AS Unit 1
Motion, Energy and Matter
- Basic physics, kinematics and dynamics
- Energy concepts and solids under stress
- Using radiation to investigate stars, and particle and nuclear structure
1 hour 30 minutes80 marks20% of A level
WJEC A-Level Physics, memorised fast.
Long notes are boring. Brain-hack the whole 1420QS specification with active recall and actually remember it.
- Spec 1420QS
- 32 topics
- 243 subtopics
WJEC A-Level Physics 1420QS
Basic Physics
Kinematics
Dynamics
Energy Concepts
Solids Under Stress
Using Radiation to Investigate Stars
Particles and Nuclear Structure
Topic overviewQuarks, leptons and hadronsThe four interactions and conservation lawsThe first generation of quarks and leptonsAntiparticles and annihilationBaryons, antibaryons and mesonsDeducing quark compositions from chargeBeta decay and quark flavour changeTesting a reaction against the conservation rules
Conduction of Electricity
Resistance
Topic overviewCalculating resistance from resistivityPotential difference, Ohm's law and powerResistivity, temperature and superconductivityThe volt: energy transferred per unit chargeCurrent–voltage characteristics of non-ohmic componentsMeasuring resistance and resistivity in the laboratoryThe heating effect of a current and choosing a power equationThermistors and how a semiconductor's resistance falls with temperatureConductance, conductivity and comparing materials
D.C. Circuits
Topic overviewKirchhoff's laws, and resistors in series and parallelPotential dividers, emf and internal resistanceCells, resistivity, power and energyWorking out currents and potential differences in resistor networksSensor circuits with thermistors and LDRsInternal resistance, power transfer and short-circuit currentAmmeters, voltmeters and their effect on the circuit
The Nature of Waves
Wave Properties
Topic overviewEnergy transfer and the wave equationTransverse and longitudinal waves, path difference and intensityDiffraction and superpositionTwo-source interference and the diffraction gratingStationary wavesHow much a wave spreads at a gap or an obstacleCoherence and the conditions for observable interferenceYoung's double slit and λ = ay/DMeasuring wavelength with a diffraction gratingMeasuring the speed of sound with stationary waves
Refraction of Light
Photons
Topic overviewPhoton energy and the electronvoltThe photoelectric effectStopping potential and the Planck constantThe photoelectric effect and photon energiesLine spectra and energy levelsDemonstrating the photoelectric effectThe electromagnetic spectrum and typical photon energiesElectron diffraction and the de Broglie relationshipRadiation pressure
Lasers
Circular Motion
Vibrations
Topic overviewSimple harmonic motion and its equationsOscillating systems and energyDamping and resonanceThe simple pendulumThe mass–spring oscillatorThe displacement and velocity equationsGraphs of displacement, velocity and accelerationThe energy interchange in simple harmonic motionFree and forced oscillationsLight, heavy and critical damping
Kinetic Theory
Thermal Physics
Topic overviewInternal energy and heatWork, the first law and specific heat capacityThermal equilibrium, temperature and absolute zeroThe internal energy of an ideal monatomic gasWork done by a gas at constant pressureThe p–V diagram and work as an areaSign conventions and special cases of the first lawMeasuring specific heat capacity
Nuclear Decay
Nuclear Energy
Capacitance
Topic overviewCapacitance and the parallel plate capacitorEnergy, combinations and RC circuitsCharging at constant current and measuring capacitanceDielectrics and relative permittivityThe uniform field between capacitor platesEnergy stored in a capacitor and the Q–V graphExponential discharge, the time constant and log graphsCapacitors in series and parallel: charge and potential difference sharing
Electrostatic and Gravitational Fields of Force
Topic overviewElectric and gravitational fields comparedField lines, equipotentials and combining fieldsElectric potential and the work done on a chargeGravitational potential and potential energyAdding potentials and fields from several sourcesEquipotential surfacesComparing the two fields point by point
Orbits and the Wider Universe
Topic overviewKepler's laws and orbital motionThe Doppler effect, dark matter and the expanding universeNewton's law of gravitation applied to orbitsDeriving Kepler's third lawFinding the mass of a central objectGalactic rotation curves and dark matterThe centre of mass of a two-body systemRadial velocity and the Doppler shift of spectral linesHubble's law and the age of the universe
Magnetic Fields
Topic overviewMagnetic fields and field patternsMagnetic flux density and the force on a conductorThe force on a moving charge and its circular pathThe Hall effect and the Hall voltageMagnetic fields due to a current in a wire and in a solenoidForces between current-carrying conductorsCharged particle beams, velocity selectors and accelerators
Electromagnetic Induction
Option A: Alternating CurrentsOption A
Option B: Medical PhysicsOption B
Topic overviewMedical physicsUltrasound imagingRadiation and living tissueX-ray production and beam controlAttenuation and half-value thicknessRadiography, fluoroscopy and CT scanningAcoustic impedance and ultrasound reflectionMagnetic resonance imagingAbsorbed dose, equivalent dose and effective doseRadionuclide tracers, the gamma camera and PET
Option C: The Physics of SportsOption C
Topic overviewCentre of gravity, stability and momentsRestitution, moment of inertia and angular momentumRotational energy, projectiles and the flight of a ballMoments in the muscles and jointsApplying the impulse equation in sportMoment of inertia and angular kinematicsTorque, angular momentum and its conservationRotational energy and energy conservation in sport
Option D: Energy and the EnvironmentOption D
Topic overviewFactors affecting the rate at which the temperature of the Earth risesThe Earth's thermal equilibrium, Wien's law and Stefan's lawRenewable and non-renewable sourcesSolar energy and photovoltaic cellsWind, tidal and hydroelectric powerNuclear fission and fusion as energy sourcesU-values and rates of heat lossFuel cells and how they workFuel cells: benefits, limitations and the hydrogen economyThermal conduction, conductivity and insulation
Mathematical Requirements (Appendix C)
Topic overviewSignificant figures and arithmetic meansUncertainty and how uncertainties combineAlgebraic symbols and proportionalityRearranging and solving equationsSmall angle approximationsTangents and instantaneous rates of changeAreas under curves and numerical methodsReading a tangent on a motion graphStraight-line graphs and y = mx + cWhat a gradient and an intercept representLinearising a relationship to find a constantLog plots of exponential decayChoosing what to plot to find a constantLogarithmic scales and orders of magnitudeWorking with base-ten logarithmsThe shapes of common graphsInverse and root relationships on a graphAreas, volumes and PythagorasGeometry applied to physical situationsSubstituting into physical equationsTrigonometry and right-angled trianglesResolving a force into componentsRadians, arc length and force diagramsRandom processes and translating between representationsMean values and periodic functionsSymbols for approximation and comparison
What WJEC A-Level Physics covers
WJEC A-Level Physics is sat as four written units and a practical examination. AS unit 1 covers basic physics, motion, energy, materials, radiation from stars and particle structure; AS unit 2 electricity, waves, refraction, photons and lasers; A2 unit 3 circular motion, oscillations, gases, thermal physics and the nucleus; A2 unit 4 capacitance, fields and one option of four. Unit 5 is a practical examination. The mathematical requirements and How Science Works are assessed throughout.
WJEC GCE AS and A Level Physics, qualification code 1420QS. Read the WJEC specification ↗
How it is assessed
AS Unit 2
Electricity and Light
- Conduction of electricity, resistance and d.c. circuits
- The nature and properties of waves, and refraction
- Photons and lasers
1 hour 30 minutes80 marks20% of A level
A2 Unit 3
Oscillations and Nuclei
- Section A (80 marks): circular motion and vibrations, kinetic theory and thermal physics, nuclear decay and nuclear energy
- Section B (20 marks): one comprehension question
2 hours 15 minutes100 marks25% of A level
A2 Unit 4
Fields and Options
- Section A: capacitance, electric and gravitational fields, orbits, magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction
- Section B: one option of four, worth 20 marks
- Alternating Currents, Medical Physics, The Physics of Sports or Energy and the Environment
2 hours100 marks25% of A level
A2 Unit 5
Practical examination
- An experimental task worth 25 marks
- A practical analysis task worth 25 marks
- Main topic areas are shared with centres early in the spring term
Practical examination50 marks10% of A level
The full specification
32 topics, 243 subtopics. Open any topic to see what is inside it.
01Basic Physics7 subtopicsOpen topic
02Kinematics6 subtopicsOpen topic
03Dynamics6 subtopicsOpen topic
04Energy Concepts6 subtopicsOpen topic
05Solids Under Stress6 subtopicsOpen topic
06Using Radiation to Investigate Stars5 subtopicsOpen topic
07Particles and Nuclear Structure8 subtopicsOpen topic
08Conduction of Electricity5 subtopicsOpen topic
09Resistance9 subtopicsOpen topic
- Calculating resistance from resistivity
- Potential difference, Ohm's law and power
- Resistivity, temperature and superconductivity
- The volt: energy transferred per unit charge
- Current–voltage characteristics of non-ohmic components
- Measuring resistance and resistivity in the laboratory
- The heating effect of a current and choosing a power equation
- Thermistors and how a semiconductor's resistance falls with temperature
- Conductance, conductivity and comparing materials
10D.C. Circuits7 subtopicsOpen topic
- Kirchhoff's laws, and resistors in series and parallel
- Potential dividers, emf and internal resistance
- Cells, resistivity, power and energy
- Working out currents and potential differences in resistor networks
- Sensor circuits with thermistors and LDRs
- Internal resistance, power transfer and short-circuit current
- Ammeters, voltmeters and their effect on the circuit
11The Nature of Waves6 subtopicsOpen topic
12Wave Properties10 subtopicsOpen topic
- Energy transfer and the wave equation
- Transverse and longitudinal waves, path difference and intensity
- Diffraction and superposition
- Two-source interference and the diffraction grating
- Stationary waves
- How much a wave spreads at a gap or an obstacle
- Coherence and the conditions for observable interference
- Young's double slit and λ = ay/D
- Measuring wavelength with a diffraction grating
- Measuring the speed of sound with stationary waves
13Refraction of Light6 subtopicsOpen topic
14Photons9 subtopicsOpen topic
- Photon energy and the electronvolt
- The photoelectric effect
- Stopping potential and the Planck constant
- The photoelectric effect and photon energies
- Line spectra and energy levels
- Demonstrating the photoelectric effect
- The electromagnetic spectrum and typical photon energies
- Electron diffraction and the de Broglie relationship
- Radiation pressure
15Lasers5 subtopicsOpen topic
16Circular Motion5 subtopicsOpen topic
17Vibrations10 subtopicsOpen topic
- Simple harmonic motion and its equations
- Oscillating systems and energy
- Damping and resonance
- The simple pendulum
- The mass–spring oscillator
- The displacement and velocity equations
- Graphs of displacement, velocity and acceleration
- The energy interchange in simple harmonic motion
- Free and forced oscillations
- Light, heavy and critical damping
18Kinetic Theory5 subtopicsOpen topic
19Thermal Physics8 subtopicsOpen topic
- Internal energy and heat
- Work, the first law and specific heat capacity
- Thermal equilibrium, temperature and absolute zero
- The internal energy of an ideal monatomic gas
- Work done by a gas at constant pressure
- The p–V diagram and work as an area
- Sign conventions and special cases of the first law
- Measuring specific heat capacity
20Nuclear Decay6 subtopicsOpen topic
21Nuclear Energy5 subtopicsOpen topic
22Capacitance8 subtopicsOpen topic
- Capacitance and the parallel plate capacitor
- Energy, combinations and RC circuits
- Charging at constant current and measuring capacitance
- Dielectrics and relative permittivity
- The uniform field between capacitor plates
- Energy stored in a capacitor and the Q–V graph
- Exponential discharge, the time constant and log graphs
- Capacitors in series and parallel: charge and potential difference sharing
23Electrostatic and Gravitational Fields of Force7 subtopicsOpen topic
24Orbits and the Wider Universe9 subtopicsOpen topic
- Kepler's laws and orbital motion
- The Doppler effect, dark matter and the expanding universe
- Newton's law of gravitation applied to orbits
- Deriving Kepler's third law
- Finding the mass of a central object
- Galactic rotation curves and dark matter
- The centre of mass of a two-body system
- Radial velocity and the Doppler shift of spectral lines
- Hubble's law and the age of the universe
25Magnetic Fields7 subtopicsOpen topic
- Magnetic fields and field patterns
- Magnetic flux density and the force on a conductor
- The force on a moving charge and its circular path
- The Hall effect and the Hall voltage
- Magnetic fields due to a current in a wire and in a solenoid
- Forces between current-carrying conductors
- Charged particle beams, velocity selectors and accelerators
26Electromagnetic Induction5 subtopicsOpen topic
27Option A: Alternating CurrentsOption A8 subtopicsOpen topic
28Option B: Medical PhysicsOption B10 subtopicsOpen topic
- Medical physics
- Ultrasound imaging
- Radiation and living tissue
- X-ray production and beam control
- Attenuation and half-value thickness
- Radiography, fluoroscopy and CT scanning
- Acoustic impedance and ultrasound reflection
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Absorbed dose, equivalent dose and effective dose
- Radionuclide tracers, the gamma camera and PET
29Option C: The Physics of SportsOption C8 subtopicsOpen topic
- Centre of gravity, stability and moments
- Restitution, moment of inertia and angular momentum
- Rotational energy, projectiles and the flight of a ball
- Moments in the muscles and joints
- Applying the impulse equation in sport
- Moment of inertia and angular kinematics
- Torque, angular momentum and its conservation
- Rotational energy and energy conservation in sport
30Option D: Energy and the EnvironmentOption D10 subtopicsOpen topic
- Factors affecting the rate at which the temperature of the Earth rises
- The Earth's thermal equilibrium, Wien's law and Stefan's law
- Renewable and non-renewable sources
- Solar energy and photovoltaic cells
- Wind, tidal and hydroelectric power
- Nuclear fission and fusion as energy sources
- U-values and rates of heat loss
- Fuel cells and how they work
- Fuel cells: benefits, limitations and the hydrogen economy
- Thermal conduction, conductivity and insulation
31Mathematical Requirements (Appendix C)26 subtopicsOpen topic
- Significant figures and arithmetic means
- Uncertainty and how uncertainties combine
- Algebraic symbols and proportionality
- Rearranging and solving equations
- Small angle approximations
- Tangents and instantaneous rates of change
- Areas under curves and numerical methods
- Reading a tangent on a motion graph
- Straight-line graphs and y = mx + c
- What a gradient and an intercept represent
- Linearising a relationship to find a constant
- Log plots of exponential decay
- Choosing what to plot to find a constant
- Logarithmic scales and orders of magnitude
- Working with base-ten logarithms
- The shapes of common graphs
- Inverse and root relationships on a graph
- Areas, volumes and Pythagoras
- Geometry applied to physical situations
- Substituting into physical equations
- Trigonometry and right-angled triangles
- Resolving a force into components
- Radians, arc length and force diagrams
- Random processes and translating between representations
- Mean values and periodic functions
- Symbols for approximation and comparison
How you work through it
Pick the mode that fits the time you have.
Try three questions
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Key term
Express the newton, the joule and the watt in base SI units.
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How is the turning effect of a force measured?
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Why does the tension in a washing line become very large as the line is pulled more nearly horizontal?
Spaced Repetition Schedule
How reviews are timed
Levo will automatically distribute all of your progress into a spaced repetition calendar. Once you’ve answered, it’s scheduled for you on the next day in the spaced repetition schedule. Over time, the gaps between your recall get bigger, from a day to three years, reinforcing memorisation over a long period of time.
Interval sequence
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What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material
Physics revision questions
Common questions about revising WJEC A-Level Physics. Tap any to open it.
How do you memorise WJEC A-Level Physics?
By testing yourself, not rereading. Active recall, pulling each answer from memory then checking it, builds far stronger memory than highlighting notes. Levo runs the method for you across all 32 Physics topics and brings each one back on a spaced schedule so it stays memorised.
What is the fastest way to revise Physics for WJEC?
Skip the long notes and go straight to retrieval. Levo turns the 1420QS specification into short questions you drill with rapid recall, cram whole papers in one sitting, and a readiness score tells you exactly what is left to learn.
What topics are on WJEC A-Level Physics (1420QS)?
There are 32 topics, split across 243 subtopics, from Basic Physics, Kinematics, Dynamics and more. Every topic is listed above, and each one opens to the subtopics inside it.
What do you get inside Levo for Physics?
Six ways to work the same material. The 3-step method for learning a set, Cram for sorting a whole paper into what you know and what you do not, Blank Blitz for making key facts automatic, Build It for assembling full-mark answers, Test It for catching misconceptions, and Brain Breaks between sessions. A readiness score tracks how much of the subject you have memorised.
Is active recall better than rereading your notes for Physics?
Consistently, yes. Rereading feels productive but fades quickly. Retrieving an answer from memory, the way Levo tests you, is what actually forms durable memory, and it shows you honestly what you do and do not know.
Does Levo cover the whole WJEC Physics specification?
Every topic on the 1420QS specification is covered, written from the published subject content. The full list is above, and each topic opens to its subtopics so you can see exactly what is there before you subscribe.
How can you encourage your teenager to revise?
Make it short, structured and low-pressure. Levo gives a clear daily plan, quick sessions rather than marathon ones, streaks that reward showing up, and an honest readiness score, so revision feels like progress instead of a chore. Parents can add an account and follow along.
Can you revise Physics the night before an exam?
Yes. Cram mode is built for exactly that: fly through a whole paper, sort every topic into red, amber and green, then drill just the reds and ambers you do not know yet. It is the honest version of a last-minute session.
Every question in Physics, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
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