Cambridge Cambridge IGCSE Physics

Cambridge Cambridge IGCSE Physics Learning Path

Detailed syllabus unit mapping, custom lesson objectives, required laboratory practical guides, and assessment MCQ checklists.

Study fundamental principles of mechanics, thermal dynamics, waves, electricity, nuclear decay, and astrophysics.

Lesson Plans & Objectives

Speed, Velocity and Acceleration50 min

Distinguish between scalar speed and vector velocity.
Calculate acceleration from velocity-time graph gradients.

Hooke's Law & Spring Extension50 min

State Hooke's law formula.
Identify limit of proportionality on force-extension graphs.

Suggested Practical Activities

Calibrating a helical spring and plotting load-extension curves

Revision Notes

Acceleration a = Δv / t. The area under a speed-time graph represents total displacement.
Hooke's Law: F = kx, where k is the spring constant and x is extension.

CAIE Worked Examples & Mark Scheme Breakdown

Example 1: Acceleration from Velocity-Time GraphCAIE Step-by-Step

A car accelerates uniformly from 10 m/s to 25 m/s in 5.0 seconds. Calculate its acceleration.

Step 1: Write formulaa = (v - u) / t

Step 2: Substitute valuesa = (25 - 10) / 5.0 = 15 / 5.0

Step 3: State final value with unitsa = 3.0 m/s²

Final CAIE Answer:3.0 m/s²

Example 2: Hooke's Law Spring Constant CalculationCAIE Step-by-Step

A mass of 0.40 kg hangs on a vertical spring, extending it by 0.080 m. Calculate the spring constant k (g = 9.8 m/s²).

Step 1: Calculate force (weight)F = W = m · g = 0.40 × 9.8 = 3.92 N

Step 2: Rearrange Hooke's law F = kxk = F / x = 3.92 / 0.080

Step 3: Calculate spring constantk = 49 N/m

Final CAIE Answer:49 N/m

Example 3: Kinetic Energy & Work DoneCAIE Step-by-Step

Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 kg vehicle traveling at a constant velocity of 20 m/s.

Step 1: State KE equationEk = 0.5 · m · v²

Step 2: Substitute valuesEk = 0.5 × 1200 × (20)² = 600 × 400

Step 3: Calculate in Joules or kJEk = 240,000 J = 240 kJ

Final CAIE Answer:240,000 J (or 240 kJ)

Example 4: Resultant Force and Newton's Second LawCAIE Step-by-Step

A 5.0 kg sledge experiences a forward pulling force of 30 N and a friction drag of 10 N. Calculate its acceleration.

Step 1: Calculate resultant force F_netF_net = 30 N - 10 N = 20 N forward

Step 2: Apply F = maa = F_net / m = 20 / 5.0

Step 3: Compute answera = 4.0 m/s²

Final CAIE Answer:4.0 m/s²

Example 5: Pressure under Hydrostatic ColumnCAIE Step-by-Step

Calculate the liquid pressure at a depth of 15 m in seawater of density 1025 kg/m³ (g = 9.8 m/s²).

Step 1: State hydrostatic pressure equationp = ρ · g · h

Step 2: Substitute valuesp = 1025 × 9.8 × 15

Step 3: Calculate answer in Pascalsp = 150,675 Pa = 151 kPa (3 s.f.)

Final CAIE Answer:151 kPa (150,675 Pa)

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Cambridge Cambridge IGCSE Physics Learning Path

Motion, Forces and Energy

Lesson Plans & Objectives

Suggested Practical Activities

Revision Notes

CAIE Worked Examples & Mark Scheme Breakdown

Cambridge Cambridge IGCSE Physics Learning Path

Motion, Forces and Energy

Lesson Plans & Objectives

Suggested Practical Activities

Revision Notes

CAIE Worked Examples & Mark Scheme Breakdown