IGCSE Physics
Cambridge IGCSE Physics covers motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear physics with an emphasis on practical and experimental understanding.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
74%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3 hours 30 minutes across 3 papers
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2/4 — Multiple Choice | 45 minutes | 40 MCQ | 30% |
| Paper 4 — Theory (Extended) | 1 hour 15 minutes | Structured questions | 50% |
| Paper 6 — Alternative to Practical | 1 hour | Experimental questions | 20% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Review required practicals and data-analysis skills — experimental questions appear on nearly every paper.
- 2
Make concept maps connecting topics — modern exam questions frequently cross unit boundaries.
- 3
Draw and label diagrams for every major process — reproducing them from memory is a powerful test of understanding.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Define General Physics and state the key facts a student must know, using precise scientific terminology.
Explain the mechanism behind Thermal Physics: describe what happens and, crucially, why it happens. Include a labelled diagram where appropriate.
Design an experiment (or interpret given data) to investigate Waves. Identify the variables, describe the method, and explain how you would analyse the results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Using vague everyday language where precise scientific terminology is required.
- ✕
Ignoring units and significant figures in calculations.
- ✕
Cramming content while neglecting experimental-design and data-analysis questions.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Physics — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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