Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Complete study resources for Physics (0625). Follow the 4-step method: learn with notes, recall with flashcards, practice with quizzes, and test with past papers.

0625 at a Glance

Syllabus
8 units, 58 topics
Papers
1/2 (MCQ), 3/4 (Theory), 5/6 (Practical)
Tiers
Core (C-G) / Extended (A*-G)
Calculator
Allowed (Papers 3-6)
Exam Sessions
Feb/Mar, May/Jun, Oct/Nov
Our Notes
58 topics
Flashcards
650+ cards
Quiz Questions
200+ Qs

How to Study Physics

Follow our 4-step method to master IGCSE Physics. Each step builds on the previous one to help you understand, remember, and apply what you learn.

1

Learn — Revision Notes

Start by understanding the key concepts. Our revision notes cover every syllabus point with clear explanations, key definitions, exam tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Physics: Cover all 8 units: Motion, Forces, Energy, Thermal Physics, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism, and Nuclear Physics. Includes 58 topics with equations, diagrams, and worked examples.

Read Physics Notes
2

Recall — Flashcards

Test your understanding with spaced repetition flashcards. Our SM-2 algorithm shows you cards at optimal intervals, so you remember what you learn for the long term — not just for the exam.

Physics: Master 650+ flashcards covering key equations like v=s/t, F=ma, and E=mc². Practice unit conversions, circuit calculations, and wave properties.

Study Physics Flashcards
3

Practice — Quiz Questions

Apply what you've learned with MCQ practice. Get instant feedback and AI-powered explanations that help you understand why each answer is correct or incorrect.

Physics: Test yourself on calculations, graph interpretation, and applying physics principles to real-world scenarios.

Practice 285 Questions
4

Test — Past Papers

Simulate real exam conditions with past papers. Practice under timed conditions, check your answers against mark schemes, and learn from examiner reports to understand what earns full marks.

Physics: Papers 1/2 (Multiple Choice), Papers 3/4 (Theory), and Papers 5/6 (Practical). Focus on showing working for calculation questions.

IGCSE Physics Formula Sheet

All 40 equations from the official syllabus — printable PDF with memory tips

Get Formula Sheet

0625 Exam Structure & Assessment

Cambridge IGCSE Physics is assessed through a tiered examination system with Core and Extended curricula.

Assessment Tiers

Core Curriculum
Grades: C to G
Papers 1, 3, and either 5 or 6
Extended Curriculum
Grades: A* to G
Papers 2, 4, and either 5 or 6
💡

Tip: Most students aiming for grades A*-C should take the Extended tier (Papers 2, 4, and 5/6).

0625 Paper Components

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) consists of 6 papers: 0625 Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (Core)), 0625 Paper 2 (Multiple Choice (Extended)), 0625 Paper 3 (Theory (Core)), 0625 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended)), 0625 Paper 5 (Practical Test), 0625 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Each paper assesses different skills and has specific time limits and mark allocations.

Paper 1
1
Multiple Choice (Core)
45 min
40 marks
Paper 2
2
Multiple Choice (Extended)
45 min
40 marks
Paper 3
3
Theory (Core)
1 hr 15 min
80 marks
Paper 4
4
Theory (Extended)
1 hr 15 min
80 marks
Paper 5
5
Practical Test
1 hr 15 min
40 marks
Paper 6
6
Alternative to Practical
1 hr
40 marks

Study by Topic

6 units, 58 topics
1

Motion, Forces and Energy

13 topics

1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques
1.3 Mass and weight
1.4 Density
1.5.1 Effects of forces
1.5.2 Turning effect of forces
1.5.3 Centre of gravity
1.6 Momentum
1.7.1 Energy
1.7.3 Energy resources
1.7.4 Power
1.8 Pressure
2

Thermal Physics

10 topics

2.1.1 States of matter
2.1.2 Particle model
2.1.3 Gases and the absolute scale of temperature
2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
2.2.2 Specific heat capacity
2.2.3 Melting, boiling and evaporation
2.3.1 Conduction
2.3.2 Convection
2.3.3 Radiation
2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer
3

Waves

7 topics

3.1 General properties of waves
3.2.1 Reflection of light
3.2.2 Refraction of light
3.2.3 Thin lenses
3.2.4 Dispersion of light
3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum
4

Electricity and Magnetism

16 topics

4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism
4.2.1 Electric charge
4.2.2 Electric current
4.2.3 Electromotive force and potential difference
4.2.4 Resistance
4.2.5 Electrical energy and electrical power
4.3.1 Circuit diagrams and circuit components
4.3.2 Series and parallel circuits
4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components
4.4 Electrical safety
4.5.1 Electromagnetic induction
4.5.2 The a.c. generator
4.5.3 Magnetic effect of a current
4.5.4 Force on a current-carrying conductor
4.5.5 The d.c. motor
4.5.6 The transformer
5

Nuclear Physics

7 topics

5.1.1 The atom
5.1.2 The nucleus
5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity
5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission
5.2.3 Radioactive decay
5.2.4 Half-life
5.2.5 Safety precautions
6

Space Physics

5 topics

6.1.1 The Earth
6.1.2 The Solar System
6.2.1 The Sun as a star
6.2.2 Stars
6.2.3 The Universe

0625 Past Papers by Year

View all papers →

0625 Most Tested Topics

Based on analysis of 0625 past papers from 2022-2024, these topics appear most frequently and carry the most marks. Focus your revision on these high-value areas.

3.2
Light
Waves
1
735 marks 79 Q's
2.1
Kinetic particle model of matter
Thermal physics
2
729 marks 80 Q's
4.3
Electric circuits
Electricity and magnetism
3
609 marks 69 Q's
1.7
Energy, work and power
Motion, forces and energy
571 marks 75 Q's
1.1
Physical quantities and measurement techniques
Motion, forces and energy
465 marks 52 Q's
4.2
Electrical quantities
Electricity and magnetism
428 marks 49 Q's
1.2
Motion
Motion, forces and energy
362 marks 45 Q's
1.5
Forces
Motion, forces and energy
338 marks 41 Q's
3.1
General properties of waves
Waves
249 marks 31 Q's
6.1
Earth and the Solar System
Space physics
249 marks 32 Q's
1.3
Mass and weight
Motion, forces and energy
232 marks 25 Q's
5.1
The nuclear model of the atom
Nuclear physics
201 marks 28 Q's

Related Sciences Subjects

View all IGCSE subjects →

Physics Study Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What study resources are available for IGCSE Physics?

For IGCSE Physics (0625), we offer:

  • Revision Notes — Comprehensive notes covering all syllabus topics with key definitions, exam tips, and common mistakes.
  • Flashcards — Spaced repetition cards to help you memorize key facts and concepts.
  • Practice Quizzes — 285 MCQ questions with AI-powered explanations.
  • Past Papers — 581+ papers from 2020-2025 including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports.
Where do the past papers come from?

All past papers are sourced from Cambridge Assessment International Education, the official examining body for IGCSE qualifications. These materials are provided here for educational purposes only to help students prepare for their exams. Cambridge International holds the copyright to all examination materials. For official resources, please visit the Cambridge International website.

What is the difference between Core and Extended in Physics?

IGCSE Physics offers two tiers of assessment:

  • Core — Grades C to G. You take Papers 1, 3, and either 5 or 6.
  • Extended — Grades A* to G. You take Papers 2, 4, and either 5 or 6.

Most students aiming for grades A*-C should take the Extended tier (Papers 2, 4, and 5/6).

Which past papers should I practice first?

We recommend this approach:

  1. Start with papers from 2-3 years ago to learn the format without using the most recent papers.
  2. Save the most recent papers (2025) for timed practice closer to your exam.
  3. Always review the mark scheme after completing a paper to understand how marks are awarded.
  4. Read the examiner report to learn common mistakes other students made.
Is LumiExams affiliated with Cambridge?

No, LumiExams is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Cambridge Assessment International Education or any other examination board. We are a free resource created by students and educators to help learners prepare for their exams. All past papers remain the intellectual property of Cambridge International and are provided here solely for educational purposes.