CIE IGCSE Physics (0625)
Cambridge IGCSE Physics Syllabus Portal
Welcome, students! This specialized section contains syllabus breakdowns, core study notes, flashcards, targeted practice question banks, and actual exam past papers organized dynamically to optimize your learning and help you achieve an A* (Grade 9) in Cambridge IGCSE Physics.
1. Course Introduction
CIE IGCSE Physics (Syllabus Code: 0625) provides students with a thorough and engaging foundation in the fundamental principles of the physical universe. Through a balance of rigorous theoretical exploration and practical experimental investigations, students gain deep scientific insight into motion, forces, energy, thermal effects, wave behaviors, electricity, magnetism, nuclear structure, and space physics.
Assessment Outline
The CIE IGCSE Physics 0625 qualification is assessed through three examination components. Candidates who have studied the Core curriculum are entered for Paper 1, Paper 3, and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. Candidates who have studied the Extended curriculum (Core + Supplement) are entered for Paper 2, Paper 4, and either Paper 5 or Paper 6.
| Assessment Paper | Target Curriculum | Format & Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Multiple Choice) | Core | 40 multiple-choice questions — 45 minutes | 40 marks | 30% |
| Paper 2 (Multiple Choice) | Extended | 40 multiple-choice questions — 45 minutes | 40 marks | 30% |
| Paper 3 (Theory) | Core | Short-answer and structured questions — 75 minutes | 80 marks | 50% |
| Paper 4 (Theory) | Extended | Short-answer and structured questions — 75 minutes | 80 marks | 50% |
| Paper 5 (Practical Test) | Core & Extended | Laboratory-based practical tasks — 75 minutes | 40 marks | 20% |
| Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) | Core & Extended | Written questions on experimental skills — 60 minutes | 40 marks | 20% |
Syllabus Structure
The updated Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus is organized into 6 major subject domains plus practical investigation skills:
1.1: Physical quantities and measurement techniques
1.2: Motion (speed, velocity, acceleration, motion graphs)
1.3: Mass, weight and density
1.4: Effects of forces (Hooke’s law, resultant forces, circular motion)
1.5: Turning effect and moments
1.6: Momentum and impulse
1.7: Energy, work and power
1.8: Energy resources
1.9: Pressure (fluid pressure, barometers, manometers)
2.1: Kinetic particle model of matter (states, Brownian motion, evaporation)
2.2: Thermal properties and temperature (heat capacity, expansion)
2.3: Transfer of thermal energy (conduction, convection, radiation)
3.1: General properties of waves (transverse, longitudinal, reflection, refraction, diffraction)
3.2: Light (reflection, refraction, total internal reflection, thin lenses, dispersion)
3.3: Electromagnetic spectrum (properties, uses, hazards)
3.4: Sound (speed, echoes, ultrasound)
4.1: Simple phenomena of magnetism (magnetic fields, magnetic materials)
4.2: Electrical quantities (charge, current, electromotive force, potential difference, resistance)
4.3: Electric circuits (series/parallel, component characteristics, circuit diagrams)
4.4: Electrical safety and hazards
4.5: Electromagnetic effects (induction, AC generator, transformers, motors)
5.1: The nuclear model of the atom (atomic structure, isotopes, alpha scattering)
5.2: Radioactivity (alpha, beta, gamma emissions, radioactive decay, half-life, safety)
6.1: Earth and the Solar System (planetary motion, gravitational field strength, orbits)
6.2: Stars and the Universe (Sun, life cycle of stars, redshift, expanding universe, cosmic microwave background)
P.1: Techniques, apparatus and materials
P.2: Planning experiments and investigations
P.3: Observations, measurements and estimates
P.4: Evaluating observations and experimental data
P.5: Evaluating experimental methods and suggesting improvements
Official Academic Resources
Download official CIE IGCSE Physics syllabuses below:
2. Study Lessons
Access curated study lessons, revision notes, flashcards, and practical laboratory guides for each topic:
| Subtopic | Syllabus Title | Revision Notes | Multiple Choice | Theory Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topic 1: Motion forces and energy | ||||
1.1 |
Physical Quantities and Measurement Techniques | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.2 |
Motion | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.3 |
Mass, Weight and Density | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.4 |
Effects of Forces | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.5 |
Moments | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.6 |
Momentum | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.7 |
Energy, Work and Power | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.8 |
Energy Sources | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
1.9 |
Pressure | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
| Topic 2: Thermal physics | ||||
2.1 |
Kinetic Particle Model of Matter | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
2.2 |
Thermal Properties and Temperature | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
2.3 |
Transfer of Thermal Energy | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
| Topic 3: Waves | ||||
3.1 |
General Properties of Waves | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
3.2 |
Light | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
3.3 |
Electromagnetic Spectrum | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
3.4 |
Sound | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
| Topic 4: Electricity and Magnetism | ||||
4.1 |
Simple Phenomena of Magnetism | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
4.2 |
Electrical Quantities | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
4.3 |
Electric Circuits and Electrical Safety | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
4.4 |
Electromagnetic Effects | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
| Topic 5: Nuclear Physics | ||||
5.1 |
The Nuclear Model of the Atom | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
5.2 |
Radioactivity | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
| Topic 6: Space Physics | ||||
6.1 |
Earth and The Solar System | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
6.2 |
Stars and The Universe | Notes | MCQ | Theory |
| Resource Title | Resource Type | Access Document |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Skills | ||
| Analysing Results and Assessing Validity | Practical Skills | Download |
| Planning Experiments and Improving Technique | Practical Skills | Download |
| Recording Observations and Measurements | Practical Skills | Download |
| Safe Use of Apparatus | Practical Skills | Download |
| Topic 1: General physics | ||
| Topic 1 Summary Notes | Summary Notes | Download |
| 1.1 Length and Time (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 1.2 Motion (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 1.3 Mass and Weight (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 1.4 Density (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 1.5 Forces (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 1.6 Momentum (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 1.7 Energy, Work & Power (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 1.8 Pressure (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| Topic 2: Thermal physics | ||
| Topic 2 Summary Notes | Summary Notes | Download |
| 2.1 Matter (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 2.2 Thermal Properties (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 2.3 Thermal Processes (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| Topic 3: Properties of waves including light and sounds | ||
| Topic 3 Summary Notes | Summary Notes | Download |
| 3.1 General Wave Properties (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 3.2 Light (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 3.3 Electromagnetic Spectrum (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 3.4 Sound (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| Topic 4: Electricity and magnetism | ||
| Topic 4 Summary Notes | Summary Notes | Download |
| 4.1 Magnetism (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 4.2 Electrical Quantities (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 4.3 Electric Circuits (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 4.4 Digital Electronics (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 4.5 Dangers of Electricity (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 4.6 Electromagnetic Effects (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| Topic 5: Atomic physics | ||
| Topic 5 Summary Notes | Summary Notes | Download |
| 5.1 Nuclear Atoms (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
| 5.2 Radioactivity (Flashcards) | Flashcards | Download |
3. Practice Questions
Access curated topic-by-topic practice worksheets mapped from past papers with complete step-by-step mark schemes:
| Topic / Subtopic | Questions | Mark Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Topic 1: General physics | ||
| Density | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Energy, Work & Power | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Hooke's Law | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Length & Time | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Mass & Weight | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Moments & Centre of Mass | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Momentum | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Motion | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Topic 2: Thermal physics | ||
| Simple Kinetic Molecular Model of Matter | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Thermal Processes | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Thermal Properties & Temperature | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Topic 3: Properties of waves including light and sounds | ||
| Electromagnetic Spectrum | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| General Wave Properties | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Light | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Sound | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Topic 4: Electricity and magnetism | ||
| Dangers of Electricity | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Digital Electronics | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Electric Circuits | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Electrical Quantities | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Electromagnetic Effects | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Simple Phenomena of Magnetism | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| Topic 5: Atomic physics | ||
| Radioactivity | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
| The Nuclear Atom | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
4. Topical Past Paper Questions
Master past examination questions organized topic-by-topic across exam papers:
| Chapter | Chapter Title | Question Papers & Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Measurements and units | |
| Chapter 2 | Forces and motion | |
| Chapter 3 | Forces and pressure | |
| Chapter 4 | Forces and energy | |
| Chapter 5 | Thermal effects | |
| Chapter 6 | Waves and sounds | |
| Chapter 7 | Rays and waves | |
| Chapter 8 | Electricity | |
| Chapter 9 | Magnets and currents | |
| Chapter 10 | Electron and electronics | |
| Chapter 11 | Atoms and radioactivity | |
| Chapter 12 | Space physics |
5. Past Papers
Search and filter actual past exam papers. Use the quick filter bar to locate papers by year, component, or variant:
CIE IGCSE Physics 0625 Past Papers Search
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