specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) is a two-tier linear qualification (Core and Extended) with three papers per candidate covering theory plus practical assessment. Core-tier candidates sit Papers 1 (MCQ), 3 (theory), 5 or 6 (practical); Extended-tier candidates sit Papers 2 (MCQ), 4 (theory), 5 or 6.
subject content
1. Motion, forces and energy
All papers- Motion (speed, velocity, acceleration)
- Forces, Newton's laws, momentum (Extended)
- Energy stores, work done, power, energy resources
2. Thermal physics
All papers- Particle model, states of matter, changes of state
- Thermal energy transfer (conduction, convection, radiation)
- Specific heat capacity (Extended: specific latent heat)
3. Waves
All papers- General wave properties
- Light (reflection, refraction, lenses)
- Electromagnetic spectrum, sound
4. Electricity and magnetism
All papers- Static electricity, current, potential difference
- Circuit calculations, electrical safety
- Magnetism, electromagnets, motor effect (Extended: EM induction, transformers)
5. Nuclear physics
All papers- Atomic model, isotopes
- Radioactive decay, half-life, uses and dangers of radiation
6. Space physics
All papers- Solar system, gravitational forces
- Stars, galaxies, expansion of the universe (Extended: red-shift, Hubble constant)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (MCQ Core) | Core content | 45m | 40 | 30% | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 2 (MCQ Extended) | Extended content | 45m | 40 | 30% | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 3 (Theory Core) | Core content | 1h 15m | 80 | 50% | Short-answer and structured questions across all content areas |
| Paper 4 (Theory Extended) | Extended content | 1h 15m | 80 | 50% | Short-answer and structured questions across all content areas |
| Paper 5 (Practical Test) | Practical skills | 1h 15m | 40 | 20% | Hands-on Practical Test assessing AO3 experimental skills |
| Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) | Practical skills | 1 hour | 40 | 20% | Written Alternative to Practical paper covering the same experimental skills as Paper 5 |
Core-tier candidates sit Papers 1 + 3 + 5 or 6; Extended-tier candidates sit Papers 2 + 4 + 5 or 6. Schools choose Paper 5 (real lab practical) or Paper 6 (written alternative) based on facilities.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge with understanding of scientific facts, principles and concepts. | 50% |
| AO2 | Handling information and problem-solving. | 30% |
| AO3 | Experimental skills and investigations. | 20% |
higher vs foundation
| Aspect | Foundation tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|
| Grades available | Core: C to G | Extended: A* to G (full range) |
| Additional Extended content | Core content | Extended adds: momentum conservation, specific latent heat, refraction/lenses depth, EM induction/transformers, red-shift/Hubble constant |
| Papers sat | Papers 1 + 3 + 5 or 6 | Papers 2 + 4 + 5 or 6 |
key tips for success
Learn Physics equations
Cambridge provides some equations but many must be memorised. Know: v=u+at, F=ma, KE, GPE, work done, power, current/voltage/resistance, wave speed, specific heat capacity.
Practise MCQ pace
Papers 1 and 2 are 40 questions in 45 minutes. Practise MCQ under time to build speed.
Choose Paper 5 or 6 carefully
Paper 5 is real hands-on practical; Paper 6 is written alternative. Your school picks based on facilities. Both worth 20%.
Learn Extended-only content
If Extended, master: momentum conservation, EM induction, transformers, red-shift, Hubble constant. Roughly 25% of Extended paper marks.
Learn unit conversions
Physics needs unit conversion fluency: J to kJ, m to km, ms to s. Drill until automatic.
Practise past papers
Cambridge past papers are widely available. Do timed practice for your tier's papers.
Where to next
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