Learner Guide

Cambridge IGCSE
Physics

0625

Cambridge Secondary 2

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Cambridge International Examinations 2013.

Contents
How to use this guide ....................................................................................................... 1
Section 1: How will you be tested? ..................................................................................... 3
1.1 The examination Papers you will take
1.2 About the theory Papers
1.3 About the practical Papers

Section 2: Examination tips ................................................................................................. 7

Section 3: What will you be tested? .................................................................................. 11
3.1 The assessment objectives
3.2 Marks allocated to the assessment objectives

Section 4: What you need to know ................................................................................... 13

Section 5: Appendices ....................................................................................................... 39

How to use this guide

iv

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

How to use this guide

How to use this guide

The guide describes what you need to know about your IGSCE Physics examination. It will help you to
plan your revision programme for the written examinations and will explain what we are looking for in the
answers you write. It can also be used to help you to revise by using the tick boxes in Section 4, What you
need to know, to check what you know and which topic areas of Physics you have covered.
The guide contains the following sections:

Section 1: How will you be tested?

This section will give you information about the different types of theory and practical examination Papers
that are available.

Section 2: Examination tips

This section gives you advice to help you do as well as you can. Some of the tips are general advice and
some are based on the common mistakes that learners make in exams.

Section 3: What will be tested?

This section describes the areas of knowledge, understanding and skills that we will test you on. It is
particularly important to realise that most marks are awarded for understanding and skills and only 25% of
the total mark is for simple recall.

Section 4: What you need to know

This shows the syllabus in a simple way so that you can check

the topics you need to know about

how the Extended syllabus (Supplement) differs from the Core syllabus

details about each topic in the syllabus

how much of the syllabus you have covered

Section 5 : Appendices
This section covers other things you need to know such as:

symbols, units and definitions of physical quantities

the importance of the command words we use in examination Papers

information about the mathematical skills you need

Not all the information will be relevant to you. For example, you will need to select what you need to know
in Sections 1 and 4 by finding out from your teacher which examination Papers you will be taking.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

How to use this guide

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 1: How will you be tested?

Section 1: How will you be tested?

1.1 The examination Papers you will take
You will be entered for three examination Papers, two theory Papers and one practical Paper.
You will need to ask your teacher which practical Paper you are taking. Nearer the time of the examination,
you will also need to ask which theory papers you are being entered for. If your teacher thinks that you
should enter for the examination based on the Core syllabus, you will take Paper 1 (theory), Paper 2 (theory)
and one of the practical Papers (4 or 5 or 6). If your teacher thinks that you should enter for the examination
based on the Extended syllabus, you will take Paper 1 (theory), Paper 3 (theory) and one of the practical
Papers (4 or 5 or 6). Whether you take Paper 2 or 3 will depend on the progress your teacher thinks you
have made and which paper best suits your particular strengths. You should discuss this with your teacher.
All learners are assessed on practical work. This is by taking EITHER Paper 4 OR Paper 5 OR Paper 6. You
should check with your teacher which paper you are to take.

1.2 About the theory Papers

The table gives you information about the theory Papers
Paper number

How long and how

many marks?

Whats in the Paper?

Whats the % of the total

examination?

Paper 1

45 minutes

40 multiple choice questions.

You choose one answer you
consider correct from 4 possible
answers.

30%

Paper 2

1 hours

Short answer and structured

questions. You should write
your answers in the spaces
provided. The Paper tests
topics in the Core syllabus.

50%
(you do either Paper 2 or
Paper 3)

Paper 3

1 hours

Short answer and structured

questions. You should write
your answers in the spaces
provided. The Paper tests
topics in the Extended syllabus.

50%
(you do either Paper 2 or
Paper 3)

Practical Paper

see next table

see next table

20%
Total 100%

1.3 About the practical Papers

Twenty percent of the marks for IGCSE Physics are for practical work. Practical work is based only on the
Core syllabus.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 1: How will you be tested?

You will do one of the practical Papers shown in the table. Your teacher will tell you which practical Paper
you will do.
Paper number and
type

How long and how

many marks?

Whats involved?

Paper 4
(coursework)

no fixed time

You design and carry out experiments, which are

then marked by your teacher. You will be assessed
on 4 skill areas. You need to produce 2 pieces of
work for each skill area.

Paper 5
(practical test)

1 hours

You do a practical exam which is supervised by a

teacher. You will carry out 4 short experiments.

Paper 6
(alternative to practical)

1 hour

You answer a written paper about practical work.

There are usually 5 questions which test the same
skill areas as Paper 5.

The Practical papers

Here is some more detail about each of the Practical Papers. If you are unsure of anything, ask your teacher.

1.3.1 Paper 4 (coursework)

You will carry out several experiments throughout your Physics course, which will be marked by your
teacher. Your teacher will mark you on 4 skill areas. What you have to do to get a basic (B), medium (M)
or high (H) mark is shown below. You could use a highlighter pen, or underlining, to note the differences
between basic, medium and high.
Skill C1: Using apparatus
You follow written instructions to set up and use apparatus correctly. You carry out your work safely.
B: You follow instructions correctly to do a single practical operation e.g. set up a simple circuit and record
the current.
You use familiar apparatus, with a little help on points of safety.
M: You follow instructions correctly to do a series of step-by-step practical operations, e.g. set up a circuit
and record a series of voltage and current readings.
You use familiar apparatus fairly well, with no help on points of safety.
H: You follow instructions correctly to do a series of step-by-step practical operations, but may need to
change one step if things dont work out as you thought, e.g. use a wider range of loads to extend a
spring a measurable amount.
You use familiar apparatus very well, with no help on points of safety.
Skill C2: Observing
You make observations and measurements and write them down clearly.
B: You make suitable observations when given some detailed instructions.
You record results correctly when given a detailed table or some help.

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Section 1: How will you be tested?

M: You make suitable observations when given minimal instructions.

You record results correctly when given an outline table or minimal help.
H: You make suitable observations without help and record results as accurately as the apparatus allows.
You record results correctly without help.
Skill C3: Handling results
You draw graphs and/or perform calculations from your results. You draw conclusions from your results and
recognize any results, which do not fit into the pattern.
B: You draw graphs (or do some calculations) from your results when given detailed suggestions.
You draw simple conclusions from your results.
M: You draw graphs (or do some calculations) from your results when given only a little help.
You draw simple conclusions from your results and comment on the patterns shown by the data, e.g.
the extension of a spring is proportional to the load.
You comment on results, which do not fit the pattern.
H: You draw graphs (or do some calculations) from your results when given no help.
You draw more general conclusions from your results and comment on the patterns, e.g. the resistance
of the wire increases with temperature.
You comment on results which do not fit the pattern and suggest how to deal with them, e.g. repeat a
reading.
You suggest what errors there are in your experiment.
Skill C4: Planning and evaluating
You plan your experiment given some basic information from your teacher. You suggest how well your plan
worked and modify if necessary.
B: You write a simple plan for your experiment.
You modify your plan after doing several experiments to see which works the best.
M: You write a plan for your experiment, which has a series of logical steps in it.
You modify your plan after doing trial experiments and give reasons why you need to alter your original
plan.
If there are two variables (things which can change e.g. length of wire, diameter of wire), you recognise
that one variable needs to be changed, while the other is kept the same, e.g. keep the diameter of the
wire the same but vary the length.
H: You write a plan for your experiment which has a series of logical and clearly reasoned steps.
You modify your plan after doing trial experiments, give reasons why you need to alter your original
plan and suggest to what extent your plan works, and why. You suggest how to deal with unexpected
results.
If there are more than two variables, you recognise which needs to be controlled (kept constant) and
which needs to be changed.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 1: How will you be tested?

1.3.2 Paper 5 (Practical test)

You do a practical exam, which is supervised by a teacher. You are given full instructions on the Question
Paper, which enable you carry out the experiments, handle the data and draw appropriate conclusions. You
may be asked to use the following techniques:

recording current and potential difference and drawing circuit diagrams

ray tracing and drawing ray diagrams

measuring temperature

balancing (centre of mass and moments)

stretching of springs

timing of oscillations

1.3.3 Paper 6 (alternative to practical)

This is a written paper, testing the same skills as Paper 5. You may be asked to:

record readings from diagrams of apparatus e.g. current readings

answer questions on the arrangement of apparatus

complete tables of data

draw conclusions from information

answer questions about experimental data

plot a graph from a table of readings

interpret information from graphs

draw ray diagrams

identify sources of error and suggest improvements in the experiment

suggest suitable apparatus for investigations

You will need to do plenty of practical work during the course in order to score a good mark on this Paper in
the examination.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 2: Examination tips

Section 2: Examination tips

These tips highlight some common mistakes made by learners. They are collected under various
subheadings to help you when you revise a particular topic.

General advice

Read the questions carefully and fully.

Look for details that indicate how to answer or the depth of answer required. For example the question
Describe, in terms of the movement and energies of the water molecules, how evaporation takes place
is allocated 2 marks on a paper. This shows that you must make two valid points and you must refer to
movement and energy of the molecules. So wording such as some molecules have more energy than
others and these leave the surface will gain both marks.

Make sure you are confident with your calculator particularly using powers of 10.

Always show your working in calculations so that you can gain marks for your method even if you make
a mistake with the final answer.

Always include units where appropriate.

Avoid vague descriptions try to write clearly and concisely using the correct Physics terms.

Use a sharp pencil for graph work, taking care to plot each point with a small, neat cross and to draw a
thin best fit line.

At the end of a calculation ask yourself is this answer sensible?

Make sure you answer the question set. You will gain no marks for merely repeating the facts given in
the question.

Paper 1 tips
This is the multiple choice test.

Work through the Paper with care. Do not miss out a question for any reason you may then start
placing your answers in the wrong places.

Do not attempt to look for any pattern, or any lack of pattern in the answers. In other words, do not
worry about how many questions have been answered A, B, C or D and do not worry about the
distribution of As, Bs, Cs and Ds.

Papers 2 and 3 tips

These are the papers that test your knowledge and understanding of Physics theory and the ability to apply
your knowledge to situations described on the paper. The following includes some tips on how to read the
questions and advice on particular items in the syllabus that often seem to be poorly understood or applied.
(This does not mean that other parts of the syllabus require any less revision of course!).

Reading the questions

It is very easy when presented with a diagram question to look at the diagram and then try to answer
the question. You must read and understand the introductory sentences above the diagram first before

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 2: Examination tips

trying to answer the question. There may be a part of the question near the end which requires you to
use a piece of information that is included in the introductory sentences in your answer.

Be careful how you answer your questions. An explanation of some Physics (even if correct) that does
not answer the question set does not score marks.

If there are three marks available for a calculation, two of the three marks are for showing your working.

If a question states accurately mark or accurately draw, we expect points (e.g. a centre of gravity) to
be carefully positioned and lines to be drawn with care using a ruler. In the case of ray diagrams it is
expected that rays drawn should pass at least within 1 mm of the relevant point (e.g. principal focus).

When reading the questions, decide which area of Physics you are being asked about. Do not just look
at a few words as you may then misunderstand the question. For example a question that mentions
heat radiation is not about radioactivity (just because the word radiation is seen). If you are asked for a
convection current diagram do not draw a circuit just because the word current is in the question!

Answering the questions

Here are some examples that show the type of understanding that is required to answer questions
successfully.

You must understand the turning effect of a force and that it is called the moment of the force.

You must be clear about the names given to types of energy and use them appropriately.

You should know that a substance melts and freezes at the same temperature and also understand the
ice and steam points as used in the calibration of thermometers.

You should know the circuit symbols required for use in describing electrical circuits. The symbol for a
fuse is often not known and the symbols for a thermistor and a variable resistor are commonly confused
with each other.

You must know how to connect a voltmeter in parallel with the component across which you are
measuring the potential difference.

You must have a clear understanding of electromagnetic induction. For example, you must know that
when a magnet is moved in or out of a solenoid that is part of a circuit, a current will be induced. It is the
movement of the magnet in the solenoid that causes the current as its magnetic field lines cut the coil.

You must understand and be able to explain the concept of terminal velocity.

You must understand the difference between mass and weight.

You must be confident in drawing diagrams showing wavefronts as well as those showing rays.

You must understand basic radioactivity. You should know about the characteristics of the three types
of emission (alpha, beta and gamma), half-life and safety precautions. The difference between nuclear
fission and nuclear fusion must also be understood.

Papers 5 and 6 tips

You will take one of these papers that test practical Physics. There are some particular points that are
relevant to answering the questions here.

When plotting a graph it is important to choose the scales so that the plots occupy more than half of the
graph grid. Careless, rushed graph plotting can lose several marks. You should always use a sharp pencil
and plot small, neat, accurately placed crosses. Then draw a neat thin best-fit line.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 2: Examination tips

You should understand that if y is proportional to x then the graph will be a straight line through the
origin.

Diagrams should be drawn with care using a sharp pencil.

It is important to be able to set up a circuit from a diagram, draw a circuit diagram of a circuit already set
up and also to draw a circuit diagram from a written description.

You need to know that to read the current through a component (e.g. a lamp or a resistor) and the
voltage across it, the ammeter is placed in series with the component but the voltmeter must be
connected in parallel with the component.

Column headings in tables of readings must be headed with the quantity and unit as in these examples:
I/A, or t/s, or y/m. Graph axes are labelled in the same way.

Final answers should be given to 2 or 3 significant figures.

When carrying out practical work there are usually measurements that are in some way difficult to take
in spite of taking great care. You should comment about these difficulties when asked about precautions
taken to improve accuracy.

You should understand that the control of variables is an important aspect of practical work. You should
be able to comment on the control of variables in a particular experiment.

You should understand the significance of wording such as within the limits of experimental accuracy.

If you are asked to justify a statement that you have made it must be justified by reference to the
readings. A theoretical justification in a practical test will not gain marks.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 2: Examination tips

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Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 3: What will be tested?

Section 3: What will be tested?

We take account of the following areas in your examination Papers:

your knowledge (what you remember) and understanding (how you use what you know and apply it to
unfamiliar situations)

how you handle information and solve problems

your use of experimental skills

These areas of knowledge and skills are called Assessment Objectives. The theory Papers test mainly
Objective A (knowledge with understanding) and Assessment Objective B (handling information and
problem solving). You should note that only half the marks available for Assessment Objective A are for
simple recall. The purpose of the practical Paper is to test Assessment Objective C (experimental skills).
Your teacher will be able to give you more information about how each of these is used in examination
Papers. The table shows you the range of skills you should try to develop.
Skill

What the skill means

What you need to be able to do

A:
Knowledge with
understanding

remembering facts and

applying these facts to new
situations

1. use scientific ideas, facts and laws

2. know the meaning of scientific terms
e.g. centre of mass
3. know about apparatus and how it
works
4. know about symbols, quantities (e.g.
mass and weight) and units (e.g. kg
and N)
5. understand the importance of science
in everyday life

B:
Handling information and
solving problems

how you extract

information and rearrange
it in a sensible pattern
and how you carry out
calculations and make
predictions

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
C:
experimental skills and
investigations

planning and carrying out

experiments and recording
and analysing information

select and organize information from

graphs, tables and written text
change information from one form to
another e.g. draw graphs.
arrange data and carry out calculations
identify patterns from information
given and draw conclusions
explain scientific relationships, e.g. use
the moving (kinetic) particle theory to
explain ideas about solids, liquids and
gases.
make predictions and develop scientific
ideas
solve problems

1. set up and use apparatus safely

2. make observations and measurements
and record them
3. analyse experimental results and
suggest how valid they are
4. plan and carry out your own
experiment and describe to what
extent your plan worked

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

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Section 3: What will be tested?

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Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Section 4: What you need to know

Section 4: What you need to know

This is a table, which describes the things you may be tested on in the examination. If you are studying only
the Core syllabus (Papers 1 and 2), you will need to refer only to the column headed Core material. If you
are studying the Extended syllabus (Papers 1 and 3), you will need to refer to both the Core material and the
Extended material columns. If you are unsure about which material to use, you should ask you teacher for
advice.

How to use the table

You can use the table throughout your course to check the topic areas you have covered. You can also use
it as a revision aid. When you think you have a good knowledge of a topic, you can tick the appropriate box
in the checklist column. The main headings in the topic areas are usually followed by the details of what you
should know. Test yourself as follows:

cover up the details with a piece of paper

try to remember the details

when you have remembered the details correctly, put a tick in the appropriate box

If you use a pencil to tick the boxes, you can retest yourself whenever you want by simply rubbing out
the ticks. If you are using the table to check which topics you have covered, you can put a tick in the topic
column, next to the appropriate bullet point.
The column headed Comments can be used:

to add further information about the details for each bullet point

to add learning aids, e.g. simple equations set out in a triangle to help in rearranging the equation

to highlight areas of difficulty/ things you need to ask your teacher about.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

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Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Use mechanical methods

for the measurement
of a small distance,
including the micrometer
screw gauge.
Measure a short interval
of time, including the
period of a pendulum.

Distinguish between
speed and velocity
Recognise linear
motion for which the
acceleration is constant
and calculate the
acceleration.
Recognise motion for
which the acceleration is
not constant.

General Physics
Length and time

Speed, velocity and

acceleration

Use rules and measuring

cylinders to calculate a
length or a volume.
Use clocks and
stopwatches to measure
intervals of time.

Define speed and

calculate speed from
total distance
total time
Plot and interpret a
speed/time graph or a
distance/time graph
Recognise from the
shape of a speed/time
graph when a body is
(a) at rest, (b) moving
with constant speed, (c)
moving with changing
speed.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

14
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Calculate the area under

a speed/time graph to
determine the distance
travelled for motion with
constant acceleration.

Demonstrate some
understanding that
acceleration is related to
changing speed.
State that the
acceleration of free fall
for a body near to the
Earth is constant.

Comments

You should be able to:

Describe qualitatively the

motion of bodies falling
in a uniform gravitational
field with and without
air resistance (including
reference to terminal
velocity).

Checklist

Comments

Mass and weight

Demonstrate an
understanding that
mass is a property
which resists change in
motion.
Describe, and use the
concept of weight as the
effect of a gravitational
field on a mass.

15

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Show familiarity with

the idea of the mass of
a body.
State that weight is a
force.
Demonstrate
understanding that
weights (and hence
masses) may be
compared using a
balance.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Density

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Describe an experiment
to determine the density
of a liquid and the
density of a regularly
shaped solid and
make the necessary
calculation.

Describe the
determination of the
density of an irregularly
shaped solid by the
method of displacement
and make the necessary
calculation.

State that a force may

produce a change in size
and shape of a body.
Plot extension/load
graphs and describe the
associated experimental
procedure.
Describe the ways
in which a force may
change the motion of a
body.
Find the resultant of two
or more forces acting
along the sameline

Interpret extension/load
graphs.
State Hookes Law
and recall and use the
expression F = kx.
Recognise the
significance of the term
limit of proportionality
for an extension/load
graph.
Recall and use the
relation between
force,mass and
acceleration (including
the direction).
Describe, qualitatively,
motion in a curved path
due to a perpendicular
force (F = mv 2 /r is not
required).

Forces
(a) Effects of forces

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

16
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

(b) Turning effect

Describe the moment

of a force as a measure
of its turning effect and
give everyday examples.
Describe, qualitatively,
the balancing of a beam
about a pivot.

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

State that, when there is

no resultant force and no
resultant turning effect, a
system is in equilibrium.

(d) Centre of mass

Perform and describe an

experiment to determine
the position of the centre
of mass of a plane
lamina.

Describe qualitatively the

effect of the position of
the centre of mass on
the stability of simple
objects.

Comments

17

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

(c) Conditions for

equilibrium

Perform and describe

an experiment (involving
vertical forces) to verify
that there is no net
moment on a body in
equilibrium.
Apply the idea of
opposing moments
to simple systems in
equilibrium.

Checklist

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

(e) Scalars and

vectors

Comments

You should be able to:

Demonstrate an
understanding of the
difference between
scalars and vectors and
give common examples.
Add vectors by graphical
representation to
determine a resultant.
Determine graphically a
resultant of two vectors.

Checklist

Energy, work and

power
(a) Energy

Demonstrate an
understanding that an
object may have energy
due to its motion or its
position, and that energy
may be transferred and
stored.
Give examples of
energy in different
forms, including kinetic,
gravitational, chemical,
strain, nuclear, internal,
electrical, light and sound.
Give examples of the
conversion of energy
from one form to another
and of its transfer from
one place to another.
Apply the principle of
energy conservation to
simple examples.

Recall and use the

expressions k.e.=
2
mv and p.e. = mgh.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

18
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

(b) Energy resources

(c) Work

Relate, without
calculation, work done to
the magnitude of a force
and distance moved.

Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Show an understanding
that
energy is released by
nuclear fusion in the Sun.
Recall and use the
equation
efficiency =
useful energy output
100%
energy input

Checklist

Comments

Describe energy changes

in terms of work done.
Recall and use W = Fd
= E.

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Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Distinguish between
renewable and nonrenewable sources of
energy
Describe how electricity
or other useful forms of
energy may be obtained
from:
chemical energy
stored in fuel
water, including the
energy stored in
waves and tides, and
the energy stored
behind hydroelectric
dams
geothermal
resources
nuclear fission
heat and light from
the Sun (solar cells
and solar panels)
Give advantages and
disadvantages of each
method in terms of cost,
reliability, scale and
environmental impact
Show an understanding
of efficiency

Extended material

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

(d) Power

Relate, without
calculation, power to
work done and time
taken, using appropriate
examples.

Recall and use the

equation P = E/t in
simple systems.

Pressure

Relate, without
calculation, pressure to
force and area, using
appropriate examples.
Describe the simple
mercury barometer and
its use in measuring
atmospheric pressure.
Relate, without
calculation, the pressure
beneath a liquid surface
to depth and to density,
using appropriate
examples.
Use and describe the use
of a manometer.

Recall and use the

equation p = F/A.
Recall and use the
equation p = hg.

Thermal Physics
Simple kinetic
molecular model of
matter
(a) States of matter

State the distinguishing

properties of solids,
liquids and gases.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

20
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

(b) Molecular model

Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Relate the properties

of solids, liquids
and gases to the
forces and distances
between molecules
and to themotion of the
molecules.
Show an appreciation
that massive particles
may be moved by light,
fast-moving molecules.

Checklist

Comments

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Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Describe qualitatively the

molecular structure of
solids, liquids and gases.
Interpret the temperature
of a gas in terms of the
motion of its molecules.
Describe qualitatively
the pressure of a gas in
terms of the motion of
its molecules.
Describe qualitatively
the effect of a change
of temperature on the
pressure of a gas at
constant volume.
Show an understanding
of the random motion of
particles in a suspension
as evidence for the
kinetic molecular model
of matter.
Describe this motion
(sometimes known
as Brownian motion)
in terms of random
molecular bombardment.

Extended material

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

(c) Evaporation

Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Describe evaporation
in terms of the escape
of more energetic
molecules from the
surface of a liquid.
Relate evaporation and
the consequent cooling.

Demonstrate an
understanding of how
temperature, surface
area and draught over
a surface influence
evaporation.

Relate the change in

volume of a gas to
change in pressure
applied to the gas at
constant emperature.

Recall and use the

equation pV = constant
at constant temperature.

Describe qualitatively
the thermal expansion of
solids, liquids and gases.
Identify and explain
some of the everyday
applications and
consequences of thermal
expansion.
Describe qualitatively
the effect of a change
of temperature on the
volume of a gas at
constant pressure.

Show an appreciation
of the relative order
of magnitude of the
expansion of solids,
liquids and gases.

(d) Pressure changes

Extended material

Thermal properties
(a) Thermal expansion
of solids, liquids and
gases

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

22
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

(b) Measurement of
temperature

(c) Thermal capacity

(d) Melting and boiling

Checklist

Appreciate how a
physical property which
varies with temperature
may be used for the
measurement of
temperature and state
examples of such
properties.
Recognise the need for
and identify fixed points.
Describe the structure
and action of liquid-inglass thermometers.

Relate a rise in
temperature of a body
to an increase in internal
energy.
Show an understanding
of the term thermal
capacity.

Describe melting and

boiling in terms of energy
input without a change in
temperature.
State the meaning of
melting point and boiling
point.
Describe condensation
and solidification.

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Demonstrate
understanding of
sensitivity, range and
linearity.
Describe the structure
of a thermocouple and
show understanding of
its use for measuring
high temperatures and
those which vary rapidly.

Describe an experiment
to measure the specific
heat capacity of a
substance.

Distinguish between
boiling and evaporation.
Use the terms latent
heat of vaporisation and
latent heat of fusion
and give a molecular
interpretation of latent
heat.
Describe an experiment
to measure specific
latent heats for steam
and for ice.

Comments

23

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Extended material

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Transfer of thermal
energy
(a) Conduction

Describe experiments
to demonstrate the
properties of good and
bad conductors of heat.

(b) Convection

Relate convection
in fluids to density
changes and describe
experiments to illustrate
convection

(c) Radiation

Identify infra-red
radiation as part of
the electromagnetic
spectrum.

(d) Consequences of
energy transfer

Identify and explain

some of the everyday
applications and
consequences of
conduction, convection
and radiation.

Give a simple molecular

account of the heat
transfer in solids.

Describe experiments to
show the properties of
good and bad emitters
and good and bad
absorbers of infra-red
radiation.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

24
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Comments

Properties of waves,
including light and
sound
General wave
properties

Describe what is meant

by wave motion as
illustrated by vibration
in ropes, springs and by
experiments using water
waves.
Use the term wavefront.
Give the meaning of
speed, frequency,
wavelength and
amplitude.
Distinguish between
transverse and
longitudinal waves and
give suitable examples.

Recall and use the

equation v = f .
Interpret reflection,
refraction and diffraction
using wave theory.

25

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Describe the use of

water waves to show
reflection at a plane
surface refraction due
to a change of speed
diffraction produced by
wide and narrow gaps.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Light
(a) Reflection

(b) Refraction

Describe the
formation, and give the
characteristics, of the
image in a plane mirror.
Use the law angle of
incidence = angle of
reflection.
Describe an experimental
demonstration of the
refraction of light.
Use the terminology for
the angle of incidence i
and angle of refraction
r and describe the
passage of light through
parallel-sided transparent
material.
Give the meaning of
critical angle.
Describe internal and
total internal reflection.

Perform simple
constructions,
measurements and
calculations.

Recall and use the

definition of refractive
index n in terms of
speed.
Recall and use the
equation sin i/sin r = n.
Describe the action
of optical fibres
particularly in medicine
and in communications
technology.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

26
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

(c) Converging lenses

(d) Dispersion of light

(e) electromagnetic
spectrum

Describe the action of a

thin converging lens on a
beam of light.
Use the terms principal
focus and focal length.
Draw ray diagrams to
illustrate the formation of
a real image by a single
lens.
Give a qualitative account
of the dispersion of light
as illustrated by the action
on light of a glass prism.

Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Draw ray diagrams to

illustrate the formation
of a virtual image by a
single lens.
Use and describe the
use of a single lens as a
magnifying glass.

Checklist

Comments

State the approximate

value of the speed of
electromagnetic waves.
Use the term
monochromatic.

27

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Describe the main

features of the
electromagnetic spectrum
and state that all e-m
waves travel with the
same high speed in vacuo
Describe the role of
electromagnetic waves
in:
Radio and television
communications
(radio waves)
Satellite television
and telephones
(microwaves)
Electrical appliances,
remote controllers
for televisions and
intruder alarms
(infrared)

Extended material

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Sound

Medicine and
security (X-rays)
Demonstrate an
awareness of safety
issues regarding the
use of microwaves
and X-rays

Describe the production

of sound by vibrating
sources.
Describe the longitudinal
nature of sound waves.
State the approximate
range of audible
frequencies.
Show an understanding
that a medium is required
in order to transmit
sound waves.
Describe an experiment
to determine the speed
of sound in air.
Relate the loudness and
pitch of sound waves to
amplitude and frequency.
Describe how the
reflection of sound may
produce an echo.

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Describe compression
and rarefaction.
State the order of
magnitude of the speed
of sound in air, liquids
and solids.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

28
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Comments

Electricity and
magnetism
Simple phenomena of
magnetism

State the properties of

magnets.
Give an account of
induced magnetism.
Distinguish between
ferrous and non-ferrous
materials.
Describe methods of
magnetisation and of
demagnetisation.
Describe an experiment
to identify the pattern
of field lines round a bar
magnet.
Distinguish between the
magnetic properties of
iron and steel.
Distinguish between
the design and use of
permanent magnets and
electromagnets.

29

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Electrical quantities
(a) Electric charge

(b) Current

Describe simple
experiments to show the
production and detection
of electrostatic charges.
State that there are
positive and negative
charges.
State that unlike charges
attract and that like
charges repel.
Describe an electric
field as a region in
which an electric charge
experiences a force.
Distinguish between
electrical conductors
and insulators and give
typical examples.
State that current is
related to the flow of
charge.
Use and describe the use
of an ammeter.

State that charge is

measured in coulombs.
State the direction
of lines of force and
describe simple field
patterns, including the
field around a point
charge and the field
between two parallel
plates
Give an account of
charging by induction.
Recall and use the
simple electron model
to distinguish between
conductors and
insulators.

Show understanding that

a current is a rate of flow
of charge and recall and
use the equation I = Q/t.
Distinguish between
the direction of flow
of electrons and
conventional current.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

30
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

(c) Electro-motive
force

State that the e.m.f. of

a source of electrical
energy is measured in
volts.

(d) Potential
difference

State that the potential

difference across a
circuit component is
measured in volts.
Use and describe the use
of a voltmeter.

(e) Resistance

You should be able to:

Checklist

Show understanding that

e.m.f. is defined in terms
of energy supplied by a
source in driving charge
round a complete circuit.

Recall and use

quantitatively the
proportionality between
resistance and length of
a wire
Recall and use
quantitatively the inverse
proportionality between
resistance and crosssectional area of a wire.

Comments

31

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

State that resistance

= pd/current and
understand qualitatively
how changes in p.d. or
resistance affect current.
Recall and use the
equation R = V/I.
Describe an experiment
to determine resistance
using a voltmeter and an
ammeter.
Relate (without
calculation) the
resistance of a wire
to its length and to its
diameter.

Comments

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

(f) Electrical
Energy

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Recall and use the

equation P = IV and
E = Ivt.

Electrical circuits
(a) Circuit diagrams

Draw and interpret circuit

diagrams containing
sources, switches,
resistors (fixed and
variable), lamps,
ammeters, voltmeters,
magnetising coils,
transformers, bells,
fuses, relays.

Draw and interpret circuit

diagrams containing
diodes and transistors.

(b) Series and parallel

circuits

Understand that the

current at every point in a
series circuit is the same.
Give the combined
resistance of two or
more resistors in series.
State that, for a parallel
circuit, the current from
the source is larger
than the current in each
branch.
State that the combined
resistance of two
resistors in parallel is
less than that of either
resistor by itself.
State the advantages
of connecting lamps
in parallel in a lighting
circuit.

Recall and use the fact

that the sum of the p.d.s.
across the components
in a series circuit is equal
to the total p.d.s. across
the supply.
Recall and use the fact
that the current from the
source is the sum of the
currents in the separate
branches of a parallel
circuit.
Calculate the effective
resistance of two
resistors in parallel.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

32
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

(c) Action and use of

circuit components

(d) Digital electronics

Describe the action of a

variable potential divider
(potentiometer).
Describe the action of
thermistors and light
dependent resistors and
show understanding
of their use as input
transducers.
Describe the action
of a capacitor as an
energy store and show
understanding of its use
in time delay circuits.
Describe the action
of a relay and show
understanding of its use
in switching circuits.

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Explain and use the

terms digital and
analogue.
State that logic gates
are circuits containing
transistors and other
components.
Describe the action on
NOT, AND, OR, NAND
and NOR gates.
Design and understand
simple digital circuits
combining several logic
gates.
State and use the
symbols for logic gates.

Comments

33

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Describe the action

of a diode and show
understanding of its use
as a rectifier.
Describe the action
of a transistor as an
electrically operated
switch and show
understanding of its use
in switching circuits.
Recognise and show
understanding of circuits
operating as light
sensitive switches and
temperature operated
alarms (using a relay or a
transistor).

Checklist

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

Dangers of electricity

State the hazards of

(i) damaged insulation
(ii) overheating of cables
(iii) damp conditions.
Show an understanding
of the use of fuses and
circuit-breakers.

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Electromagnetic
effects
(a) Electromagnetic
induction

(b) a.c generator

Describe an experiment
which shows that a
changing
magnetic field can
induce an e.m.f. in a
circuit.

Describe a rotating-coil
generator and the use of
slip rings.
Sketch a graph of voltage
output against time for a
simple a.c. generator.

State the factors

affecting the magnitude
of an induced e.m.f.
Show understanding
that the direction of an
induced e.m.f. opposes
the change causing it.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

34
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

(c) Transformer

(d) The magnetic

effect of a current

Describe the pattern of

the magnetic field due to
currents in straight wires
and in solenoids.
Describe applications
of the magnetic effect
of current, including the
action of a relay.
Describe an experiment
to show that a force acts
on a current-carrying
conductor in a magnetic
field, including the
effect of reversing (i) the
current, (ii) the direction
of the field.

Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Describe the principle

of operation of a
transformer.
Recall and use the
equation VpI p = VsIs (for
100% efficiency).
Explain why energy
losses in cables are
lower when the voltage
is high

Checklist

Comments

State the variation of the

strength of the magnetic
field over the parts of the
patterns
Describe the effect on
the magnetic field of
changing the magnitude
and direction of the
current.
Describe an experiment
to show the
corresponding force
on beams of charged
particles.
State and use the relative
directions of force, field
and current.

35

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

(e) Force on a currentcarrying conductor

Describe the
construction of a basic
iron-cored transformer
as used for voltage
transformations.
Recall and use the
equation (Vp /Vs ) = (N p /
N s).
Describe the use of the
transformer in highvoltage transmission of
electricity.
Give the advantages of
high voltage transmission

Extended material

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

(f) d.c. motor

State that a currentcarrying coil in

a magnetic field
experiences a turning
effect and that the effect
is increased by increasing
the number of turns on
the coil.
Relate this turning
effect to the action of an
electric motor.

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Describe the effect of

increasing the current.

Describe in outline the

basic structure, and
action, of a cathode-ray
oscilloscope (detailed
circuits are not required).
Use and describe the
use of a cathode-ray
oscilloscope to display
waveforms.

Cathode ray
oscilloscopes
(a) Cathode rays

(b) Simple treatment

of cathode-ray
oscilloscope

Describe the production

and detection of cathode
rays.
Describe their deflection
in electric fields.
State that the particles
emitted in thermionic
emission are electrons.

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

36
Topic

Topic

Core material
You should be able to:

Extended material
Checklist

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

Comments

Atomic physics
Radioactivity
(a) Detection of
radioactivity

(b) Characteristics
of the three kinds of
emission

Show awareness of the

existence of background
radioactivity.
Describe the detection
of -particles, -particles
and -rays.
State that radioactive
emissions occur
randomly over space and
time.
State, for radioactive
emissions: (i) their nature
(ii) their relative ionising
effects (iii) their relative
penetrating abilities.

Describe their deflection

in electric fields and
magnetic fields.
Interpret their relative
ionising effects.

State the meaning of

radioactive decay, using
equations (involving
words or symbols) to
represent changes in
the composition of the
nucleus when particles
are emitted.

(d) Half-life

Use the term half-life in

simple calculations which
might involve information
in tables or decay curves.

37

Section 4: What you need to know

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

(c) Radioactive decay

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Core material
You should be able to:

(e) Safety precautions

Extended material
Checklist

Describe how radioactive

materials are handled,
used and stored in a safe
way.

(a) Atomic model

Describe the structure

of an atom in terms of a
nucleus and electrons.

(b) Nucleus

Describe the
composition of the
nucleus in terms of
protons and neutrons.
Use the term proton
number (= atomic
number), Z, use the term
nucleon number (= mass
number), A, use the
term nuclide and nuclide
A
notation Z X

Comments

You should be able to:

Checklist

The nuclear atom

(c) Isotopes

Describe how the

scattering of alphaparticles by thin metal
foils provides evidence
for the nuclear atom.

Use the term isotope

Give and explain
examples of practical
applications of isotopes

Comments

Section 4: What you need to know

38
Topic

Section 5: Appendices

Section 5: Appendices
Symbols, units and definitions of physical quantities
You should be able to state the symbols for the following physical quantities and, where indicated, state the
units in which they are measured. You should be able to define those items indicated by an asterisk (*) The
list for Extended includes both the Core and the Supplement.
Core

Supplement

Quantity

Symbol

Unit

Quantity

Symbol

Unit

length

l, h ...

km, m, cm, mm

area

m2, cm2

volume

m3, cm3

weight

N*

mass

m, M

kg, g

mg

time

h, min, s

ms

g/cm3, kg/m3

density*
speed*

u, v

acceleration

acceleration of
freee fall

force

F, P ...

km/h, m/s, cm/s

work done

W, E

energy

power

pressure

p, P

acceleration*

m/s2

force*

N*

moment of a
force*

Nm

work done by
a force*

J*
J*, kw h*

power*

W*

pressure*

Pa*, N/m2

atmospheric
pressure

millibar

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

39

Section 5: Appendices

Core

Supplement

Quantity

Symbol

Unit

Quantity

Symbol

Unit

temperature

, T

*C

specific heat
capacity

J/(g C), J/
(kg C)

specific heat
capacity*

latent heat

specific latent
heat*

J/kg, J/g

frequency*

Hz

wavelength*

m, cm

refractive index

focal length

angle of
incidence

degree ()

angle of
reflection,
refraction

degree ()

critical angle

degree ()

potential
difference/
voltage

V, mV

potential
difference*

current

A, mA

current*
charge

40

e.m.f.

resistance

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

e.m.f.*

V*

C, A s

Section 5: Appendices

Command words and phrases used in physics papers

We use command words to help you to write down the answer they are looking for. This table explains
what each of these words or phrases means and will help you to understand the kind of answer you should
write. The list is in alphabetical order. You should bear in mind that the meaning of a term may vary slightly
according to how the question is worded.
Calculate

A numerical answer is needed. You should show any working, especially when
there are two or more steps in a calculation.
e.g. calculate the refractive index

Deduce

This may be used in two ways:

(i) You find the answer by working out the patterns in the information given
to you and drawing logical conclusions from them. You may need to use
information from tables and graphs and do calculations
e.g. deduce what will happen to velocity of the vehicle if .
(ii) You have to refer to a Law or scientific theory or give a reason for your
answer
e.g. use your knowledge of the kinetic theory to deduce what will happen
when

Define

You need to state the meaning of something

e.g. define speed

Describe

You need to state the main points about something (using labelled diagrams if it
helps you).
e.g. describe a rotating-coil generator
You may also be asked to describe
observations
e.g. describe the ways in which a force may change the motion of a body
how to do particular experiments
e.g. describe an experiment to determine resistance using a voltmeter and
an ammeter

Determine

You are expected to use a formula or method that you know to calculate a
quantity.
e.g. Determine graphically the resultant of two vectors

Discuss

You have to write down points for and against an argument

e.g. discuss the energy loss in cables

Estimate

Suggest an approximate value for a quantity based on reasons and data. You
may need to make some approximations.
e.g. estimate the volume of a test tube.

Explain

You have to give reasons for your answer OR refer to a particular theory

Find

This is a general term meaning several similar things such as calculate,

measure, determine etc.

List

Write down a number of separate points. Where the number of points is stated
in the question, you should not write more than this number.
e.g. list three uses of converging lenses

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

41

Section 5: Appendices

42

Meant
(what is meant by
the term)

See Understand

Measure

You are expected to find a quantity by using a measuring instrument

e.g. length (by using a ruler), volume (by using a measuring cylinder)

Outline

State the main points briefly

e.g. outline a method of magnetising an iron bar

Predict

This can be used in two ways:

(i) You find the answer by working out the patterns in the information provided
and drawing logical conclusions from this. You may need to use information
from tables and graphs and do calculations.
e.g. predict what will happen to the direction of the resultant force if .
(ii) It may also mean giving a short answer to a question stating what might
happen next
e.g. predict what effect an increase in temperature will have on the
resistance.

Sketch

(i)

State

You should give a short answer without going into any detail
e.g. state the hazards of damaged electrical insulation BUT: state the meaning
of is different. It is more like understand.

Suggest

This may be used in two ways:

(i) There may be more than one correct answer.
e.g. suggest a precaution to improve the accuracy of the experiment
(ii) You are being asked to apply your general knowledge of physics or
reasoning skills to a topic area that is not on the syllabus
e.g. applying ideas about moments to the stability of a vehicle

Understand
(what do you
understand by the
term.)

You should (i) define something and (ii) make a more detailed comment about it.
The amount of detail depends on the number of marks awarded.
e.g. what do you understand by the term total internal reflection

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

When drawing graphs, this means that you may draw the approximate
shape and/or position of the graph BUT you need to make sure that
important details, such as the line passing through the origin or finishing at
a certain point, are drawn accurately.
(ii) When drawing apparatus or other diagrams, a simple line drawing is all that
is needed, but you must make sure that the proportions are correct and the
most important details are shown. You should always remember to label
your diagrams.

Section 5: Appendices

The mathematical skills you need

This is a checklist of the mathematical skills you need for your physics exam.
Tick each box in the checklist when you know that you have got this skill.
Ask your teacher to explain these skills if you are unsure. The comment column is for extra notes and
examples.
You can use a calculator for all the Papers. You should make sure that you remove any information from your
calculator, if it is programmable.
You can:

add, subtract, multiply and divide

Checklist

Comments

Use:
averages
decimals
fractions
percentages
ratios
reciprocals

recognise standard notation (notation is

putting symbols for numbers e.g. x = 2,
y = 5, atomic mass, Z = 12)
use standard notation

use direct proportion

(stepwise increases)
use inverse proportion
(inverse means turned up side down)

use numbers to the power of 10

e.g. 1 10 2 = 100

Your calculator will often show number

to the power of 10 when you do
calculations. Do not worry too much
though your calculator does the work
for you.

draw charts
graphs with lne of best fit

You will be given the data

interpret:
bar graphs
pie charts
line graphs

select suitable scales and axes for

graphs

make approximations

You should know that if you plot a

graph of y against x, then a straight
line through the origin shows that y is
directly proportional to x
the inverse of 4 is (= 0.25)

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

43

Section 5: Appendices

You can:
use the formulas:
area = length width
volume = length breadth height
use and convert metric units into one
another

use a ruler, compasses, protractor and

set square

understand the meaning of:

angle
curve
circle
radius
diameter
square
parallelogram
rectangle
diagonal
horizontal
vertical

44

Checklist

solve equations of the form x = yz when

two of the terms are known

recognise and use points of the compass

(N, S, E, W)

Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Comments
e.g. 100 cm = 1 m
1000 g = 1 kg

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