Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) – Detailed Short Notes
Chapters 1–8 | Notes + Formula Sheet
Chapter 1 – Making Measurements
- Physical quantities: magnitude + unit (SI units). Base quantities: length (m), mass (kg), time (s).
- Derived quantities: area, volume, density, speed.
- Instruments: ruler, vernier caliper, micrometer, stopwatch.
- Avoid parallax errors; take readings at eye level.
- Mean = sum of readings ÷ number of readings.
- Density (ρ) = m / V
Example: Block: m=120g, V=50cm³ → ρ=2.4 g/cm³.
- Diagram: Measuring cylinder with water displacement for volume.
Chapter 2 – Describing Motion
- Speed = distance ÷ time; Velocity = displacement ÷ time (vector).
- Acceleration a = (v-u)/t
- Distance-time graph: gradient = speed
- Velocity-time graph: gradient = acceleration, area = distance
Example: v changes 10→20 m/s in 5s → a = 2 m/s²
- Diagram: Slope of v-t graph showing acceleration.
Chapter 3 – Forces and Motion
- F = m a (Newton’s 2nd Law), W = m g
- Momentum p = m v; Impulse F t = ∆p
- Momentum conservation: total before = total after (no external forces)
- Friction opposes motion, air resistance affects falling objects
Example: 0.5 kg ball at 4 m/s → p = 2 kg·m/s
- Diagram: Free body diagram of forces on a block.
Chapter 4 – Turning Effects of Forces
- Moment = F × perpendicular distance (d)
- Principle of moments: clockwise = anticlockwise (equilibrium)
- Stability: low center of mass + wide base
Example: 10 N force 0.2 m from pivot → moment = 2 N·m
- Diagram: Lever with forces and distances labeled.
Chapter 5 – Forces and Matter
- Hooke's Law: F = k x (elastic range)
- Pressure P = F / A; Fluid pressure P = ρ g h
- Elastic limit → material stops returning to original shape
Example: 50 N on 0.5 m² → P = 100 Pa
- Diagram: Spring extension with force applied
Chapter 6 – Energy Stores and Transfers
- Energy cannot be created or destroyed
- Kinetic energy: E_k = ½ m v²; Gravitational PE: E_p = m g h
- Work done: W = F d (force along direction)
- Power: P = E / t; Efficiency = (useful ÷ total) ×100%
Example: Lift 200 kg by 5 m → E_p = 9800 J
- Diagram: Ball falling showing energy transformation
Chapter 7 – Energy Resources
- Renewable: solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal, biomass
- Non-renewable: coal, oil, gas, nuclear
- Power station: chemical → thermal → kinetic → electrical
- Efficiency = useful output ÷ total input
- Diagram: Energy flow in power station
Chapter 8 – Work and Power
- Work done: W = F d cos θ; Power: P = W / t or P = F v
- Mechanical advantage: MA = load ÷ effort
- One watt = one joule per second
Example: 200 N force lifts 50 N load 2 m in 4 s → P = 25 W
- Diagram: Pulley system showing forces
■ Formula & Equation Sheet (Chapters 1–8)
Chapter Formula
Ch.1 – Measurements Density: ρ = m / V
Ch.2 – Motion Speed: v = d / t
Velocity: v = s / t
Acceleration: a = (v-u)/t
Ch.3 – Forces & Motion F=ma
Weight: W = m g
Momentum: p = m v
Impulse: F t = ∆p
Ch.4 – Turning Effects Moment = F × d
Clockwise moments = Anticlockwise moments
Ch.5 – Forces & Matter Hooke’s Law: F = k x
Pressure: P = F / A
Fluid pressure: P = ρ g h
Ch.6 – Energy K.E.: E_k = ½ m v²
G.P.E.: E_p = m g h
Work: W = F d
Power: P = E / t
Efficiency = (useful ÷ total) ×100%
Ch.7 – Energy Resources Efficiency = useful energy output ÷ total energy input × 100%
Ch.8 – Work & Power Work: W = F d cos θ
Power: P = W / t or P = F v
Mechanical advantage: MA = load ÷ effort
