Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Subject content

1.2 Motion

Core Supplement
1 Define speed as distance travelled per unit
time; recall and use the equation
s
v=
t
2 Define velocity as speed in a given direction
3 Recall and use the equation 9 Define acceleration as change in velocity per
total distance travelled unit time; recall and use the equation
average speed = ∆v
total time taken
a=
4 Sketch, plot and interpret distance–time and ∆t
speed–time graphs
5 Determine, qualitatively, from given data or the 10 Determine from given data or the shape of a
shape of a distance–time graph or speed–time speed–time graph when an object is moving
graph when an object is: with:
(a) at rest (a) constant acceleration
(b) moving with constant speed (b) changing acceleration
(c) accelerating
(d) decelerating
6 Calculate speed from the gradient of a straight- 11 Calculate acceleration from the gradient of a
line section of a distance–time graph speed–time graph
7 Calculate the area under a speed–time graph to
determine the distance travelled for motion with
constant speed or constant acceleration
12 Know that a deceleration is a negative
acceleration and use this in calculations
8 State that the acceleration of free fall g for 13 Describe the motion of objects falling in a
an object near to the surface of the Earth is uniform gravitational field with and without air/
approximately constant and is approximately liquid resistance, including reference to terminal
9.8 m / s2 velocity

1.3 Mass and weight

Core Supplement
1 State that mass is a measure of the quantity
of matter in an object at rest relative to the
observer
2 State that weight is a gravitational force on an 5 Describe, and use the concept of, weight as
object that has mass the effect of a gravitational field on a mass
3 Define gravitational field strength as force per
unit mass; recall and use the equation
W
g=
m
and know that this is equivalent to the
acceleration of free fall
4 Know that weights (and masses) may be
compared using a balance

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

1.4 Density

Core Supplement
1 Define density as mass per unit volume; recall
and use the equation
m
ρ=
V
2 Describe how to determine the density of a
liquid, of a regularly shaped solid and of an
irregularly shaped solid which sinks in a liquid
(volume by displacement), including appropriate
calculations
3 Determine whether an object floats based on 4 Determine whether one liquid will float on
density data another liquid based on density data given that
the liquids do not mix

1.5 Forces

1.5.1 Effects of forces

Core Supplement
1 Know that forces may produce changes in the 9 Define the spring constant as force per unit
size and shape of an object extension; recall and use the equation
F
k=
x
2 Sketch, plot and interpret load–extension 10 Define and use the term ‘limit of proportionality’
graphs for an elastic solid and describe the for a load–extension graph and identify this
associated experimental procedures point on the graph (an understanding of the
elastic limit is not required)
3 Determine the resultant of two or more forces 11 Recall and use the equation F = ma and know
acting along the same straight line that the force and the acceleration are in the
same direction
4 Know that an object either remains at rest or
continues in a straight line at constant speed
unless acted on by a resultant force
5 State that a resultant force may change the 12 Describe, qualitatively, motion in a circular path
velocity of an object by changing its direction of due to a force perpendicular to the motion as:
motion or its speed
(a) speed increases if force increases, with
mass and radius constant
(b) radius decreases if force increases, with
mass and speed constant
(c) an increased mass requires an increased
force to keep speed and radius constant
mv 2
(F = is not required)
r
continued

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

1.5 Forces continued

1.5.1 Effects of forces continued

Core Supplement
6 Describe solid friction as the force between two
surfaces that may impede motion and produce
heating
7 Know that friction (drag) acts on an object
moving through a liquid
8 Know that friction (drag) acts on an object
moving through a gas (e.g. air resistance)

1.5.2 Turning effect of forces

Core Supplement
1 Describe the moment of a force as a measure
of its turning effect and give everyday examples
2 Define the moment of a force as
moment = force × perpendicular distance from
the pivot; recall and use this equation
3 Apply the principle of moments to situations 5 Apply the principle of moments to other
with one force each side of the pivot, including situations, including those with more than one
balancing of a beam force each side of the pivot
4 State that, when there is no resultant force and 6 Describe an experiment to demonstrate that
no resultant moment, an object is in equilibrium there is no resultant moment on an object in
equilibrium

1.5.3 Centre of gravity

Core Supplement
1 State what is meant by centre of gravity
2 Describe an experiment to determine the
position of the centre of gravity of an irregularly
shaped plane lamina
3 Describe, qualitatively, the effect of the position
of the centre of gravity on the stability of simple
objects

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

1.6 Momentum

Core Supplement
1 Define momentum as mass × velocity; recall
and use the equation
p = mv
2 Define impulse as force × time for which force
acts; recall and use the equation
impulse = F∆t = ∆(mv)
3 Apply the principle of the conservation of
momentum to solve simple problems in one
dimension
4 Define resultant force as the change in
momentum per unit time; recall and use the
equation
∆p
F=
∆t

1.7 Energy, work and power

1.7.1 Energy

Core Supplement
1 State that energy may be stored as kinetic,
gravitational potential, chemical, elastic (strain),
nuclear, electrostatic and internal (thermal)
2 Describe how energy is transferred between
stores during events and processes, including
examples of transfer by forces (mechanical
work done), electrical currents (electrical work
done), heating, and by electromagnetic, sound
and other waves
4 Recall and use the equation for kinetic energy
1 2
Ek = mv
2
5 Recall and use the equation for the change in
gravitational potential energy

∆Ep = mg∆h

3 Know the principle of the conservation of 6 Know the principle of the conservation of
energy and apply this principle to simple energy and apply this principle to complex
examples including the interpretation of simple examples involving multiple stages, including
flow diagrams the interpretation of Sankey diagrams

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

1.7 Energy, work and power continued

1.7.2 Work

Core Supplement
1 Understand that mechanical or electrical work
done is equal to the energy transferred
2 Recall and use the equation for mechanical
working
W = Fd = ∆E

1.7.3 Energy resources

Core Supplement
1 Describe how useful energy may be obtained, 4 Know that radiation from the Sun is the main
or electrical power generated, from: source of energy for all our energy resources
(a) chemical energy stored in fossil fuels except geothermal, nuclear and tidal
(b) chemical energy stored in biofuels
(c) water, including the energy stored in waves,
in tides and in water behind hydroelectric
dams
(d) geothermal resources
(e) nuclear fuel
(f) light from the Sun to generate electrical
power (solar cells)
(g) infrared and other electromagnetic waves
from the Sun to heat water (solar panels)
and be the source of wind energy
including references to a boiler, turbine and
generator where they are used
2 Describe advantages and disadvantages 5 Know that energy is released by nuclear fusion
of each method in terms of renewability, in the Sun
availability, reliability, scale and environmental
impact
6 Know that research is being carried out to
investigate how energy released by nuclear
fusion can be used to produce electrical energy
on a large scale
3 Understand, qualitatively, the concept of 7 Define efficiency as:
efficiency of energy transfer (a)
(useful energy output)
(%) efficiency = (× 100%)
(total energy input)

(b)
(useful power output)
(%) efficiency = (× 100%)
(total power input)

recall and use these equations

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

1.7 Energy, work and power continued

1.7.4 Power

Core Supplement
1 Define power as work done per unit time and
also as energy transferred per unit time; recall
and use the equations
W
(a) P =
t
∆E
(b) P =
t

1.8 Pressure

Core Supplement
1 Define pressure as force per unit area; recall
and use the equation
F
p=
A
2 Describe how pressure varies with force and
area in the context of everyday examples
3 Describe, qualitatively, how the pressure 4 Recall and use the equation for the change in
beneath the surface of a liquid changes with pressure beneath the surface of a liquid
depth and density of the liquid ∆p = ρg∆h

2 Thermal physics
2.1 Kinetic particle model of matter

2.1.1 States of matter

Core Supplement
1 Know the distinguishing properties of solids,
liquids and gases
2 Know the terms for the changes in state
between solids, liquids and gases (gas to solid
and solid to gas transfers are not required)

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

2.1 Kinetic particle model of matter continued

2.1.2 Particle model

Core Supplement
1 Describe the particle structure of solids, 6 Know that the forces and distances between
liquids and gases in terms of the arrangement, particles (atoms, molecules, ions and electrons)
separation and motion of the particles and and the motion of the particles affects the
represent these states using simple particle properties of solids, liquids and gases
diagrams
2 Describe the relationship between the motion
of particles and temperature, including the idea
that there is a lowest possible temperature
(−273 °C), known as absolute zero, where the
particles have least kinetic energy
3 Describe the pressure and the changes in 7 Describe the pressure and the changes in
pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its pressure of a gas in terms of the forces exerted
particles and their collisions with a surface by particles colliding with surfaces, creating a
force per unit area
4 Know that the random motion of microscopic 8 Know that microscopic particles may be moved
particles in a suspension is evidence for the by collisions with light fast-moving molecules
kinetic particle model of matter and correctly use the terms atoms or molecules
as distinct from microscopic particles
5 Describe and explain this motion (sometimes
known as Brownian motion) in terms of random
collisions between the microscopic particles
in a suspension and the particles of the gas or
liquid

2.1.3 Gases and the absolute scale of temperature

Core Supplement
1 Describe qualitatively, in terms of particles, the 3 Recall and use the equation
effect on the pressure of a fixed mass of gas of: pV = constant
(a) a change of temperature at constant for a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature,
volume including a graphical representation of this
(b) a change of volume at constant relationship
temperature

2 Convert temperatures between kelvin and

degrees Celsius; recall and use the equation
T (in K) = θ (in °C) + 273

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

2.2 Thermal properties and temperature

2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases

Core Supplement
1 Describe, qualitatively, the thermal expansion of 3 Explain, in terms of the motion and
solids, liquids and gases at constant pressure arrangement of particles, the relative order of
magnitudes of the expansion of solids, liquids
and gases as their temperatures rise
2 Describe some of the everyday applications
and consequences of thermal expansion

2.2.2 Specific heat capacity

Core Supplement
1 Know that a rise in the temperature of an object 2 Describe an increase in temperature of an
increases its internal energy object in terms of an increase in the average
kinetic energies of all of the particles in the
object
3 Define specific heat capacity as the energy
required per unit mass per unit temperature
increase; recall and use the equation
∆E
c=
m∆θ
4 Describe experiments to measure the specific
heat capacity of a solid and a liquid

2.2.3 Melting, boiling and evaporation

Core Supplement
1 Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy 6 Describe the differences between boiling and
input without a change in temperature evaporation
2 Know the melting and boiling temperatures for
water at standard atmospheric pressure
3 Describe condensation and solidification in
terms of particles
4 Describe evaporation in terms of the escape of 7 Describe how temperature, surface area and air
more-energetic particles from the surface of a movement over a surface affect evaporation
liquid
5 Know that evaporation causes cooling of a 8 Explain the cooling of an object in contact with
liquid an evaporating liquid

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

2.3 Transfer of thermal energy

2.3.1 Conduction

Core Supplement
1 Describe experiments to demonstrate the 2 Describe thermal conduction in all solids in
properties of good thermal conductors and bad terms of atomic or molecular lattice vibrations
thermal conductors (thermal insulators) and also in terms of the movement of free
(delocalised) electrons in metallic conductors
3 Describe, in terms of particles, why thermal
conduction is bad in gases and most liquids
4 Know that there are many solids that conduct
thermal energy better than thermal insulators
but do so less well than good thermal
conductors

2.3.2 Convection

Core Supplement
1 Know that convection is an important method
of thermal energy transfer in liquids and gases
2 Explain convection in liquids and gases in terms
of density changes and describe experiments
to illustrate convection

2.3.3 Radiation

Core Supplement
1 Know that thermal radiation is infrared radiation
and that all objects emit this radiation
2 Know that thermal energy transfer by thermal 4 Know that for an object to be at a constant
radiation does not require a medium temperature it needs to transfer energy away
from the object at the same rate that it receives
energy
3 Describe the effect of surface colour (black 5 Know what happens to an object if the rate at
or white) and texture (dull or shiny) on the which it receives energy is less or more than
emission, absorption and reflection of infrared the rate at which it transfers energy away from
radiation the object
6 Know how the temperature of the Earth is
affected by factors controlling the balance
between incoming radiation and radiation
emitted from the Earth’s surface
continued

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

2.3 Transfer of thermal energy continued

2.3.3 Radiation continued

Core Supplement
7 Describe experiments to distinguish between
good and bad emitters of infrared radiation
8 Describe experiments to distinguish between
good and bad absorbers of infrared radiation
9 Describe how the rate of emission of radiation
depends on the surface temperature and
surface area of an object

2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer

Core Supplement
1 Explain some of the basic everyday applications 2 Explain some of the complex applications and
and consequences of conduction, convection consequences of conduction, convection and
and radiation, including: radiation where more than one type of thermal
energy transfer is significant, including:
(a) heating objects such as kitchen pans
(b) heating a room by convection (a) a fire burning wood or coal
(b) a radiator in a car

3 Waves
3.1 General properties of waves

Core Supplement
1 Know that waves transfer energy without
transferring matter
2 Describe what is meant by wave motion as
illustrated by vibrations in ropes and springs,
and by experiments using water waves
3 Describe the features of a wave in terms of
wavefront, wavelength, frequency, crest (peak),
trough, amplitude and wave speed
4 Recall and use the equation for wave speed
v = fλ
5 Know that for a transverse wave, the
direction of vibration is at right angles to the
direction of propagation and understand that
electromagnetic radiation, water waves and
seismic S-waves (secondary) can be modelled
as transverse continued

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

3.1 General properties of waves continued

Core Supplement
6 Know that for a longitudinal wave, the direction
of vibration is parallel to the direction of
propagation and understand that sound waves
and seismic P-waves (primary) can be modelled
as longitudinal
7 Describe how waves can undergo: 9 Describe how wavelength and gap size affects
(a) reflection at a plane surface diffraction through a gap
(b) refraction due to a change of speed
(c) diffraction through a narrow gap
8 Describe the use of a ripple tank to show: 10 Describe how wavelength affects diffraction at
(a) reflection at a plane surface an edge
(b) refraction due to a change in speed caused
by a change in depth
(c) diffraction due to a gap
(d) diffraction due to an edge

3.2 Light

3.2.1 Reflection of light

Core Supplement
1 Define and use the terms normal, angle of
incidence and angle of reflection
2 Describe the formation of an optical image by
a plane mirror and give its characteristics, i.e.
same size, same distance from mirror, virtual
3 State that for reflection, the angle of incidence 4 Use simple constructions, measurements and
is equal to the angle of reflection; recall and use calculations for reflection by plane mirrors
this relationship

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

3.2 Light continued

3.2.2 Refraction of light

Core Supplement
1 Define and use the terms normal, angle of
incidence and angle of refraction
2 Describe an experiment to show refraction of 6 Define refractive index, n, as the ratio of the
light by transparent blocks of different shapes speeds of a wave in two different regions
3 Describe the passage of light through a 7 Recall and use the equation
transparent material (limited to the boundaries sin i
between two mediums only) n=
sin r
4 State the meaning of critical angle 8 Recall and use the equation
1
n=
sin c
5 Describe internal reflection and total internal 9 Describe the use of optical fibres, particularly in
reflection using both experimental and everyday telecommunications
examples

3.2.3 Thin lenses

Core Supplement
1 Describe the action of thin converging and thin
diverging lenses on a parallel beam of light
2 Define and use the terms focal length, principal
axis and principal focus (focal point)
3 Draw and use ray diagrams for the formation of 6 Draw and use ray diagrams for the formation of
a real image by a converging lens a virtual image by a converging lens
4 Describe the characteristics of an image using 7 Describe the use of a single lens as a
the terms enlarged/same size/diminished, magnifying glass
upright/inverted and real/virtual
5 Know that a virtual image is formed when
diverging rays are extrapolated backwards and
does not form a visible projection on a screen
8 Describe the use of converging and diverging
lenses to correct long-sightedness and short-
sightedness

3.2.4 Dispersion of light

Core Supplement
1 Describe the dispersion of light as illustrated by
the refraction of white light by a glass prism
2 Know the traditional seven colours of the visible 3 Recall that visible light of a single frequency is
spectrum in order of frequency and in order of described as monochromatic
wavelength

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum

Core Supplement
1 Know the main regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum in order of frequency and in order of
wavelength
2 Know that all electromagnetic waves travel at 6 Know that the speed of electromagnetic
the same high speed in a vacuum waves in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108 m / s and is
approximately the same in air
3 Describe typical uses of the different regions of
the electromagnetic spectrum including:
(a) radio waves; radio and television
transmissions, astronomy, radio frequency
identification (RFID)
(b) microwaves; satellite television, mobile
phones (cell phones), microwave ovens
(c) infrared; electric grills, short range
communications such as remote controllers
for televisions, intruder alarms, thermal
imaging, optical fibres
(d) visible light; vision, photography, illumination
(e) ultraviolet; security marking, detecting fake
bank notes, sterilising water
(f) X-rays; medical scanning, security scanners
(g) gamma rays; sterilising food and medical
equipment, detection of cancer and its
treatment
4 Describe the harmful effects on people
of excessive exposure to electromagnetic
radiation, including:
(a) microwaves; internal heating of body cells
(b) infrared; skin burns
(c) ultraviolet; damage to surface cells and
eyes, leading to skin cancer and eye
conditions
(d) X-rays and gamma rays; mutation or
damage to cells in the body

continued

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum continued

Core Supplement
5 Know that communication with artificial 7 Know that many important systems of
satellites is mainly by microwaves: communications rely on electromagnetic
radiation including:
(a) some satellite phones use low orbit artificial
satellites (a) mobile phones (cell phones) and wireless
(b) some satellite phones and direct broadcast internet use microwaves because
satellite television use geostationary microwaves can penetrate some walls and
satellites only require a short aerial for transmission
and reception
(b) Bluetooth uses radio waves because radio
waves pass through walls but the signal is
weakened on doing so
(c) optical fibres (visible light or infrared) are
used for cable television and high-speed
broadband because glass is transparent to
visible light and some infrared; visible light
and short wavelength infrared can carry
high rates of data
8 Know the difference between a digital and
analogue signal
9 Know that a sound can be transmitted as a
digital or analogue signal
10 Explain the benefits of digital signalling
including increased rate of transmission of data
and increased range due to accurate signal
regeneration

3.4 Sound

Core Supplement
1 Describe the production of sound by vibrating
sources
2 Describe the longitudinal nature of sound 10 Describe compression and rarefaction
waves
3 State the approximate range of frequencies
audible to humans as 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz
4 Know that a medium is needed to transmit
sound waves 11 Know that, in general, sound travels faster in
5 Know that the speed of sound in air is solids than in liquids and faster in liquids than in
approximately 330–350 m / s gases
continued

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

3.4 Sound continued

Core Supplement
6 Describe a method involving a measurement of
distance and time for determining the speed of
sound in air
7 Describe how changes in amplitude and
frequency affect the loudness and pitch of
sound waves
8 Describe an echo as the reflection of sound
waves
9 Define ultrasound as sound with a frequency 12 Describe the uses of ultrasound in non-
higher than 20 kHz destructive testing of materials, medical
scanning of soft tissue and sonar including
calculation of depth or distance from time and
wave speed

4 Electricity and magnetism

4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism

Core Supplement
1 Describe the forces between magnetic poles 10 Explain that magnetic forces are due to
and between magnets and magnetic materials, interactions between magnetic fields
including the use of the terms north pole
(N pole), south pole (S pole), attraction and
repulsion, magnetised and unmagnetised
2 Describe induced magnetism
3 State the differences between the properties
of temporary magnets (made of soft iron) and
the properties of permanent magnets (made of
steel
4 State the difference between magnetic and
non-magnetic materials
5 Describe a magnetic field as a region in which a
magnetic pole experiences a force
6 Draw the pattern and direction of magnetic field 11 Know that the relative strength of a magnetic
lines around a bar magnet field is represented by the spacing of the
magnetic field lines
7 State that the direction of a magnetic field at a
point is the direction of the force on the N pole
of a magnet at that point
8 Describe the plotting of magnetic field lines
with a compass or iron filings and the use of
a compass to determine the direction of the
magnetic field
9 Describe the uses of permanent magnets and
electromagnets

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

4.2 Electrical quantities

4.2.1 Electric charge

Core Supplement
1 State that there are positive and negative 7 State that charge is measured in coulombs
charges
2 State that positive charges repel other positive 8 Describe an electric field as a region in which
charges, negative charges repel other negative an electric charge experiences a force
charges, but positive charges attract negative
charges
3 Describe simple experiments to show the 9 State that the direction of an electric field at a
production of electrostatic charges by friction point is the direction of the force on a positive
and to show the detection of electrostatic charge at that point
charges
4 Explain that charging of solids by friction 10 Describe simple electric field patterns, including
involves only a transfer of negative charge the direction of the field:
(electrons) (a) around a point charge
(b) around a charged conducting sphere
(c) between two oppositely charged parallel
conducting plates (end effects will not be
examined)
5 Describe an experiment to distinguish between
electrical conductors and insulators
6 Recall and use a simple electron model to
explain the difference between electrical
conductors and insulators and give typical
examples

4.2.2 Electric current

Core Supplement
1 Know that electric current is related to the flow 5 Define electric current as the charge passing a
of charge point per unit time; recall and use the equation
Q
I=
t
2 Describe the use of ammeters (analogue and
digital) with different ranges
3 Describe electrical conduction in metals in 6 State that conventional current is from positive
terms of the movement of free electrons to negative and that the flow of free electrons is
from negative to positive
4 Know the difference between direct current
(d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.)

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4.2 Electrical quantities continued

4.2.3 Electromotive force and potential difference

Core Supplement
1 Define electromotive force (e.m.f.) as the 6 Recall and use the equation for e.m.f.
electrical work done by a source in moving a W
unit charge around a complete circuit E=
Q
2 Know that e.m.f. is measured in volts (V)
3 Define potential difference (p.d.) as the work 7 Recall and use the equation for p.d.
done by a unit charge passing through a W
component V=
Q
4 Know that the p.d. between two points is
measured in volts (V)
5 Describe the use of voltmeters (analogue and
digital) with different ranges

4.2.4 Resistance

Core Supplement
1 Recall and use the equation for resistance 4 Sketch and explain the current–voltage graphs
V for a resistor of constant resistance, a filament
R= lamp and a diode
I
2 Describe an experiment to determine resistance
using a voltmeter and an ammeter and do the
appropriate calculations
3 State, qualitatively, the relationship of the 5 Recall and use the following relationship for a
resistance of a metallic wire to its length and to metallic electrical conductor:
its cross-sectional area
(a) resistance is directly proportional to length
(b) resistance is inversely proportional to
cross-sectional area

4.2.5 Electrical energy and electrical power

Core Supplement
1 Understand that electric circuits transfer energy
from a source of electrical energy, such as an
electrical cell or mains supply, to the circuit
components and then into the surroundings
2 Recall and use the equation for electrical power
P = IV
3 Recall and use the equation for electrical
energy
E = IVt
4 Define the kilowatt-hour (kW h) and calculate
the cost of using electrical appliances where
the energy unit is the kW h

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4.3 Electric circuits

4.3.1 Circuit diagrams and circuit components

Core Supplement
1 Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing 2 Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
cells, batteries, power supplies, generators, diodes and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and
potential dividers, switches, resistors (fixed and know how these components behave in the
variable), heaters, thermistors (NTC only), light- circuit
dependent resistors (LDRs), lamps, motors,
bells, ammeters, voltmeters, magnetising coils,
transformers, fuses and relays and know how
these components behave in the circuit

4.3.2 Series and parallel circuits

Core Supplement
1 Know that the current at every point in a series 8 Recall and use in calculations, the fact that:
circuit is the same (a) the sum of the currents entering a junction
in a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of
the currents that leave the junction
(b) the total p.d. across the components in
a series circuit is equal to the sum of the
individual p.d.s across each component
(c) the p.d. across an arrangement of parallel
resistances is the same as the p.d. across
one branch in the arrangement of the
parallel resistances
2 Know how to construct and use series and
parallel circuits
3 Calculate the combined e.m.f. of several
sources in series
4 Calculate the combined resistance of two or
more resistors in series
5 State that, for a parallel circuit, the current from 9 Explain that the sum of the currents into a
the source is larger than the current in each junction is the same as the sum of the currents
branch out of the junction
6 State that the combined resistance of two 10 Calculate the combined resistance of two
resistors in parallel is less than that of either resistors in parallel
resistor by itself
7 State the advantages of connecting lamps in
parallel in a lighting circuit

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4.3 Electric circuits continued

4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components

Core Supplement
1 Know that the p.d. across an electrical 2 Describe the action of a variable potential
conductor increases as its resistance increases divider
for a constant current
3 Recall and use the equation for two resistors
used as a potential divider
R1 V
= 1
R2 V2

4.4 Electrical safety

Core Supplement
1 State the hazards of:
(a) damaged insulation
(b) overheating cables
(c) damp conditions
(d) excess current from overloading of plugs,
extension leads, single and multiple sockets
when using a mains supply
2 Know that a mains circuit consists of a live wire
(line wire), a neutral wire and an earth wire and
explain why a switch must be connected to the
live wire for the circuit to be switched off safely
3 Explain the use and operation of trip switches
and fuses and choose appropriate fuse ratings
and trip switch settings
4 Explain why the outer casing of an electrical
appliance must be either non-conducting
(double-insulated) or earthed
5 State that a fuse without an earth wire protects
the circuit and the cabling for a double-
insulated appliance

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

4.5 Electromagnetic effects

4.5.1 Electromagnetic induction

Core Supplement
1 Know that a conductor moving across a 4 Know that the direction of an induced e.m.f.
magnetic field or a changing magnetic field opposes the change causing it
linking with a conductor can induce an e.m.f. in
the conductor
2 Describe an experiment to demonstrate 5 State and use the relative directions of force,
electromagnetic induction field and induced current
3 State the factors affecting the magnitude of an
induced e.m.f.

4.5.2 The a.c. generator

Core Supplement
1 Describe a simple form of a.c. generator
(rotating coil or rotating magnet) and the use of
slip rings and brushes where needed
2 Sketch and interpret graphs of e.m.f. against
time for simple a.c. generators and relate the
position of the generator coil to the peaks,
troughs and zeros of the e.m.f.

4.5.3 Magnetic effect of a current

Core Supplement
1 Describe the pattern and direction of the 4 State the qualitative variation of the strength of
magnetic field due to currents in straight wires the magnetic field around straight wires and
and in solenoids solenoids
2 Describe an experiment to identify the pattern
of the magnetic field (including direction) due to
currents in straight wires and in solenoids
3 Describe how the magnetic effect of a current
is used in relays and loudspeakers and give
examples of their application
5 Describe the effect on the magnetic field
around straight wires and solenoids of
changing the magnitude and direction of the
current

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

4.5 Electromagnetic effects continued

4.5.4 Force on a current-carrying conductor

Core Supplement
1 Describe an experiment to show that a force 2 Recall and use the relative directions of force,
acts on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field and current
magnetic field, including the effect of reversing:
(a) the current
(b) the direction of the field
3 Determine the direction of the force on beams
of charged particles in a magnetic field

4.5.5 The d.c. motor

Core Supplement
1 Know that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic 2 Describe the operation of an electric motor,
field may experience a turning effect and that including the action of a split-ring commutator
the turning effect is increased by increasing: and brushes
(a) the number of turns on the coil
(b) the current
(c) the strength of the magnetic field

4.5.6 The transformer

Core Supplement
1 Describe the construction of a simple 6 Explain the principle of operation of a simple
transformer with a soft-iron core, as used for iron-cored transformer
voltage transformations
2 Use the terms primary, secondary, step-up and
step-down
3 Recall and use the equation 7 Recall and use the equation for 100% efficiency
Vp Np in a transformer
Vs = Ns IpVp = IsVs

where p and s refer to primary and secondary where p and s refer to primary and secondary
4 Describe the use of transformers in high-
voltage transmission of electricity
5 State the advantages of high-voltage 8 Recall and use the equation
transmission P = I2R
to explain why power losses in cables are
smaller when the voltage is greater

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

5 Nuclear physics
5.1 The nuclear model of the atom

5.1.1 The atom

Core Supplement
1 Describe the structure of an atom in terms of 3 Describe how the scattering of alpha (α)
a positively charged nucleus and negatively particles by a sheet of thin metal supports
charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus the nuclear model of the atom, by providing
evidence for:
(a) a very small nucleus surrounded by mostly
empty space
(b) a nucleus containing most of the mass of
the atom
(c) a nucleus that is positively charged
2 Know how atoms may form positive ions
by losing electrons or form negative ions by
gaining electrons

5.1.2 The nucleus

Core Supplement
1 Describe the composition of the nucleus in
terms of protons and neutrons
6 Describe the processes of nuclear fission
and nuclear fusion as the splitting or joining
of nuclei, to include the nuclide equation and
qualitative description of mass and energy
changes without values
2 State the relative charges of protons, neutrons
and electrons as +1, 0 and –1 respectively
3 Define the terms proton number (atomic 7 Know the relationship between the proton
number) Z and nucleon number (mass number) number and the relative charge on a nucleus
A and be able to calculate the number of
neutrons in a nucleus
8 Know the relationship between the nucleon
number and the relative mass of a nucleus
A
4 Use the nuclide notation Z X
5 Explain what is meant by an isotope and state
that an element may have more than one
isotope

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5.2 Radioactivity

5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity

Core Supplement
1 Know what is meant by background radiation
2 Know the sources that make a significant
contribution to background radiation including:
(a) radon gas (in the air)
(b) rocks and buildings
(c) food and drink
(d) cosmic rays
3 Know that ionising nuclear radiation can be
measured using a detector connected to a
counter
4 Use count rate measured in counts / s or 5 Use measurements of background radiation to
counts / minute determine a corrected count rate

5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission

Core Supplement
1 Describe the emission of radiation from a
nucleus as spontaneous and random in
direction
2 Identify alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) 3 Describe the deflection of α-particles,
emissions from the nucleus by recalling: β-particles and γ-radiation in electric fields and
(a) their nature magnetic fields
(b) their relative ionising effects
(c) their relative penetrating abilities (β+ are
not included, β-particles will be taken to
refer to β –)
4 Explain their relative ionising effects with
reference to:
(a) kinetic energy
(b) electric charge

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

5.2 Radioactivity continued

5.2.3 Radioactive decay

Core Supplement
1 Know that radioactive decay is a change in an 3 Know that isotopes of an element may be
unstable nucleus that can result in the emission radioactive due to an excess of neutrons in the
of α-particles or β-particles and/or γ-radiation nucleus and/or the nucleus being too heavy
and know that these changes are spontaneous
and random
2 State that during α-decay or β-decay, the 4 Describe the effect of α-decay, β-decay and
nucleus changes to that of a different element γ-emissions on the nucleus, including an
increase in stability and a reduction in the
number of excess neutrons; the following
change in the nucleus occurs during
β-emission
neutron → proton + electron
5 Use decay equations, using nuclide notation,
to show the emission of α-particles, β-particles
and γ-radiation

5.2.4 Half-life

Core Supplement
1 Define the half-life of a particular isotope as 2 Calculate half-life from data or decay curves
the time taken for half the nuclei of that isotope from which background radiation has not been
in any sample to decay; recall and use this subtracted
definition in simple calculations, which might
involve information in tables or decay curves
(calculations will not include background
radiation)
3 Explain how the type of radiation emitted and
the half-life of an isotope determine which
isotope is used for applications including:
(a) household fire (smoke) alarms
(b) irradiating food to kill bacteria
(c) sterilisation of equipment using gamma rays
(d) measuring and controlling thicknesses of
materials with the choice of radiations used
linked to penetration and absorption
(e) diagnosis and treatment of cancer using
gamma rays

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

5.2 Radioactivity continued

5.2.5 Safety precautions

Core Supplement
1 State the effects of ionising nuclear radiations
on living things, including cell death, mutations
and cancer
2 Describe how radioactive materials are moved, 3 Explain safety precautions for all ionising
used and stored in a safe way radiation in terms of reducing exposure time,
increasing distance between source and living
tissue and using shielding to absorb radiation

6 Space physics
6.1 The Earth and the Solar System

6.1.1 The Earth

Core Supplement
1 Know that the Earth is a planet that rotates on
its axis, which is tilted, once in approximately
24 hours, and use this to explain observations
of the apparent daily motion of the Sun and the
periodic cycle of day and night
2 Know that the Earth orbits the Sun once in 4 Define average orbital speed from the equation
approximately 365 days and use this to explain 2π r
the periodic nature of the seasons v=
T
where r is the average radius of the orbit and T
3 Know that it takes approximately one month is the orbital period; recall and use this equation
for the Moon to orbit the Earth and use this to
explain the periodic nature of the Moon’s cycle
of phases

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

6.1 The Earth and the Solar System continued

6.1.2 The Solar System

Core Supplement
1 Describe the Solar System as containing: 7 Know that planets, minor planets and comets
have elliptical orbits, and recall that the Sun is
(a) one star, the Sun
not at the centre of the elliptical orbit, except
(b) the eight named planets and know their when the orbit is approximately circular
order from the Sun
(c) minor planets that orbit the Sun, including
dwarf planets such as Pluto and asteroids
in the asteroid belt
(d) moons, that orbit the planets
(e) smaller Solar System bodies, including
comets and natural satellites
8 Analyse and interpret planetary data about
orbital distance, orbital duration, density,
surface temperature and uniform gravitational
field strength at the planet’s surface
2 Know that, in comparison to each other, the
four planets nearest the Sun are rocky and
small and the four planets furthest from the
Sun are gaseous and large, and explain this
difference by referring to an accretion model for
Solar System formation, to include:
(a) the model’s dependence on gravity
(b) the presence of many elements in
interstellar clouds of gas and dust
(c) the rotation of material in the cloud and the
formation of an accretion disc continued

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

6.1 The Earth and the Solar System continued

6.1.2 The Solar System continued

Core Supplement
3 Know that the strength of the gravitational field
(a) at the surface of a planet depends on the
mass of the planet
(b) around a planet decreases as the distance
from the planet increases
4 Calculate the time it takes light to travel a
significant distance such as between objects in
the Solar System
5 Know that the Sun contains most of the mass
of the Solar System and this explains why the
planets orbit the Sun
6 Know that the force that keeps an object 9 Know that the strength of the Sun’s gravitational
in orbit around the Sun is the gravitational field decreases and that the orbital speeds of
attraction of the Sun the planets decrease as the distance from the
Sun increases
10 Know that an object in an elliptical orbit travels
faster when closer to the Sun and explain this
using the conservation of energy

6.2 Stars and the Universe

6.2.1 The Sun as a star

Core Supplement
1 Know that the Sun is a star of medium size, 2 Know that stars are powered by nuclear
consisting mostly of hydrogen and helium, reactions that release energy and that in stable
and that it radiates most of its energy in the stars the nuclear reactions involve the fusion of
infrared, visible light and ultraviolet regions of hydrogen into helium
the electromagnetic spectrum

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

6.2 Stars and the Universe continued

6.2.2 Stars

Core Supplement
1 State that:
(a) galaxies are each made up of many billions
of stars
(b) the Sun is a star in the galaxy known as the
Milky Way
(c) other stars that make up the Milky Way are
much further away from the Earth than the
Sun is from the Earth
(d) astronomical distances can be measured
in light-years, where one light-year is the
distance travelled in (the vacuum of) space
by light in one year
2 Know that one light-year is equal to 9.5 × 1015 m
3 Describe the life cycle of a star:
(a) a star is formed from interstellar clouds of
gas and dust that contain hydrogen
(b) a protostar is an interstellar cloud collapsing
and increasing in temperature as a result of
its internal gravitational attraction
(c) a protostar becomes a stable star when
the inward force of gravitational attraction
is balanced by an outward force due to the
high temperature in the centre of the star
(d) all stars eventually run out of hydrogen as
fuel for the nuclear reaction
(e) most stars expand to form red giants and
more massive stars expand to form red
supergiants when most of the hydrogen in
the centre of the star has been converted to
helium
(f) a red giant from a less massive star forms a
planetary nebula with a white dwarf star at
its centre
(g) a red supergiant explodes as a supernova,
forming a nebula containing hydrogen and
new heavier elements, leaving behind a
neutron star or a black hole at its centre
(h) the nebula from a supernova may form new
stars with orbiting planets

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 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Subject content

6.2 Stars and the Universe continued

6.2.3 The Universe

Core Supplement
1 Know that the Milky Way is one of many billions
of galaxies making up the Universe and that
the diameter of the Milky Way is approximately
100 000 light-years
2 Describe redshift as an increase in the
observed wavelength of electromagnetic
radiation emitted from receding stars and
galaxies
3 Know that the light emitted from distant
galaxies appears redshifted in comparison with
light emitted on the Earth
4 Know that redshift in the light from distant
galaxies is evidence that the Universe is
expanding and supports the Big Bang Theory
5 Know that microwave radiation of a specific
frequency is observed at all points in space
around us and is known as cosmic microwave
background radiation (CMBR)
6 Explain that the CMBR was produced shortly
after the Universe was formed and that
this radiation has been expanded into the
microwave region of the electromagnetic
spectrum as the Universe expanded
7 Know that the speed v at which a galaxy is
moving away from the Earth can be found
from the change in wavelength of the galaxy’s
starlight due to redshift
8 Know that the distance d of a far galaxy can be
determined using the brightness of a supernova
in that galaxy
9 Define the Hubble constant H0 as the ratio of
the speed at which the galaxy is moving away
from the Earth to its distance from the Earth;
recall and use the equation
v
H0 =
d
10 Know that the current estimate for H0 is
2.2 × 10 –18 per second
11 Know that the equation
d 1
=
v H0
represents an estimate for the age of the
Universe and that this is evidence for the idea
that all the matter in the Universe was present
at a single point

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