Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 introduces the principles behind motion, energy, heat, waves, electricity, radioactivity and space. It is primarily designed for students aged 14–16 and provides a strong foundation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics and other science-related courses.
This guide covers the IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for examinations in 2026, 2027 and 2028, including the main topics, Core and Supplement content, exam structure, key terms, important equations and recent syllabus changes. Students can use it to understand what they need to study and organise their revision more effectively.
Important: This blog provides an overview. Always check the official Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for the complete learning objectives.
IGCSE Physics 0625 Syllabus Overview for 2026
What Is Physics 0625?
0625 is the syllabus code for Cambridge IGCSE Physics. The course develops scientific knowledge alongside calculation, problem-solving and experimental skills.
The syllabus covers six main areas:
- Motion, forces and energy
- Thermal physics
- Waves
- Electricity and magnetism
- Nuclear physics
- Space physics
What Does the 2026 Syllabus Cover?
The IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus is organised into six main content areas:
- Motion, forces and energy
- Thermal physics
- Waves
- Electricity and magnetism
- Nuclear physics
- Space physics
Experimental skills are developed throughout these areas and assessed separately through either a Practical Test or an Alternative to Practical paper.
Core vs Supplement
The syllabus is divided into Core and Supplement content.
Core covers the essential concepts and leads to grades C–G. The Extended route includes both Core and Supplement content, allowing students to access grades A*–G. Students aiming for A*, A or B should follow the Extended route.
IGCSE Physics 0625 Exam Structure
| Route | Papers | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Papers 1, 3 and either 5 or 6 | Multiple Choice, Theory and Practical Skills |
| Extended | Papers 2, 4 and either 5 or 6 | Multiple Choice, Theory and Practical Skills |
| Paper | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 or 2: Multiple Choice | 45 minutes | 30% |
| Paper 3 or 4: Theory | 1 hour 15 minutes | 50% |
| Paper 5: Practical Test | 1 hour 15 minutes | 20% |
| Paper 6: Alternative to Practical | 1 hour | 20% |
Paper 5 involves laboratory experiments. Paper 6 is written, but it assesses the same experimental understanding.
Essential Topics Covered in IGCSE Physics 0625
Motion, Forces and Energy
This section covers:
- Motion, speed, velocity and acceleration
- Distance–time and speed–time graphs
- Mass, weight and gravitational field strength
- Density and floating
- Forces, friction and springs
- Momentum and impulse
- Moments and equilibrium
- Energy stores and transfers
- Work, power and efficiency
- Pressure in solids and liquids
Students learn how forces affect motion and how energy is stored, transferred and conserved.
Thermal Physics
Thermal physics explains how particles behave and how thermal energy moves.
Topics include:
- Solids, liquids and gases
- Kinetic particle model
- Temperature and absolute zero
- Gas pressure
- Thermal expansion
- Specific heat capacity
- Melting, boiling and evaporation
- Conduction, convection and thermal radiation
Waves
Students study the properties and behaviour of waves, including:
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
- Frequency, wavelength and amplitude
- Wave speed
- Reflection, refraction and diffraction
- Light and ray diagrams
- Lenses and image formation
- Electromagnetic spectrum
- Sound, echoes and ultrasound
Extended students also study refractive index, critical angle and total internal reflection.
Electricity and Magnetism
This section includes:
- Electric charge and current
- Electromotive force and potential difference
- Resistance
- Electrical energy and power
- Series and parallel circuits
- Circuit components and symbols
- Electrical safety
- Magnetic fields
- Electromagnetic induction
- Generators and motors
- Transformers and electricity transmission
Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
Students learn about:
- Atomic structure
- Protons, neutrons and electrons
- Isotopes
- Alpha, beta and gamma radiation
- Radioactive decay
- Half-life
- Nuclear fission and fusion
- Uses and hazards of radiation
- Safe handling of radioactive materials
Space Physics
Space physics became a main syllabus area from 2023 and remains part of the 2026 syllabus.
It covers:
- Earth’s rotation and orbit
- Day, night and seasons
- The Moon and its phases
- The Solar System
- Planetary orbits
- Stars and their life cycles
- Galaxies
- Redshift
- The expanding Universe
- The Hubble constant
- Evidence supporting the Big Bang model
Experimental and Investigative Physics
Practical skills are assessed through Paper 5 or Paper 6. Students should be able to:
- Select and use appropriate apparatus
- Identify independent, dependent and control variables
- Record measurements with suitable units and precision
- Present results in tables
- Plot and interpret graphs
- Calculate gradients
- Identify anomalous results
- Recognise sources of error
- Draw evidence-based conclusions
- Evaluate methods and suggest improvements
Key IGCSE Physics 0625 Terms
Mechanics and Energy Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Force | A push or pull that may change motion or shape. |
| Mass | The quantity of matter in an object. |
| Weight | The gravitational force acting on a mass. |
| Acceleration | Change in velocity per unit time. |
| Momentum | Mass multiplied by velocity. |
| Work | Energy transferred when a force moves an object. |
| Power | Energy transferred or work done per unit time. |
| Pressure | Force acting per unit area. |
Electricity and Magnetism Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Current | Charge passing a point per unit time. |
| Potential difference | Energy transferred per unit charge. |
| Resistance | Opposition to the flow of current. |
| Circuit | A complete path through which current can flow. |
| Magnetic field | A region where a magnetic object or moving charge experiences a force. |
| Electromagnetic induction | Production of an e.m.f. by a changing magnetic field. |
Waves and Thermal Physics Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Number of waves passing a point each second. |
| Wavelength | Distance between corresponding points on consecutive waves. |
| Amplitude | Maximum displacement from the rest position. |
| Refraction | Change in wave direction caused by a change in speed. |
| Conduction | Thermal energy transfer through a material. |
| Convection | Thermal energy transfer through movement of a fluid. |
| Radiation | Energy transfer through electromagnetic waves. |
Nuclear Physics Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Isotope | Atoms with the same proton number but different neutron numbers. |
| Radioactivity | Random and spontaneous emission from unstable nuclei. |
| Half-life | Time taken for half the unstable nuclei in a sample to decay. |
| Alpha radiation | Two protons and two neutrons emitted from a nucleus. |
| Beta radiation | A high-speed electron emitted during beta decay. |
| Gamma radiation | High-frequency electromagnetic radiation. |
| Nuclear fission | Splitting a large nucleus and releasing energy. |
IGCSE Physics 0625 Formula Sheet by Topic
Mechanics and Motion Formulae
| Quantity | Formula |
|---|---|
| Speed | v = s / t |
| Acceleration | a = Δv / Δt |
| Weight | W = mg |
| Density | ρ = m / V |
| Force | F = ma |
| Momentum | p = mv |
| Moment | F × d |
| Kinetic energy | Ek = ½ mv2 |
| Gravitational potential energy | ΔEp = mgΔh |
| Work | W = Fd |
| Power | P = W / t |
| Pressure | p = F / A |
| Efficiency | (useful output / total input) × 100% |
Thermal Physics Formulae
| Quantity | Formula |
|---|---|
| Kelvin temperature | T = θ + 273 |
| Gas pressure and volume | pV = constant |
| Specific heat capacity | c = ΔE / (mΔθ) |
Waves and Light Formulae
| Quantity | Formula |
|---|---|
| Wave speed | v = fλ |
| Refractive index | n = sin i / sin r |
| Critical angle | n = 1 / sin c |
Electricity Formulae
| Quantity | Formula |
|---|---|
| Current | I = Q / t |
| Potential difference | V = W / Q |
| Resistance | R = V / I |
| Electrical power | P = IV |
| Electrical energy | E = IVt |
| Transformer ratio | Vp / Vs = Np / Ns |
| Transformer efficiency | IpVp = IsVs |
| Cable power loss | P = I2R |
Other syllabus relationships include average orbital speed, v = 2πr / T, and the Hubble constant, H0 = v / d.
PDF → Download the IGCSE Physics 0625 Formula Sheet
Does IGCSE Physics 0625 Provide a Formula Sheet in the Exam?
No. Cambridge does not normally provide a separate, complete formula sheet for IGCSE Physics 0625.
Students are expected to recall equations identified in the syllabus. If an equation is needed but is not required to be learned, Cambridge may provide it within the question. This applies to the 2024, 2025 and 2026 examinations.
A useful rule is:
- If the syllabus says “recall and use,” learn the equation.
- If the equation is not a recall requirement, it may be provided.
Students must still understand symbols, units and equation rearrangement.
See Cambridge's official formula-sheet guidance.
IGCSE Physics 0625 Changes
What Changed for 2023–2025?
The syllabus was reorganised for examinations from 2023.
Important additions included:
- Space physics
- Absolute temperature
- Communication uses of electromagnetic waves
- Use of the kilowatt-hour
Topics removed or reduced included:
- Digital electronics
- Thermal capacity
- Measurement of temperature
- Barometers and manometers
- Parts of the previous gas-laws content
Cambridge also clarified learning objectives, practical requirements, mathematical skills, symbols and command words.
What Changed for 2026?
There are no significant teaching or examination changes for 2026. The six main topics, paper structure and formula expectations remain closely aligned with the 2023–2025 syllabus.
Cambridge also confirms that textbooks endorsed for examinations from 2023 remain suitable for the 2026–2028 course.
Students taking an exam in 2026, 2027 or 2028 should use the 2026–2028 official syllabus.
Start Preparing for IGCSE Physics 0625
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is IGCSE Physics 0625 Difficult?
It can be challenging because it combines concepts, calculations, experiments and written explanations. Structured topic revision and regular past-paper practice make it more manageable.
How Many Papers Are There?
Each candidate takes three papers: one multiple-choice paper, one theory paper and one practical-skills paper.
What Is the Difference Between Core and Supplement?
Core covers essential content and offers grades C–G. Supplement adds more demanding content and is studied with Core for the Extended route.
Does IGCSE Physics 0625 Have a Practical Exam?
Yes. Candidates take either Paper 5, the Practical Test, or Paper 6, the Alternative to Practical. Both assess the same experimental skills.
Does Cambridge Provide a Formula Sheet?
No complete formula sheet is normally provided. Students must recall syllabus equations, while equations not required for recall may appear in the question.
Can Older Past Papers Be Used?
Yes, but older papers may include removed content or exclude space physics. Prioritise specimen papers and past papers from 2023 onwards.
Where Is the Latest Syllabus?
The latest documents are available on the official Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 page.
