Time Alloted:
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IGCSE Physics Tuition
Understand the syllabus, exam format and get free resources.
Work with expert IGCSE tutors to ace your exams!
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Improved their scores by 20%
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What is IGCSE Physics? Why study it?
IGCSE Physics (0625) is an internationally recognized qualification that covers a comprehensive range of physics concepts and principles. The course provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand the physical world, from the smallest particles to the largest structures in the universe.
Studying IGCSE Physics helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the fundamental laws that govern the natural world. This foundation is essential for students aspiring to pursue careers in science, engineering, technology, and related fields. Physics also nurtures a sense of curiosity and innovation, which are crucial in a rapidly evolving world.
IGCSE Physics Syllabus: Topics + Overview
The IGCSE Physics syllabus covers a broad range of topics. Below is a detailed breakdown of the topics covered, along with the recommended learning hours, content description, and prior knowledge needed.
Topic
Core + Extended
Only Extended
Motion, Forces, and Energy
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Content Description
Understanding motion, forces, and energy concepts, including speed, velocity, acceleration, and Newton's laws.
(15-20% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Detailed analysis of motion graphs, free-fall, and energy conservation.
(15-20% weight)
Thermal Physics
Recommended Learning 10 Hours
Content Description
Study of heat transfer, thermal properties of matter, and temperature scales.
(10-15% weight)
What you’ll learn:
In-depth exploration of specific heat capacity, latent heat, and gas laws.
(10-15% weight)
Waves
Recommended Learning 8 Hours
Content Description
Understanding the nature of waves, including sound and light waves, reflection, and refraction.
(10-15% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of the electromagnetic spectrum, wave behaviors like diffraction, and polarization.
(10-15% weight)
Electricity and Magnetism
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Content Description
Study of electric circuits, electromagnetism, and electrical safety.
(15-20% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Advanced exploration of electromagnetic induction, transformers, and alternating current (AC) circuits.
(15-20% weight)
Nuclear Physics
Recommended Learning 7 Hours
Content Description
Exploration of atomic structure, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions.
(10-15% weight)
What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of half-life, nuclear fission, and fusion processes.
(10-15% weight)
Space Physics
Recommended Learning 5 Hours
Content Description
Understanding the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe.
(5-10% weight)
What you’ll learn:
In-depth analysis of stellar evolution, redshift, and the Big Bang theory.
(5-10% weight)
Motion, Forces, and Energy
Topic
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Understanding motion, forces, and energy concepts, including speed, velocity, acceleration, and Newton's laws.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Detailed analysis of motion graphs, free-fall, and energy conservation.
(15-20% weight)
Thermal Physics
Topic
Recommended Learning 10 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Study of heat transfer, thermal properties of matter, and temperature scales.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
In-depth exploration of specific heat capacity, latent heat, and gas laws.
(10-15% weight)
Waves
Topic
Recommended Learning 8 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Understanding the nature of waves, including sound and light waves, reflection, and refraction.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of the electromagnetic spectrum, wave behaviors like diffraction, and polarization.
(10-15% weight)
Electricity and Magnetism
Topic
Recommended Learning 15 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Study of electric circuits, electromagnetism, and electrical safety.
(15-20% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Advanced exploration of electromagnetic induction, transformers, and alternating current (AC) circuits.
(15-20% weight)
Nuclear Physics
Topic
Recommended Learning 7 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Exploration of atomic structure, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions.
(10-15% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of half-life, nuclear fission, and fusion processes.
(10-15% weight)
Space Physics
Topic
Recommended Learning 5 Hours
Core + Extended
Content Description
Understanding the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe.
(5-10% weight)
Only Extended
What you’ll learn:
In-depth analysis of stellar evolution, redshift, and the Big Bang theory.
(5-10% weight)
Download full sub-topic list for the IGCSE Physics Tuition Core and Extended.
Download SyllabusIGCSE Physics Exams and Past Papers: Overview
The assessment of IGCSE Physics (0625) is divided into three main objectives: knowledge with understanding, handling information and problem-solving, and experimental skills and investigations. Each paper is weighted differently based on these objectives:
Paper 1
Only Core students
30% of final grade
Example Question
Waves
Write down an irrational“Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used by a remote controller for a television? a. Infrared waves b. Microwaves c. Radio waves d. Visible light” number with a value between 10 and 20.
Paper 2
Only Extended students
30% of final grade
Example Question
Space Physics
“On the Moon, all objects fall with the same acceleration. Which statement explains this? a. On the Moon, all objects have the same weight. b. The Moon has a smaller gravitational field strength than the Earth. c. The weight of an object is directly proportional to its mass. d. The weight of an object is inversely proportional to its mass.”
Paper 3
Only Core students
50% of final grade
Example Question
Electricity and Magnetism
(a) Describe how a wind turbine generates electricity from energy in the wind. (b) Apart from cost, state two advantages of generating electricity using wind turbines compared with using a power station that burns coal. (c ) Apart from cost, state two disadvantages of generating electricity using wind turbines compared with using a power station that burns coal.”
Paper 4
Only Extended students
50% of final grade
Example Question
Thermal Physics
“During a picnic on a warm, dry day, a metal can of lemonade is wrapped in a damp cloth. Evaporation cools the water in the cloth. Explain, in terms of molecules, how evaporation cools the water in the cloth. As the water in the cloth cools, so does the lemonade. Explain how electrons transfer thermal energy through the metal of the can.”
Paper 5
Both Core and Extended students
20% of final grade
Example Question
“Design an experiment to investigate the affect of mass on the period of a pendulum.”
Paper 6
Both Core and Extended students
20% of final grade
Example Question
“Explain how you would measure the resistance of a wire using voltmeter and ammeter.”
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperIGCSE Physics Exam Overview - Core and Extended
The assessment of IGCSE Physics (0625) is divided into three main objectives: knowledge with understanding, handling information and problem-solving, and experimental skills and investigations. Each paper is weighted differently based on these objectives:
Assessment Objective
Papers 1 & 2
Papers 3 & 4
Papers 5 & 6
AO1 Knowledge with Understanding
63%
63%
0%
AO2 Handling Information and Problem-Solving
37%
37%
0%
AO3 Experimental Skills and Investigations
0%
0%
100%
Is IGCSE Physics Difficult?
IGCSE Physics can be challenging due to the breadth of content and the requirement to understand and apply complex physical concepts. The subject involves problem-solving, calculations, and experimental work, which can be demanding. However, with consistent study, practice, and a good grasp of the fundamental principles, students can succeed and find the subject highly rewarding. If you’re curious about how the physical world works and enjoy solving puzzles, IGCSE Physics is both manageable and enjoyable.
2023 Cumulative Grades

Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Focus on Core Concepts

Naman
IGCSE Tutor
Practice Diagrams and Calculations

Oladare
IGCSE Tutor
Understand, Don’t Memorize

Nadia
IGCSE Tutor
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