0625

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) - May-June 2022 Past Papers

Download 41 free IGCSE Physics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the May-June 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 May-June 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.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3

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.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3

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.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 3 (10 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 3 from May-June 2022 tests 10 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy) worth 13 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Kinetic particle model of matter (10 marks) and Motion (9 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Energy, work and power 13/80
Kinetic particle model of matter 10/80
Motion 9/80
Electrical quantities 9/80
Physical quantities and measurement techniques 8/80
Pressure 7/80
General properties of waves 7/80
Electrical safety 7/80
Simple phenomena of magnetism 6/80
Radioactivity 4/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Physics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Energy, work and power 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.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 4 (8 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 4 from May-June 2022 tests 8 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics) worth 16 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Thermal properties and temperature (11 marks) and Motion (9 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Kinetic particle model of matter 16/80
Thermal properties and temperature 11/80
Motion 9/80
Light 9/80
Pressure 8/80
Simple phenomena of magnetism 8/80
The nuclear model of the atom 8/80
Energy, work and power 6/80

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.

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 5 (3 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 5 from May-June 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 Kinetic particle model of matter (11 marks) and Electrical quantities (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Physical quantities and measurement techniques 11/40
Kinetic particle model of matter 11/40
Electrical quantities 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.

0625 Paper 6 - Alternative to Practical

1 hr • 40 marks

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

Select variant:
Question Paper
Mark Scheme
QP + MS QP + ER

All variants (different time zones):

QP:
v1
v2
v3
MS:
v1
v2
v3
View syllabus topics tested in Paper 6 (3 topics, 40 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 6 from May-June 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 Kinetic particle model of matter (11 marks) and Electrical quantities (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Physical quantities and measurement techniques 11/40
Kinetic particle model of matter 11/40
Electrical quantities 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.

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P5
P5

0625 May-June 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 May-June 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
Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy)
13m
Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics)
10m
Motion (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 26 cards
9m
Electrical quantities (Electricity and magnetism)
9m
Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 14 cards
8m
Pressure (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 8 cards
7m

+ 4 more topics

0625 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended))

80 marks total
Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics)
16m
Thermal properties and temperature (Thermal physics)
11m
Motion (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 26 cards
9m
Light (Waves)
9m
Pressure (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 8 cards
8m
Simple phenomena of magnetism (Electricity and magnetism)
Notes 22 cards
8m

+ 2 more topics

0625 Paper 5 (Practical Test)

40 marks total
Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 14 cards
11m
Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics)
11m
Electrical quantities (Electricity and magnetism)
11m

0625 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

40 marks total
Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 14 cards
11m
Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics)
11m
Electrical quantities (Electricity and magnetism)
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 - May-June 2022

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Show all working steps in calculations to maximize potential partial credit.
  • • Read questions carefully and answer exactly what is being asked, paying attention to command words (e.g., 'explain,' 'describe').
  • • Review basic definitions and formulas regularly to avoid knowledge gaps.
  • • Pay attention to units and ensure all conversions are done correctly.
  • • Practice applying physics concepts to novel scenarios to develop deeper understanding.
Paper 11 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Many candidates showed significant gaps in their basic knowledge of the syllabus, and few demonstrated the depth of understanding required for high scores. Questions related to volume, density, pressure, radiation, frequency, electrostatics, magnetism, and radioactivity proved challenging. However, kinematics, work done, and constant speed were generally well-understood.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice applying formulas to varied scenarios to deepen understanding.
  • ✓ Review basic definitions and concepts regularly to avoid knowledge gaps.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Volume)
✗ Not recognizing that the cross section of a measuring cylinder is irrelevant when determining the volume of an object.
→ Focus on the initial and final volume readings on the graduated scale to determine the displacement caused by the immersed object.
Q5 (Density)
✗ Using the total volume of liquid instead of only the increase in volume when calculating the density of an added substance.
→ Remember that density is mass divided by volume. When calculating the density of an added substance, use the INCREASE in both mass and volume.
Q11 (Pressure)
✗ Using mass per unit area instead of weight per unit area when calculating pressure due to a liquid.
→ Remember that pressure = weight/area, and weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity. Use weight, not mass, in pressure calculations.
Q19 (Thermal Radiation)
✗ Thinking black is a better conductor than silver, rather than recognizing it as a better radiator.
→ Understand that black surfaces are better at radiating thermal energy than shiny silver surfaces. Conduction and radiation are different heat transfer mechanisms.
Paper 12 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Many candidates demonstrated gaps in their fundamental physics knowledge, struggling to achieve high scores. Volume, density, frequency, optics, electromagnetism, and radioactivity concepts were particularly challenging. Energy changes, the structure of gases, and transformer principles were answered well.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Use ray diagrams to understand image formation in lenses and mirrors.
  • ✓ Revise the electromagnetic spectrum and applications of different types of waves.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Volume)
✗ Not recognizing that the cross section of a measuring cylinder is irrelevant when determining the volume of an object.
→ Focus on the initial and final volume readings on the graduated scale to determine the displacement caused by the immersed object.
Q5 (Density)
✗ Using the total volume of liquid instead of only the increase in volume when calculating the density of an added substance.
→ Remember that density is mass divided by volume. When calculating the density of an added substance, use the INCREASE in both mass and volume.
Q14 (Brownian Motion)
✗ Thinking water particles are more massive than pollen particles in Brownian motion.
→ Understand that smaller, lighter water molecules are bombarding the larger pollen particles causing their random motion.
Q21 (Frequency)
✗ Dividing the time taken by the number of oscillations to calculate frequency.
→ Frequency is the number of oscillations per unit time (oscillations/time). Make sure to invert the calculation.
Paper 13 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Many candidates demonstrated gaps in their basic physics knowledge, leading to relatively few achieving high scores. Challenging topics included interpreting measuring cylinder scales, acceleration, thermal energy transfer, wave characteristics, magnetism, circuits, and radioactivity. Properties of matter, expansion/contraction, pressure, energy stores, and magnetic poles were understood well.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Review the different modes of thermal energy transfer (conduction, convection, radiation).
  • ✓ Practice reading graphs and correctly extracting information like amplitude and wavelength.

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Volume)
✗ Not recognizing that the cross section of a measuring cylinder is irrelevant when determining the volume of an object.
→ Focus on the initial and final volume readings on the graduated scale to determine the displacement caused by the immersed object.
Q2 (Acceleration)
✗ Not recognizing that constant rate of change of speed implies constant acceleration.
→ If the speed is increasing at a constant rate, the acceleration is constant. A straight line on a speed-time graph represents constant acceleration.
Q18 (Thermal Energy Transfer)
✗ Thinking food being cooked under a grill is an example of convection.
→ Convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Cooking under a grill primarily involves radiation because hot air rises and doesn't transfer heat downwards.
Q19 (Thermal Radiation)
✗ Limited familiarity with absorption and emission properties of different surfaces.
→ Dull, black surfaces are better absorbers and emitters of radiation than shiny, light surfaces.
Paper 21 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

Most candidates demonstrated basic knowledge, but many lacked a good understanding across the whole syllabus. Questions involving momentum, pressure, factors affecting evaporation, and particle behavior proved challenging. Pressure increases with depth and understanding of electrostatics were answered well.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Relate the concepts of momentum and impulse to real-world situations.
  • ✓ Practice unit conversions carefully to avoid errors in calculations.

Common Mistakes:

Q9 (Momentum)
✗ Not realizing that a resultant force on an object will cause its speed, and therefore its momentum, to change.
→ A resultant force causes acceleration, which changes velocity. Changing velocity means changing momentum.
Q14 (Gases and pressure)
✗ Thinking molecules get closer together as a gas cools in a fixed volume container.
→ In a container with a fixed volume, the molecules' average separation remains the same, but the pressure will decrease with decreasing temperature as the molecules move slower.
Q22 (Waves)
✗ Dividing the frequency by the speed of sound without converting units.
→ Ensure frequency is in Hz (vibrations per second) before dividing by the speed of the wave to find the wavelength.
Q30 (Electromagnetism)
✗ Being unable to give an alternative unit for the volt.
→ Remember the relationships between energy, charge, and potential difference. A volt is equivalent to a Joule per Coulomb (J/C).

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0625 May-June 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 May-June 2022 examination session included 6 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0625 past papers from May-June 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 May-June 2022 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Physics (0625) May-June 2022 past papers directly from this page. We provide 41 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 May-June 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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