Cambridge IGCSE Teacher Support Overview

The ability to reason logically, and evaluate ideas and information critically.

The use of specific vocabulary and grammar to describe scientific concepts and phenomena.

Working meticulously, following instructions, and taking safety precautions during experiments.

The ability to identify and analyze patterns, and draw conclusions from scientific data.

Recognizing the impact of science on individuals, communities, and the environment.

The ability to think creatively and devise innovative solutions to problems.

Developing skills like observation, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Understanding the fundamental principles of physics and their real-world applications.

The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Physics (0625) syllabus for 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The goals and objectives of the IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus.

Resources and tools that support the IGCSE Physics syllabus, such as schemes of work, specimen papers, and syllabuses.

Resources and tools that help students learn and revise for the IGCSE Physics exam, such as example candidate responses, learner guides, past papers, and specimen paper answers.

Online forums, support for coursework and speaking tests, and other support provided by Cambridge International to teachers and students.

The website of Cambridge International where you can find resources and information.

Support for Exams Officers is provided on the Cambridge International website.

Face-to-face or online workshops provided by Cambridge International to help train, develop, and enrich the skill of educators.

Speed is a measure of how fast something is moving, calculated as the distance travelled per unit of time.

The equation for speed is speed (v) equals distance (s) divided by time (t).

Velocity is similar to speed but also considers the direction of motion.

Average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the total time taken.

A distance-time graph shows how far an object travels over time.

A speed-time graph plots an object's speed against time.

The gradient, or slope, of a straight section on a distance-time graph represents the speed of an object.

Acceleration is the change in velocity of an object over time.

The equation for acceleration is acceleration (a) equals change in velocity (Δv) divided by change in time (Δt).

The area under a speed-time graph represents the distance travelled by the object.

Solids have tightly packed particles with little movement, liquids have more space between particles with more movement, and gases have widely spaced particles with the most movement.

The higher the temperature, the faster the particles move. At absolute zero (-273 °C), particles have the least amount of kinetic energy.

Gas pressure is caused by collisions between gas particles and the walls of the container. More collisions result in higher pressure.

The random motion of microscopic particles in a suspension is evidence for the kinetic particle model, showing that particles are constantly moving.

The pressure of a fixed mass of gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature when the volume is constant.

The pressure of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to its volume when the temperature is constant.

The absolute temperature (Kelvin) is equal to the Celsius temperature plus 273.

The forces and distances between particles determine the properties of matter. For example, strong forces in solids lead to rigidity, while weak forces in gases allow for compressibility.

Microscopic particles can be moved by collisions with light fast-moving molecules.

The equation pV = constant describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature.

A potential divider is a circuit with two resistors in series that divides a voltage into two parts. This acts as a variable voltage source that can be adjusted by changing the resistance ratio between the two resistors.

The equation for calculating the voltage across each resistor in a potential divider is V1/V2 = R1/R2, where V1 and V2 are the voltages across resistors R1 and R2 respectively.

Damaged insulation can lead to electric shocks, fires, and short circuits.

Overheating cables can cause fires and damage to electrical appliances.

Damp conditions can increase the risk of electric shocks because water conducts electricity.

Overloading plugs, extension leads, and sockets can cause overheating, fires, and damage to electrical appliances.

The live wire carries the electrical current, the neutral wire completes the circuit, and the earth wire provides a safe path for current to flow if a fault occurs.

A fuse interrupts the flow of current if it exceeds a safe limit, protecting the circuit and appliance.

The pattern of magnetic field lines around a straight wire carrying a current is concentric circles, with the direction determined by the right-hand grip rule. The field is stronger closer to the wire. For a solenoid, the magnetic field lines are closer together inside the solenoid, indicating a stronger field, and are similar to those of a bar magnet. The direction of the field can be determined by the right-hand grip rule applied to the solenoid.

An experiment to demonstrate the magnetic field around a straight wire can be conducted by placing a compass near a wire carrying a current. The compass needle will align itself tangentially to the magnetic field lines. The direction of the needle's deflection indicates the direction of the magnetic field. To observe the magnetic field around a solenoid, you can bring a compass close to it and observe the needle's movement. The needle will align itself with the magnetic field lines, revealing the field's direction.

The strength of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire is directly proportional to the current flowing through it. This means that increasing the current increases the magnetic field strength. The strength of the magnetic field inside a solenoid is directly proportional to the number of turns per unit length of the solenoid. More turns per unit length mean a stronger magnetic field. The magnetic field's strength is also affected by the permeability of the core material.

Relays are electromagnetic switches that are controlled by a small current but can switch larger currents. They are used in various circuits, including those that control motors, heaters, and lighting. Loudspeakers are devices that convert electrical signals into sound waves. They utilize a magnetic field to move a coil attached to a diaphragm, which vibrates and generates sound. Applications include audio systems, phones, and public address systems.

Changing the magnitude (amount) of the current in a straight wire or solenoid directly changes the strength of the magnetic field. A stronger current leads to a stronger magnetic field. Conversely, a weaker current results in a weaker magnetic field. Reversing the direction of the current reverses the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor. The field lines will change their orientation, essentially flipping the direction in which they point.

An experiment demonstrating the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field can be conducted by placing a wire carrying a current in a magnetic field generated by a magnet. The wire will experience a force, causing it to move perpendicular to both the current direction and the magnetic field lines. When the current is reversed, the direction of the force on the wire reverses. Similarly, if the direction of the magnetic field is reversed, the force on the wire will also reverse.

The force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is determined by the relative directions of three factors: the current, the magnetic field, and the force itself. The force is maximum when the magnetic field and the current are perpendicular to each other. The left-hand rule is used to determine the direction of the force. The thumb points in the direction of the current, the first finger points in the direction of the magnetic field, and the middle finger, perpendicular to both, points in the direction of the force.

The movement of charged particles in a magnetic field results in a force acting upon them. The direction of this force depends on the charge of the particle and the direction of both the magnetic field and the particle's velocity. The force is always perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the particle's velocity. This force is known as the magnetic force, and it is instrumental in applications like mass spectrometers and particle accelerators.