The Complete IGCSE Physics Study Guide

Studying IGCSE Physics can be overwhelming initially, especially with its mix of theory, equations, and practical applications. This IGCSE Physics study guide is designed to help you organise your revision, build confidence in key areas, and prepare smartly for exams. Whether you’re just starting the course or revising for your final papers, you’ll find tips, techniques, and tools to make your study more effective.

What You Need to Know About IGCSE Physics

Physics at the IGCSE level is all about understanding how the world works. It covers various concepts that help explain everyday phenomena, from motion and energy to circuits and waves. To succeed, you must be comfortable applying scientific principles, using mathematical skills, and thinking critically.

Key Skills Tested: Understanding, Application, Calculations

You’ll be assessed on more than just memorising facts. The IGCSE Physics syllabus is designed to test:

• Knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, vocabulary, and techniques
• Application of knowledge to unfamiliar situations and questions
• Numerical skills, including the ability to calculate values, work with units, and interpret data

Practicing all three skills is important, as each plays a role across different IGCSE Physics papers.

Overview of Exam Format: Theory and Practical Papers

Depending on your exam board, you’ll encounter slightly different paper structures. Here’s a basic outline of the Cambridge and Edexcel formats:

Cambridge (0625 or 0972):

• Paper 1 (Multiple Choice): 45 minutes
• Paper 3 (Theory): 1 hour 15 minutes
• Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical): 1 hour (tests practical skills without lab work)

Edexcel (4PH1):

• Paper 1: 2 hours, theory and calculation-based
• Paper 2: 1 hour 15 minutes, includes more complex topics and applications

Both exam boards follow the same IGCSE Physics syllabus content and concepts, even if grading systems or codes differ. You’ll be tested on multiple-choice, short answers, structured questions, and calculation tasks. Some students also take the IGCSE Physics calculator paper, which requires you to use a scientific calculator confidently.

Key Physics Topics You Should Know

The IGCSE Physics course includes many vital areas. Each topic is connected to real-life applications, so understanding them can help make sense of the world around you.

Motion, Forces, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism

Here are the major IGCSE Physics topics you’ll need to cover:

• Motion and Mechanics: Speed, velocity, acceleration, graphs, forces, Newton’s laws
• Forces and Energy: Work done, power, energy transfer, efficiency
• Thermal Physics: Heat transfer, temperature, specific heat capacity
• Waves: Sound, light, reflection, refraction, diffraction, wave equations
• Electricity: Current, voltage, resistance, series and parallel circuits
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism: Magnetic fields, electromagnets, transformers
• Atomic Physics: Radioactivity, half-life, nuclear energy

These topics appear in IGCSE Physics paper 1 and other theory papers. Some also carry over into practical-style questions or data interpretation.

Important Definitions and Physical Units

Precise definitions and correct use of physical units are essential. These are some of the most commonly tested areas:

• Unit symbols (e.g., m, s, kg, N, J, W, Hz)
• Physical quantities (e.g., force, energy, voltage, mass, pressure)
• Definitions such as “acceleration”, “current”, “power”, “density”

It’s worth creating a separate section in your notes or flashcards for definitions and units, as they often appear in short-answer questions.

Formula Sheet: Equations You Must Know

While some exams provide a formula sheet, you must confidently remember and apply key equations. These are used throughout the syllabus.

How to memorise and apply them in different contexts

Please start with the core formulas and practise using them in real questions. Don’t just memorise them. You need to understand what each symbol stands for and how they relate to the topic.

Here are a few valuable tips:

• Make your own flashcards with one formula per card
• Write the formula at the top of your notes whenever you study a related topic
• Do timed equation quizzes or match-ups
• Use spaced repetition to test yourself regularly

Commonly confused formulas and tricks

Some equations can look similar and are easily mixed up. Here’s a list to keep an eye on:

• Speed = distance / time vs Acceleration = change in velocity / time
• Work = force x distance vs Power = work / time
• Voltage = current x resistance (V = IR) vs Power = voltage x current (P = IV)
• Wave speed = frequency x wavelength (v = fλ)

Watch out for missing units and incorrect rearrangements. Always label your values with units and use a calculator correctly to avoid small mistakes.

How to Excel throughout the IGCSE Physics Course

Success in IGCSE Physics comes from consistency. Build good habits early and keep track of your progress.

Build strong foundations

Start by ensuring you understand the basics of mechanics, energy, and electricity. These form the building blocks for more complex topics later on. Use diagrams, videos, and experiments to help make abstract ideas more concrete.

Tackle your weaknesses early

It’s normal to struggle with certain areas. Identifying them early using quizzes, tests, or past paper attempts is key. Once you’ve spotted a tricky topic, review it from multiple resources.

That might mean watching a video, revisiting the textbook, asking your teacher, or using flashcards. Don’t ignore a topic just because it’s hard. Facing it head-on will save you stress later.

Revise regularly

Start your IGCSE Physics revision early to avoid last-minute stress. Cramming won’t build lasting understanding. Instead, revise in short, focused sessions. Just 30 to 45 minutes a day makes a big difference. This approach helps you absorb more, stay motivated, and avoid burnout.

Use active methods during your revision to help your brain stay engaged. Some examples include:

• Teaching the concept aloud – Try explaining a topic as if you’re teaching it to a friend. If you can teach it clearly, you know it well.
  
• Solving exam-style questions – Don’t just read over your notes. Actively test your understanding by answering past paper questions or timed quizzes.
  
• Rewriting key notes in your own words – Summarise main ideas or formulas without copying. This helps you process the material and highlight any gaps in your knowledge.
  
• Using visual tools – Create mind maps, diagrams, or flashcards to reinforce your learning interactively.

The more often you engage with the material, the better you’ll remember and apply it. Regular, active revision helps move information into your long-term memory, so when exam day comes, you’ll feel prepared instead of panicked.

The Best Ways to Prepare for the IGCSE Physics Exam

Now that you’ve studied the content, it’s time to test yourself and refine your exam skills.

Solving past paper questions

This is one of the most effective ways to prepare. Use both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Physics questions to:

• Get used to the exam format
• Practise time management
• Learn how marks are awarded

Check your answers using official mark schemes. Make a note of common IGCSE Physics exam tips you learn along the way, such as how to phrase definitions or structure longer explanations.

Using flashcards for concepts and equations

Flashcards are quick to review and perfect for memorising definitions, equations, and short facts. You can make your own or use digital ones through apps like Anki or Quizlet.

Sort your flashcards into categories such as equations, definitions, units, diagrams and graphs. This way, you can focus on the ones you need to review the most.

Watching visual explanations for complex topics

Some IGCSE Physics topics, like electromagnetic induction or nuclear decay, can be complex to grasp through text alone. Try watching educational videos from trusted sources like Khan Academy, GCSE Physics Online, and PhET Interactive Simulations. These help reinforce learning by showing how physics works in the real world or animated examples.

Using a mix of past papers, flashcards, and visual resources is the most effective way to strengthen your understanding and boost your exam confidence.

Common Exam Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many students lose marks not because they don’t know the topic, but due to avoidable errors. Here are a few to be aware of:

• Missing units in final answers
• Misreading graphs or diagrams
• Forgetting to show working for calculations
• Using the wrong formula for the question
• Skipping over command terms like “explain” or “state”

To avoid these:

• Double-check your final answer
• Underline key information in the question
• Always write down the formula before solving
• Review the command terms from the syllabus regularly

Tips to get top marks in IGCSE Physics also suggest reviewing examiner reports from previous years, as they reveal where students often lose marks and what you should watch out for.

Final Tips: Get Help When You Need It

Sometimes, even with the best study plan, you need extra help. That’s where working with a qualified IGCSE Physics tutor can make a big difference. TutorsPlus offers experienced teachers and examiners who understand the IGCSE Physics syllabus. They offer one-to-one guidance tailored to your pace, needs, and goals.

With personalised lessons, regular practice, and clear feedback, a tutor can help you strengthen weak areas, prepare thoroughly for IGCSE Physics Paper 1 and practicals, and build confidence ahead of the final exam. 

Some of our clients gave this amazing feedback to our Physics tutors: 

“I have the privilege of being taught by teacher Gerda and I can honestly say that learning physics has never been easier!”

“”I am very grateful to Attila and to all of you at TutorsPlus for the tremendous help you have given (my son).”

Many parents trust us to support their child’s learning, whether it’s ongoing help during the course or a final push during revision.

Conclusion

This IGCSE Physics study guide gives you everything you need to stay organised, revise efficiently, and succeed in your exams. Stick to the tips, practise consistently, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re looking for an IGCSE Physics tutor to support your learning, feel free to contact us at 022 731 8148 or . With the proper support and strategy, Physics becomes a subject you can confidently master.