IGCSE Physics Paper 5 (Practical Test): Lab Skills and Preparation Guide (0625 / 0972)
In one line
IGCSE Physics Paper 5 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, carries 40 marks, and contributes 20% of the final grade.
Key points
- The recurring areas are mechanics, circuits, optics, thermal measurements, graphing, measurement precision, planning, and evaluation.
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- Quick Paper 5 Map
- 1 Paper 5 at a glance
- 2 Core Physics practical contexts
- 3 Paper 5 versus Paper 6
Q: What is IGCSE Physics Paper 5?
A: Paper 5 is the hands-on Cambridge IGCSE Physics Practical Test. Candidates use apparatus, collect measurements, plot or process data, and evaluate the reliability of the method.
TL;DR
IGCSE Physics Paper 5 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, carries 40 marks, and contributes 20% of the final grade. The recurring areas are mechanics, circuits, optics, thermal measurements, graphing, measurement precision, planning, and evaluation.
Quick Paper 5 Map
| Read time | What to take away |
| 1 second | Paper 5 is the hands-on Physics practical exam. |
| 10 seconds | You need accurate measurements, clear tables, suitable graphs, correct units, and realistic evaluation. |
| 100 seconds | Most marks come from careful execution: repeat readings, choose sensible scales, calculate gradients correctly, and explain how errors affect the result. |
| Concrete example | In a circuit task, record voltage and current with units, plot (V) against (I), then use the gradient to find resistance. |
| Best next step | Practise one practical using a table, graph, gradient calculation, and one specific improvement. |
1 Paper 5 at a glance
| Feature | Cambridge IGCSE Physics Paper 5 |
| Paper name | Practical Test |
| Duration | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Marks | 40 |
| Weighting | 20% of final grade |
| Format | Hands-on laboratory exam |
| Alternative | Paper 6 Alternative to Practical |
Paper 5 is for centres that can run the laboratory exam. Singapore private candidates should confirm with the exam centre whether Paper 5 is available, because some centres may enter private candidates for Paper 6 instead.
2 Core Physics practical contexts
Mechanics
Mechanics work often uses pendulums, springs, masses, ramps, metre rules, and stopwatches. The marks depend on controlling the setup:
- Measure length from the correct point
- Time several oscillations, then divide for one period
- Release without pushing
- Repeat readings and calculate a mean
- Record units in every table heading
Electricity
Circuit work tests whether you can build a stable circuit and take readings safely:
- Ammeter in series
- Voltmeter in parallel
- Check the zero reading where relevant
- Vary current or potential difference systematically
- Switch off between readings if heating affects resistance
Optics
Optics work may include lenses, ray boxes, glass blocks, pins, or screens. Accuracy comes from alignment and angle convention:
- Draw normals carefully
- Measure angles from the normal
- Keep pins vertical
- Avoid parallax when aligning images
- Repeat with more than one distance or angle
Thermal experiments
Thermal work often tests heat loss, temperature change, and cooling curves. Use specific evaluation language: lid, insulation, stirring, same mass of water, same starting temperature, and regular time intervals.
3 Paper 5 versus Paper 6
| Feature | Paper 5 Practical Test | Paper 6 Alternative to Practical |
| Apparatus | Used directly | Interpreted from diagrams or descriptions |
| Data | Collected by the candidate | Supplied in the question |
| Timing | Real stopwatch handling | Written timing data |
| Evaluation | Based on the practical performed | Based on a described method |
If you are on the written route, use the IGCSE Physics Paper 6 guide.
4 Preparation plan
- Practise one mechanics setup and one circuit setup under timing.
- Build a graph checklist and use it after every practical.
- Rehearse measurement precision for ruler, stopwatch, ammeter, voltmeter, thermometer, vernier caliper, and micrometer.
- Write evaluation answers with the structure: named error, effect on result, specific improvement.
- Sit timed Paper 5-style practical mocks if your school offers them.
5 Related resources
References
- Cambridge International, Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) 2026-2028 syllabus.
- Cambridge International, Cambridge IGCSE Physics (9-1) (0972).
