A-Level Physics Diagnostic Guide

Overview

This diagnostic suite contains 20 topic-level tests for A-Level Physics. Each test comprises 3 unit tests (single-topic, maximum difficulty) and 3 integration tests (multi-topic synthesis). The questions target the hardest material within the A-Level specification and are designed to expose deep misconceptions.

Topic Coverage Map

Prerequisite Chains

Quantities and Units
  └── Kinematics
        └── Dynamics
              ├── Work, Energy and Power
              ├── Momentum
              ├── Circular Motion
              └── Oscillations

Properties of Materials
  └── (supports Dynamics, Work-Energy)

Current and Resistance
  └── DC Circuits
        └── Capacitance

Wave Properties
  └── Superposition and Interference
        └── Refraction and TIR

Electric Fields
  ├── Magnetic Fields
  └── Electromagnetism Unification

Radioactivity
  └── Nuclear Energy

Critical dependency notes:

• Kinematics must be mastered before Dynamics.
• Dynamics underpins Work-Energy, Momentum, Circular Motion, and Oscillations.
• Electric Fields is required before Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism Unification.
• Superposition and Interference requires Wave Properties.
• Nuclear Energy builds on Radioactivity.

Integration Test Cross-References

Integration tests explicitly combine two or more topics. The following matrix shows which topics appear in integration tests across the suite:

Grading Rubric

Per-Question Scoring

Each question (unit or integration) is scored on a 0—4 scale:

Diagnostic Classification

For each topic test (6 questions, max 24 marks):

Unit vs Integration Analysis

• Unit test score significantly higher than integration score: Student can apply procedures in isolation but struggles with cross-topic synthesis. Focus on mixed-topic practice.
• Integration test score higher than unit test score: Unusual but may indicate stronger conceptual understanding than procedural fluency. Focus on technique.
• Both scores low: Return to prerequisite chain and rebuild from earlier topics.

Recommended Diagnostic Workflow

1. Begin with diag-quantities-units.md. If score is below 13, revise before proceeding.
2. Work through prerequisite chains in order.
3. After completing a topic, attempt its integration tests to check cross-topic fluency.
4. Revisit any topic where the gap between unit and integration scores exceeds 4 marks.
5. Use the prerequisite chains to identify whether a low score stems from an earlier topic.

Key Misconceptions Index

Summary

The key principles covered in this topic are linked in the sub-pages above. Focus on understanding the definitions, applying the formulas or frameworks, and evaluating strengths and limitations of each approach.

Worked Examples

Worked examples demonstrating the application of key concepts are covered in the detailed sub-pages linked above.

Common Pitfalls

• Confusing terminology or concepts that appear similar but have distinct meanings.
• Overlooking key assumptions or boundary conditions that limit applicability.