AS vs A2 Physics: What’s the Difference?
ARTICLE:
Students often talk about “A Level Physics” as one thing, but Cambridge 9702 has two distinct halves — AS and A2 — that differ more than most people expect. Understanding the difference helps you prepare for each properly.
The short answer
AS is the first year of Cambridge A Level Physics (9702) and covers the foundations. A2 is the second year, building on those foundations with significantly more mathematical depth. You cannot do A2 well without a solid AS.
Content compared
AS topics
Physical quantities and units, errors and uncertainties, scalars and vectors, kinematics, dynamics, forces and pressure, work energy and power, deformation of solids, waves, superposition, electricity, D.C. circuits and particle physics. Full detail is on our AS Level Physics page and in the free AS Level notes.
A2 topics
Circular motion, gravitational fields, thermal physics, oscillations, electric fields, capacitance, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, alternating current, quantum physics, nuclear physics, medical physics, and astronomy and cosmology. See the A2 Level Physics page and free A2 Level notes.
The papers
AS is assessed by Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (structured) and Paper 3 (practical). A2 adds Paper 4 (structured) and Paper 5 (planning, analysis and evaluation).
| AS year | A2 year | |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | 1, 2, 3 | 4, 5 |
| Emphasis | Precision and foundations | Mathematical depth and skills |
| Practical | Paper 3 (lab) | Paper 5 (planning & analysis) |
Is A2 harder than AS?
Yes, in two specific ways. First, the mathematics steps up — exponential decay, field equations and calculus-adjacent reasoning appear throughout. Second, A2 assumes AS content is secure, so any gap you carried forward becomes a real problem.
The students who find A2 manageable are almost always those who understood AS rather than memorised it. That is why the first year matters so much.
💡 If AS felt like memorisation that just about worked, address that before A2 begins — because A2 will keep asking you to apply those same ideas in unfamiliar contexts.
How to prepare for each
Ready to go deeper? See our complete A Level Physics 9702 guide for full paper-by-paper strategy.
For AS
Focus on precision — definitions, units, significant figures and graph work. Most AS marks are lost to carelessness, not difficulty.
For A2
Focus on the mathematics and on Paper 5. Paper 5 is a skills paper with a highly predictable structure, and targeted practice on it often gains a full grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do AS grades count towards the final A Level?
Yes. AS results contribute to the overall A Level grade, so a strong AS year makes an A* far more achievable.
Can I take A2 without AS?
No — A2 builds directly on AS content and assumes it is secure.
Is A2 much harder than AS?
It is more mathematically demanding and assumes strong AS foundations. Students who understood AS properly usually cope well.
Which is more important for an A*?
Both, but A2 papers carry the advanced content and Paper 5 is where many students unexpectedly lose marks.
Author byline: Sir Mahad Amer — Cambridge-certified Physics teacher, MSc Physics, founder of MAC Education Network.
