Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 — 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1

0625/51/M/J/25 · 4 questions · 40 marks · ≈45 min

The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.

← All Physics papersWhat was in this paper?

Question paper12 pages

Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 1 of 12
Page 1 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 2 of 12
Page 2 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 3 of 12
Page 3 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 4 of 12
Page 4 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 5 of 12
Page 5 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 6 of 12
Page 6 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 7 of 12
Page 7 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 8 of 12
Page 8 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 9 of 12
Page 9 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 10 of 12
Page 10 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 11 of 12
Page 11 of 12
Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 2025 May/June Paper 5 · Variant 1 question paper, page 12 of 12
Page 12 of 12

Mark scheme11 pages

Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.

Mark scheme, page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Mark scheme, page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Mark scheme, page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Mark scheme, page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Mark scheme, page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Mark scheme, page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Mark scheme, page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Mark scheme, page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Mark scheme, page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Mark scheme, page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Mark scheme, page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11

Questions as text

Q1 · In this experiment, you will determine the density of a ball

1 In this experiment, you will determine the density of a ball. (a) Place the ball between the two blocks as seen from above in Fig. 1.1. Fig. 1.1 (i) Describe how to use the apparatus in Fig. 1.1 to take two measurements to determine the diameter d of the ball. You may draw on Fig. 1.1 to help your description. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... [2] (ii) Using the blocks as shown in Fig. 1.1, take two measurements to determine the diameter d of the ball. measurement 1 = .......................................................... cm measurement 2 = .......................................................... cm [1] (iii) Use your measurements to calculate a value for the diameter d of the ball. Show your working. d = .................................................... cm [1] (b) Calculate the volume V of the ball using the equation V = 0.52d 3. Include the unit. V = ......................................................... [2] (c) (i) Use the balance to measure the mass mD of the dish provided. mD = ....................................................... g [1] (ii) Place the ball in the dish and record the combined mass mC of the dish and the ball. mC = ....................................................... g [1] (iii) Calculate the mass mB of the ball. Show your working. mB = ....................................................... g [1] (d) Calculate the density ρ of the ball using the equation: mB ρ = . V Give your answer to a suitable number of significant figures for this experiment. ρ = .............................................. g / cm3 [2] [Total: 11]

Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a)(i) measuring clearly indicated above the ball 1 measuring clearly indicated below the ball 1 1(a)(ii) two measurements in cm to nearest mm (in the range 3.0–10.0 cm) 1 1(a)(iii) correct average 1 1(b) correct calculation of V 1 unit: cm3 1 1(c)(i) realistic value for mD (in the range 1–500 g) 1 1(c)(ii) mC > mD 1 1(c)(iii) correct method for calculation of mB shown 1 1(d) correct calculation of  1 answer given to 2 or 3 significant figures 1

More questions on Physical quantities and measurement techniques

Q2 · In this experiment, you will investigate the cooling of hot water in a beaker

2 In this experiment, you will investigate the cooling of hot water in a beaker. Refer to Fig. 2.1. thermometer beaker bench Fig. 2.1 (a) Use the thermometer to measure the temperature θR of the water in the container labelled ‘cold water’. θR = ......................................................... [1] (b) (i) V is the total volume of water in beaker A. Complete the column headings in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 V / θ/ 100 120 140 160 180 200 [1] (ii) • Pour 100 cm3 of hot water into beaker A. • Place the thermometer in the hot water in beaker A. • Record in Table 2.1 the temperature θ of the hot water. • Without delay, use the measuring cylinder to add 20 cm3 of the cold water to the water in beaker A. • Stir the water in beaker A. • Record in Table 2.1 the temperature of the mixture of hot and cold water. • Repeat the procedure, adding 20 cm3 of cold water each time, until you have a total of 200 cm3 of water in beaker A. [3] (c) Plot a graph of temperature θ (y-axis) against total volume of water V (x-axis). You do not need to start the axes at the origin (0, 0). Draw the best-fit curve. [4] (d) Suggest two ways to minimise the loss of thermal energy from the beaker during the experiment. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 11]

Mark scheme: 2(a) realistic temperature (in the range 5–40 °C) 1 2(b)(i) cm3, °C 1 2(b)(ii) initial temperature 60 °C or higher (up to 100 °C) 1 temperatures decreasing 1 all temperatures to at least 1 °C 1 2(c) axes correctly labelled with quantity AND unit AND right way round 1 suitable scales (occupying at least ½ the grid) 1 plots correct to  ½ small square AND precise plots 1 good best-fit line judgement, thin, continuous line 1 2(d) any two from: 2 • some form of insulation • add a lid • shield from draughts • white / shiny surface

More questions on Transfer of thermal energy

Q3 · In this experiment, you will investigate the position of the image in a plane mirror

3 In this experiment, you will investigate the position of the image in a plane mirror. Use the ray-trace sheet supplied, referring to Fig. 3.1 for guidance. hole N B M R A L eye Fig. 3.1 (a) • Draw a line 10.0 cm long near the middle of the ray-trace sheet. Label the line MR. Draw a normal to this line that passes through its centre. Label the normal NL. Label the point at which NL crosses MR with the letter B. • Draw a line below MR, 10.0 cm long from B at an angle of incidence i = 40° to the normal and to the left of the normal. Label the end of this line A. • Place the reflecting face of the mirror vertically on the line MR. • Place two pins, P1 and P2, on line AB at a suitable distance apart for this type of ray-trace experiment. Label the positions of P1 and P2. • View the images of pins P1 and P2 from the direction indicated by the eye in Fig. 3.1. Place two pins, P3 and P4, so that pins P3 and P4 and the images of P2 and P1 all appear exactly one behind the other. Label the positions of P3 and P4. [3] (b) Remove the pins and the mirror. Draw a line through the positions of P3 and P4. Continue the line until it meets MR. Measure the acute angle α between this line and the normal NL. An acute angle is an angle less than 90°. α = ........................................................° [1] (c) Turn the ray-trace sheet through 180°. See Fig. 3.2. L A R M B C N eye Fig. 3.2 • Draw a line below MR, 10.0 cm long from B at an angle of incidence i = 50° to the normal and to the left of the normal. Label the end of this line C. • Place pins P1 and P2 on line CB at a suitable distance apart for this type of ray-trace experiment. • Place the reflecting face of the mirror vertically on the line MR with the centre of the mirror at B. • View the images of pins P1 and P2 from the direction indicated by the eye in Fig. 3.2. • Place pins P3 and P4 so that pins P3 and P4 and the images of P2 and P1 all appear exactly one behind the other. Label the new positions of P3 and P4. [2] (d) Remove the pins and the mirror. Draw a line through the new positions of P3 and P4. Continue the line until it meets NL. Measure the acute angle β between this line and the horizontal line MR. β = ........................................................° [1] (e) Suggest a relationship between α and β. Justify your answer by reference to the results. relationship ............................................................................................................................... justification ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... [2] (f) State two techniques that you use to obtain an accurate ray trace. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... [2] [Total: 11] Write your name, centre number and candidate number on your ray-trace sheet. Tie your ray-trace sheet into this question booklet between pages 8 and 9.

Mark scheme: 3(a) normal at 90° at centre of MR AND incident ray at 40°  2°, below MR 1 P1 P2 separation at least 5.0 cm 1 reflected ray below MR and normal 1 incident ray and reflected ray meeting at B within 2 mm 3(b) correctly measured to  2° 1 3(c) new incident ray in correct quadrant 1 new reflected ray in correct quadrant 1 3(d) = 40  2° 1 3(e) statement to match results 1 justification to include idea of results being equal within the limits of experimental error (or within 10%) 1 3(f) any two from: 2 • thin pins • thin lines / sharp pencil • view bases of pins / pins vertical • pins far apart / at least 5 cm

More questions on Light

Q4 · A student investigates the relationship between the diameter and the resistance of wires

4 A student investigates the relationship between the diameter and the resistance of wires. The following apparatus is available: • wires with different diameters • instrument for measuring the diameter of a wire • metre ruler • ammeter • voltmeter • power supply. Other apparatus normally found in a school laboratory is also available. Plan an experiment to investigate how the diameter of a wire affects its resistance. V Resistance R is given by the equation R = I, where V is the potential difference (p.d.) across the wire and I is the current in the wire. You are not required to do this investigation. You do not need to write about safety precautions. In your plan: • draw a circuit diagram to show the circuit you use • explain briefly how to do the investigation • state one key variable to keep constant • draw a table, or tables, with column headings, to display the readings (you are not required to enter any readings in the table) • explain how to use your results to reach a conclusion. .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................... [7]

Mark scheme: 4 MP1 circuit used: 1 correct circuit diagram MP2 measurements made: 1 measure wire diameter AND measure voltage and current OR record voltmeter and ammeter readings MP3 analysis of readings: 1 calculate / work out resistance of wire MP4 performing the investigation: 1 repeat for at least two other diameters of wire MP5 variable kept constant: 1 length / material of wire MP6 table: 1 with columns for diameter of wire, voltage, current and resistance each column must be labelled with both quantity and unit MP7 conclusion: 1 plot a graph of resistance against diameter OR an answer which suggests comparing values of diameter AND resistance in table

More questions on Electrical quantities

What was in this paper

The subtopics covered by these 4 questions, and how many questions each got. Open one in a new tab to see every Cambridge question on it.

What you needed in this session

Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2025 May/June, Paper 5 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.

A25/40
B22/40
C19/40
D17/40
E16/40
F14/40
G12/40