IGCSE Physics Topics by Exam Board: Full List

As an IGCSE Physics student, it can be challenging to locate the specific information you need for your exam board. This article provides a comprehensive overview of all the IGCSE Physics topics covered by the major exam boards: Cambridge CIE, Edexcel, and Oxford AQA. With this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of the topics you need to study and where to access the best revision resources tailored to your exam board.

CIE IGCSE Physics Topics

CIE IGCSE Physics is divided into six topics: 

1. Motion, Forces & Energy

2. Thermal Physics

3. Waves

4. Electricity & Magnetism

5. Nuclear Physics

6. Space Physics

1. Motion, Forces & Energy

In Motion, Forces and Energy, you will learn about taking accurate and precise measurements, and understanding scalar and vector quantities, including how to calculate and resolve vectors. 

Motion is studied by calculating speed, velocity, and acceleration, and interpreting motion graphs such as distance-time and speed-time graphs. You will explore mass, weight, and density, learning how to measure these quantities and their applications, such as buoyancy. 

You will investigate the effects of forces, including:

• friction

• tension

• gravitational force 

This topic will require you to calculate moments, momentum, and impulse. Energy stores and transfers are covered, exploring concepts like work, power, and efficiency, as well as different energy sources, such as: fossil fuels, geothermal energy, wind, solar, and tidal power. Additionally, you will examine pressure in fluids and solids and its practical applications.

Sub-topics include: 

• Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

• Motion

• Mass, Weight & Density

• Effects of Forces

• Moments

• Momentum

• Energy, Work & Power

• Energy Sources

• Pressure

2. Thermal Physics

In Thermal Physics, you will learn about the kinetic particle model of matter, exploring how particles behave in solids, liquids, and gases, and how temperature affects their energy. 

Thermal properties such as specific heat capacity and latent heat are studied. You will also explore how thermal energy is transferred through conduction, convection, and radiation, and apply these principles to real-world situations like insulation and the greenhouse effect.

Sub-topics include: 

• Simple Kinetic Molecular Model of Matter

• Thermal Properties & Temperature

• Thermal Processes

3. Waves

In Waves, you will learn about the general properties of waves, including their speed, frequency, wavelength, and amplitude. 

You will study the behaviour of waves including reflection, refraction, and diffraction, and how these principles are applied in technology like lenses and optical instruments. 

The electromagnetic spectrum is explored along with the uses of visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, and other electromagnetic waves.

 Additionally, you will study sound waves, including how they are produced, how they travel through different media, and investigate how to measure the speed of sound.

Sub-topics include:

• General Wave Properties

• Light

• Electromagnetic spectrum

• Sound

4. Electricity & Magnetism

In Electricity and Magnetism, you will explore the behaviour of magnets and magnetic fields, learning how magnetic materials interact and how electromagnets are created. 

Electrical quantities such as current, voltage, resistance, and charge are studied, and you will learn to construct and analyse electric circuits. 

You will explore concepts like potential difference, combined resistance, and power in electrical systems, and learn about the principles of electromagnetic induction, transformers, and the safe use of electricity.

Sub-topics include:

• Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

• Electrical Quantities

• Electric Circuits & Electrical Safety

• Electromagnetic Effects

5. Nuclear Physics

In Nuclear Physics, you will discover the structure of the atom, including the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and the concept of isotopes. 

Radioactivity, alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, their properties will be covered, and their practical applications in medicine, industry, and carbon dating. 

You will gain an understanding of fission and fusion relating to nuclear energy as a power source. Finally, you will examine half-life and radioactive decay, along with the safety measures required to handle radiation. 

Sub-topics include:

• The Nuclear Model of the Atom

• Radioactivity

6. Space Physics

Space Physics explores the Earth, Moon, and Sun, their relative motions and features of the solar system, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. 

You will perform calculations using the speed of light, and discover the universal speed limit. 

You will explore the formation of the solar system, and the life cycle of stars, from their formation in nebulae to their endpoints as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. 

Additionally, you will delve into cosmology, including the Big Bang Theory, redshift, and how scientists discovered the age of the Universe.

Sub-topics include:

• Earth & The Solar System

• Stars & The Universe

What is Covered in CIE IGCSE Physics Paper 1?

Paper 1 is the multiple-choice paper for students studying the core syllabus. 

• 45 minutes

• 40 marks

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• Worth 30% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

• Covers core content only

What is Covered in CIE IGCSE Physics Paper 2?

Paper 2 is the multiple-choice paper for students studying the extended syllabus. 

• 45 minutes

• 40 marks

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• Worth 30% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

• Covers core and extended content

What is Covered in CIE IGCSE Physics Paper 3?

Paper 3 is the theory paper for students studying the core syllabus. 

• 1 hour 15 minutes

• 80 marks

• Short answer and structured questions

• Worth 50% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

• Covers core content only

What is Covered in CIE IGCSE Physics Paper 4?

Paper 4 is the theory paper for students studying the extended syllabus. 

• 1 hour 15 minutes

• 80 marks

• Short answer and structured questions

• Worth 50% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

• Covers core and extended content

What is Covered in CIE IGCSE Physics Paper 5?

Paper 5 is the practical test for students studying both the core and extended syllabus. 

• 1 hour 15 minutes

• 40 marks

• Questions involving performing a series of practical investigations

• Worth 20% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

What is Covered in CIE IGCSE Physics Paper 6?

Paper 6 is the alternative to practical exam for students studying both the core and extended syllabus. 

• 1 hour 

• 40 marks

• Questions about a series of practical investigations

• Worth 20% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

Revision Resources for CIE IGCSE Physics

The CIE IGCSE Physics overview page will lead you to our collection of revision resources created by subject-specialist teachers and examiners. 

Edexcel IGCSE Physics Topics

Edexcel IGCSE Physics is divided into eight topics: 

1. Forces & Motion

2. Electricity

3. Waves

4. Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5. Solids, Liquids & Gases

6. Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7. Radioactivity & Particles

8. Astrophysics

1. Forces & Motion

Forces and Motion explores how to describe and analyze movement using distance-time and velocity-time graphs. You will calculate speed, acceleration, and uniform acceleration using equations of motion. 

You will explore the concept of momentum, understanding its conservation in collisions. Additionally, you will investigate forces and their effects on objects, including how moments create rotational effects. 

Sub-topics include:

• Movement & Position

• Forces, Movement & Changing Shape

• Momentum

• Moments

2. Electricity

Electricity introduces electric circuits, including the behavior of components in series and parallel configurations. 

You will explore key electrical quantities like current, potential difference, and resistance, and calculate power in circuits. 

The topic includes an understanding of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) in mains electricity. You will also study static electricity, its causes, and its applications, as well as safety considerations when working with electrical systems.

Sub-topics include:

• Current, Potential Difference & Resistance

• Components in Series & Parallel Circuits

• Electrical Power & Mains Electricity

• Static Electricity

3. Waves

The Waves topic introduces the properties of waves, including reflection, refraction, and the wave equation. You will explore the electromagnetic spectrum and its various uses and dangers. 

The behaviour of light and sound will also be covered, including practical applications like the use of optical fibres in medicine and communications. 

Sub-topics include:

• Waves & The Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Reflection & Refraction

• Sound

4. Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

Topic 4 presents energy stores and how energy transfers occur through conduction, convection, and radiation. 

You will explore work done and power, understanding their role in energy transfers. 

You will also learn to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, how they are used to generate electricity and their environmental impact.

Sub-topics include:

• Energy Stores & Transfers

• Work, Power & Energy Resources

5. Solids, Liquids & Gases

The properties of solids, liquids, and gases are introduced in Topic 5, focusing on density, pressure, and their calculations. You will study changes of state, such as melting and boiling, and understand the energy transfers involved in these processes. 

The concept of absolute zero will be covered, and the behaviour of ideal gases, with a focus on the relationships between pressure, volume, and temperature.

Sub-topics include:

• Density & Pressure

• Changes of State

• Ideal Gases

6. Magnetism & Electromagnetism

The properties of magnets and magnetic fields is covered in Topic 6, including how electromagnets work and their applications. 

The topic also covers electromagnetic induction, exploring how electricity is generated through changing magnetic fields, and the practical applications, such as transformers and motors.

Sub-topics include:

• Magnetism & Electromagnetism

• Electromagnetic Induction

7. Radioactivity & Particles

In Radioactivity and Particles, you will learn about the structure of the atom, including the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and the concept of isotopes. 

You will explore the properties of radioactive materials, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, and learn about their uses in medicine and industry as well as the risks and safety precautions associated with radiation. 

Additionally, nuclear processes such as fission and fusion will be introduced, developing your understanding of their potential use as energy sources and their role in nuclear power generation.

Sub-topics include:

• Properties of Radiation

• Radioactivity, Uses & Dangers

• Fission & Fusion

8. Astrophysics

Astrophysics introduces the motion of planets, moons, and stars. You will explore the life cycle of stars, from their formation to their endpoints as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. 

Additionally, you will delve into cosmology, covering the Big Bang Theory, redshift, and evidence for the expansion of the Universe.

Sub-topics include:

• Motion in the Universe

• Stellar Evolution

• Cosmology

What is Covered in Edexcel IGCSE Physics Paper 1?

Paper 1 is also used for the IGCSE Science Double Award. Therefore, Paper 1 assesses the non-Physics only content from the syllabus. The paper contains multiple-choice, short answer, calculation and extended open-response questions. 

• 2 hours

• 110 marks

• Range of question styles 

• Worth 61.1% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

What is Covered in Edexcel IGCSE Physics Paper 2?

Paper 2 assess the Physics only content. The paper contains multiple-choice, short answer, calculation and extended open-response questions.

• 1 hour 15 minutes

• 70 marks

• Range of question styles

• Worth 38.9% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

Revision Resources for Edexcel IGCSE Physics

The Edexcel IGCSE Physics overview page will lead you to our collection of revision resources created by subject-specialist teachers and examiners. 

Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics Topics

Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics is divided into eight topics: 

1. Forces & Their Effects

2. Energy

3. Waves

4. Particle Model of Matter

5. Electricity & Magnetism

6. Generating & Distributing Electricity & Household Use

7. Nuclear Physics

8. Space Physics

1. Forces & Their Effects

Topic 1 explores how forces interact, including contact and non-contact forces, and distinguishing between scalar and vector quantities. 

You will explore the relationship between mass and weight, and investigate how force affects extension. You will learn about resultant forces, momentum, and how forces influence terminal velocity and stability. 

Concepts such as centre of mass, moments, levers, and the law of moments are also covered. You will apply your understanding of the topic to real-world situations like transport safety.

Sub-topics include:

• Forces & Their Interactions

• Motion

• Resultant Forces

• Momentum

• Safety in Public Transport

• Forces & Terminal Velocity

• Centre of Mass

• Moments & Levers

2. Energy

The Energy topic explores how energy is transferred, conserved, and dissipated. You will discover the relationships between work, power and energy, and study efficiency in systems. 

You will learn about various energy resources, including renewable and non-renewable sources, and develop an understanding of their impact on the environment. 

Sub-topics include:

• Forces & Energy

• Energy Transfers, Conservation & Dissipation of Energy

• Energy Resources

3. Waves

The properties of transverse and longitudinal waves, such as wavelength, wave speed, frequency and amplitude are covered in Topic 3. 

You will explore the electromagnetic spectrum, learning about its uses and potential dangers, and develop an understanding of sound and ultrasound, including their applications. 

Additionally, you will learn about the behaviour of light including reflection and refraction, the human eye and how lenses work.

Sub-topics include:

• General Properties of Waves

• The Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Sound & Ultrasound

• Reflection

• Refraction & Total Internal Reflection

• Lenses & the Eye

4. Particle Model of Matter

In Topic 4, you will learn about the kinetic theory of matter, exploring the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. 

You will study energy transfers and particle motion, discovering how they relate to changes of state and the behaviour of gases under different conditions. 

Energy transfer by conduction and convection will be explored, and the practical applications of thermal expansion.

Sub-topics include:

• Kinetic Theory

• Energy Transfers & Particle Motion

5. Electricity & Magnetism

Electricity and Magnetism explores the behaviour of electric circuits, including circuit components and how current flows in series and parallel configurations. 

Static electricity and concepts such as potential difference and resistance will also be introduced. 

You will develop your understanding of magnetism and electromagnetism, including the Earth’s magnetic field and uses of electromagnets.

Sub-topics include:

• Electrical Circuits

• Magnetism & Electromagnetism

6. Generating & Distributing Electricity & Household Use

In Topic 6, you will learn about the generator effect and how it is used to generate electricity. 

You will explore the transmission of electricity via the National Grid, and develop an understanding of electrical safety, how household appliances transfer energy and learn how to calculate kilowatt-hours.

Sub-topics include:

• Generating Electricity

• Electricity Transmission & Distribution

• Using Electricity in the Home

• The Motor Effect

• Transferring Electrical Energy

7. Nuclear Physics

Nuclear Physics introduces the structure of the atom and how ions are formed. 

You will learn about radioactive decay, alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and perform half-life calculations. 

You will explore nuclear fission and fusion, and gain an understanding of how they are used to generate energy. 

Sub-topics include:

• Atomic Structure

• Ionizing Radiation from the Nucleus

• Nuclear Fission

• Nuclear Fusion

8. Space Physics

Space Physics explores the life cycle of stars, from their formation to their end stages, such as white dwarfs or black holes. 

You will study the solar system, the Universe and how objects move in space. The concept of red shift and the Big Bang Theory is also explored.

Sub-topics include:

• Life Cycle of a Star

• Solar System & Orbital Motion

• Red Shift & the Expanding Universe

What is Covered in Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics Paper 1?

There are no tiers in Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics, so all students sit paper 1.

• 1 hour 30 minutes

• 90 marks

• Structured and open questions 

• Worth 50% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

What is Covered in Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics Paper 2?

There are no tiers in Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics, so all students sit paper 2.

• 1 hour 30 minutes

• 90 marks

• Structured and open questions 

• Worth 50% of your overall grade

• Covers all topics in the syllabus

Revision Resources for Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics

The Oxford AQA IGCSE Physics overview page will lead you to our collection of revision resources created by subject-specialist teachers and examiners. 

Improve Your Grades with Save My Exams

Here at Save My Exams, our revision resources provide clear, concise, and well-organised revision materials. 

Here's how Save My Exams can help you to improve your grades:

1. Detailed revision notes that cover exactly what you need to know for your exams.

2. Complex ideas are broken down into simple, easy-to-understand explanations, helping you grasp difficult topics faster and retain the information longer.

3. Diagrams, charts, and graphs made by our illustration team visually explain key concepts, making your revision more engaging and effective.

4. You can test your understanding with exam questions and flashcards, helping you prepare more effectively for the big day.

5. Examiner tips highlight key points to remember, and common mistakes to avoid, giving you an edge in your assessments.

6. With everything you need in one place, you can spend less time searching, and more time understanding and practising.

7. By using these resources consistently, you’ll develop a stronger understanding of IGCSE Physics, giving you the confidence to tackle challenging problems in exams.

By actively engaging with these resources, revisiting key concepts, and practising regularly, you can build a deeper understanding of IGCSE Physics and significantly boost your grades.

Explore our IGCSE Physics resources.

References

Cambridge IGCSE 0625 Physics syllabus for examination in 2023, 2024 and 2025

Cambridge IGCSE 0625 Physics syllabus for examination in 2026, 2027 and 2028

OxfordAQA International GCSE Physics (9203). For exams May/June 2018 onwards. Version 5.0

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics (4PH1) First examination June 2019 Issue 4