IGCSE Physics Study Guide & Review

Prepare for Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 by connecting physical models, diagrams, equations, units and experimental evidence across the correct Core or Extended three-paper assessment route.

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  1. 01Learn concepts
  2. 02Practise questions
  3. 03Review mistakes

How to study Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625

Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 rewards movement between words, diagrams, graphs, equations and evidence. Begin with the physical model, define quantities and directions, then choose a relationship and keep units consistent. Connect motion to forces and energy, use ray or wave diagrams for refraction and rebuild circuit behaviour through series and parallel circuits rather than memorising disconnected equations.

Reconstruct the model and representation in Concept and retrieve equations, symbols, definitions and units in Mastery. Apply them through the Question Bank in your Core or Extended scope. Classify the first failed step as model, diagram, relationship, algebra, unit, graph, explanation or practical reasoning, repair that exact Topic and retry. Practise experimental planning and data analysis throughout, because either practical paper assesses the same AO3 skills.

Practise 0625 Physics by response behaviour

Use different routines for calculations, causal explanations, diagrams and graphs, electricity or waves, experimental design and paper-specific execution.

Control equations and units

Motion, forces, energy, pressure, thermal quantities, electricity, waves and space physics

List known quantities with symbols and SI units, select the relationship from the physical model, rearrange before substitution and keep working visible. Estimate scale and sign, then test dimensions and context. Diagnose whether a wrong result began with the model, conversion, algebra or calculator input.

Practise Motion

Build causal explanations

Energy transfers, particle behaviour, wave effects, electromagnetism, radioactivity and stellar evolution

Write a chain in which each sentence causes the next: name the physical change, describe its effect on particles, fields, energy or forces, and connect that mechanism to the observation. Test the explanation by changing one condition instead of repeating a memorised paragraph.

Practise Energy

Translate diagrams and graphs

Ray diagrams, circuit diagrams, field patterns, motion graphs, decay curves and astronomical data

Label quantities and directions before reasoning. Move between the diagram, graph, equation and words; use gradient, area or shape only when the physical meaning supports it. Check scales, units and intercepts, and distinguish a construction error from a conceptual one.

Practise Refraction

Plan and evaluate experiments

Measurements, variables, repeat readings, tables, graphs, gradients, conclusions, limitations and improvements

State the independent, dependent and controlled variables, choose suitable apparatus and range, and design repeated measurements. Record headings with units, plot an appropriate scale, conclude from the trend and link each specific improvement to an identified limitation rather than writing generic advice.

Practise Experimental Skills

Transfer across your three papers

Core or Extended multiple choice and theory, plus Practical Test or Alternative to Practical

For multiple choice, justify why distractors violate a model or unit. For theory, show the representation and causal chain. For either practical route, rehearse the same AO3 planning, measurement, graph and evaluation skills; Paper 6 changes the response setting, not the practical understanding required.

Build a Physics test

Where to start

Start from a known Physics Topic or diagnose whether the first weakness is the model, equation, representation, unit, explanation, data or experimental design.

Choose your starting point

  1. I know the weak Topic

    Open its exact route, confirm Core or Supplement scope and identify the first missing model, relationship, diagram, unit or practical decision.

    Browse the Physics map

  2. I do not know what is weak

    Use mixed 0625 questions to separate recall gaps from modelling, equation choice, unit, graph, explanation and experimental errors.

    Start a Physics diagnostic

Choose the right 0625 starting point

  1. Model and represent

    Draw the situation, define quantities and directions, state the governing principle and predict how the result should behave before calculating.

    Review a Concept

  2. Retrieve and connect

    Reproduce the equation, symbols, units and conditions without notes, then connect the verbal, diagrammatic, graphical and mathematical representations.

    Check Mastery

  3. Apply, classify and repair

    Solve an unfamiliar quantitative, explanatory or practical problem, locate the first unsupported decision and repair only the responsible Topic or skill.

    Practise 0625 questions

Explore the 2026–2028 Cambridge 0625 syllabus

Cambridge publishes six Physics content topics with Core and Supplement statements. EduNinja maps 58 content routes and adds three assessed-scientific-skills routes for problem solving, experiments and data presentation; use these as cross-cutting practice, not as a seventh official content topic.

7
syllabus groups
61
mapped topics

1. Motion, forces and energy

Open unit questions
1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques1.2 Motion1.3 Mass and weight1.4 Density1.5.1 Effects of forces1.5.2 Turning effect of forces1.5.3 Centre of gravity1.6 Momentum1.7.1 Energy1.7.2 Work1.7.3 Energy resources1.7.4 Power1.8 Pressure

2. Thermal physics

Open unit questions
2.1.1 States of matter2.1.2 Particle model2.1.3 Gases and the absolute scale of temperature2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases2.2.2 Specific heat capacity2.2.3 Melting, boiling and evaporation2.3.1 Conduction2.3.2 Convection2.3.3 Radiation2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer

3. Waves

Open unit questions
3.1 General properties of waves3.2.1 Reflection of light3.2.2 Refraction of light3.2.3 Thin lenses3.2.4 Dispersion of light3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum3.4 Sound

4. Electricity and magnetism

Open unit questions
4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism4.2.1 Electric charge4.2.2 Electric current4.2.3 Electromotive force and potential difference4.2.4 Resistance4.2.5 Electrical energy and electrical power4.3.1 Circuit diagrams and circuit components4.3.2 Series and parallel circuits4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components4.4 Electrical safety4.5.1 Electromagnetic induction4.5.2 The a.c. generator4.5.3 Magnetic effect of a current4.5.4 Force on a current-carrying conductor4.5.5 The d.c. motor4.5.6 The transformer

5. Nuclear physics

Open unit questions
5.1.1 The atom5.1.2 The nucleus5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission5.2.3 Radioactive decay5.2.4 Half-life5.2.5 Safety precautions

6. Space physics

Open unit questions
6.1.1 The Earth6.1.2 The Solar System6.2.1 The Sun as a star6.2.2 Stars6.2.3 The Universe

7. Assessed scientific skills

Open unit questions
7.1 Handling information and problem-solving7.2 Experimental skills and investigations7.3 Mathematical and data-presentation skills

Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 assessment routes

Every candidate takes three papers: Core uses Papers 1 and 3, Extended uses Papers 2 and 4, and both add either Paper 5 or 6. AO1, AO2 and AO3 contribute 50%, 30% and 20% respectively.

Paper / componentQuestionsTime% of grade
Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)40 compulsory four-option questions on Core40 marksThe Core multiple-choice paper assesses AO1 knowledge and AO2 handling of information and problem-solving. Calculators may be used in all parts of the examination.How to prepare: Retrieve Core definitions, relationships, symbols and units quickly, but justify each choice from a physical model. Reject distractors through direction, magnitude, graph shape, unit or causal mechanism, then classify every error by Topic and failed decision rather than timing alone.45 minutes30%
Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)40 compulsory four-option questions on Core and Supplement40 marksThe Extended multiple-choice paper assesses AO1 and AO2 across Core plus Supplement. Calculators may be used throughout the examination.How to prepare: Practise linked equations, unfamiliar representations and Supplement reasoning under time pressure. Predict sign, trend or scale before calculating, use units to eliminate impossible options and explain why each tempting distractor conflicts with the model instead of memorising the selected letter.45 minutes30%
Paper 3: Theory (Core)Compulsory short-answer and structured Core questions80 marksThe Core theory paper assesses AO1 and AO2 through calculations, explanations, diagrams, graphs and structured applications.How to prepare: Show equation selection, rearrangement, substitution and units, then connect the number to the physical context. For explanations, use a causal chain with precise scientific terms; for graphs and diagrams, label quantities and directions before interpreting the requested relationship.1 hour 15 minutes50%
Paper 4: Theory (Extended)Compulsory short-answer and structured Core and Supplement questions80 marksThe Extended theory paper assesses AO1 and AO2 across Core plus Supplement through multi-step quantitative, explanatory and data-based problems.How to prepare: Combine models, equations, graphs and evidence across Topics. Keep algebra, conversions and units visible, check whether the result is physically plausible and build explanations from mechanism to observation. Repair the first unsupported step rather than memorising complete mark-scheme sentences.1 hour 15 minutes50%
Paper 5: Practical TestCompulsory laboratory work assessing AO340 marksCandidates perform experiments and are assessed on apparatus, measurement, variables, tables, graphs, conclusions, evaluation and planning.How to prepare: Rehearse genuine experiments: choose appropriate ranges and precision, repeat readings, tabulate headings with units, plot useful scales and derive conclusions from evidence. Link every limitation and improvement to the specific apparatus, measurement or control rather than giving generic statements.1 hour 15 minutes20%
Paper 6: Alternative to PracticalCompulsory written practical scenarios assessing AO340 marksCandidates do not perform experiments during the paper, but it assesses the same experimental skills and contexts as Paper 5.How to prepare: Practise reading instruments and procedures, completing tables, plotting and interpreting graphs, planning investigations and evaluating methods from written scenarios. Build practical experience beforehand, because changing to a written response does not reduce the required understanding of apparatus, variables, evidence and uncertainty.1 hour20%

SourceCambridge International Education · Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for exams in 2026, 2027 and 20280625 · 2026–2028 · Version 2 · December 2025

Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 questions

Core candidates study Core content and take Papers 1 and 3, with grades C–G available. Extended candidates study Core plus Supplement and take Papers 2 and 4, with grades A*–G available. Both routes also require either Paper 5 or Paper 6, so practical skills remain part of every candidate's qualification.

No. They are alternative practical components and you take exactly one. Paper 5 is a 75-minute laboratory test; Paper 6 is a 60-minute written Alternative to Practical. Both are worth 40 marks and 20%, assess AO3 and require the same experimental skills and understanding of practical contexts.

Cambridge permits calculators in all parts of the 0625 examination. The syllabus requires candidates to know and use physical quantities, symbols, units and mathematical relationships; the official evidence used here does not establish a general equation sheet. Prepare to select and rearrange relationships yourself, convert units and show complete working.

Older questions can support Topic practice, but always check them against the 2026–2028 syllabus and your Core or Extended route. Use current-format papers for exact timed mocks, because syllabus content and wording may change. Do not infer fixed grade percentages or likely future topics from one historical series.

Paper 6 does not require you to perform an experiment during the exam, but it tests the same AO3 skills and contexts as Paper 5. Practise real investigations, apparatus choices, variables, repeated readings, tables, graphs, gradients, conclusions, limitations and specific improvements before applying that understanding to written experimental scenarios.