Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) — past papers, mark schemes & how to mark

Cambridge Physics (9702) is one of the most searched A-Level subjects for past papers and mark scheme help. This guide explains how the syllabus is examined, how marks are awarded, and how to turn practice into real marks — not just completed pages.

Syllabus code 9702 at a glance

Subject	Physics
Level	A-Level
Syllabus code	9702
Typical marking	point-based

Past papers are labelled 9702/XX where XX is the component (paper) number for that session. Always check you are practising the right component for your route.

How the papers are structured

MCQ, structured AS, structured A2, and practical skills papers. Heavy on calculations, definitions, and graph interpretation.

Download papers from Cambridge International or your school portal, then mark with the official mark scheme for that exact session and question number.

How mark schemes work for Physics

Marks for formula, substitution, answer with unit, and sensible significant figures. Definitions must match syllabus wording.

When you self-mark, read the scheme before you look at your answer — otherwise you unconsciously accept partial credit.

Common mistakes students make on 9702

• Missing units or power-of-ten errors
• Using wrong equation for the scenario
• Weak explanations linking maths to physical meaning

If the same mistake appears twice in one week of marking, it is a revision priority, not bad luck.

A practical revision plan with past papers

• Maintain a formula sheet tied to past paper tags
• Practice Paper 4 multi-topic questions
• Mark definitions against the scheme verbatim

Rule of three: attempt → mark with scheme → rewrite the weakest part. Skipping step two is why students feel they are "doing past papers" without grades moving.

Marking homework and textbook questions

Not every question comes from a past paper. On MarkScheme, choose My question, select Physics (9702), add the question (photo or text), upload your answer, and get Cambridge-style feedback (method marks, bands, or point marks depending on the question type).

Using MarkScheme for 9702 past papers

For real past-paper questions, use Past paper mode so we can match the official mark scheme when it is in our library. Upload clear photos of your handwriting — see our guide on photographing handwritten answers.

What to read next

• How to read a Cambridge mark scheme
• How to mark Cambridge past papers yourself
• Common mistakes when self-marking

Bottom line

9702 rewards precision against the mark scheme, not vague knowledge. Learn the language examiners use, mark honestly, and fix one repeatable error at a time — that is how A-Level Physics scores move.