Curriculum content

12 Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625

4. Curriculum content
Candidates can follow either the Core Curriculum only or they may follow the Extended Curriculum which
includes both the Core and the Supplement.
Candidates aiming for grades A* to C must follow the Extended Curriculum.
Candidates must have adequate mathematical skills to cope with the curriculum.
Candidates should make use of the summary list of symbols, units and definitions of quantities.
Throughout the course, teachers should aim to show the relevance of concepts to the candidates everyday
life and to the natural and man-made world. To encourage this approach and to allow teachers to use
flexible programmes to meet the courses general aims, we have limited the specified content of the
syllabus. The following material should therefore be regarded as an exam syllabus rather than a teaching
syllabus.
1. General physics
1.1 Length and time
Core
Use and describe the use of rules and measuring
cylinders to calculate a length or a volume
Use and describe the use of clocks and devices for
measuring an interval of time
Supplement
Use and describe the use of a mechanical
method for the measurement of a small
distance (including use of a micrometer
screw gauge)
Measure and describe how to measure a
short interval of time (including the period
of a pendulum)
1.2 Speed, velocity and acceleration
Core
Define speed and calculate speed from
total time
total distance
Plot and interpret a speed/time graph or a distance/
time graph
Recognise from the shape of a speed/time graph
when a body is
at rest
moving with constant speed
moving with changing speed
Calculate the area under a speed/time graph to work
out the distance travelled for motion with constant
acceleration
Demonstrate some understanding that acceleration
is related to changing speed
Supplement
Distinguish between speed and velocity
Recognise linear motion for which the
acceleration is constant and calculate the
acceleration
Recognise motion for which the
acceleration is not constant
State that the acceleration of free fall for a body near
to the Earth is constant
Describe qualitatively the motion of bodies
falling in a uniform gravitational field with
and without air resistance (including
reference to terminal velocity)
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1.3 Mass and weight
Core
Show familiarity with the idea of the mass of a body
State that weight is a force
Demonstrate understanding that weights (and
hence masses) may be compared using a balance
Supplement
Demonstrate an understanding that mass
is a property that resists change in motion
Describe, and use the concept of, weight
as the effect of a gravitational field on a
mass
1.4 Density
Core
Describe an experiment to determine the density of
a liquid and of a regularly shaped solid and make the
necessary calculation
Supplement
Describe the determination of the density
of an irregularly shaped solid by the
method of displacement, and make the
necessary calculation
1.5 Forces
1.5 (a) Effects of forces
Core
State that a force may produce a change in size and
shape of a body
Plot extension/load graphs and describe the
associated experimental procedure
Describe the ways in which a force may change the
motion of a body
Find the resultant of two or more forces acting
along the same line
Supplement
Interpret extension/load graphs
State Hookes Law and recall and use the
expression F = k x
Recognise the significance of the term
limit of proportionality for an extension/
load graph
Recall and use the relation between force,
mass and acceleration (including the
direction)
Describe qualitatively motion in a curved
path due to a perpendicular force
(F = mv
2
/r is not required)
1.5 (b) Turning effect
Core
Describe the moment of a force as a measure of its
turning effect and give everyday examples
Describe qualitatively the balancing of a beam about
a pivot
Supplement
Perform and describe an experiment
(involving vertical forces) to show that
there is no net moment on a body in
equilibrium
Apply the idea of opposing moments to
simple systems in equilibrium
1.5 (c) Conditions for equilibrium
Core
State that, when there is no resultant force and no
resultant turning effect, a system is in equilibrium
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1.5 (d) Centre of mass
Core
Perform and describe an experiment to determine
the position of the centre of mass of a plane lamina
Describe qualitatively the effect of the position of
the centre of mass on the stability of simple objects
1.5 (e) Scalars and vectors
Supplement
Demonstrate an understanding of the
difference between scalars and vectors
and give common examples
Add vectors by graphical representation to
determine a resultant
Determine graphically the resultant of two
vectors
1.6 Energy, work and power
1.6 (a) Energy
Core
Demonstrate an understanding that an object may
have energy due to its motion or its position, and
that energy may be transferred and stored
Give examples of energy in different forms,
including kinetic, gravitational, chemical, strain,
nuclear, internal, electrical, light and sound
Give examples of the conversion of energy from
one form to another, and of its transfer from one
place to another
Apply the principle of energy conservation to simple
examples
Supplement
Recall and use the expressions
k.e. = mv
2
and p.e. = mgh
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1.6 (b) Energy resources
Core
Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable
sources of energy
Describe how electricity or other useful forms of
energy may be obtained from:
chemical energy stored in fuel
water, including the energy stored in waves, in
tides, and in water behind hydroelectric dams
geothermal resources
nuclear fission
heat and light from the Sun (solar cells and
panels)
Give advantages and disadvantages of each method
in terms of cost, reliability, scale and environmental
impact
Show a qualitative understanding of efficiency
Supplement
Show an understanding that energy is
released by nuclear fusion in the Sun
Recall and use the equation:
efficiency =
energy input
useful energy output
100%
1.6 (c) Work
Core
Relate (without calculation) work done to the
magnitude of a force and the distance moved
Supplement
Describe energy changes in terms of work
done
Recall and use W = Fd = E
1.6 (d) Power
Core
Relate (without calculation) power to work done and
time taken, using appropriate examples
Supplement
Recall and use the equation P = E/t in
simple systems
1.7 Pressure
Core
Relate (without calculation) pressure to force and
area, using appropriate examples
Describe the simple mercury barometer and its use
in measuring atmospheric pressure
Relate (without calculation) the pressure beneath
a liquid surface to depth and to density, using
appropriate examples
Use and describe the use of a manometer
Supplement
Recall and use the equation p = F/A
Recall and use the equation p = hg
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2. Thermal physics
2.1 Simple kinetic molecular model of matter
2.1 (a) States of matter
Core
State the distinguishing properties of solids, liquids
and gases
2.1 (b) Molecular model
Core
Describe qualitatively the molecular structure of
solids, liquids and gases
Interpret the temperature of a gas in terms of the
motion of its molecules
Describe qualitatively the pressure of a gas in terms
of the motion of its molecules
Describe qualitatively the effect of a change of
temperature on the pressure of a gas at constant
volume
Show an understanding of the random motion of
particles in a suspension as evidence for the kinetic
molecular model of matter
Describe this motion (sometimes known as
Brownian motion) in terms of random molecular
bombardment
Supplement
Relate the properties of solids, liquids
and gases to the forces and distances
between molecules and to the motion of
the molecules
Show an appreciation that massive
particles may be moved by light, fast-
moving molecules
2.1 (c) Evaporation
Core
Describe evaporation in terms of the escape of
more-energetic molecules from the surface of a
liquid
Relate evaporation to the consequent cooling
Supplement
Demonstrate an understanding of how
temperature, surface area and draught over
a surface influence evaporation
2.1 (d) Pressure changes
Core
Relate the change in volume of a gas to change in
pressure applied to the gas at constant temperature
Supplement
Recall and use the equation pV = constant
at constant temperature
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2.2 Thermal properties
2.2 (a) Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
Core
Describe qualitatively the thermal expansion of
solids, liquids and gases
Identify and explain some of the everyday
applications and consequences of thermal
expansion
Describe qualitatively the effect of a change of
temperature on the volume of a gas at constant
pressure
Supplement
Show an appreciation of the relative order
of magnitude of the expansion of solids,
liquids and gases
2.2 (b) Measurement of temperature
Core
Appreciate how a physical property that varies with
temperature may be used for the measurement of
temperature, and state examples of such properties
Recognise the need for and identify fixed points
Describe the structure and action of liquid-in-glass
thermometers
Supplement
Demonstrate understanding of sensitivity,
range and linearity
Describe the structure of a thermocouple
and show understanding of its use for
measuring high temperatures and those
that vary rapidly
2.2 (c) Thermal capacity
Core
Relate a rise in the temperature of a body to an
increase in internal energy
Show an understanding of the term thermal
capacity
Supplement
Describe an experiment to measure the
specific heat capacity of a substance
2.2 (d) Melting and boiling
Core
Describe melting and boiling in terms of energy
input without a change in temperature
State the meaning of melting point and boiling point
Describe condensation and solidification
Supplement
Distinguish between boiling and
evaporation
Use the terms latent heat of vaporisation
and latent heat of fusion and give a
molecular interpretation of latent heat
Describe an experiment to measure
specific latent heats for steam and for ice
2.3 Transfer of thermal energy
2.3 (a) Conduction
Core
Describe experiments to demonstrate the
properties of good and bad conductors of heat
Supplement
Give a simple molecular account of heat
transfer in solids
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2.3 (b) Convection
Core
Relate convection in fluids to density changes and
describe experiments to illustrate convection
2.3 (c) Radiation
Core
Identify infra-red radiation as part of the
electromagnetic spectrum
Supplement
Describe experiments to show the
properties of good and bad emitters
and good and bad absorbers of infra-red
radiation
2.3 (d) Consequences of energy transfer
Core
Identify and explain some of the everyday
applications and consequences of conduction,
convection and radiation
3. Properties of waves, including light and sound
3.1 General wave properties
Core
Describe what is meant by wave motion as
illustrated by vibration in ropes and springs and by
experiments using water waves
Use the term wavefront
Give the meaning of speed, frequency, wavelength
and amplitude
Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal
waves and give suitable examples
Describe the use of water waves to show:
reflection at a plane surface
refraction due to a change of speed
diffraction produced by wide and narrow gaps
Supplement
Recall and use the equation v = f
Interpret reflection, refraction and
diffraction using wave theory
3.2 Light
3.2 (a) Reflection of light
Core
Describe the formation of an optical image by a
plane mirror, and give its characteristics
Use the law angle of incidence = angle of reflection
Supplement
Perform simple constructions,
measurements and calculations
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3.2 (b) Refraction of light
Core
Describe an experimental demonstration of the
refraction of light
Use the terminology for the angle of incidence i and
angle of refraction r and describe the passage of
light through parallel-sided transparent material
Give the meaning of critical angle
Describe internal and total internal reflection
Supplement
Recall and use the definition of refractive
index n in terms of speed
Recall and use the equation
sin i /sin r = n
Describe the action of optical
fibres particularly in medicine and
communications technology
3.2 (c) Thin converging lens
Core
Describe the action of a thin converging lens on a
beam of light
Use the terms principal focus and focal length
Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the formation of a
real image by a single lens
Supplement
Draw ray diagrams to illustrate the
formation of a virtual image by a single
lens
Use and describe the use of a single lens
as a magnifying glass
3.2 (d) Dispersion of light
Core
Give a qualitative account of the dispersion of light as
shown by the action on light of a glass prism
3.2 (e) Electromagnetic spectrum
Core
Describe the main features of the electromagnetic
spectrum and state that all e.m. waves travel with
the same high speed in vacuo
Describe the role of electromagnetic waves in:
radio and television communications (radio
waves)
satellite television and telephones (microwaves)
electrical appliances, remote controllers for
televisions and intruder alarms (infrared)
medicine and security (X-rays)
Demonstrate an awareness of safety issues
regarding the use of microwaves and X-rays
Supplement
State the approximate value of the speed
of electromagnetic waves
Use the term monochromatic
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3.3 Sound
Core
Describe the production of sound by vibrating
sources
Describe the longitudinal nature of sound waves
State the approximate range of audible frequencies
Show an understanding that a medium is needed to
transmit sound waves
Describe an experiment to determine the speed of
sound in air
Relate the loudness and pitch of sound waves to
amplitude and frequency
Describe how the reflection of sound may produce
an echo
Supplement
Describe compression and rarefaction
State the order of magnitude of the speed
of sound in air, liquids and solids
4. Electricity and magnetism
4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism
Core
State the properties of magnets
Give an account of induced magnetism
Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous
materials
Describe methods of magnetisation and of
demagnetisation
Describe an experiment to identify the pattern of
field lines round a bar magnet
Distinguish between the magnetic properties of iron
and steel
Distinguish between the design and use of
permanent magnets and electromagnets
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4.2 Electrical quantities
4.2 (a) Electric charge
Core
Describe simple experiments to show the
production and detection of electrostatic charges
State that there are positive and negative charges
State that unlike charges attract and that like
charges repel
Describe an electric field as a region in which an
electric charge experiences a force
Distinguish between electrical conductors and
insulators and give typical examples
Supplement
State that charge is measured in coulombs
State the direction of lines of force and
describe simple field patterns, including
the field around a point charge and the field
between two parallel plates
Give an account of charging by induction
Recall and use the simple electron model
to distinguish between conductors and
insulators
4.2 (b) Current
Core
State that current is related to the flow of charge
Use and describe the use of an ammeter
Supplement
Show understanding that a current is a rate
of flow of charge and recall and use the
equation I = Q /t
Distinguish between the direction of flow
of electrons and conventional current
4.2 (c) Electro-motive force
Core
State that the e.m.f. of a source of electrical energy
is measured in volts
Supplement
Show understanding that e.m.f. is defined
in terms of energy supplied by a source in
driving charge round a complete circuit
4.2 (d) Potential difference
Core
State that the potential difference across a circuit
component is measured in volts
Use and describe the use of a voltmeter
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4.2 (e) Resistance
Core
State that resistance = p.d./current and understand
qualitatively how changes in p.d. or resistance
affect current
Recall and use the equation R = V/I
Describe an experiment to determine resistance
using a voltmeter and an ammeter
Relate (without calculation) the resistance of a wire
to its length and to its diameter
Supplement
Recall and use quantitatively the
proportionality between resistance and
length, and the inverse proportionality
between resistance and cross-sectional
area of a wire
4.2 (f) Electrical energy
Supplement
Recall and use the equations
P =IV and E = IVt
4.3 Electric circuits
4.3 (a) Circuit diagrams
Core
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, magnetising coils,
transformers, bells, fuses and relays
Supplement
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes and transistors
4.3 (b) Series and parallel circuits
Core
Understand that the current at every point in a
series circuit is the same
Give the combined resistance of two or more
resistors in series
State that, for a parallel circuit, the current from the
source is larger than the current in each branch
State that the combined resistance of two resistors in
parallel is less than that of either resistor by itself
State the advantages of connecting lamps in parallel
in a lighting circuit
Supplement
Recall and use the fact that the sum of the
p.d.s across the components in a series
circuit is equal to the total p.d. across the
supply
Recall and use the fact that the current
from the source is the sum of the currents
in the separate branches of a parallel circuit
Calculate the effective resistance of two
resistors in parallel
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4.3 (c) Action and use of circuit components
Core
Describe the action of a variable potential divider
(potentiometer)
Describe the action of thermistors and light-
dependent resistors and show understanding of
their use as input transducers
Describe the action of a capacitor as an energy
store and show understanding of its use in time-
delay circuits
Describe the action of a relay and show
understanding of its use in switching circuits
Supplement
Describe the action of a diode and show
understanding of its use as a rectifier
Describe the action of a transistor as an
electrically operated switch and show
understanding of its use in switching
circuits
Recognise and show understanding
of circuits operating as light sensitive
switches and temperature-operated alarms
(using a relay or a transistor)
4.3 (d) Digital electronics
Supplement
Explain and use the terms digital and
analogue
State that logic gates are circuits containing
transistors and other components
Describe the action of NOT, AND, OR,
NAND and NOR gates
Design and understand simple digital
circuits combining several logic gates
State and use the symbols for logic gates
(candidates should use the American
ANSI#Y 32.14 symbols)
4.4 Dangers of electricity
Core
state the hazards of
damaged insulation
overheating of cables
damp conditions
Show an understanding of the use of fuses and
circuit-breakers
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4.5 Electromagnetic effects
4.5 (a) Electromagnetic induction
Core
Describe an experiment that shows that a changing
magnetic field can induce an e.m.f. in a circuit
Supplement
State the factors affecting the magnitude
of an induced e.m.f.
Show understanding that the direction
of an induced e.m.f. opposes the change
causing it
4.5 (b) a.c. generator
Core
Describe a rotating-coil generator and the use of
slip rings
Sketch a graph of voltage output against time for a
simple a.c. generator
4.5 (c) Transformer
Core
Describe the construction of a basic iron-cored
transformer as used for voltage transformations
Recall and use the equation
(V
p
/V
s
) = (N
p
/N
s
)
Describe the use of the transformer in high-voltage
transmission of electricity
Give the advantages of high-voltage transmission
Supplement
Describe the principle of operation of a
transformer
Recall and use the equation
V
p
I
p
= V
s
I
s
(for 100% efficiency)
Explain why energy losses in cables are
lower when the voltage is high
4.5 (d) The magnetic effect of a current
Core
Describe the pattern of the magnetic field due to
currents in straight wires and in solenoids
Describe applications of the magnetic effect of
current, including the action of a relay
Supplement
State the qualitative variation of the
strength of the magnetic field over salient
parts of the pattern
Describe the effect on the magnetic field
of changing the magnitude and direction of
the current
4.5 (e) Force on a current-carrying conductor
Core
Describe an experiment to show that a force acts
on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field,
including the effect of reversing:
(i) the current
(ii) the direction of the field
Supplement
Describe an experiment to show the
corresponding force on beams of charged
particles
State and use the relative directions of
force, field and current
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4.5 (f) d.c. motor
Core
State that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field
experiences a turning effect and that the effect is
increased by increasing the number of turns on the
coil
Relate this turning effect to the action of an electric
motor
Supplement
Describe the effect of increasing the
current
4.6 Cathode-ray oscilloscopes
4.6 (a) Cathode rays
Core
Describe the production and detection of
cathode rays
Describe their deflection in electric fields
State that the particles emitted in thermionic
emission are electrons
4.6 (b) Simple treatment of cathode-ray oscilloscope
Supplement
Describe (in outline) the basic structure
and action of a cathode-ray oscilloscope
(detailed circuits are not required)
Use and describe the use of a cathode-ray
oscilloscope to display waveforms
5. Atomic physics
5.1 Radioactivity
5.1 (a) Detection of radioactivity
Core
Show awareness of the existence of background
radiation
Describe the detection of -particles, -particles
and -rays (
+
are not included: -particles will be
taken to refer to

)
5.1 (b) Characteristics of the three kinds of emission
Core
State that radioactive emissions occur randomly
over space and time
State, for radioactive emissions:
their nature
their relative ionising effects
their relative penetrating abilities
Describe their deflection in electric fields
and magnetic fields
Interpret their relative ionising effects
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5.1 (c) Radioactive decay
Core
State the meaning of radioactive decay, using
equations (involving words or symbols) to represent
changes in the composition of the nucleus when
particles are emitted
5.1 (d) Half-life
Core
Use the term half-life in simple calculations, which
might involve information in tables or decay curves
5.1 (e) Safety precautions
Core
Describe how radioactive materials are handled,
used and stored in a safe way
5.2 The nuclear atom
5.2 (a) Atomic model
Core
Describe the structure of an atom in terms of a
nucleus and electrons
Supplement
Describe how the scattering of -particles
by thin metal foils provides evidence for
the nuclear atom
5.2 (b) Nucleus
Core
Describe the composition of the nucleus in terms of
protons and neutrons
Use the term proton number Z
Use the term nucleon number A
Use the term nuclide and use the nuclide notation X
Z
A
5.2 (c) Isotopes
Supplement
Use the term isotope
Give and explain examples of practical
applications of isotopes
Practical assessment
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5.3 Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
This paper is designed to test candidates familiarity with laboratory practical procedure. Questions may ask
candidates to do the following:
follow instructions for drawing diagrams e.g. ray-tracing, simple electrical circuits
select a measuring device suitable for the task
give reasons for making a choice of apparatus
draw, complete and/or label diagrams of apparatus
describe in simple terms how they would carry out practical procedures e.g.:
when determining a (derived) quantity such as the extension per unit load for a spring;
when testing/identifying the relationship between two variables, such as between the p.d. across a wire
and its length;
when comparing physical quantities such as the thermal capacity of two metals
take readings from their own diagrams, drawn as instructed, and/or from printed diagrams including:
reading a scale with appropriate precision/accuracy;
consistent use of significant figures;
use of appropriate units;
interpolating between scale divisions
recognise the need to take repeated measurements and obtain an average value
record observations systematically, with appropriate units
process data as required
present data graphically, using suitable axes and scales (appropriately labelled) and plotting the points
accurately
take readings from a graph by interpolation and extrapolation
determine a gradient, intercept or intersection on a graph
draw and report a conclusion or result clearly
describe precautions taken in carrying out a procedure
explain and/or comment critically on described procedures or points of practical detail
comment on a procedure used in an experiment and suggest an improvement
plan an investigation, including suggesting suitable techniques and apparatus