IGCSE Physics (0625): The Complete Guide for Parents and Students
Based on the official Cambridge syllabus for 2026–2028 · Last reviewed July 2026
From Forces and Motion to Nuclear Physics, this guide walks through every topic on the IGCSE Physics syllabus and shows how each one is tested in the exam.
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Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) is one of the most widely taken science qualifications in international education, and for students in Malaysia aiming at medicine, engineering, computing or any science pathway it is a foundational subject. This guide explains everything a parent or student needs to know: what the course covers, the complete list of topics, how the three exams work (including the practical paper), the command words that decide marks, and how the qualification is graded.
Quick answer
IGCSE Physics (0625) is a tiered qualification: Core (grades C–G) or Extended (grades A*–G). Students sit three papers, multiple choice, theory, and a practical paper, and the practical counts for 20% of the grade. The course has six topic areas. There is no formula sheet in the exam, so equation memorisation matters from day one.
Overview
What is IGCSE Physics (0625)?
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (syllabus code 0625) is the standard international physics qualification for students aged roughly 14 to 16, usually studied over Years 10 and 11. It builds transferable skills, handling data, practical problem-solving and applying the scientific method, alongside core knowledge of how the physical world works.
Tiered
Students follow either Core (grades C–G) or Extended (grades A*–G). Extended includes everything in Core plus additional Supplement content.
Practical requirement
Experimental skills are formally assessed and count for 20% of the final grade.
Study time
Approximately 130 guided learning hours, typically over Years 10 and 11.
Recognition
Internationally recognised, benchmarked as comparable to the UK GCSE, and accepted by universities worldwide. Students achieving A* to C are well prepared for A-Level, IB and other science pathways.
Exam series
Available in the June and November series (and March in some regions).
Restrictions
Cannot be taken in the same series as Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics (0972), O Level Physics (5054), or the combined-science syllabuses (0652, 0653, 0654, 0973 and 5129).
New to IGCSE grading?
Our companion guide, The IGCSE Grading System Explained, covers A*–G, grade thresholds and what each grade means for your child’s next step.
What the course builds
Assessment objectives: where the marks actually come from
Unlike a pure written subject, Physics is tested against three assessment objectives, and their weightings tell you exactly where the marks are:
~50%
AO1, Knowledge
Recalling and understanding facts, laws, definitions and concepts; using correct vocabulary, symbols and units.
~30%
AO2, Problem-solving
Selecting and manipulating data, identifying patterns, giving reasoned explanations and solving quantitative problems in unfamiliar contexts.
20%
AO3, Practical skills
Planning, making and recording observations, interpreting and evaluating data, and suggesting improvements. Tested entirely by the practical paper.
The theory and multiple-choice papers test AO1 and AO2. The practical paper tests AO3 entirely. This is why practical skill is not optional: a fifth of the grade depends on it.
The Most Important Decision
Core or Extended? Choosing the right tier
This is one of the most consequential decisions a family makes, because it sets a ceiling on the possible grade.
Core tier
Essential content
CDEFG
Grades C to G only. A Core candidate cannot be awarded above a C. Papers: 1 (MC) + 3 (theory) + practical.
Best for: students confident in essentials, not planning A-Level or IB Physics.
Extended tier
Core + Supplement content
A*ABCDEFG
Grades A* to G. Papers: 2 (MC) + 4 (theory) + practical.
Best for: anyone targeting top grades or planning A-Level / IB Physics.
Students targeting a grade C or above, and those planning any science-heavy pathway, should follow the Extended tier. A short diagnostic is the most reliable way to decide, since entering the wrong tier is a common and avoidable reason for underachievement.
The Exams
Exam format
All candidates take three papers: a multiple-choice paper, a theory paper, and one practical paper. The tier determines which multiple-choice and theory papers a student sits.
Tier
Paper
Duration
Marks
Weight
Grades
Core
Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)
45 min
40
30%
C–G
Paper 3: Theory (Core)
1 h 15 min
80
50%
Extended
Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)
45 min
40
30%
A*–G
Paper 4: Theory (Extended)
1 h 15 min
80
50%
All candidates
Paper 5: Practical Test or Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
1 h 15 min / 1 h
40
20%
Full range
Multiple-choice papers (Paper 1 or 2) contain 40 four-option questions. Theory papers (Paper 3 or 4) are short-answer and structured questions. Extended papers draw on both Core and Supplement content. A scientific calculator is allowed in all parts of the examination.
Show all working on theory and practical papers, a correct final answer alone will not earn full method marks. For calculations, only round the final answer; carry extra figures through the working.
There is no formula sheet, and that matters
Key exam-technique fact
Unlike some maths qualifications, Cambridge does not provide a list of formulas in the Physics exam. Every equation the syllabus asks students to “recall and use”, from speed = distance ÷ time through to P = IV, v = fλ and the kinetic energy equation, must be memorised. Building a personal equation list and drilling it is one of the highest-value revision activities in the whole course.
The practical paper: Paper 5 vs Paper 6
All candidates take one practical paper, chosen by the school:
Paper 5: Practical Test
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
Format
Hands-on lab exam
Written paper about experiments
Duration
1 hour 15 minutes
1 hour
Marks / weight
40 marks / 20%
40 marks / 20%
Who takes it
Students with supervised lab access
Online students and private candidates
Both test the same experimental skills (AO3) and cover the same contexts: measuring length, volume and time; springs and balances; timing oscillations; electric circuits; optics with mirrors, prisms, lenses and blocks. Paper 6 still demands genuine understanding of apparatus, measurement, tables, graphs and evaluating results, it is not simply easier.
The Syllabus
The complete list of topics
Cambridge IGCSE Physics is organised into six topics. All candidates study all six; Extended students go deeper within each. Click any topic to see the full content.
All students cover
Measurement techniques: rulers, measuring cylinders, timing and averaging small quantities (e.g. a pendulum’s period)
Speed and velocity; distance–time and speed–time graphs; acceleration of free fall (g ≈ 9.8 m/s²)
Mass and weight; gravitational field strength (g = W/m); density (ρ = m/V) and floating
Forces: load–extension graphs, resultant forces, Newton’s first law, friction and drag
Turning effect of forces (moments) and the principle of moments; centre of gravity and stability
Energy: stores, transfers and conservation of energy; work (W = Fd)
Energy resources: fossil fuels, biofuels, water, geothermal, nuclear, solar and wind, advantages, disadvantages and efficiency
Power (P = W/t) and pressure (p = F/A)
Extended students also cover Extended
Scalars and vectors; resultant of two vectors at right angles
Acceleration (a = Δv/Δt) from graphs; terminal velocity
Spring constant (k = F/x) and limit of proportionality; F = ma; qualitative circular motion
Principle of moments with several forces each side of a pivot
Momentum and impulse (p = mv; impulse = FΔt); conservation of momentum (F = Δp/Δt)
Kinetic energy (½mv²) and change in gravitational potential energy (mgΔh); Sankey diagrams; efficiency equations
Change in pressure beneath a liquid (Δp = ρgΔh)
All students cover
Kinetic particle model: states of matter and changes of state, Brownian motion, absolute zero (−273 °C), gas pressure in terms of particles, kelvin–Celsius conversion
Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
Specific heat capacity as a concept; a rise in temperature increases internal energy
Melting, boiling and evaporation; condensation and solidification; evaporation causes cooling
Transfer of thermal energy: conduction, convection and radiation; effect of surface colour and texture; everyday applications
Extended students also cover Extended
Gas law pV = constant (Boyle’s law)
Explaining relative expansion of solids, liquids and gases using particles
Specific heat capacity equation (c = ΔE / mΔθ) and experiments to measure it
Differences between boiling and evaporation; factors affecting evaporation rate
Conduction explained via lattice vibrations and free electrons
Radiation and the energy balance keeping an object (or the Earth) at constant temperature
All students cover
General properties of waves: energy transfer without matter transfer, wavefront, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, wave speed (v = fλ), transverse and longitudinal waves; reflection, refraction and diffraction (ripple tank)
Light: reflection and plane-mirror images, refraction, critical angle and total internal reflection, thin converging and diverging lenses (ray diagrams for a real image), dispersion of white light
Electromagnetic spectrum: regions in order, uses and dangers, satellite communication
Sound: production and longitudinal nature, 20 Hz–20 000 Hz audible range, need for a medium, speed in air (~330–350 m/s), loudness and pitch, echoes and ultrasound
Extended students also cover Extended
How wavelength and gap size affect diffraction
Refractive index (n = sin i / sin r and n = 1 / sin c) and optical fibres
Ray diagrams for a virtual image, the magnifying glass, and correcting long- and short-sightedness
Speed of EM waves (3.0 × 108 m/s); digital vs analogue signals and benefits of digital signalling
Compression and rarefaction; relative speed of sound in solids, liquids and gases; uses of ultrasound including sonar and medical scanning
All students cover
Magnetism: magnetic poles, induced magnetism, temporary vs permanent magnets, magnetic fields and plotting field lines
Electric charge: positive and negative charge, charging by friction, conductors and insulators
Electric current, ammeters, d.c. vs a.c.; e.m.f. and potential difference, voltmeters; resistance (R = V/I)
Electrical energy and power (P = IV; E = IVt); cost of electricity using the kilowatt-hour
Circuits: circuit diagrams, series and parallel circuits, combined resistance in series, the potential divider
Electromagnetic effects: induction, magnetic effect of a current, force on a current-carrying conductor, d.c. motor, transformer (Vp/Vs = Np/Ns)
Extended students also cover Extended
Charge in coulombs; electric fields; current as charge per unit time (I = Q/t)
E.m.f. and p.d. equations (E = W/Q; V = W/Q)
Current–voltage graphs for a resistor, filament lamp and diode; how resistance depends on length and cross-sectional area
Combined resistance in parallel and junction (Kirchhoff-type) rules; potential-divider equation (R1/R2 = V1/V2); diodes and LEDs
Direction of induced e.m.f. (opposes the change); relative directions of force, field and current; a.c. generator; force on beams of charged particles
Electric motor with split-ring commutator; transformer 100%-efficiency equation (IpVp = IsVs); P = I²R applied to power-transmission losses
All students cover
Nuclear model of the atom: structure and ion formation
The nucleus: protons and neutrons, relative charges, proton and nucleon number, nuclide notation, isotopes
Radioactivity: background radiation and its sources, detection and count rate
Three types of emission: alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ), nature, ionising effect and penetrating power
Radioactive decay as a spontaneous, random change; half-life and simple calculations from tables or decay curves
Safety precautions when handling radioactive materials
Extended students also cover Extended
How alpha-particle scattering provides evidence for the nuclear model
Nuclear fission and fusion, including nuclide equations
Deflection of α, β and γ in electric and magnetic fields; ionising effects explained
Corrected count rate; why isotopes are radioactive; decay equations
Calculating half-life from decay curves; choice of isotope for applications (smoke alarms, sterilisation, thickness control, cancer diagnosis and treatment)
Safety in terms of time, distance and shielding
All students cover
Earth and the Solar System: the Earth’s rotation and day/night, its orbit and the seasons, the Moon’s phases
Solar System contents: the Sun, eight planets, minor planets, moons and comets; small rocky vs large gaseous planets; the accretion model; gravitational field strength and a planet’s mass; light-travel times
Stars and the Universe: the Sun as a star, galaxies and the Milky Way, light-years, redshift, and how redshift supports the Big Bang Theory
Extended students also cover Extended
Average orbital speed (v = 2πr/T); elliptical orbits; analysing planetary data
Why an object moves faster nearer the Sun (conservation of energy)
Stars are powered by fusion of hydrogen into helium
Life cycle of a star: protostar → stable star → red giant or supergiant → white dwarf and planetary nebula, or supernova leaving a neutron star or black hole
Cosmology: cosmic microwave background radiation; Hubble constant (H0 = v/d); using 1/H0 as an estimate of the age of the Universe
Exam Technique
Command words, and why they decide marks
Cambridge uses a fixed set of command words in its questions. Each tells the student exactly what kind of answer is expected. Reading them correctly is one of the simplest ways to avoid losing marks.
Command word
What it asks the student to do
Calculate
Work out from given facts, figures or information
Define
Give the precise meaning
State
Express in clear terms (quick answer, no explanation needed)
Give / Identify
Produce or name an answer from a source or from memory
Describe
State the points of a topic; give characteristics and main features
Explain
Set out reasons, or say why and how, with supporting evidence
Determine
Establish an answer using the information available
Deduce
Conclude from available information
Compare
Identify similarities and/or differences between two things
Predict
Suggest what may happen based on available information
Suggest
Apply knowledge to situations with a range of valid responses
Sketch
Make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features
Comment / Justify
Give an informed opinion / support a case with evidence
Why this matters
“State” expects a quick answer; “Explain” expects reasons and mechanism; “Suggest” invites applying physics to an unfamiliar situation. A student who treats them all the same will lose marks even when they understand the physics.
Results
How IGCSE Physics is graded
Cambridge IGCSE Physics is reported on the standard A* to G scale, with U meaning ungraded. A* is the highest and G the lowest classified grade. Core candidates can achieve C to G; Extended candidates can achieve A* to G. Grades are set using thresholds decided after each exam series, so the exact marks needed vary from session to session.
Full grading guide
For the full picture, including how grade boundaries are set, what a “pass” really means and what each grade signals to universities, read The IGCSE Grading System Explained.
How to Do Well
Six things that actually move grades
1
Memorise the equations
With no formula sheet, a well-drilled personal equation list is one of the highest-value things a student can build. Start from the first lesson, not the week before the exam.
2
Master units and rearranging
Most quantitative marks depend on correct units and confidently rearranging equations, a skill that improves faster alongside strong algebra. Students who struggle here should treat it as a priority early in the course.
3
Take the practical paper seriously
It is 20% of the grade. Students should practise reading instruments, drawing results tables, plotting best-fit lines, and evaluating sources of error, not just on revision week but throughout the course.
4
Answer the command word
Read whether a question says “state”, “explain” or “suggest”, and respond accordingly. Showing full working where expected is how method marks are earned.
5
Practise past papers under timed conditions
This is the single most effective way to build accuracy, pacing and mark-scheme awareness. The mark scheme teaches students what Cambridge considers a complete answer, reading it is as valuable as sitting the paper.
6
Understand, don’t memorise
Questions often place familiar physics in unfamiliar contexts. Real understanding, knowing why a law works, not just what it says, holds up where rote learning fails.
This is exactly what we teach.
Brainiac’s small-group IGCSE Physics classes are built around mark-scheme mastery, equation fluency and past-paper practice. Our holiday crash courses are designed to close gaps and sharpen exam technique before the exams.
Students beginning the course should have followed the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme or an equivalent framework.
Combining subjects
0625 cannot be taken in the same series as Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics (0972), O Level Physics (5054), or the combined-science syllabuses (0652, 0653, 0654, 0973 and 5129).
Group award
A strong set of IGCSEs including Physics can count toward the Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) group award.
Retakes
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they wish.
Private candidates
Private candidates can enter for this syllabus, they typically take Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) for the practical component.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is IGCSE Physics hard?
▾
It is challenging but very achievable with good teaching and consistent practice. The bigger factors are usually equation fluency, comfort with rearranging and units, and exam technique, showing working and answering the command word, rather than the difficulty of the concepts alone.
What is the difference between Core and Extended?
▾
Core covers the essentials and is graded C to G. Extended covers the Core plus the more demanding Supplement content and is graded A* to G. Students aiming for top grades or moving on to A-Level or IB Physics should take Extended.
Do students need to do practical work?
▾
Yes. Experimental skills are worth 20% of the grade, assessed through either the Practical Test (Paper 5, done in a lab) or the Alternative to Practical (Paper 6, a written paper). Students learning online usually take Paper 6.
Is there a formula sheet in the exam?
▾
No. Unlike some maths qualifications, IGCSE Physics does not provide a list of formulas, students must recall every equation they need. Building and drilling a personal equation list is one of the highest-value revision activities in the course.
Do students need a calculator?
▾
Yes, a scientific calculator is allowed in all parts of the examination.
How many topics are there?
▾
Six: Motion, forces and energy; Thermal physics; Waves; Electricity and magnetism; Nuclear physics; and Space physics. All candidates study all six; Extended students go deeper within each.
What grade does my child need for A-Level or IB Physics?
▾
Requirements vary by school and course, but a grade C is a common minimum and top A-Level and IB Physics courses usually expect a B or above, which means taking the Extended tier. For more on grades, see The IGCSE Grading System Explained.
Sources & note: This guide is based on the official Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028 (Cambridge Assessment International Education). Syllabus content, exam formats and grade thresholds can change, always check the latest official syllabus for your child’s exam series at the Cambridge International website. This is general information, not official examination guidance.
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