0625

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) - May-June 2025 Past Papers

Download 41 free IGCSE Physics past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports from the May-June 2025 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 2025 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 2025 tests 10 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Electromagnetic effects (Electricity and magnetism) worth 12 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Physical quantities and measurement techniques (11 marks) and Motion (9 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Electromagnetic effects 12/80
Physical quantities and measurement techniques 11/80
Motion 9/80
Energy, work and power 8/80
General properties of waves 8/80
Electrical quantities 8/80
Mass and weight 6/80
Transfer of thermal energy 6/80
Light 6/80
Earth and the Solar System 6/80

Understanding which topics carry the most marks helps you prioritize your Physics revision. Practice questions from high-mark topics like Electromagnetic effects 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 (9 topics, 80 marks total)

This 0625 Paper 4 from May-June 2025 tests 9 different syllabus topics. The highest-weighted topic is Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy) worth 14 marks out of 80 total marks. Other significant topics include Electrical quantities (10 marks) and Electromagnetic effects (10 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Energy, work and power 14/80
Electrical quantities 10/80
Electromagnetic effects 10/80
Radioactivity 10/80
Light 9/80
Motion 8/80
Electrical safety 8/80
Forces 7/80
Simple phenomena of magnetism 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 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 2025 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 Light (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

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

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 2025 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 Kinetic particle model of matter (11 marks) and Light (11 marks).

Mark distribution by topic:

Mass and weight 11/40
Kinetic particle model of matter 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
P5
P5

0625 May-June 2025 - 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 2025, 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
Electromagnetic effects (Electricity and magnetism)
12m
Physical quantities and measurement techniques (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 14 cards
11m
Motion (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 26 cards
9m
Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy)
8m
General properties of waves (Waves)
Notes 18 cards
8m
Electrical quantities (Electricity and magnetism)
8m

+ 4 more topics

0625 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended))

80 marks total
Energy, work and power (Motion, forces and energy)
14m
Electrical quantities (Electricity and magnetism)
10m
Electromagnetic effects (Electricity and magnetism)
10m
Radioactivity (Nuclear physics)
10m
Light (Waves)
9m
Motion (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 26 cards
8m

+ 3 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
Light (Waves)
11m

0625 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical)

40 marks total
Mass and weight (Motion, forces and energy)
Notes 10 cards
11m
Kinetic particle model of matter (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 - May-June 2025

Key feedback from Cambridge examiners on how students performed

Key Takeaways

  • • Master unit prefixes (milli, kilo, mega) - these appear frequently in calculations
  • • Understand that resultant force = 0 means constant speed, not stationary
  • • Learn the kinetic particle model thoroughly for all states of matter
  • • Practice half-life calculations with multiple half-life periods
  • • Know the difference between good absorbers and good emitters of radiation
Paper 11 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Candidates demonstrated very good knowledge of reading scales on measuring cylinders and about particles in solids and gases. However, there were misconceptions about energy stores, radioactive decay and unit prefixes.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice reading scales carefully
  • ✓ Learn the differences between energy stores
  • ✓ Master unit prefixes and conversions

Common Mistakes:

Q1 (Volume Measurement)
✗ Misreading the scale on a measuring cylinder as 13.0 cm3 instead of the correct value.
→ Pay close attention to scale markings and read from the meniscus.
Q8 (Energy Stores)
✗ Not recognising that nuclear fuel does not contain a store of chemical energy. Misconception that coal or oil did not contain chemical energy.
→ Understand the difference between chemical energy (fossil fuels) and nuclear energy (nuclear fuel).
Q9 (Work Done)
✗ Using mass instead of weight in the work done calculation.
→ Work done = force × distance. Use weight (not mass) as the force.
Q19 (Wave Types)
✗ Thought sound was a transverse wave instead of longitudinal.
→ Sound is a longitudinal wave. Transverse waves include light and water waves.
Paper 12 - Multiple Choice (Core)

Candidates demonstrated very good knowledge of work done and changes of state. However, there were misconceptions about resultant forces and gravitational field strength.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Write down equations and check units before answering
  • ✓ Practice converting between unit prefixes
  • ✓ Understand gas laws qualitatively

Common Mistakes:

Q6 (Resultant Forces)
✗ Thought there was a resultant force on a car going downhill at constant speed.
→ If an object moves at constant speed, the resultant force is zero regardless of direction.
Q7 (Moments and Unit Prefixes)
✗ Failed to recognise the milli prefix when calculating force from moment.
→ Always check unit prefixes. Milli = 10^-3, so 200 mm = 0.2 m.
Q12 (Gas Pressure)
✗ Thought pressure increases when volume increases due to more frequent collisions.
→ When volume increases, particles spread out, collisions decrease, pressure decreases.
Q29 (Thermistor Circuits)
✗ Could not interpret changes in current and potential difference when thermistor is heated.
→ Thermistor resistance decreases when heated, so current increases.
Paper 21 - Multiple Choice (Extended)

Candidates showed good understanding of circuit theory and calculations. However, topics like radioactivity, light-year definition, and evidence for expanding universe were challenging.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice nuclear notation problems
  • ✓ Master half-life calculations step by step
  • ✓ Learn evidence for the expanding universe

Common Mistakes:

Q10(a) (Nucleon Notation)
✗ Confused about identifying nucleons with same proton number.
→ Nucleon number = protons + neutrons. Isotopes have same protons, different neutrons.
Q10(a)(ii) (Neutron Calculation)
✗ Thought Am-241 had most neutrons because 241+95 was biggest.
→ Neutrons = mass number - atomic number. Calculate for each isotope.
Q10(b) (Half-life)
✗ Could not correctly apply half-life calculation over multiple half-lives.
→ After n half-lives, remaining = initial × (1/2)^n.
Q11(b) (Light-year)
✗ Stated light-year was a speed or time instead of a distance.
→ A light-year is the distance light travels in one year.
Paper 31 - Theory (Core)

Non-numerical questions were more challenging than numerical ones. Topics like energy stores, kinetic particle model, thermal energy transfer, and radioactivity were not well understood.

Study Tips:

  • ✓ Practice extended writing using scientific terminology
  • ✓ Always state formula, substitute values, then calculate
  • ✓ Learn the kinetic particle model thoroughly

Common Mistakes:

Q1(b)(i) (Forces)
✗ Confused force and energy terms. Vague answers like 'backwards force'.
→ Name forces precisely: friction, air resistance, weight, normal reaction.
Q2(c) (Energy Transfer)
✗ Described lifting the hammer instead of the GPE to KE transfer when falling.
→ Read questions carefully. Focus on what is actually being asked.
Q4(b) (Absolute Zero)
✗ Did not know absolute zero or Kelvin scale.
→ Absolute zero = -273°C = 0 K. This is when particles have minimum kinetic energy.
Q6(a)(i) (Thermal Radiation)
✗ Wrote about dull black being good absorbers when question asked about emitters.
→ Dull black surfaces are good absorbers AND good emitters of thermal radiation.

Insights extracted from the official Cambridge Examiner Report for 0625 May-June 2025. 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 2025 examination session included 6 paper components, each testing different skills and knowledge areas.

This page contains all 0625 past papers from May-June 2025, 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 2025 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 2025 past papers?
You can download all IGCSE Physics (0625) May-June 2025 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 2025 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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