Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 Syllabus 2023-2025 PDF

Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE™ Physics 0625 Use this syllabus for exams in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Exams are available in the June and November series. Exams are also available in the March series in India only. Version 2 Why choose Cambridge International? Cambridge International pre...

Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE™ Physics 0625 Use this syllabus for exams in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Exams are available in the June and November series. Exams are also available in the March series in India only. Version 2 Why choose Cambridge International? Cambridge International prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge. Our Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success from age 5 to 19. Schools can shape the curriculum around how they want students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways to offer them. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives them the skills they need for life, so they can achieve at school, university and work. Our programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong platform for learners to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning resources. Our mission is to provide educational benefit through provision of international programmes and qualifications for school education and to be the world leader in this field. Together with schools, we develop Cambridge learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged – equipped for success in the modern world. Every year, nearly a million Cambridge students from 10 000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future with the Cambridge Pathway. ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’ Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA Quality management Cambridge International is committed to providing exceptional quality. In line with this commitment, our quality management system for the provision of international qualifications and education programmes for students aged 5 to 19 is independently certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard, ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/ISO9001 Copyright © UCLES July 2022 Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge. UCLES retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre. Contents 1 Why choose this syllabus?..................................................................................................... 2 2 Syllabus overview.................................................................................................................... 5 Aims 5 Content overview 6 Assessment overview 7 Assessment objectives 8 3 Subject content.......................................................................................................................10 4 Details of the assessment................................................................................................... 40 Core assessment 40 Extended assessment 40 Practical assessment 41 Language of measurement 43 Apparatus 44 Safety in the laboratory 46 Electrical symbols 47 Symbols and units for physical quantities 48 Mathematical requirements 50 Presentation of data 51 Conventions (e.g. signs, symbols, terminology and nomenclature) 52 Command words 53 5 What else you need to know.............................................................................................. 54 Before you start 54 Making entries 55 After the exam 56 How students and teachers can use the grades 56 Grade descriptions 56 Changes to this syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025 57 Important: Changes to this syllabus For information about changes to this syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025, go to page 57. Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 1 Why choose this syllabus? Key benefits Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds, although it can be taken by students of other ages. It is tried, tested and trusted. Students can choose from 70 subjects in any combination – it is taught by over 4800 schools in over 150 countries. Cambridge Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding learner of a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment. Cambridge IGCSE Physics develops a set of transferable skills including handling data, practical problem-solving and applying the scientific method. Learners develop relevant attitudes, such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness. They acquire the essential scientific skills required for progression to further studies or employment. Our approach in Cambridge IGCSE Physics encourages learners to be: confident, interested in learning about science, questioning ideas and using scientific language to communicate their views and opinions responsible, working methodically and safely when working alone or collaboratively with others reflective, learning from their experiences and interested in scientific issues that affect the individual, the community and the environment innovative, solving unfamiliar problems confidently and creatively engaged, keen to develop scientific skills, curious about scientific principles and their application in the world. ‘The strength of Cambridge IGCSE qualifications is internationally recognised and has provided an international pathway for our students to continue their studies around the world.’ Gary Tan, Head of Schools and CEO, Raffles International Group of Schools, Indonesia 2 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Why choose this syllabus? International recognition and acceptance Our expertise in curriculum, teaching and learning, and assessment is the basis for the recognition of our programmes and qualifications around the world. The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE Physics gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics. Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements. UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to the standard of the reformed GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition ‘Cambridge IGCSE is one of the most sought-after and recognised qualifications in the world. It is very popular in Egypt because it provides the perfect preparation for success at advanced level programmes.’ Managing Director of British School in Egypt BSE Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 3 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Why choose this syllabus? Supporting teachers We provide a wide range of resources, detailed guidance and innovative training and professional development so that you can give your students the best possible preparation for Cambridge IGCSE. To find out which resources are available for each syllabus go to our School Support Hub. The School Support Hub is our secure online site for Cambridge teachers where you can find the resources you need to deliver our programmes. You can also keep up to date with your subject and the global Cambridge community through our online discussion forums. Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support Planning and preparation Teaching and assessment Next step guides Endorsed resources Schemes of work  Online forums Specimen papers Support for coursework and speaking tests Syllabuses Teacher guides Support for Cambridge IGCSE Learning and revision Results Example candidate responses Candidate Results Service Learner guides Principal examiner reports for teachers Past papers and mark schemes Results Analysis Specimen paper answers Sign up for email notifications about changes to syllabuses, including new and revised products and services at www.cambridgeinternational.org/syllabusupdates Professional development We support teachers through: Introductory Training – face-to-face or online Extension Training – face-to-face or online Enrichment Professional Development – face-to-face or online Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/events Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/profdev Supporting exams officers We provide comprehensive support and guidance for all Cambridge exams officers. Find out more at: www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide 4 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 2 Syllabus overview Aims The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. You can deliver some of the aims using suitable local, international or historical examples and applications, or through collaborative practical work. The aims are to enable students to: acquire scientific knowledge and understanding of scientific theories and practice develop a range of experimental skills, including handling variables and working safely use scientific data and evidence to solve problems and discuss the limitations of scientific methods communicate effectively and clearly, using scientific terminology, notation and conventions understand that the application of scientific knowledge can benefit people and the environment enjoy science and develop an informed interest in scientific matters which support further study. Cambridge Assessment International Education is an education organisation and politically neutral. The contents of this syllabus, examination papers and associated materials do not endorse any political view. We endeavour to treat all aspects of the exam process neutrally. Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 5 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overview Content overview Candidates study the following topics: 1 Motion, forces and energy 2 Thermal physics 3 Waves 4 Electricity and magnetism 5 Nuclear physics 6 Space physics 6 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overview Assessment overview All candidates take three papers. Candidates who have studied the Core syllabus content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G. Candidates who have studied the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above, should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G. Core assessment Core candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 3. The questions are based on the Core subject content only: Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) Paper 3: Theory (Core) 45 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes 40 marks 30% 80 marks 50% 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Short-answer and structured questions Externally assessed Externally assessed Extended assessment Extended candidates take Paper 2 and Paper 4. The questions are based on the Core and Supplement subject content: Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) Paper 4: Theory (Extended) 45 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes 40 marks 30% 80 marks 50% 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Short-answer and structured questions Externally assessed Externally assessed Practical assessment All candidates take one practical paper from a choice of two: Paper 5: Practical Test Paper 6: Alternative to Practical 1 hour 15 minutes 1 hour 40 marks 20% 40 marks 20% Questions will be based on the experimental skills OR Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 4 in Section 4 Externally assessed Externally assessed Information on availability is in the Before you start section. Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 7 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overview Assessment objectives The assessment objectives (AOs) are: AO1 Knowledge with understanding Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units) scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications. Subject content defines the factual material that candidates may be required to recall and explain. Candidates will also be asked questions which require them to apply this material to unfamiliar contexts and to apply knowledge from one area of the syllabus to another. AO2 Handling information and problem-solving Candidates should be able, in words or using other written forms of presentation (i.e. symbolic, graphical and numerical), to: locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources translate information from one form to another manipulate numerical and other data use information to identify patterns, report trends and form conclusions present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships make predictions based on relationships and patterns solve problems, including some of a quantitative nature. Questions testing these skills may be based on information that is unfamiliar to candidates, requiring them to apply the principles and concepts from the syllabus to a new situation, in a logical, deductive way. AO3 Experimental skills and investigations Candidates should be able to: demonstrate knowledge of how to select and safely use techniques, apparatus and materials (including following a sequence of instructions where appropriate) plan experiments and investigations make and record observations, measurements and estimates interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements. 8 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overview Weighting for assessment objectives The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below. Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualification Assessment objective Weighting in IGCSE % AO1 Knowledge with understanding 50 AO2 H  andling information and problem-solving 30 AO3 E xperimental skills and investigations 20 Total 100 Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component Assessment objective Weighting in components % Papers 1 and 2 Papers 3 and 4 Papers 5 and 6 AO1 Knowledge with understanding 63 63 – AO2 H  andling information and problem-solving 37 37 – AO3 E xperimental skills and investigations – – 100 Total 100 100 100 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 9 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 3 Subject content This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners. Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting resources and examples to support your learners’ study. These should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as well as complying with your school policies and local legal requirements. All candidates should be taught the Core subject content. Candidates who are only taught the Core subject content can achieve a maximum of grade C. Candidates aiming for grades A* to C should be taught the Extended subject content. The Extended subject content includes both the Core and the Supplement. Scientific subjects are, by their nature, experimental. Learners should pursue a fully integrated course which allows them to develop their experimental skills by doing practical work and investigations. Practical work helps students to: use equipment and materials accurately and safely develop observational and problem-solving skills develop a deeper understanding of the syllabus topics and the scientific approach appreciate how scientific theories are developed and tested transfer the experimental skills acquired to unfamiliar contexts develop positive scientific attitudes such as objectivity, integrity, cooperation, enquiry and inventiveness develop an interest and enjoyment in science. 1 Motion, forces and energy 1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques Core Supplement 1 Describe the use of rulers and measuring cylinders to find a length or a volume 2 Describe how to measure a variety of time intervals using clocks and digital timers 3 Determine an average value for a small distance and for a short interval of time by measuring multiples (including the period of oscillation of a pendulum) 4 Understand that a scalar quantity has magnitude (size) only and that a vector quantity has magnitude and direction 5 Know that the following quantities are scalars: distance, speed, time, mass, energy and temperature 6 Know that the following quantities are vectors: force, weight, velocity, acceleration, momentum, electric field strength and gravitational field strength 7 Determine, by calculation or graphically, the resultant of two vectors at right angles, limited to forces or velocities only 10 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 unit total distance travelled time; recall and use the equation average speed = total time taken ∆v 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 with: graph when an object is: (a) constant acceleration (a) at rest (b) changing acceleration (b) moving with constant speed (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 the object that has mass 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 11 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 graphs 10 Define and use the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for an elastic solid and describe the associated for a load–extension graph and identify this point experimental procedures 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 12 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 13 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 Ek = 1/2mv2 5 Recall and use the equation for the change in gravitational potential energy ∆Ep = mg∆h 3 Know the principle of the conservation of energy 6 Know the principle of the conservation of and apply this principle to simple examples energy and apply this principle to complex including the interpretation of simple flow examples involving multiple stages, including the diagrams interpretation of Sankey diagrams 14 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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, or 4 Know that radiation from the Sun is the main electrical power generated, from: source of energy for all our energy resources except geothermal, nuclear and tidal (a) chemical energy stored in fossil fuels (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 of each 5 Know that energy is released by nuclear fusion in method in terms of renewability, availability, the Sun 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 15 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 beneath 4 Recall and use the equation for the change in the surface of a liquid changes with depth and pressure beneath the surface of a liquid 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) 16 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 pressure 7 Describe the pressure and the changes in pressure of a gas in terms of the motion of its particles of a gas in terms of the forces exerted by and their collisions with a surface 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 volume for a fixed mass of gas at constant temperature, (b) a change of volume at constant temperature including a graphical representation of this relationship 2 Convert temperatures between kelvin and degrees Celsius; recall and use the equation T (in K) = θ (in °C) + 273 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 17 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 arrangement solids, liquids and gases at constant pressure 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 object increases its internal energy 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 liquid 8 Explain the cooling of an object in contact with an evaporating liquid 18 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 terms properties of good thermal conductors and bad of atomic or molecular lattice vibrations and also thermal conductors (thermal insulators) 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 the emission, absorption and reflection of infrared rate at which it transfers energy away from the radiation 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 19 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 and consequences of conduction, convection 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 20 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 an (a) reflection at a plane surface 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 21 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 media 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 a 6 Draw and use ray diagrams for the formation of a real image by a converging lens virtual image by a converging lens 4 Describe the characteristics of an image using the 7 Describe the use of a single lens as a magnifying terms enlarged/same size/diminished, 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 22 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 waves in the same high speed in a vacuum 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 23 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 microwaves satellite television use geostationary can penetrate some walls and only require a satellites short aerial for transmission and reception (b) Bluetooth uses low energy radio waves or microwaves because they can 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 signaling 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 waves 10 Describe compression and rarefaction 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 5 Know that the speed of sound in air is 11 Know that, in general, sound travels faster in approximately 330–350 m / s solids than in liquids and faster in liquids than in gases continued 24 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 25 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content 4.2 Electrical quantities 4.2.1 Electric charge Core Supplement 1 State that there are positive and negative charges 7 State that charge is measured in coulombs 2 State that positive charges repel other positive 8 Describe an electric field as a region in which an charges, negative charges repel other negative 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 involves 10 Describe simple electric field patterns, including only a transfer of negative charge (electrons) the direction of the field: (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 terms 6 State that conventional current is from positive 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.) 26 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content 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 unit W 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 27 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content 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 know how these components behave in the and variable), heaters, thermistors (NTC only), circuit light-dependent resistors (LDRs), lamps, motors, 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 28 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content 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 conductor 2 Describe the action of a variable potential divider increases as its resistance increases for a constant current 3 Recall and use the equation for two resistors used as a potential divider R1 V1 = 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 29 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content 4.5 Electromagnetic effects 4.5.1 Electromagnetic induction Core Supplement 1 Know that a conductor moving across a magnetic 4 Know that the direction of an induced e.m.f. field or a changing magnetic field linking with a opposes the change causing it 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 magnetic field due to currents in straight wires of 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 30 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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 acts 2 Recall and use the relative directions of force, on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic magnetic field and current 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 the including the action of a split-ring commutator 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 transformer 6 Explain the principle of operation of a simple with a soft iron core, as used for voltage iron-cored transformer 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 Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse 31 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. 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) particles a positively charged nucleus and negatively by a sheet of thin metal supports the nuclear charged electrons in orbit around the nucleus 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) A number and the relative charge on a nucleus 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 32 www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse Back to contents page  Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content 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, β-particles emissions from the nucleus by recalling: and γ-radiation in electric fields and magnetic (a) their nature