Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus (0625) for 2026 to 2028
TutorAura guide · Updated
The Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus for examination in 2026, 2027 and 2028 is split into six units: motion, forces and energy; thermal physics; waves; electricity and magnetism; nuclear physics; and space physics. Below is every topic, with how the exams are structured and how to turn the list into a revision plan. Always check the official syllabus for the full detail of what each topic includes.
Key takeaways
- Six units, from motion and forces to space physics.
- Core (grades C to G) or Extended (A* to G), set by which papers you take.
- Three papers each: multiple choice, theory and one practical paper.
- Supplement content in each topic is for Extended candidates only.
The exam papers
| Paper | Who takes it | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) | Core | 45 minutes | 40 | 30% |
| Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) | Extended | 45 minutes | 40 | 30% |
| Paper 3: Theory (Core) | Core | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 4: Theory (Extended) | Extended | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 5: Practical Test | Everyone takes 5 or 6 | 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 | 20% |
| Paper 6: Alternative to Practical | Everyone takes 5 or 6 | 1 hour | 40 | 20% |
Core candidates take Papers 1 and 3 and are eligible for grades C to G. Extended candidates take Papers 2 and 4 and are eligible for grades A* to G. Everyone takes one practical paper.
1 Motion, forces and energy
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | Physical quantities and measurement techniques |
| 1.2 | Motion |
| 1.3 | Mass and weight |
| 1.4 | Density |
| 1.5 | Forces: effects of forces; turning effect of forces; centre of gravity |
| 1.6 | Momentum |
| 1.7 | Energy, work and power: energy; work; energy resources; power |
| 1.8 | Pressure |
2 Thermal physics
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | Kinetic particle model of matter: states of matter; particle model; gases and the absolute scale of temperature |
| 2.2 | Thermal properties and temperature: thermal expansion; specific heat capacity; melting, boiling and evaporation |
| 2.3 | Transfer of thermal energy: conduction; convection; radiation; consequences of thermal energy transfer |
3 Waves
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 3.1 | General properties of waves |
| 3.2 | Light: reflection; refraction; thin lenses; dispersion of light |
| 3.3 | Electromagnetic spectrum |
| 3.4 | Sound |
4 Electricity and magnetism
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Simple phenomena of magnetism |
| 4.2 | Electrical quantities: electric charge; electric current; electromotive force and potential difference; resistance; electrical energy and electrical power |
| 4.3 | Electric circuits: circuit diagrams and components; series and parallel circuits; action and use of circuit components |
| 4.4 | Electrical safety |
| 4.5 | Electromagnetic effects: electromagnetic induction; the a.c. generator; magnetic effect of a current; force on a current-carrying conductor; the d.c. motor; the transformer |
5 Nuclear physics
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 5.1 | The nuclear model of the atom: the atom; the nucleus |
| 5.2 | Radioactivity: detection; the three types of nuclear emission; radioactive decay; half-life; safety precautions |
6 Space physics
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 6.1 | The Earth and the Solar System |
| 6.2 | Stars and the Universe: the Sun as a star; stars; the Universe |
Core and Supplement content
Each topic in the syllabus lists Core content, which everyone learns, and Supplement content, which only Extended candidates need. The Supplement points sit alongside the Core ones in each topic of the official syllabus, so it's worth reading your topic list there with a highlighter. If you're unsure which you're taking, ask your teacher: it changes which papers you sit and the grades available.
Using the syllabus to revise
- Print the topic list and rate each topic red, amber or green.
- Start with red topics that carry many marks, like motion, forces and electricity.
- Learn the equations and practise rearranging them; our speed, density, Ohm's law and half-life calculators show full working to check against.
- Practise past paper questions for each unit, then mixed papers under time.
See how to revise for IGCSE Physics for a full plan.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers are there in IGCSE Physics?
Each candidate takes three: a multiple-choice paper (1 or 2), a theory paper (3 or 4) and a practical paper (5 or 6).
What is the difference between Core and Extended?
Extended includes the Supplement content and gives access to grades A* to G; Core covers Core content only and is graded C to G.
Is there a new syllabus after 2028?
Cambridge has published a syllabus for 2029. Check which syllabus applies to your exam year on the Cambridge website.
Sources
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Cambridge International.
Keep reading
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Topic checklist, equations, and strategy for the multiple-choice, theory and practical papers.
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