Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

IGCSE Physics, from equations to Paper 6.

Practise the calculations, the explanations and the experimental skills that Paper 5 and Paper 6 test. Your tutor shows the working, units and all.

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A car accelerates from rest to 24 m/s in 8.0 s. Calculate its acceleration.[2 marks]

This is worth 2 marks. They go for:

  • Use acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time (1 mark)
  • a = 24 ÷ 8.0 = 3.0 m/s² (1 mark)

Examiner tip: Give the unit. A correct number without m/s² can lose the final mark.

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Assessment

How Cambridge IGCSE Physics is assessed

Core students take Papers 1 and 3 and can get grades C–G. Extended students learn the Core and Supplement content, take Papers 2 and 4, and can get grades A*–G. Everyone also takes Paper 5 or Paper 6.

Syllabus 0625, for exams in 2026–2028.

Core (grades C–G)

  • Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)

    40 four-option multiple-choice questions

    Time
    45 min
    Marks
    40
    Weight
    30%
  • Paper 3: Theory (Core)

    Short-answer and structured questions

    Time
    1 h 15 min
    Marks
    80
    Weight
    50%

Extended (grades A*–G)

  • Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)

    40 four-option multiple-choice questions

    Time
    45 min
    Marks
    40
    Weight
    30%
  • Paper 4: Theory (Extended)

    Short-answer and structured questions

    Time
    1 h 15 min
    Marks
    80
    Weight
    50%

Everyone takes one practical paper

  • Paper 5: Practical Test

    Practical test of experimental skills

    Time
    1 h 15 min
    Marks
    40
    Weight
    20%
  • Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

    Written paper on experimental skills

    Time
    1 h
    Marks
    40
    Weight
    20%

Your school chooses Paper 5 (a practical test) or Paper 6 (a written alternative to practical). Either is worth 20%. There is no coursework.

From the official Cambridge International syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus

Syllabus content

What’s on the Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus

  • Motion, forces and energy
  • Thermal physics
  • Waves
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Nuclear physics
  • Space physics

Where marks are lost

Common Cambridge IGCSE Physics mistakes

  • Mixing up mass and weight.

    Mass is in kilograms and stays the same everywhere. Weight is a force in newtons: W = mg, with g = 9.8 N/kg on Earth.

  • Joining the dots on a graph.

    Draw one smooth line or curve of best fit, with the points spread evenly either side. Dot-to-dot lines lose marks on Paper 6.

  • Writing “heat rises”.

    Describe convection properly: the warmer fluid expands, becomes less dense and rises, and cooler, denser fluid sinks to take its place.

Six physics tutors, six ways to learn

Practise past-paper style questions with the exam coach, drill facts before a test with quick revision, or slow down with a step-by-step tutor. Switch any time.

  • LeoConcept explainer
  • InesStep by step
  • MarcusExam coach
  • ZaraQuick revision
  • FelixChallenger
  • AmaraConfidence builder

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FAQ

Cambridge IGCSE Physics questions, answered.

Yes. Ask about reading scales, drawing graphs, spotting sources of error and suggesting improvements, and practise describing a method step by step.

Tell your tutor whether you’re taking Core or Extended and it focuses on the equations and content for that tier.

Yes. Call your physics tutor and explain your thinking. A summary of what you covered is saved in the chat when you hang up.

Yes. The free plan includes 5 tutor messages and 15 minutes of calls a day. Pro and Max give you more when exams get close.

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More Cambridge IGCSE subjects

Physics in other curricula