's law.

Velocity-time / displacement-time graph for projectile or freefall

Axes: Time t / s × Velocity v / m s⁻¹ (or displacement s / m)

Vertical velocity component starts at u sinθ, decreases linearly to zero at peak, then becomes negative (downward) at −u sinθ on landing. Horizontal velocity is constant at u cosθ (no air resistance). Gradient at any point on s-t graph = velocity at that instant.

Common error: Stating that the displacement is zero implies velocity is zero (it does not — gradient is zero is what matters); calculating tangent gradient at the wrong point or on a curved section.

Linear accelerator (linac) tube structure

Series of drift tubes connected to alternating a.c. supply. Particles accelerate IN THE GAPS (electric field exists between tubes). Inside the tubes, no field, so particles travel at constant speed. Tubes get progressively longer to keep transit time constant as speed increases. Frequency of a.c. supply remains constant.

Common error: Saying particles accelerate inside the tubes; not mentioning the increasing tube length; not linking constant a.c. frequency to constant transit time per tube.

Cloud chamber alpha vs beta particle tracks

Alpha particles: thick AND straight tracks (high ionisation → high mass means short range and not deflected by collisions). Beta particles: thin AND twisted tracks (low ionisation → low mass means longer range and deflected by air molecule collisions). Two CAUSES (ionising power, mass) → two EFFECTS (thickness, shape) — link each separately.

Common error: Attributing both effects to a single cause ('alpha is more ionising so tracks are thick and straight' — wrong); referring to ionisation energy instead of ionising power.

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Topics Students Struggle With Most In International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16

These International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 topics consistently produce the lowest scores. Prioritise these in your revision.

Stokes' law conditions and laminar flow

'Most were able to score this mark. A description of the flow was required, so simply stating "laminar" was not sufficient.' Candidates also confused conditions for Stokes' law with the question being asked about terminal velocity.

Affects: Unit 1

Newton's three laws applied to a specific scenario

'Candidates were generally able to score marks on this question, but very few were able to give a complete explanation… Quoting the three laws and nothing else.' Many candidates could state the laws but not link them to the balloon-rocket / collision context.

Affects: Unit 1

Yield point definition (must include both 'large strain' and 'plastic')

'It seemed that very few candidates had learned this definition which needed to include two elements to score the mark, the idea of a large increase in strain and that the strain must be plastic.'

Affects: Unit 1

Floating condition (weight = upthrust, not 'weight < upthrust')

'There was a clear misconception demonstrated by many candidates that the iceberg would float if weight is less than upthrust, rather than floating when weight is equal to upthrust.'

Affects: Unit 1

Linac operation — accelerating field is in the GAPS, not in the tubes

'Candidates did not always state that the acceleration of the particles takes place in the gaps between the tubes, and some even said they accelerate between the gaps, i.e. in the tubes.'

Affects: Unit 4

Cloud chamber tracks — separating thickness (ionising power) from straightness (mass/momentum)

'Differentiating correctly between the effects of the two properties was rarely seen, even when candidates had learnt the physics.' Many attributed both thickness and straightness to a single cause.

Affects: Unit 5

Ideal gas: temperature must be in kelvin, and Δn vs n confusion

'12(a) was generally well answered, although a few candidates did not convert the temperature to kelvin… In 12(b) most candidates knew how to calculate the new number of molecules, but some candidates omitted to calculate the difference and so left the calculation incomplete.'

Affects: Unit 5

Percentage uncertainty for single readings (use HALF the device resolution)

'Q01(a)(ii) requires candidates to recall that the resolution of a micrometer screw gauge is 0.01 mm and that to calculate the percentage uncertainty of a single measurement they should use half the device resolution in their calculation.' Final percentage uncertainty must be given to 1 or 2 sf only.

Affects: Unit 3, Unit 6

Target your weak areas

The topics above are where most marks are lost. Use past papers and mark schemes to practice these specific areas until they become second nature.

Past Papers & Mark Schemes Topical Papers

Frequently Asked Questions

How is IAL Physics (WPH) assessed?

Six unit papers across IAS and IA2: WPH11 Mechanics & Materials (80 marks), WPH12 Waves & Electricity (80 marks), WPH13 Practical Skills I (50 marks) at IAS; then WPH14 Further Mechanics, Fields & Particles (90 marks), WPH15 Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations & Cosmology (90 marks), WPH16 Practical Skills II (50 marks) at IA2. Each unit paper combines multiple-choice, short structured questions, and longer extended-answer questions. Practical skills papers (WPH13 and WPH16) test the sixteen Core Practicals via written planning and analysis questions — eight at IAS (CP1–CP8 in WPH13) and eight at IA2 (CP9–CP16 in WPH16). There is no separate practical exam.

Which IAL Physics units count toward AS vs A2, and how does that affect my final grade?

WPH11 (Mechanics & Materials, 80 marks), WPH12 (Waves & Electricity, 80 marks) and WPH13 (Practical Skills I, 50 marks) are IAS units sat at the end of Year 1 — together they form the IAS qualification and contribute 50% of your full IAL grade (300 of 600 UMS). WPH14 (Further Mechanics, Fields & Particles, 90 marks), WPH15 (Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations & Cosmology, 90 marks) and WPH16 (Practical Skills II, 50 marks) are IA2 units sat at the end of Year 2 and contribute the other 50%. The four theory units (1, 2, 4, 5) carry 120 UMS each; the two practical units (3, 6) carry 60 UMS each — so the practical units are worth half as much per unit as theory units in the final grade, but they still amount to 20% of the IAL between them. To be awarded A*, candidates need an A at full IAL plus at least 90% of total UMS available across the IA2 units combined (≥270 of 300).

What's on the Edexcel IAL Physics formulae and data sheet, and what isn't?

Pearson provides a single formulae and data sheet with every WPH paper. It contains: SI prefixes, fundamental constants (g, c, e, h, k, etc.), basic mechanics formulae (suvat, momentum, energy), wave/optics relations (n sin θ, fλ = v), some electrical formulae (V = IR, P = IV), gravitational and electric field formulae, gas laws and selected nuclear data. What it does NOT contain: derivations or step-by-step working, the specific formula for elastic potential energy stored (½Fx), most rotational dynamics formulae, half-life manipulations, or commonly-tested rearrangements. Walk into the exam knowing the sheet's exact pages so you don't waste time hunting — and never assume a formula is 'on the sheet' if you haven't checked.

How should I prepare for the practical-skills papers (WPH13 and WPH16)?

Practise the eight Core Practicals hands-on if possible. Memorise resolutions: micrometer = 0.01 mm, vernier = 0.1 mm. Use HALF the resolution as uncertainty for a single reading. Percentage uncertainty must be given to 1 or 2 sf only — three sig figs loses the mark. For planning questions, write SPECIFIC procedures ('measure x with a micrometer at 5 positions, calculate mean') not generic ones ('repeat and average'). Always state the linearised form of the relationship being tested and identify what the gradient represents.

How was this guide built?

Every claim and quoted phrase in this guide is taken verbatim from one of 12 official Pearson Edexcel examiner reports for IAL Physics covering June 2023 and June 2024 across all six units (WPH11 to WPH16). We extracted the recurring patterns (errors, scoring habits, command-word interpretations), tagged each with the source paper code, and converted them into actionable revision advice. Every quote has its source paper labelled (e.g. 'WPH14 Unit 4, June 2023') so you can trace it back to the original ER on the Pearson Qualifications website.

Put It All Into Practice

You now know exactly what Edexcel examiners reward and penalise. The next step is deliberate practice with real papers. We have 25 exam sessions available for International A Level (IAL) Physics WPH11–WPH16 — question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports.

View All Past Papers Latest Session: June 2019 Topical Past Papers