Measurements and units
Use rulers, measuring cylinders, balances and clocks to measure length, volume, mass and time. Take repeat readings and average — including timing multiple oscillations or intervals.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceFree illustrated revision notes
IGCSE Physics revision notes.
Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Physics notes with original diagrams, clear explanations and practice you can check yourself. Read, sketch, explain, then solve.
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Mechanics
Motion
Define speed, velocity and acceleration, and calculate each. Read and sketch distance-time graphs: gradient = speed.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceMass, weight and density
Distinguish mass (amount of matter) from weight (gravitational force). Use W = mg with g = 9.8 N/kg (or 10 N/kg).
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceForces
Find the resultant of forces acting along a line. Know that a resultant force changes the velocity of an object (speed and/or direction).
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceMoments and turning effects
Define the moment of a force and calculate it. Apply the principle of moments to balanced beams and levers.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceMomentum
Define momentum as mass × velocity and calculate it. Define impulse as force × time and relate it to the change in momentum.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceEnergy, work and power
Describe energy stores (kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic, internal, nuclear) and transfers between them. Apply the principle of conservation of energy.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practicePressure
Define pressure and calculate it with p = F ÷ A. Explain everyday high- and low-pressure applications.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceThermal physics
The particle model of matter
Describe the arrangement, separation and motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases. Explain the properties of each state using the particle model.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceThermal properties of matter
Describe thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases and its applications. Define specific heat capacity and use E = mcΔθ.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceHeat transfer
Describe conduction in solids in terms of lattice vibrations and (in metals) free electrons. Describe convection in liquids and gases in terms of density changes.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceWaves
General wave properties
Describe waves as transferring energy without transferring matter. Define wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed; label them on diagrams.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceLight
Use the law of reflection (angle of incidence = angle of reflection) and describe the image in a plane mirror. Describe refraction at a boundary and define refractive index n = sin i ÷ sin r.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceThe electromagnetic spectrum
State the order of the EM spectrum by wavelength/frequency: radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma. Know that all EM waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum: 3 × 10⁸ m/s.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceSound
Describe sound as a longitudinal wave produced by vibrating sources, requiring a medium. Relate pitch to frequency and loudness to amplitude.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceElectricity & magnetism
Magnetism
Describe magnetic poles, attraction and repulsion, and induced magnetism. Distinguish magnetic hard (steel) and soft (iron) materials.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceStatic electricity
Describe charging by friction as the transfer of electrons. State that like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceElectric circuits
Define current, potential difference, e.m.f. and resistance. Use I = Q/t, V = IR (Ohm's law), and the resistance rules for series and parallel circuits.
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceElectromagnetic effects
Describe electromagnetic induction: an e.m.f. is induced when a conductor cuts field lines or the field through a circuit changes. State the factors affecting the size of an induced e.m.f..
Illustrated explanations · Worked practiceAtomic physics
Space physics
Start with your question. Find your course.
Read a general explanation first, then check the guide for your board and qualification. Each path connects course choices, study methods and practical next steps.
Cambridge IGCSE Physics
0625 and 0972: choose the right tier, practise its papers and prepare practical skills.
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: linear
4PH1: connect your topic revision to Paper 1, Paper 2 and the Physics-only content.
Edexcel IGCSE Physics: modular
4XPH1: plan by unit and keep modular assessments separate from linear paper numbers.
Use the right specification
These topic guides explain shared Cambridge 0625/0972 and Pearson 4PH1 concepts. Core, Extended, Physics-only and modular requirements differ. Topic notes flag relevant differences; the official specification for your board and exam year defines what you must study. The library is a revision companion, not a line-by-line syllabus checklist.
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2026–2028 syllabus
- Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics 4PH1 — specification