Cambridge IGCSE Physics Syllabus Guide (0625)
Complete breakdown of all 326 learning objectives for the 2023-2025 syllabus, with Core vs Extended topics and study strategies
The Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus contains 326 learning objectives across 6 main topics. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know for Core and Extended tiers.
You've been studying IGCSE Physics for two years now, so you might think you don't need to look at the syllabus - you're already familiar with the content, right?
But understanding the syllabus structure helps you study smarter. It shows you exactly what's expected at each level, what's Core vs Extended-only, and ensures no surprises on exam day. Many students discover gaps they didn't know they had.
Another big benefit: knowing which topics carry the most weight in exams. Not all topics are equal - some have far more learning objectives than others, and understanding this helps you prioritize your revision time.
First: Know Your Tier - Core vs Extended
Before diving into the syllabus, you must understand the tier system. Cambridge IGCSE Physics offers two levels of difficulty, and you need to know which one you're taking.
Core Tier
Papers 1, 3, 5
- 197 learning objectives
- Grades available: C to G
- Foundational concepts
- Qualitative understanding
- Basic calculations
- Descriptive answers
Extended Tier
Papers 2, 4, 6
- 326 learning objectives (all Core + 129 more)
- Grades available: A* to E
- Advanced concepts
- Quantitative analysis
- Complex calculations
- Deeper explanations
Important
Your school or exam centre decides which tier you take. If you're aiming for grades A*-B, you must take Extended. Core tier caps at grade C.
Check with your teacher if you're unsure which tier you're registered for.
Extended-Only Topics
Some topics are entirely Extended-only - Core students don't need to learn these:
- 1.6 Momentum - All 4 objectives are Extended only
- 4.5.2 The a.c. generator - Extended only
- 6.2.2 Stars (life cycle) - Mostly Extended
Reference: Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) Official Page
The 6 Topics: Syllabus Overview
IGCSE Physics is organized into 6 main topics that take you from everyday mechanics to the edge of the universe. You'll start with motion and forces - how things move and why. Then explore thermal physics - heat and particles. Waves covers light, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Electricity and magnetism is the largest unit, covering circuits to generators. Nuclear physics deals with atoms and radioactivity. Finally, space physics takes you to stars and galaxies.
Each topic contains specific learning objectives - statements that tell you exactly what you need to be able to do. For example:
This objective tells you: know Ohm's law, remember the formula, and be able to use it in calculations. The syllabus has 326 of these objectives in total.
Here's how the learning objectives break down across the 6 topics, split by Core and Extended:
| Unit | Topic | Core | Extended | Total | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Electricity and Magnetism | 58 | 32 | 90 | 28% |
| 1 | Motion, Forces and Energy | 45 | 29 | 74 | 23% |
| 3 | Waves | 37 | 19 | 56 | 17% |
| 2 | Thermal Physics | 24 | 21 | 45 | 14% |
| 5 | Nuclear Physics | 18 | 13 | 31 | 9% |
| 6 | Space Physics | 15 | 15 | 30 | 9% |
| TOTAL | 197 | 129 | 326 | 100% | |
Key Insight: Focus on the Big Three
The top 3 units account for 68% of all learning objectives:
- Electricity & Magnetism (28%) + Motion, Forces & Energy (23%) = 51% — over half the syllabus
- Add Waves (17%) and you've covered two-thirds of everything
Master these three units first, and you'll have a solid foundation for the exam. Start practicing with our IGCSE Physics topic quizzes.
Learning Objectives by Unit (Visual)
Bar length shows total objectives. Color split shows Core vs Extended.
Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
Now let's look at each unit in detail. For the two largest units (Motion/Forces and Electricity), we'll show the full section breakdown. For the smaller units, we'll highlight the key topics you need to cover.
Unit 1: Motion, Forces and Energy
74 objectives (45 Core + 29 Extended)
| Section | Topic | Core | Ext |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Motion | 8 | 5 |
| 1.5.1 | Effects of forces | 8 | 4 |
| 1.7.3 | Energy resources | 3 | 4 |
| 1.1 | Measurements & quantities | 3 | 4 |
| 1.5.2 | Turning effect (moments) | 4 | 2 |
| 1.7.1 | Energy | 3 | 3 |
| 1.3 | Mass and weight | 4 | 1 |
| 1.6 | Momentum | 0 | 4 |
Key learning objectives include:
- Sketch, plot and interpret distance-time and speed-time graphs
- Recall and use F = ma (Extended)
- Apply the principle of moments
- Know the principle of conservation of energy
Unit 4: Electricity and Magnetism
90 objectives (58 Core + 32 Extended) - Largest unit
| Section | Topic | Core | Ext |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3.2 | Series and parallel circuits | 7 | 5 |
| 4.1 | Magnetism | 9 | 2 |
| 4.2.1 | Electric charge | 6 | 4 |
| 4.5.6 | The transformer | 5 | 3 |
| 4.2.3 | EMF and potential difference | 5 | 2 |
| 4.2.2 | Electric current | 4 | 2 |
| 4.4 | Electrical safety | 5 | 0 |
| 4.5.1 | Electromagnetic induction | 3 | 2 |
Key learning objectives include:
- Recall and use V = IR
- Calculate combined resistance in series and parallel
- Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
- Explain the use of fuses and earthing
- Recall and use the transformer equation (Vp/Vs = Np/Ns)
Unit 2: Thermal Physics
45 objectives (24 Core + 21 Extended)
- Particle model of matter
- States and state changes
- Specific heat capacity (Extended)
- Conduction, convection, radiation
Unit 3: Waves
56 objectives (37 Core + 19 Extended)
- Wave properties (v = fλ)
- Reflection and refraction
- Lenses and ray diagrams
- EM spectrum uses and dangers
- Sound properties
Unit 5: Nuclear Physics
31 objectives (18 Core + 13 Extended)
- Atomic structure
- Alpha, beta, gamma radiation
- Half-life calculations
- Safety precautions
Unit 6: Space Physics
30 objectives (15 Core + 15 Extended)
- Earth, Moon, Solar System
- Star life cycles (Extended)
- Redshift and Big Bang
- 50% Extended-only content
Understanding Command Words
The syllabus uses specific command words that tell you exactly what's expected:
| Command Word | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| State / Know | Recall a fact directly | State that weight is a gravitational force |
| Define | Give the precise meaning | Define density as mass per unit volume |
| Describe | Give a detailed account | Describe an experiment to measure specific heat capacity |
| Explain | Give reasons for something | Explain why metals are good conductors |
| Calculate | Work out numerically | Calculate the resistance in a parallel circuit |
| Recall and use | Know the equation and apply it | Recall and use v = fλ |
| Sketch / Draw | Produce a diagram | Draw ray diagrams for converging lenses |
Study Tip
When revising, practice the exact skill the command word asks for. If it says "Describe an experiment," actually write out the full method. If it says "Calculate," do practice problems. Use IGCSE Physics past papers to see how these command words appear in real exams.
Key Equations You Must Understand
The syllabus contains around 20 equations you need to "recall and use." While the exam provides a data sheet with physical constants (like g = 10 N/kg), the equations themselves must be recalled from memory.
But here's the good news: if you understand what each equation means, you won't need to memorize them. Once you grasp why v = d/t makes sense (speed is how much distance you cover per unit time), you'll never forget it. Another benefit: understanding the equation means you'll never get the units wrong either - if speed is distance per time, the unit must be m/s.
Equations marked Ext are Extended-only - Core students don't need these. Use our IGCSE Physics flashcards to review key concepts and equations.
Motion & Forces
- v = d/t (speed)
- a = (v-u)/t (acceleration) Ext
- F = ma Ext
- W = mg (weight)
- p = mv (momentum) Ext
- moment = F × d
- W = F × d (work)
- P = W/t (power)
- ρ = m/V (density)
Energy
- KE = ½mv² Ext
- GPE = mgh Ext
- efficiency = useful out / total in
Thermal
- E = mcΔT Ext
- T(K) = θ(°C) + 273
Waves & Light
- v = fλ (wave equation)
- n = sin i / sin r Ext
- n = 1/sin c Ext
Electricity
- V = IR (Ohm's law)
- P = IV = I²R = V²/R
- E = Pt (energy)
- Q = It Ext
- Vp/Vs = Np/Ns (transformer)
Recommended Study Approach
Get the Official Syllabus
Download from Cambridge. Tick off objectives as you cover them.
Study Unit by Unit
Don't jump around. Complete each unit before moving on.
Know Your Tier
Core students can skip Extended-only content initially. Extended students must learn everything.
Practice the Command Words
If the syllabus says "describe an experiment," practice writing out the full method.
Understand Equations
Don't memorize - understand what each equation means and when to use it. Once you truly understand, you'll know them naturally.
Identify and Fix Weak Areas
Use practice questions to find topics you struggle with. Mastering a smaller weak area (like half-life or moments) is a sure way to pick up marks - once you understand it, those questions become easy points. Try our IGCSE Physics practice questions to identify your weak spots.
Key Takeaways
- 326 total objectives — 197 Core, 129 Extended-only
- Focus on the Big Three — Electricity (28%), Motion/Forces (23%), and Waves (17%) cover 68% of the syllabus
- Know your tier — Core caps at grade C; Extended required for A*-B
- ~20 equations to recall — data sheet has constants, but equations must be known
- Command words matter — "State" vs "Explain" require different responses
- Some topics are Extended-only — Momentum (1.6) entirely, Space Physics 50%
Frequently Asked Questions
Do exam questions follow the syllabus topic distribution?
Roughly, yes. Topics with more learning objectives tend to have more exam questions. Electricity & Magnetism (28% of objectives) and Motion, Forces & Energy (23%) typically make up about half the exam. By nature, exam question frequency will vary around this distribution each year, so you may see some fluctuations - one year might have more waves questions, another more electricity. The safest approach is to cover all topics, but prioritize the larger units.
Should I study topics in syllabus order (1, 2, 3...)?
Not necessarily. Many schools teach in a different order, and that's fine. What matters is that you cover everything before the exam. However, some topics build on others - for example, understanding forces (Unit 1) helps with electricity (Unit 4). Follow your teacher's sequence, but use the syllabus to check you haven't missed anything.
Can I switch between Core and Extended?
This depends on your school's policy and exam registration deadlines. Talk to your teacher early if you're considering a switch. Core students can move to Extended if they're performing well, but need time to learn the additional content. Extended students rarely switch to Core since it limits their maximum grade to C.
How do I know if I've covered everything?
Print the official syllabus and tick off each learning objective as you study it. This is the most reliable method. If you can confidently do what each objective asks (state, describe, calculate, etc.), you're prepared. Cambridge IGCSE Physics past papers will also reveal any gaps in your knowledge.
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Official Resources
This guide is based on the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus for examination from 2023-2025. Always refer to the official Cambridge syllabus for the most current information.