0625

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) - March 2024 Past Papers

Download 15 free IGCSE Physics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the March 2024 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 March 2024 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 (11 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 3 from March 2024 tests 11 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Electric circuits (Electricity and magnetism) worth 12 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Density (8 marks) and Light (8 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Electric circuits 12/80
Density 8/80
Light 8/80
Energy, work and power 7/80
Kinetic particle model of matter 7/80
The nuclear model of the atom 7/80
Earth and the Solar System 7/80
Physical quantities and measurement techniques 6/80
Forces 6/80
General properties of waves 6/80
Simple phenomena of magnetism 6/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Physics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Electric circuits 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 (11 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 4 from March 2024 tests 11 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics) worth 9 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include The nuclear model of the atom (9 marks) and Motion (8 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Kinetic particle model of matter 9/80
The nuclear model of the atom 9/80
Motion 8/80
Energy, work and power 8/80
Electromagnetic spectrum 8/80
Simple phenomena of magnetism 8/80
Earth and the Solar System 8/80
Forces 6/80
Light 6/80
Electric circuits 5/80
Stars and the Universe 5/80

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 March 2024 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 Electric circuits (11 marks) and Light (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Forces 11/40
Electric circuits 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 March 2024 tests 3 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Mass and weight (Motion, forces and energy) worth 11 marks out of 40 total marks. Other significant topics include Electric circuits (11 marks) and Light (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Mass and weight 11/40
Electric circuits 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 Mass and weight 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 March 2024 - Topics Breakdown by Paper

Each Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) paper tests specific syllabus topics. Below is a breakdown of topics for each paper in March 2024, 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
Electric circuits (Electricity and magnetism)
12m
Density (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 8 cards
8m
Light (Waves)
8m
Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy)
7m
Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics)
7m
The nuclear model of the atom (Nuclear physics)
7m

+ 5 more topics

0625 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended))

80 marks total
Kinetic particle model of matter (Thermal physics)
9m
The nuclear model of the atom (Nuclear physics)
9m
Motion (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 26 cards
8m
Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy)
8m
Electromagnetic spectrum (Waves)
Notes 20 cards
8m
Simple phenomena of magnetism (Electricity and magnetism)
Notes 22 cards
8m

+ 5 more topics

0625 Paper 5 (Practical Test)

40 marks total
Forces (Motion, forces and energy)
11m
Electric circuits (Electricity and magnetism)
11m
Light (Waves)
11m

0625 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

40 marks total
Mass and weight (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 10 cards
11m
Electric circuits (Electricity and magnetism)
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 - March 2024

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Read each question carefully to understand what it is asking, and highlight keywords.
  • • Pay attention to units and significant figures in numerical answers.
  • • Practice applying formulas, transposing equations, and showing your work.
  • • Review definitions of key terms from the syllabus.
  • • Practice experimental design and evaluation, including control of variables and identification of potential errors.
Paper 12 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Many candidates performed well. However, candidates need to ensure they read questions carefully to give appropriate responses.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Carefully read the questions to avoid misinterpretations.
  • ✓ Pay close attention to keywords like 'not' or 'except'.
  • ✓ Review definitions of key terms from the syllabus regularly.

Common Mistakes:

Q10 (Temperature Scales)
✗ Choosing the boiling point of water in Celsius (100 degrees) without considering the Kelvin scale conversion.
→ Remember that the boiling point of water is 373 K (100 + 273) in Kelvin.
Q14 (Reading Comprehension)
✗ Failing to notice the emboldened 'not' in the question, leading to the selection of an incorrect answer.
→ Carefully read and highlight key words such as 'not' in questions before selecting an answer.
Q17 (Wave Propagation)
✗ Not understanding the meaning of the word 'propagating' and its relationship to waves.
→ Learn the definitions of syllabus words like 'propagating' which means how the wave moves.
Q18 (Total Internal Reflection)
✗ Thinking total internal reflection occurs when light travels from air to glass instead of glass to air.
→ Remember that total internal reflection occurs when light travels from a more dense medium to a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle. The keyword is INTERNAL.
Paper 22 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

Many questions were very well answered, indicating strong understanding of physical principles.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice applying the principle of moments in various scenarios.
  • ✓ Understand the properties of matter in different states (solid, liquid, gas) at a particle level.
  • ✓ Practice using the left-hand motor rule.

Common Mistakes:

Q6 (Moments)
✗ Misunderstanding the principle of moments as simply summing moments on each side of the pivot without considering perpendicular distances.
→ Ensure you are using the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the pivot point when calculating moments.
Q14 (States of Matter)
✗ Describing the particle behavior in a liquid as if it were a gas (particles far apart).
→ Remember that in a liquid, particles are close together, similar to a solid, but can move around.
Q17 (Plane Mirrors)
✗ Believing that the image in a plane mirror is real.
→ Remember the image in a plane mirror is always virtual.
Q18 (Human Hearing Range)
✗ Not knowing the lower limit of human hearing (20 Hz).
→ Memorize the human hearing range (20 Hz - 20 kHz).
Paper 32 - Core Theory

Most candidates were able to apply their knowledge and physics understanding to the questions set to produce correct responses. Some candidates were unclear about what does or does not count as a significant figure.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ When asked to describe the motion of an object, always refer to speed or acceleration.
  • ✓ Practice identifying energy stores and energy transfers.
  • ✓ Practice working with significant figures.

Common Mistakes:

Q1(a) (Motion)
✗ Stating that motion is 'increasing' or 'constant' without specifying whether it's speed or acceleration.
→ When describing motion, clearly state whether you are referring to speed or acceleration.
QGeneral (Significant Figures)
✗ Rounding to 1 significant figure unnecessarily.
→ Avoid rounding to 1 significant figure, and practice exercises involving significant figures.
Q4(a) (Energy Stores)
✗ Thinking that electricity or electrical energy is an energy store (it is a transfer).
→ An energy store for a battery is chemical energy. Practise identifying energy stores in common situations.
Q5(b) (Gas Pressure)
✗ Simply stating that pressure increases without explaining *why* it increases in terms of particle motion and collisions.
→ Explain pressure changes in terms of particle behavior: e.g., 'Pressure increases because particles gain kinetic energy and collide more frequently with the walls.'
Paper 42 - Theory (Extended)

Many candidates had prepared well for this examination demonstrating a good understanding across a range of topics within the physics syllabus. Some parts of the space physics topic were not attempted by the weakest candidates, especially in Question 11.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice expressing answers in standard form with the correct number of significant figures.
  • ✓ Practice applying the formula for kinetic energy.
  • ✓ Review and understand the relationship between weight, mass and gravitational field strength.

Common Mistakes:

QGeneral (Significant Figures)
✗ Expressing answers in standard form to only one significant figure (e.g., 4 × 10^5 instead of 4.0 × 10^5 Pa).
→ Give numerical answers to an accuracy consistent with the data given in the question (usually two significant figures).
Q1(b)(ii) (Kinetic Energy)
✗ Forgetting to use average velocity when calculating the time to stop the bus or not relating change in kinetic energy.
→ Understand the relationship between work done, force and kinetic energy.
Q2(a) (Impulse)
✗ Including contradictory statements in the definition of impulse (e.g., force into time, rate of change of momentum, force per unit time).
→ Give concise and precise statements that are accurate in definition.
Q2(b)(i) (Newton's Second Law)
✗ Omitting the calculation of acceleration when using F=ma.
→ When showing that a quantity has a particular value, state any formula or equation used before substituting numerical values.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0625 March 2024. View full report →

About Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) is one of the most popular qualifications taken by students worldwide. The March 2024 examination session included 6 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0625 past papers from March 2024, 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 2024 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 March 2024 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Physics (0625) March 2024 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 March 2024 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.

Continue Studying Physics

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Revision Notes
58 topics covered
Flashcards
650 cards to master
Practice Quiz
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