CIE A Level Physics Paper 5 PAE Guide (9702): Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
In one line
Physics 9702 Paper 5 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, carries 30 marks, and contributes 11.
Key points
- 5% of A Level.
- It has two questions testing planning, analysis, and evaluation.
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Read in layers
1 second
Read the summary above.
10 seconds
Scan the first few sections below.
100 seconds
Jump into the section that matches your decision.
- Quick written-practical route
- Concrete example: a stronger evaluation point
- 1 Paper 5 at a glance
- 2 Planning marks
Q: What is CIE Physics Paper 5?
A: Paper 5 is the written Planning, Analysis and Evaluation paper for Cambridge International A Level Physics 9702. It tests AO3 practical reasoning, not hands-on apparatus use during the paper.
TL;DR
Physics 9702 Paper 5 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, carries 30 marks, and contributes 11.5% of A Level. It has two questions testing planning, analysis, and evaluation. Expect experimental design, variable control, graph linearisation, uncertainty, limitations, and method improvements.
Quick written-practical route
| If you have... | Focus on... |
| 1 second | Paper 5 is practical reasoning on paper |
| 10 seconds | Variables, linear graphs, uncertainty, and improvements |
| 100 seconds | Practise turning a relationship into a straight-line graph |
Concrete example: a stronger evaluation point
Weak: "Timing error." Stronger: "Reaction time is large compared with a short oscillation period, so time 20 oscillations and divide by 20." The second answer names the error and reduces it directly.
1 Paper 5 at a glance
| Feature | CIE Physics 9702 Paper 5 |
| Paper name | Planning, Analysis and Evaluation |
| Duration | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Marks | 30 |
| A Level weighting | 11.5% |
| Format | Written paper |
The 9702 syllabus states that Paper 5 tests AO3 through two written questions based on planning, analysis, and evaluation. The context may be outside the syllabus content.
2 Planning marks
Physics planning answers need:
- Clear independent variable and range
- Dependent variable and measurement method
- Controlled variables
- Diagram or apparatus description where useful
- Repeats and averaging
- Safety consideration where relevant
- Data processing plan
If a relationship must be tested, state the graph to plot and what a straight line or gradient would show.
3 Analysis marks
Paper 5 often rewards graph linearisation and uncertainty awareness:
- Rearrange the equation into a straight-line form
- Identify x-axis and y-axis variables
- Link gradient or intercept to the physical constant
- Use percentage uncertainty where appropriate
- Quote units throughout
4 Evaluation marks
Strong evaluation names the physical limitation:
- Reaction time affects short time intervals.
- Oscillation amplitude changes due to damping.
- Heating changes resistance during circuit readings.
- Parallax affects scale readings.
- Alignment error affects optical measurements.
Then give an improvement that directly reduces that limitation.
5 Related resources
References
- Cambridge International, AS & A Level Physics 9702 syllabus for 2025-2027.
