CIE A Level Physics Paper 5 PAE Guide (9702): Planning, Analysis and Evaluation

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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.

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

FeatureCIE Physics 9702 Paper 5
Paper namePlanning, Analysis and Evaluation
Duration1 hour 15 minutes
Marks30
A Level weighting11.5%
FormatWritten 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

Sources

  1. Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) 2025-2027 syllabus