Should students use AI tools like ChatGPT when studying A Level Physics?

Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday life and many A Level Physics students are starting to use tools such as ChatGPT to help with revision. Typed questions can produce instant, confident-sounding answers on everything from projectile motion to nuclear decay. Used thoughtfully, this technology can make studying more interactive and even enjoyable.

The advantages are easy to see. AI can explain topics in different ways, give summaries of complex material, or produce short quizzes for self-testing. Students can also use it to help plan revision timetables or to draft concise notes. In moderation, these are helpful ways to reinforce learning. That’s especially helpful for students who like to explore ideas independently.

But there are pitfalls. ChatGPT doesn’t truly understand physics; it predicts words based on patterns in text. That means its explanations can sound fluent while quietly containing errors or missing key reasoning steps. It may also fail to reflect the exact expectations of an exam board or misjudge the level of detail required in a written answer. Students who copy its responses without checking them risk feeling confident about material they haven’t actually mastered.

The most productive way to use AI is as a learning partner, not a substitute for thought. For instance, a student might ask ChatGPT to explain a topic, then try to restate that explanation in their own words or challenge it – for example: “Explain this using energy ideas rather than forces.” That process of questioning and rephrasing helps build real understanding. AI can also be asked to generate problems for practice, but students should always verify the solutions themselves.

But there’s another dimension to consider: while AI tools can help individual learners, they cannot replace experienced teachers or tutors who understand how students think. A good teacher spots misconceptions, explains ideas in context, and guides students towards independent reasoning. That human element — knowing when to pause, when to simplify, and when to challenge — is what turns curiosity into confidence.

Used wisely, AI can be a valuable support in learning A Level Physics. It can make revision more dynamic and help students engage actively with their studies. But understanding still has to come from the student. Technology may offer shortcuts, yet the real satisfaction lies in working things out, and that’s something that even the smartest AI can’t do for you!