IGCSE Physics (0625) - 2 Year Self-Study Plan
This plan is designed to help you cover the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus over
two years, focusing on a structured approach for self-study. It is crucial to maintain
discipline, practice regularly, and seek clarification for any difficult concepts.
General Study Guidelines:
• Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the entire syllabus content and
assessment objectives.
• Active Learning: Don't just read; actively solve problems, conduct virtual experiments
(if possible), and make notes.
• Practice Past Papers: This is essential for understanding exam format, question types,
and time management.
• Utilize Resources: Use textbooks, online tutorials, and educational videos. Websites
like Khan Academy, Physics & Maths Tutor, and official Cambridge resources can be very
helpful.
• Regular Revision: Periodically review previously learned topics to ensure retention.
• Seek Help: If you get stuck, don't hesitate to use online forums or ask for help from a
tutor (if possible).
Year 1: Building Foundations and Core Concepts
Year 1 - Term 1 (Months 1-3)
Focus Areas: Motion, Forces and Energy (Part 1)
Topics to Cover:
1. Motion, forces and energy
• 1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques: Scalars and vectors,
measurement of length, volume, time, average values.
• 1.2 Motion: Speed, velocity, distance-time graphs, speed-time graphs, acceleration
(including free fall).
• 1.3 Mass and weight: Definitions, gravitational field strength, comparison using
balance.
• 1.4 Density: Definition, calculation, determination for liquids and solids,
floating/sinking.
• 1.5 Forces (Part 1): Effects of forces (size, shape), load-extension graphs (elastic solid),
resultant forces, friction (solid, liquid, gas).
Recommended Study Approach for Term 1:
• Focus on understanding the fundamental definitions and units.
• Practice drawing and interpreting graphs related to motion.
• Solve numerical problems involving speed, density, and basic forces.
• Familiarize yourself with experimental procedures for measurements.
Year 1 - Term 2 (Months 4-6)
Focus Areas: Motion, Forces and Energy (Part 2)
Topics to Cover:
1. Motion, forces and energy (Continued)
• 1.5 Forces (Part 2): Spring constant, limit of proportionality, F=ma, circular motion
(qualitative).
• 1.5.2 Turning effect of forces: Moment of a force, principle of moments (one force each
side), equilibrium.
• 1.5.3 Centre of gravity: Definition, experiment to determine position, effect on
stability.
• 1.6 Momentum: Definition, impulse, conservation of momentum (simple 1D problems),
resultant force from momentum change.
• 1.7 Energy, work and power:
• 1.7.1 Energy: Energy stores, energy transfer, conservation of energy (simple and
complex examples, Sankey diagrams), kinetic energy (Ek = 1/2mv^2), gravitational
potential energy (∆Ep = mg∆h).
• 1.7.2 Work: Mechanical and electrical work done (W = Fd = ∆E).
• 1.7.3 Energy resources: Obtaining energy from various sources (fossil fuels, biofuels,
water, geothermal, nuclear, solar, wind), advantages/disadvantages, efficiency
(qualitative and quantitative).
• 1.7.4 Power: Definition (work done/energy transferred per unit time), P = W/t and P =
∆E/t.
• 1.8 Pressure: Definition (force per unit area), p = F/A, pressure variation with force and
area, pressure in liquids (qualitative and quantitative, ∆p = ρg∆h).
Recommended Study Approach for Term 2:
• Focus on applying equations and solving numerical problems for forces, moments,
momentum, energy, work, and power.
• Understand the concepts of conservation laws (energy, momentum).
• Practice drawing and interpreting diagrams for forces and moments.
• Relate theoretical concepts to everyday examples and applications.
Year 1 - Term 3 (Months 7-9)
Focus Areas: Thermal Physics
Topics to Cover:
2. Thermal physics
• 2.1 Kinetic particle model of matter:
• 2.1.1 States of matter: Properties of solids, liquids, gases; terms for changes in state.
• 2.1.2 Particle model: Arrangement, separation, motion of particles in solids, liquids,
gases; relationship between particle motion and temperature (absolute zero);
pressure of gas in terms of particle motion and collisions; Brownian motion as
evidence for kinetic particle model.
• 2.1.3 Gases and the absolute scale of temperature: Effect of temperature and
volume on gas pressure (qualitative); convert temperatures between Kelvin and
Celsius; pV = constant (for fixed mass at constant temperature).
• 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature:
• 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases: Qualitative description of
thermal expansion; everyday applications and consequences; explanation in terms of
particle motion and arrangement.
• 2.2.2 Specific heat capacity: Internal energy and temperature; specific heat capacity
(c = ∆E / m∆θ); experiments to measure specific heat capacity.
• 2.2.3 Melting, boiling and evaporation: Melting and boiling (energy input without
temperature change); melting/boiling points of water; condensation and
solidification; evaporation (escape of energetic particles, cooling effect); differences
between boiling and evaporation; factors affecting evaporation.
• 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy:
• 2.3.1 Conduction: Good/bad thermal conductors; thermal conduction in solids
(lattice vibrations, free electrons); why gases and liquids are poor conductors.
• 2.3.2 Convection: Convection in liquids and gases (density changes); experiments to
illustrate convection.
• 2.3.3 Radiation: Thermal radiation as infrared; emission from all objects; no medium
required; effect of surface colour/texture on emission/absorption/reflection; factors
affecting object temperature balance; experiments to distinguish good/bad
emitters/absorbers; rate of emission vs. surface temperature/area.
• 2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer: Everyday applications and
consequences of conduction, convection, and radiation (e.g., heating pans, room
heating, complex applications).
Recommended Study Approach for Term 3:
• Understand the kinetic particle model thoroughly and apply it to explain phenomena.
• Practice calculations involving specific heat capacity and gas laws.
• Focus on the differences and similarities between conduction, convection, and
radiation.
• Relate thermal physics concepts to real-world scenarios and applications.
Year 1 - Term 4 (Months 10-12)
Focus Areas: Waves (General Properties and Light)
Topics to Cover:
3. Waves
• 3.1 General properties of waves: Waves transfer energy without matter; wave motion
(ropes, springs, water waves); features of a wave (wavefront, wavelength, frequency,
crest, trough, amplitude, wave speed); v = fλ; transverse vs. longitudinal waves
(examples: EM, water, sound, seismic); reflection, refraction, diffraction; ripple tank
experiments; effect of wavelength and gap size on diffraction.
• 3.2 Light:
• 3.2.1 Reflection of light: Normal, angle of incidence, angle of reflection; image
formation by plane mirror (characteristics); angle of incidence = angle of reflection.
• 3.2.2 Refraction of light: Normal, angle of incidence, angle of refraction; experiment
to show refraction; critical angle; internal reflection and total internal reflection;
refractive index (n = sin i / sin r, n = 1 / sin c); uses of optical fibres.
• 3.2.3 Thin lenses: Action of converging/diverging lenses; focal length, principal axis,
principal focus; ray diagrams for real image (converging lens); image characteristics
(enlarged/same size/diminished, upright/inverted, real/virtual); virtual image
formation; magnifying glass; correction of long/short-sightedness.
• 3.2.4 Dispersion of light: Dispersion by prism; colours of visible spectrum;
monochromatic light.
Recommended Study Approach for Term 4:
• Understand the fundamental properties of waves and apply them to different wave
types.
• Practice drawing ray diagrams for lenses and mirrors.
• Solve numerical problems involving wave speed, refractive index, and critical angle.
• Familiarize yourself with the applications of light and waves in everyday life.
Year 2: Advanced Concepts and Exam Preparation
Year 2 - Term 1 (Months 13-15)
Focus Areas: Electromagnetic Spectrum and Sound
Topics to Cover:
3. Waves (Continued)
• 3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum: Main regions (order of frequency/wavelength); speed
in vacuum; typical uses (radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma
rays); harmful effects of excessive exposure; communication with artificial satellites
(microwaves); speed of EM waves in vacuum/air; communication systems (mobile
phones, Bluetooth, optical fibres); digital vs. analogue signals; benefits of digital
signaling.
• 3.4 Sound: Production by vibrating sources; longitudinal nature; audible frequency
range (20 Hz to 20 000 Hz); medium needed; speed of sound in air (330–350 m/s);
method for determining speed; effect of amplitude/frequency on loudness/pitch; echo
(reflection); ultrasound (frequency > 20 kHz); compression/rarefaction; speed in
different media; uses of ultrasound (non-destructive testing, medical scanning, sonar).
Recommended Study Approach for Term 1:
• Memorize the order of the electromagnetic spectrum and the uses/hazards of each
region.
• Understand the properties of sound waves and how they are produced and transmitted.
• Practice calculations related to wave speed and echo problems.
• Review the differences between digital and analogue signals.
Year 2 - Term 2 (Months 16-18)
Focus Areas: Electricity and Magnetism
Topics to Cover:
4. Electricity and magnetism
• 4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism: Forces between magnetic poles/magnets and
magnetic materials; induced magnetism; temporary vs. permanent magnets; magnetic
vs. non-magnetic materials; magnetic field (pattern, direction, plotting); uses of
magnets/electromagnets; magnetic forces due to field interactions; strength of
magnetic field (spacing of lines).
• 4.2 Electrical quantities:
• 4.2.1 Electric charge: Positive/negative charges; repulsion/attraction; electrostatic
charges by friction; conductors vs. insulators (electron model); charge in coulombs;
electric field (direction, patterns).
• 4.2.2 Electric current: Flow of charge; ammeters; electrical conduction in metals
(free electrons); direct current (d.c.) vs. alternating current (a.c.); I = Q/t; conventional
current vs. electron flow.
• 4.2.3 Electromotive force and potential difference: e.m.f. (electrical work done by
source, measured in volts); p.d. (work done by unit charge, measured in volts);
voltmeters; E = W/Q, V = W/Q.
• 4.2.4 Resistance: R = V/I; experiment to determine resistance; relationship of
resistance to length and cross-sectional area; current-voltage graphs (resistor,
filament lamp, diode).
• 4.2.5 Electrical energy and electrical power: Energy transfer in circuits; P = IV; E =
IVt; kilowatt-hour (kW h) and cost calculation.
• 4.3 Electric circuits:
• 4.3.1 Circuit diagrams and circuit components: Draw and interpret diagrams (cells,
batteries, power supplies, generators, potential dividers, switches, resistors, heaters,
thermistors, LDRs, lamps, motors, ammeters, voltmeters, magnetising coils,
transformers, fuses, relays, diodes, LEDs).
• 4.3.2 Series and parallel circuits: Current in series; constructing series/parallel
circuits; combined e.m.f. of sources in series; combined resistance in series; current in
parallel; combined resistance in parallel; advantages of parallel connection.
• 4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components: p.d. across conductor vs. resistance;
variable potential divider; R1/R2 = V1/V2.
• 4.4 Electrical safety: Hazards (damaged insulation, overheating, damp, excess current);
mains circuit (live, neutral, earth); switch in live wire; trip switches and fuses (operation,
ratings); double-insulated/earthed appliances; fuse without earth wire.
• 4.5 Electromagnetic effects:
• 4.5.1 Electromagnetic induction: Induced e.m.f. (conductor in magnetic field,
changing magnetic field); experiment to demonstrate; factors affecting magnitude;
direction of induced e.m.f. (opposes change); relative directions of force, field,
induced current.
• 4.5.2 The a.c. generator: Simple a.c. generator (rotating coil/magnet, slip rings,
brushes); graphs of e.m.f. vs. time.
• 4.5.3 Magnetic effect of a current: Pattern/direction of magnetic field (straight
wires, solenoids); experiment to identify pattern; uses in relays, loudspeakers;
qualitative variation of field strength; effect of changing current magnitude/direction.
• 4.5.4 Force on a current-carrying conductor: Experiment to show force; effect of
reversing current/field; direction of force on charged particles.
• 4.5.5 The d.c. motor: Turning effect on current-carrying coil; factors increasing
turning effect; operation of electric motor (split-ring commutator, brushes).
• 4.5.6 The transformer: Construction (soft iron core); primary, secondary, step-up,
step-down; Vp/Vs = Np/Ns; use in high-voltage transmission; advantages of highvoltage transmission; principle of operation; IpVp = IsVs (100% efficiency); P = I^2R for
power losses.
Recommended Study Approach for Term 2:
• Thoroughly understand the concepts of current, voltage, and resistance, and their
relationships.
• Practice drawing and analyzing circuit diagrams.
• Solve a wide range of problems involving Ohm's Law, power, and energy calculations.
• Understand the principles of magnetism and electromagnetic induction, and their
applications.
Year 2 - Term 3 (Months 19-21)
Focus Areas: Nuclear Physics and Space Physics
Topics to Cover:
5. Nuclear physics
• 5.1 The nuclear model of the atom:
• 5.1.1 The atom: Structure (nucleus, electrons); ion formation; alpha particle
scattering (evidence for nuclear model).
• 5.1.2 The nucleus: Composition (protons, neutrons); relative charges; proton
number (Z), nucleon number (A), number of neutrons; nuclide notation; isotopes;
nuclear fission and fusion (qualitative description).
• 5.2 Radioactivity:
• 5.2.1 Detection of radioactivity: Background radiation (sources); measurement
(detector, counter, count rate); corrected count rate.
• 5.2.2 The three types of nuclear emission: Alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ) (nature,
ionising effects, penetrating abilities); deflection in electric/magnetic fields; relative
ionising effects (kinetic energy, electric charge).
• 5.2.3 Radioactive decay: Spontaneous and random; nucleus changes to different
element during α/β decay; isotopes (excess neutrons, heavy nucleus); effect of α/β/γ
emissions on nucleus (stability, excess neutrons); β-emission (neutron → proton +
electron); decay equations.
• 5.2.4 Half-life: Definition; simple calculations (tables, decay curves); half-life from
data (without background radiation); applications (fire alarms, food irradiation,
sterilisation, thickness measurement, cancer diagnosis/treatment).
• 5.2.5 Safety precautions: Effects of ionising radiation (cell death, mutations,
cancer); safe handling (movement, use, storage); reducing exposure time, increasing
distance, shielding.
6. Space physics
• 6.1 Earth and the Solar System:
• 6.1.1 The Earth: Rotation (24 hours, day/night); orbit (365 days, seasons); Moon orbit
(phases); average orbital speed (v = 2πr / T).
• 6.1.2 The Solar System: Components (Sun, planets, minor planets, moons, comets,
natural satellites); rocky vs. gaseous planets (accretion model, gravity, elements,
rotation, accretion disc); gravitational field strength (mass of planet, distance); light
travel time; Sun's mass and planetary orbits; force keeping object in orbit
(gravitational attraction); elliptical orbits; orbital speed vs. distance from Sun;
conservation of energy.
• 6.2 Stars and the Universe:
• 6.2.1 The Sun as a star: Medium size, hydrogen/helium, energy radiation (infrared,
visible, ultraviolet); nuclear reactions (fusion of hydrogen to helium).
• 6.2.2 Stars: Galaxies (billions of stars); Milky Way; light-years (9.5 × 10^15 m); life
cycle of a star (interstellar clouds, protostar, stable star, red giants, red supergiants,
supernova, planetary nebula, white dwarf, neutron star, black hole, new stars).
• 6.2.3 The Universe: Milky Way (one of many galaxies); redshift (increase in observed
wavelength, receding stars/galaxies); evidence for expanding Universe (Big Bang
Theory); cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR); speed of galaxy (v);
distance of far galaxy (d); Hubble constant (H0 = v/d); age of Universe (d = 1/H0).
Recommended Study Approach for Term 3:
• Understand the fundamental concepts of atomic structure and radioactivity.
• Practice calculations involving half-life and decay equations.
• Familiarize yourself with the life cycle of stars and the evidence for the expanding
universe.
• Relate nuclear physics and space physics concepts to real-world applications and
phenomena.
Year 2 - Term 4 (Months 22-24)
Focus Areas: Comprehensive Review and Past Paper Practice
Topics to Cover:
• Full Syllabus Review: Revisit all topics from Year 1 and Year 2. Identify areas of
weakness and dedicate extra time to them.
• Past Paper Practice: Work through as many past papers as possible under timed
conditions. This is crucial for exam technique, time management, and familiarization
with question styles.
• Mark Scheme Analysis: After completing past papers, thoroughly review the mark
schemes to understand how marks are awarded and identify common mistakes.
• Formula Memorization: Ensure all necessary formulas are memorized and understood.
• Problem-Solving Strategies: Practice different problem-solving approaches for
complex questions.
Recommended Study Approach for Term 4:
• Allocate dedicated time for each subject, focusing on past papers.
• Create a mock exam environment for practice sessions.
• Maintain a log of mistakes and difficult questions to review regularly.
• Prioritize understanding over rote memorization.
Important Notes:
• This is a flexible plan. Adjust the pace based on your understanding and progress.
• Consistent daily study is more effective than cramming.
• Take short breaks to avoid burnout.
• Consider joining online study groups for motivation and discussion.
• Utilize online resources for video explanations and additional practice questions.
Recommended Resources for Physics (0625):
• Textbooks:
• Cambridge IGCSE Physics Coursebook by Tom Duncan and Heather Kennett
(Endorsed by Cambridge International)
• Cambridge IGCSE Physics Workbook by Heather Kennett
• Complete Physics for Cambridge IGCSE by Stephen Pople
• Online Resources:
• Physics & Maths Tutor: Provides detailed revision notes, topic questions, and past
papers.
• Save My Exams: Offers comprehensive notes, questions, and past papers
(subscription may be required for some content).
• Khan Academy: Useful for conceptual understanding through videos and practice
problems.
• Doc Brown's Chemistry (also covers Physics): Good for concise notes and
explanations.
• Cambridge International Website: Official past papers, mark schemes, and
examiner reports.