0625

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) - February-March 2022 Past Papers

Download 15 free IGCSE Physics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the February-March 2022 Cambridge examination session. Includes question papers for all variants with full solutions.

About IGCSE Physics (0625)

IGCSE Physics examines fundamental concepts including motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics. Candidates must demonstrate understanding of physical phenomena, apply mathematical equations, and analyze experimental data.

What this exam tests: Key skills tested include calculations, graph interpretation, practical methodology, and explaining scientific concepts.

Papers available in variants 11, 12, 13 for different time zones. All variants cover the same Physics syllabus with equal difficulty.

Grade Thresholds

Study Resources for Physics

Prepare for your exam with these complementary resources:

Revision Notes
58 topics
Flashcards
650 cards
Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge

0625 February-March 2022 Papers

0625 Paper 1 - Multiple Choice (Core)

45 min • 40 marks

Tests broad syllabus knowledge with 40 questions. Each question has four options (A-D). Core tier paper.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2

0625 Paper 2 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

45 min • 40 marks

Extended tier multiple choice with more challenging questions covering the full syllabus. 40 questions, 45 minutes.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2

0625 Paper 3 - Theory (Core)

1 hr 15 min • 80 marks

Structured and free-response questions testing understanding and application. Core tier, grades available C-G.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 3 (10 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 3 from February-March 2022 tests 10 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Forces (Motion, forces and energy) worth 16 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Energy, work and power (13 marks) and Physical quantities and measurement techniques (8 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Forces 16/80
Energy, work and power 13/80
Physical quantities and measurement techniques 8/80
Density 8/80
General properties of waves 6/80
Electromagnetic spectrum 6/80
Electrical quantities 6/80
Electromagnetic effects 6/80
Radioactivity 6/80
Kinetic particle model of matter 5/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Physics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Forces to maximize your score.

0625 Paper 4 - Theory (Extended)

1 hr 15 min • 80 marks

Extended tier theory paper with more demanding questions. Full grade range A*-G available with this paper.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 4 (7 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 4 from February-March 2022 tests 7 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics) worth 18 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Physical quantities and measurement techniques (15 marks) and Electric circuits (13 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Kinetic particle model of matter 18/80
Physical quantities and measurement techniques 15/80
Electric circuits 13/80
General properties of waves 9/80
Simple phenomena of magnetism 9/80
Electromagnetic effects 8/80
The nuclear model of the atom 8/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Physics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Kinetic particle model of matter to maximize your score.

0625 Paper 5 - Practical Test

1 hr 15 min • 40 marks

Tests practical skills including planning experiments, recording data, and drawing conclusions from results.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 5 (3 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 5 from February-March 2022 tests 3 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Forces (Motion, forces and energy) worth 11 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Thermal properties and temperature (11 marks) and Light (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Forces 11/40
Thermal properties and temperature 11/40
Light 11/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Physics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Forces to maximize your score.

0625 Paper 6 - Alternative to Practical

1 hr • 40 marks

Written paper testing practical skills through questions about experimental methods, data, and analysis.

Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v2
MS:
v2
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 6 (3 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 6 from February-March 2022 tests 3 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy) worth 11 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Thermal properties and temperature (11 marks) and Light (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Physical quantities and measurement techniques 11/40
Thermal properties and temperature 11/40
Light 11/40

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Physics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Physical quantities and measurement techniques to maximize your score.

Other Resources

Additional materials to help you prepare and understand how exams are marked.

Examiner Report

Insights from examiners on how students performed. Learn common mistakes to avoid and what examiners look for in top answers.

View

Confidential Instructions

Instructions for teachers on practical exams. Useful for understanding experiment setups and expected procedures.

P5

0625 February-March 2022 - Topics Breakdown by Paper

Each Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) paper tests specific syllabus topics. Below is a breakdown of topics for each paper in February-March 2022, showing how marks are distributed. Use this to focus your revision on topics relevant to your papers.

0625 Paper 3 (Theory (Core))

80 marks total
Forces (Motion, forces and energy)
16m
Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy)
13m
Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 14 cards
8m
Density (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 8 cards
8m
General properties of waves (Waves)
Notes 18 cards
6m
Electromagnetic spectrum (Waves)
Notes 20 cards
6m

+ 4 more topics

0625 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended))

80 marks total
Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics)
18m
Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 14 cards
15m
Electric circuits (Electricity and magnetism)
13m
General properties of waves (Waves)
Notes 18 cards
9m
Simple phenomena of magnetism (Electricity and magnetism)
Notes 22 cards
9m
Electromagnetic effects (Electricity and magnetism)
8m

+ 1 more topics

0625 Paper 5 (Practical Test)

40 marks total
Forces (Motion, forces and energy)
11m
Thermal properties and temperature (Thermal physics)
11m
Light (Waves)
11m

0625 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

40 marks total
Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 14 cards
11m
Thermal properties and temperature (Thermal physics)
11m
Light (Waves)
11m

Study tip: If you're taking the Extended tier, focus on Papers 2, 4, and 6. For Core tier, prepare for Papers 1, 3, and 5/6. Review the topics above for your specific papers and practice past questions from those syllabus areas.

Examiner Insights - February-March 2022

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Pay attention to units and significant figures in calculations.
  • • Provide specific and detailed explanations rather than vague or general statements.
  • • Practice applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations and problem-solving scenarios.
  • • Gain hands-on experience with practical work to develop a deeper understanding of experimental techniques.
  • • When answering questions, read the question carefully and answer exactly what is being asked. Link theoretical knowledge to real-world application.
Paper 12 - Multiple Choice (Core)

There was a wide range of performance this year. Some candidates demonstrated a strong grasp of the material, while others struggled to apply fundamental principles. Certain questions proved significantly more challenging for many candidates.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Review fundamental physics principles thoroughly, focusing on common misconceptions.
  • ✓ Practice applying knowledge to various scenarios by solving a wide range of problems, including those from past papers.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Pendulum Period)
✗ Candidates averaged the times for 20 oscillations but forgot to divide by 20 to find the average period of one oscillation.
→ Always divide the total time by the number of oscillations to get the period of a single oscillation.
Q3 (Free Fall)
✗ Many candidates incorrectly believed that the acceleration of a ball falling freely in air increases as the ball falls.
→ Remember that the acceleration due to gravity is constant (ignoring air resistance). The only force acting on the falling body is weight.
Q9 (Energy Transfer)
✗ Many candidates thought the energy transfer was from kinetic to gravitational (potential) when a toy slowed down on a horizontal surface.
→ Consider the change in height. If height is constant, gravitational potential energy remains constant. The kinetic energy is converted into heat due to friction with the surface.
Q20 (Thermal Radiation)
✗ More candidates chose a shinier surface as the best radiator of thermal energy instead of a darker coloured surface.
→ Remember that darker, matte surfaces are better absorbers and emitters of thermal radiation.
Paper 22 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

Many candidates displayed a strong understanding of scientific concepts, leading to numerous high scores. However, a few questions posed significant challenges for a considerable portion of the candidates.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Pay close attention to definitions and units of key physics concepts.
  • ✓ Practice applying concepts to different contexts, focusing on questions that require a deeper understanding.

Common Mistakes:

Q2 (Free Fall)
✗ A significant number of candidates incorrectly thought that the acceleration of a ball falling freely in air increased as the ball fell.
→ Remember that the acceleration due to gravity is constant (ignoring air resistance). The only force acting on the falling body is weight.
Q12 (Conservation Laws)
✗ Many candidates incorrectly believed that neither the total kinetic energy nor the total momentum were conserved when a cannonball is fired from a cannon.
→ Understand the conditions under which kinetic energy and momentum are conserved. Momentum is always conserved, but kinetic energy might be converted to other forms of energy.
Q18 (Thermal Properties)
✗ Many candidates did not understand the difference between the specific heat capacity of a material and the thermal capacity of an object.
→ Learn the definitions and formulas for specific heat capacity (energy needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of a substance by 1°C) and thermal capacity (energy needed to raise the temperature of an object by 1°C).
Q22 (Wave Diffraction)
✗ Many candidates did not understand that reducing the depth of the water would decrease the diffraction of a wave as it passes through a gap. Some thought increasing the amplitude increased diffraction.
→ Recall that diffraction is greatest when the wavelength is comparable to the gap size. Reducing water depth can change wavelength, amplitude has no direct effect.
Paper 32 - Theory (Core)

Many candidates were well-prepared for this paper, and equations were generally well known by stronger candidates. However, some candidates struggled to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar situations and lacked sufficient detail in their answers.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice setting out calculations clearly, showing all working steps to allow for partial credit.
  • ✓ Focus on providing clear and precise descriptions, avoiding vague or incomplete answers. Ensure that the description fully answers the question.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Weight Calculation)
✗ Failing to convert mass in grams to kilograms when calculating weight, resulting in a large error.
→ Always ensure that all quantities are in standard SI units (kg, m, s) before performing calculations. Weight is mg, with m in kilograms.
Q2 (Motion Graphs)
✗ Stating that the motion in the DE section of a speed-time graph was constant, or the athlete was moving at a constant speed, instead of stating that the athlete was stationary.
→ Read speed-time graphs carefully. A horizontal line on a speed-time graph means constant speed, but if the speed is zero, the object is stationary.
Q4 (Hydroelectric power)
✗ Giving vague and imprecise responses that lack sufficient detail, such as stating that hydroelectricity is 'eco-friendly' without explaining why or how.
→ Provide specific and detailed explanations, avoiding general or vague statements. Explain the link between the technology and the advantages it offers.
Q6 (Gas Pressure)
✗ Only giving one valid point in the description of gas pressure.
→ Provide at least two distinct points if two marks are available for the question.
Paper 42 - Theory (Extended)

Many candidates demonstrated a strong understanding across the syllabus, recalling and using equations correctly. However, difficulties arose when applying knowledge in specific contexts or providing detailed explanations.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice applying physics principles to specific scenarios, ensuring that explanations directly address the context of the question.
  • ✓ Pay attention to the number of marks allocated to each question to guide the length and detail of the answer.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Motion graphs)
✗ Misreading the scale on a graph when calculating speed.
→ Always carefully read the scales on graphs to ensure accurate interpretation and calculations.
Q2 (Hooke's Law)
✗ Using incorrect terms (length and mass instead of extension and force) when stating Hooke's law.
→ Use the correct scientific terminology. Hooke's Law states that the extension is proportional to the force.
Q3 (Evaporation)
✗ References to breaking bonds or overcoming forces of attraction are insufficient to explain the decrease in volume of the puddle.
→ Describe the process in terms of more energetic molecules leaving from the surface of the water.
Q4 (Thermal properties)
✗ Stating that sand molecules gained KE, rather than energy being transferred by conduction. When thinking about thermal energy being stored in molecules, candidates should take care to be specific about the type of energy store, and not just say that energy is gained by molecules.
→ Be specific about the type of energy when describing thermal energy. The correct term is 'internal energy'.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0625 February-March 2022. View full report →

About Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) is one of the most popular qualifications taken by students worldwide. The February-March 2022 examination session included 6 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0625 past papers from February-March 2022, including question papers (QP), mark schemes (MS), and examiner reports (ER). Use these resources to practice under timed conditions and understand how examiners award marks.

View all 0625 past papers → | All 2022 sessions →

Get Physics Study Tips

Join students preparing for 0625. Get weekly study tips, new past papers alerts, and exam reminders.

0625 Study Tips & FAQ

What are paper variants?

Cambridge releases multiple variants of each paper (e.g., Paper 11, 12, 13) to accommodate different time zones around the world and maintain exam security.

  • Variant 1 (e.g., 11, 21): Usually for Zone 1 (Americas)
  • Variant 2 (e.g., 12, 22): Usually for Zone 2 (Europe, Africa)
  • Variant 3 (e.g., 13, 23): Usually for Zone 3 (Asia, Oceania)

All variants cover the same syllabus and have similar difficulty. Practice with any variant to prepare effectively for your exam.

How to use Mark Schemes effectively

Mark schemes show exactly how examiners award marks for each question. Understanding them helps you write answers that earn full marks.

Example from a Physics mark scheme:

Q: Calculate the speed of a car that travels 150m in 5 seconds. [2]

Mark scheme answer:

• speed = distance / time [1 mark for formula]

• speed = 150 / 5 = 30 m/s [1 mark for correct answer with unit]

Tips:

  • Look for key words that must appear in your answer
  • Note how many points are needed for each mark
  • Check if units are required for the final mark
  • Understand the difference between "state" (brief) and "explain" (detailed)
Understanding Grade Thresholds

Grade thresholds show the minimum marks needed for each grade. They vary each session based on paper difficulty — harder papers have lower thresholds.

Example Grade Thresholds (out of 100 total):

A*
90+
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69

* Actual thresholds vary by subject and session

How to use thresholds:

  • Set realistic target marks based on your goal grade
  • Track your practice paper scores against thresholds
  • Remember: you don't need 100% for an A* — aim for consistency
  • Compare thresholds across sessions to gauge difficulty trends
How is the topic breakdown calculated?

The "Topics Breakdown by Paper" section above shows which syllabus topics are tested in each paper and how many marks they carry. Here's how we calculate this:

Our methodology:

  1. Extract questions: We analyze each question paper (QP) and identify individual questions and their mark allocations (shown in square brackets, e.g., [3]).
  2. Match to syllabus: Each question is matched to the official Cambridge 0625 syllabus topics based on keywords, concepts, and question content.
  3. Sum marks per topic: For each paper, we add up the marks for all questions testing the same topic. For example, if Q1 (4 marks) and Q5b (3 marks) both test "Enzymes", that topic shows as "7 marks" for that paper.

Example: If Paper 3 shows "Photosynthesis - 13 marks", it means questions worth a total of 13 marks (out of the paper's 80 marks) tested the Photosynthesis topic from the Plant Nutrition unit of the syllabus.

How to use this: Look at the paper(s) you'll be taking (e.g., Papers 2, 4, 6 for Extended tier). The topics with the highest marks in YOUR papers are where you should focus your revision. A topic worth 15 marks deserves more study time than one worth 3 marks.

Note: Our topic matching may be inaccurate for questions that span multiple topics. Use this as a guide alongside the official syllabus.

How to Use IGCSE Physics Past Papers

📝 Timed Practice

Complete papers under exam conditions. 0625 Paper 4 is 1 hr 15 min - practice finishing within this time to build exam stamina.

✅ Self-Marking

Use the mark scheme to score your answers. Look for marking points you missed and understand what examiners expect in Physics responses.

📊 Examiner Reports

Read the 0625 examiner report to see common mistakes. Focus revision on topics where candidates typically lose marks.

🎯 Grade Targets

Check grade thresholds to see how many marks you need for your target grade. An A* in IGCSE Physics typically requires 85-90%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download IGCSE Physics February-March 2022 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Physics (0625) February-March 2022 past papers directly from this page. We provide 15 files including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports for all variants (11, 12, 13). Click "View" to open in browser or "Download" to save the PDF.
Are 0625 mark schemes included?
Yes, mark schemes for all 0625 February-March 2022 papers are included. Each question paper has a corresponding mark scheme showing expected answers and mark allocation.
What papers are available for IGCSE Physics 0625?
IGCSE Physics (0625) has 6 papers: Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (Core)), Paper 2 (Multiple Choice (Extended)), Paper 3 (Theory (Core)), Paper 4 (Theory (Extended)), Paper 5 (Practical Test), Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Core tier students take Papers 1, 3, 5/6. Extended tier students take Papers 2, 4, 5/6.
What is the difference between paper variants 11, 12, and 13?
The three variants (11, 12, 13) are different versions of the same paper used in different time zones to prevent cheating. All variants test the same syllabus content at the same difficulty level. You can practice with any variant as they are equally valid for revision.
How can I practice these past papers effectively?
Use our free Exam Hub to practice past papers like real exams. It lets you view question papers and mark schemes side-by-side, so you can self-mark your answers. No sign-up required, works with any PDF, and your files stay completely private.

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