Cambridge IAL Physics study plan
Cambridge IAL Physics · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Main theoretical concepts fundamental to physics
Derive and apply the equations of uniformly accelerated motion to solve multi-step kinematics problems, including projectile motion and motion graphs
State and apply Newton's three laws of motion to systems with forces in one and two dimensions, including friction and inclined planes
Calculate moments, torques, and conditions for equilibrium for rigid bodies, and apply the principle of moments to solve static equilibrium problems
Define and apply the concepts of work, energy, and power, including the work-energy theorem and conservation of mechanical energy
Your checkpoint
A 10-problem problem set (with full solutions) covering kinematics, dynamics, equilibrium, and energy, scored against a self-made mark scheme; target ≥80% correct.
Main theoretical concepts fundamental to physics
State and apply the gas laws and the ideal gas equation (pV = nRT) to solve problems involving ideal gases
Define and apply the first law of thermodynamics to calculate work done, internal energy change, and heat transfer in thermodynamic processes
Describe and calculate properties of waves, including wave speed, frequency, wavelength, and phase difference, and apply the principle of superposition
Analyse stationary waves and resonance in strings and pipes, and calculate harmonics and beat frequencies
Your checkpoint
A one-page formula and concept summary for thermal physics and waves, plus 8 solved exam-style questions (4 thermal, 4 waves) with annotated workings.
Main theoretical concepts fundamental to physics
Apply Coulomb's law and the concept of electric field to calculate forces and fields for point charges and simple charge distributions
Define and calculate electric potential, potential difference, and capacitance, and solve problems involving capacitors in series and parallel
Apply Ohm's law, resistivity, and Kirchhoff's laws to analyse DC circuits, including potential dividers and internal resistance
Describe the magnetic effects of currents and calculate forces on current-carrying conductors and moving charges in magnetic fields
Your checkpoint
A circuit-analysis worksheet with 6 problems (including one multi-loop circuit and one capacitor network) fully solved with Kirchhoff's laws and energy considerations; self-marked with corrections.
Main theoretical concepts fundamental to physics & Current applications of physics
Describe and calculate quantities related to circular motion, including angular velocity, centripetal acceleration, and centripetal force
Apply Newton's law of gravitation to calculate gravitational field strength, potential, and orbital motion of satellites
Explain the principles of operation of a practical application (e.g., a transformer or an electric motor) using electromagnetic induction concepts
Solve problems involving simple harmonic motion, including energy changes and damping, and relate SHM to real-world oscillating systems
Your checkpoint
A 10-question mixed problem set (5 on circular/gravitational motion, 3 on SHM, 2 on an application) with a short written explanation (150–200 words) of how the physics principles apply to the chosen application; target ≥75% correct.
Current applications of physics
Explain the photoelectric effect and apply the photon model (E = hf) to calculate threshold frequencies, work functions, and maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons
Describe wave-particle duality and calculate the de Broglie wavelength of particles
Explain the principles of nuclear fission and fusion, and calculate mass defect and energy released using E = mc²
Describe the operation of a practical device that relies on quantum or nuclear physics (e.g., a photovoltaic cell or a medical tracer) and evaluate its benefits and risks
Your checkpoint
A 1-page infographic or structured summary explaining one real-world application (e.g., solar cells or PET scans) that explicitly links at least three quantum or nuclear physics concepts to the device's function, with references to typical values.
Current applications of physics & Advanced practical skills
Design a simple experiment to test a hypothesis, identifying independent, dependent, and control variables, and describe how to reduce systematic and random errors
Select and use appropriate measuring instruments (e.g., vernier callipers, micrometer, oscilloscope) and estimate uncertainties in measurements
Process experimental data, including plotting graphs, determining gradients and intercepts, and using error bars to represent uncertainty
Evaluate an experimental method, suggesting improvements and identifying limitations
Your checkpoint
A full written experimental plan (300–400 words) for a chosen practical (e.g., determining g by free fall or the resistivity of a wire), including a risk assessment, a data table template with units and uncertainty, and a described analysis method.
Advanced practical skills
Carry out a simulated or home-based experiment (e.g., using a smartphone sensor or online simulation) to collect data, and record it with appropriate precision and units
Analyse the collected data using graphical methods, including error bars and lines of best fit, and determine the uncertainty in the final result
Compare the experimental result with an accepted value and evaluate sources of error, distinguishing between systematic and random errors
Write a concise experimental report following standard conventions (aim, method, results, analysis, evaluation)
Your checkpoint
A complete experimental report (500–600 words) for the chosen experiment, including a graph with error bars and a calculated final result with percentage uncertainty; self-assessed against a provided checklist.
Main theoretical concepts fundamental to physics & Current applications of physics & Advanced practical skills
Review and consolidate all key concepts from Domains 1 and 2 by solving a mixed set of 15 exam-style multiple-choice and structured questions under timed conditions
Practise applying practical skills to unfamiliar contexts by answering 5 exam-style questions that require experimental design, data analysis, and evaluation
Identify and address remaining weaknesses by creating a personalised list of 5–8 weak areas and completing targeted practice for each
Your checkpoint
A timed mock exam (90 minutes) covering all three domains, self-marked with a score and a written reflection listing three strengths and three areas for further study.
Milestones
Week 4: Complete a 30-question timed quiz (45 minutes) covering Domains 1 and 2 topics from weeks 1–4; score at least 70% and write a short reflection identifying two topics to revisit.
Week 6: Submit the experimental plan for peer or self-review against a checklist of 10 criteria (e.g., variables, uncertainty, safety); achieve at least 8/10.
Week 8: Achieve at least 65% on the full mock exam and demonstrate improvement in at least two previously weak areas identified at week 4.