Sciences
Cambridge IGCSE Physics
Syllabus topics
78 topics and subtopics in the 2026-2028 syllabus, examined from 1 Jan 2026.
- 2
Thermal physics
- 2.1 Kinetic particle model of matter
- 2.1.1 States of matter
- 2.1.2 Particle model
- 2.1.3 Gases and the absolute scale of temperature
- 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature
- 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
- 2.2.2 Specific heat capacity
- 2.2.3 Melting, boiling and evaporation
- 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy
- 2.3.1 Conduction
- 2.3.2 Convection
- 2.3.3 Radiation
- 2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer
- 4
Electricity and magnetism
- 4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism
- 4.2 Electrical quantities
- 4.2.1 Electric charge
- 4.2.2 Electric current
- 4.2.3 Electromotive force and potential difference
- 4.2.4 Resistance
- 4.2.5 Electrical energy and electrical power
- 4.3 Electric circuits
- 4.3.1 Circuit diagrams and circuit components
- 4.3.2 Series and parallel circuits
- 4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components
- 4.4 Electrical safety
- 4.5 Electromagnetic effects
- 4.5.1 Electromagnetic induction
- 4.5.2 The a.c. generator
- 4.5.3 Magnetic effect of a current
- 4.5.4 Force on a current-carrying conductor
- 4.5.5 The d.c. motor
- 4.5.6 The transformer
Experimental skills (Papers 5 and 6)
Not a numbered subject-content topic: section 4 of the syllabus (Practical assessment, AO3) lists the experimental skills assessed in Paper 5 (Practical Test)…
About this syllabus
Cambridge IGCSE Physics covers six topics: motion, forces and energy; thermal physics; waves (including light, the electromagnetic spectrum and sound); electricity and magnetism; nuclear physics; and space physics. Every topic has Core content for all candidates and Supplement content for Extended candidates, with an emphasis on applying physics to unfamiliar situations and on practical skills.
How you are assessed
Core candidates take Paper 1 (45-minute multiple choice, 40 marks, 30%) and Paper 3 (75-minute theory, 80 marks, 50%); Extended candidates take Paper 2 (45-minute multiple choice, 40 marks, 30%) and Paper 4 (75-minute theory, 80 marks, 50%). Everyone also takes one practical paper: Paper 5 Practical Test (75 minutes) or Paper 6 Alternative to Practical (60 minutes), each 40 marks and 20%. Core candidates can achieve grades C to G; Extended candidates A* to G.
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