How to Tackle A-Level Physics Multiple-Choice Questions: 40 Four-Option Questions in Cambridge Paper 1, and Potential Inclusion in Edexcel Theory Units

For the multiple-choice questions in A-Level Physics, Cambridge 9702 features a standalone paper: Paper 1 for AS, consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions, accounting for 31% of the AS grade and 15.5% of the A Level grade. Edexcel IAL does not have a separate multiple-choice paper, but the syllabus states that the papers for the four theory units may include multiple-choice questions. We listed the duration and weighting of Paper 1 in our article on How A-Level Physics is Assessed. For calculation standards and formula sheets, see Physics Calculation Questions, and for written questions, see Physics Written Questions. This article focuses specifically on multiple-choice questions: official regulations, what is tested, and how to tackle them. The information is based on the Cambridge 9702 syllabus (2025–2027) and the Pearson IAL Physics syllabus (3rd edition).

1. Official Regulations

Cambridge 9702 Paper 1:

• 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks, 40 multiple-choice questions;
• Tests AS content, assessing AO1 Knowledge and Understanding and AO2 Handling, Applying, and Evaluating Information, with each accounting for 50% (AO3 Experimental Skills are not tested in this paper);
• The syllabus states that the data and formula sheet is printed on page 2 of Paper 1 (Paper 2 also has it on page 2, and Paper 4 on pages 2 and 3); see Section 6 of the syllabus for details;
• Accounts for 31% of AS and 15.5% of A Level.

Edexcel IAL: The syllabus for theory units Unit 1, 2, 4, and 5 states that "papers may include multiple-choice, short-answer, open-response, calculation, and extended-response questions"; experimental units Unit 3 and 6 do not list multiple-choice questions. There is no standalone multiple-choice paper, and the syllabus does not specify the number of multiple-choice questions per unit.

2. What is Tested in Cambridge Paper 1

Paper 1 covers 11 AS topics: Physical quantities and units, Kinematics, Dynamics, Forces / density / pressure, Work, energy and power, Deformation of solids, Waves, Superposition, Electricity, D.C. circuits, and Particle physics (see article 165). The syllabus describes AO1 as demonstrating knowledge of "scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts, and theories" and "scientific vocabulary, terminology, and conventions (including symbols, physical quantities, and units)"; AO2 includes "translating information from one form to another," "handling numerical and other data," "using information to identify patterns, report trends, and draw conclusions," and "solving problems." Therefore, common multiple-choice questions involve: concept differentiation, units and dimensions, graph reading, simple calculations, and reasoning.

3. Two Examples

The following two questions are created by us to illustrate the approach and are not actual exam questions.

Example 1 (Physical quantities and units): Which of the following is a base unit in the International System of Units?
A. Newton (N) B. Joule (J) C. Kelvin (K) D. Volt (V)

Approach: The seven SI base units are kilogram, meter, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela; all others are derived units (e.g., N = kg m s⁻²). The answer is C.

Example 2 (Kinematics): A ball is dropped from rest and falls freely for 2.0 s. Ignoring air resistance and taking g = 9.81 m s⁻², what is the approximate distance the ball falls?
A. 4.9 m B. 9.8 m C. 19.6 m D. 39.2 m

Approach: s = ½gt² = ½ × 9.81 × 2.0² ≈ 19.6 m. The answer is C. Option D misses the ½, and Option B uses t instead of t².

4. How to Tackle the Paper

Here are some practical tips:

1. Pace yourself: Cambridge gives 75 minutes for 40 questions, averaging less than 2 minutes per question. Flag calculation-heavy questions and return to them later;
2. Calculate before looking at the options: For calculation questions, work out the answer independently on scratch paper before checking the options. Distractors might be the result of forgetting to multiply by a coefficient or failing to convert units;
3. Check with units and dimensions: If unsure about a formula, check if the units on both sides match to eliminate some options;
4. Test with extreme cases: For example, let a quantity approach zero or infinity to see which option's expression still makes sense;
5. Look at the graph before reading the question: For graph questions, check the axes, units, and scales first, and note whether the slope or the area has physical significance;
6. Use the formula sheet: The data and formula sheet is on page 2. Look up constants (like g, e, h) directly instead of relying on memory and making mistakes;
7. Watch out for qualifiers: Circle words like "NOT," "most likely," or "approximately" before answering;
8. Don't leave blanks: Leave a minute or two at the end to fill in answers for any skipped questions.

5. How to Practice

Here are some practical tips:

• Practice by topic, then full papers: After finishing a topic, do the corresponding past multiple-choice questions. Before the exam, practice full papers under the 75-minute, 40-question conditions;
• Categorize mistakes: Keep separate records for unclear concepts, unit conversion errors, graph reading mistakes, and careless calculation errors;
• Review together with Paper 2: Both papers test the same AS content. Once you are familiar with structured questions, your reasoning for multiple-choice questions will naturally become faster;
• Clarify easily confused concepts: For example, mass vs. weight, speed vs. velocity, potential difference vs. electromotive force, coherence vs. phase difference, and the relationship between amplitude and intensity.

Conclusion

For Cambridge, the Physics multiple-choice section is a standalone 40-question paper, accounting for nearly a third of the AS grade; for Edexcel, it may appear in the theory unit papers. It tests accurate concepts and clear reasoning: calculate before checking options, verify with units and extreme cases, understand the graph first, use the formula sheet effectively, and pay attention to qualifiers. By accumulating mistakes by topic, you can secure steady points in the multiple-choice section. If you need A-Level Physics tutoring, feel free to chat with our teachers.

Verification note: This article was verified in September 2026. The duration, marks, number of questions, and multiple-choice format of Cambridge 9702 Paper 1, as well as the assessment objectives and weightings, AS content tested, the rule that the data and formula sheet is printed on page 2, the weightings in AS and A Level, and the descriptions of AO1 and AO2, are all from Cambridge International's "Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025, 2026 and 2027"; the 11 AS topics have been verified in article 165 on this site. The statement that Edexcel IAL Physics theory unit (Unit 1, 2, 4, 5) papers "may include multiple-choice questions" and that experimental units do not list multiple-choice questions is from the Pearson IAL Physics syllabus (3rd edition), which does not specify the number of multiple-choice questions. The two example questions are created by us and are not actual exam questions. The test-taking methods and practice suggestions are based on our practical experience.

References:

• Cambridge International: Physics 9702 Syllabus 2025–2027 (PDF)
• Pearson Edexcel: International A Level Physics Specification (PDF)