Most Tested IGCSE Physics Topics and Question Patterns

This guide identifies the topics and question types that appear most frequently in Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 papers, based on recurring patterns.

Topics that appear in nearly every paper

1. Electricity and circuits

Almost every Paper 4 includes:

• An Ohm’s law or resistance calculation.
• A series/parallel circuit problem.
• Electrical power or energy calculations.
• A question on electrical safety (fuses, earthing) or domestic wiring.

2. Forces and motion

Frequently tested:

• Newton’s second law calculations ($F = ma$).
• Distance-time or velocity-time graph interpretation.
• Momentum conservation in collisions.
• Hooke’s law and spring extension.

3. Energy

Common question types:

• Kinetic and gravitational potential energy calculations.
• Energy transfer and efficiency calculations.
• Sankey diagram interpretation.

4. Thermal physics

Regularly tested:

• Specific heat capacity calculations.
• Explaining state changes using particle theory.
• Latent heat (often on heating/cooling curves).
• Methods of thermal energy transfer (conduction, convection, radiation).

5. Waves

Common questions:

• Wave equation calculations ($v = f\lambda$).
• Refraction and Snell’s law calculations.
• Electromagnetic spectrum uses and dangers.
• Sound wave properties.

6. Nuclear physics

Regular features:

• Alpha, beta, gamma: properties and penetration.
• Half-life calculations from data or graphs.
• Nuclear decay equations.
• Safety precautions with radioactive sources.

7. Space physics (smaller section)

Typically one or two questions on:

• Life cycle of stars.
• Redshift and the Big Bang.

High-value question types

How to apply this in an exam

There are no shortcuts: every topic can be tested. But if revision time is limited, prioritise electricity, forces/motion and energy calculations, and make sure you can handle “explain in terms of particles” questions for thermal physics.