Understand Physics
Cambridge IGCSE Physics course and assessment guide
Cambridge IGCSE Physics combines secure subject knowledge with application, analysis and clear communication. This guide groups the official syllabus content into a readable learning journey and explains the usual assessment progression.
Know the papers.
Prepare with purpose.
Candidates follow a Core or Extended route and complete the paper combination specified for their subject. Science routes also assess practical competence.
Core route
Core papers assess the foundational syllabus and cap the available grade range. The exact paper combination depends on subject.
Extended route
Extended papers include Core and Supplement content and allow access to the full grade range.
Practical / alternative
Science practical skills are assessed through a practical test or an alternative-to-practical paper, depending on the entry route.
Written problem solving
Questions reward accurate knowledge, application in unfamiliar contexts, working and interpretation of data or diagrams.
Every area,
explained clearly.
Motion, forces and energy
Mechanics develops from measurement and graphs to forces, momentum and energy resources.
Physical quantities and measurementLength, volume, time, mass and density are measured with appropriate instruments.＋
Length, volume, time, mass and density are measured with appropriate instruments. Repeated readings and careful technique improve reliability.
MotionSpeed, velocity and acceleration are interpreted from words, equations and graphs.＋
Speed, velocity and acceleration are interpreted from words, equations and graphs. Free fall and terminal velocity connect motion to forces.
Mass, weight and forcesNewton's laws, moments, pressure and momentum describe interactions and equilibrium.＋
Newton's laws, moments, pressure and momentum describe interactions and equilibrium. Free-body reasoning supports unfamiliar applications.
Energy, work and powerEnergy stores, transfers, efficiency and power connect mechanics to real devices.＋
Energy stores, transfers, efficiency and power connect mechanics to real devices. Renewable and non-renewable resources are evaluated through evidence.
Thermal physics
Particle models explain temperature, expansion, heat capacity and phase change.
Kinetic particle modelParticle spacing and motion explain states of matter, diffusion and pressure.＋
Particle spacing and motion explain states of matter, diffusion and pressure. Brownian motion supplies evidence for microscopic movement.
Thermal properties and transferSpecific heat capacity and latent heat quantify energy change.＋
Specific heat capacity and latent heat quantify energy change. Conduction, convection and radiation explain transfer and insulation.
Waves, electricity and magnetism
A common wave model leads into optics, sound, circuits and electromagnetic effects.
General wave propertiesAmplitude, frequency, wavelength and speed describe waves.＋
Amplitude, frequency, wavelength and speed describe waves. Reflection, refraction and diffraction demonstrate common behaviour.
Light and soundRay diagrams, lenses, total internal reflection and the electromagnetic spectrum explain light.＋
Ray diagrams, lenses, total internal reflection and the electromagnetic spectrum explain light. Sound is analysed through vibration, frequency and echoes.
Electricity and circuitsCharge, current, voltage, resistance and power are applied to series and parallel networks.＋
Charge, current, voltage, resistance and power are applied to series and parallel networks. Safety and household electricity connect calculations to practice.
Magnetism and electromagnetismFields, electromagnets, motors, induction, generators and transformers show the link between current and magnetism.＋
Fields, electromagnets, motors, induction, generators and transformers show the link between current and magnetism. Direction rules support prediction.
Atomic and space physics
Atomic structure and nuclear change lead outward to stars and cosmology.
Nuclear model and radioactivityAtoms, isotopes and nuclear emissions are explained through structure and change.＋
Atoms, isotopes and nuclear emissions are explained through structure and change. Half-life, detection, uses and hazards connect probability to decisions.
Earth and the Solar SystemGravity governs planets, moons, comets and satellites.＋
Gravity governs planets, moons, comets and satellites. Scale and orbital evidence explain patterns in the Solar System.
Stars and the UniverseStellar evolution, redshift and background radiation provide evidence about the universe.＋
Stellar evolution, redshift and background radiation provide evidence about the universe. Observations are linked carefully to scientific conclusions.
A student-friendly summary of the Cambridge International IGCSE syllabus. Centres should confirm the syllabus version and component option for their examination series.
Content is presented as an original student-friendly explanation. Always use the official syllabus for the examination year as the final authority.