IGCSE Physics past papers
Both IGCSE Physics boards publish past papers with mark schemes. Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) has a multiple-choice paper, a theory paper and a practical paper, at Core or Extended level. Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) has two written papers. Pick your board below.
Choose your exam board
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics past papersCambridge IGCSE Physics (0625): every public paper to preview or download
- Edexcel IGCSE Physics past papersInternational GCSE Physics (4PH1): where to find every paper, and how they work
How the boards compare
| Board | Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge IGCSE (0625) | Multiple choice, theory, and a practical or alternative to practical paper | 40, 80 and 40 marks | 45 min, 1 h 15, and 1 h 15 or 1 h |
| Edexcel International GCSE (4PH1) | Paper 1P and Paper 2P, both written | 110 and 70 marks | 2 h and 1 h 15 |
How to use past papers
- Learn the content first. Use topic questions while you are still learning; save full papers for when you have covered most of the course.
- Do full papers under exam conditions: timed, no notes, with the formula sheet or booklet you will have on the day.
- Mark strictly with the mark scheme, including method marks, and add up your score.
- Read the examiner report for the questions you lost marks on: it explains the common mistakes and what full marks looked like.
- Keep an error log of every lost mark and its topic, then revise those topics before your next paper.
- Save the newest papers for your final mocks in the last few weeks.
Free IGCSE Physics practice questions
Ten original questions written by our tutors in the style of the exam. Choose an answer to see if you are right and why.
Answered 0 of 10 · 0 correct
1. A car travels 150 m in 6.0 s at constant speed. What is its speed?
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B. Speed = distance ÷ time = 150 ÷ 6.0 = 25 m/s.
2. What is the weight of a 5.0 kg mass where g = 9.8 N/kg?
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C. W = mg = 5.0 × 9.8 = 49 N.
3. A resultant force of 12 N acts on a 4.0 kg mass. What is its acceleration?
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B. a = F ÷ m = 12 ÷ 4.0 = 3.0 m/s2.
4. A 2.0 kg ball moves at 3.0 m/s. What is its kinetic energy?
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C. Ek = ½mv2 = 0.5 × 2.0 × 9.0 = 9.0 J.
5. A current of 0.50 A flows through a 24 Ω resistor. What is the potential difference across it?
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B. V = IR = 0.50 × 24 = 12 V.
6. A wave has frequency 50 Hz and wavelength 4.0 m. What is its speed?
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C. v = fλ = 50 × 4.0 = 200 m/s.
7. A force of 30 N acts on an area of 0.20 m2. What is the pressure?
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C. p = F ÷ A = 30 ÷ 0.20 = 150 Pa.
8. A sample has a half-life of 3 days. What fraction remains after 9 days?
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C. 9 days is three half-lives: ½ × ½ × ½ = 1/8.
9. Which type of radiation is stopped by a sheet of paper?
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A. Alpha particles are the most ionising and least penetrating; paper stops them.
10. A motor transfers 600 J of energy in 20 s. What is its power?
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B. P = E ÷ t = 600 ÷ 20 = 30 W.
Frequently asked questions
Which IGCSE Physics board am I doing?
Check an old mock: the cover shows Cambridge with 0625, or Pearson Edexcel with 4PH1.
Is a calculator allowed in IGCSE Physics?
Yes. Both boards expect you to use a calculator in their papers.
Is there an equation sheet in IGCSE Physics?
Not for Cambridge 0625: you are expected to know the equations in the syllabus. For Edexcel 4PH1, the specification lists the equations you must learn.