Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physical Science specification (0652)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physical Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physical Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physical Science (0652) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science course aims to offer learners a stimulating and meaningful scientific experience. It seeks to increase students' understanding of the technological world and to cultivate informed interest in scientific matters. The course focuses on fostering an appreciation of the scientific method—its usefulness and its limitations—and encourages relevant attitudes such as accuracy, objectivity, enquiry, and inventiveness. Learners will develop the skills necessary for further scientific study and for everyday life, including problem-solving, effective communication, and systematic thinking. The syllabus also promotes awareness of how science is shaped by, and impacts upon, society, the economy, technology, ethics, the community, and the environment.Subject content breakdown
Chemistry
- C1 The particulate nature of matter
- States of matter and particle properties
- Particle arrangement, motion, and diffusion
- Changes of state and diffusion rates
- C2 Experimental techniques
- Measurement apparatus
- Purity tests and chromatograms
- Separation and purification methods
- C3 Atoms, elements and compounds
- Physical vs chemical changes
- Elements, mixtures, and compounds; solutions
- Atomic structure, electron arrangement, isotopes
- Formation of ions, ionic and covalent bonding
- Macromolecules and their structures
- C4 Stoichiometry
- Formulae, equations, and relative masses
- Balancing equations and stoichiometric calculations
- C5 Electricity and chemistry
- Electrolysis process, products, and ion movements
- C6 Energy changes in chemical reactions
- Exo-/endothermic reactions, bond energy, reaction rates
- Thermal energy, fuels, catalysts, and redox reactions
- C7 Acids, bases and salts
- Properties and reactions of acids and bases
- Oxide classifications and salt preparations
- Identification of ions and gases
- C8 The Periodic Table
- Classification of elements and periodic trends
- Group properties, transition elements, noble gases
- C9 Metals
- Properties, alloys, bonding, and reactivity series
- Metal extraction and applications
- C10 Air and water
- Water testing and purification
- Air composition, pollutants, rusting, greenhouse gases
- C11 Carbonates
- Manufacture of lime and uses of carbonates
- C12 Organic chemistry
- Naming and structures of basic organics
- Fuels, homologous series, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols
Physics
- P1 General physics
- Measurement techniques, motion, mass, weight, density
- Forces and effects, moments, centre of mass, pressure
- Work, energy, power, energy resources
- P2 Thermal physics
- Thermal properties, measurement, heat transfer methods
- P3 Properties of waves, including light and sound
- Wave behaviour, reflection, refraction, lenses
- Electromagnetic spectrum, sound properties
- P4 Electricity and magnetism
- Magnetism, electric charge, current, e.m.f., resistance
- Circuits, energy, safety, electromagnetic effects
- P5 Atomic physics
- Nuclear structure, radioactivity, decay, half-life, safety
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)
- 45 minutes
- 30% of qualification
- 40 multiple-choice questions on Core content
Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)
- 45 minutes
- 30% of qualification
- 40 multiple-choice questions on Core and Supplement content
Paper 3: Theory (Core)
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- 50% of qualification
- Short-answer and structured questions on Core content
Paper 4: Theory (Extended)
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- 50% of qualification
- Short-answer and structured questions on Core and Supplement content
Paper 5: Practical Test
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- 20% of qualification
- Tests experimental skills in a practical context
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
- 1 hour
- 20% of qualification
- Written assessment of practical skills
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 Knowledge with understanding – 50%
- AO2 Handling information and problem-solving – 30%
- AO3 Experimental skills and investigations – 20%
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physical Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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