Cambridge (CIE) O Level Physics specification (5054)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Physics 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) O Level Physics 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) O Level Physics (5054) 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
Cambridge O Level Physics encourages students to develop scientific knowledge and understanding of physics concepts, while also fostering experimental skills and an ability to apply knowledge to real-world problems. The syllabus aims to nurture scientific thinking, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation of physics in daily life and technological applications. Learners are encouraged to develop curiosity, accuracy, creativity, and critical analysis, preparing them for further study in science and a range of careers.
Subject content breakdown
1. Motion, forces and energy
- 1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques: Measurement of length, volume, time; scalar and vector quantities; resultant vectors.
- 1.2 Motion: Definitions of speed, velocity, acceleration; graphs; free fall and calculations.
- 1.3 Mass and weight: Definitions, measurement, gravitational field strength.
- 1.4 Density: Definition, measurement methods.
- 1.5 Forces: Types of forces; Newton's laws; friction; elastic deformation; circular motion; turning effects; centre of gravity.
- 1.6 Momentum: Definitions, impulse, conservation, force relation.
- 1.7 Energy, work and power: Energy stores and transfers; conservation; equations for kinetic and potential energy; work; energy resources; efficiency; power.
- 1.8 Pressure: Definitions, calculations, liquid pressure, atmospheric pressure.
2. Thermal physics
- 2.1 Kinetic particle model of matter: States of matter; particle theory; gas laws and equations.
- 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature: Thermal expansion; specific heat capacity; melting, boiling, evaporation.
- 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy: Conduction, convection, radiation; applications.
3. Waves
- 3.1 General properties of waves: Wave motion, types of waves, properties, equations, reflection, refraction, diffraction.
- 3.2 Light: Reflection, refraction, lenses, dispersion.
- 3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum: Regions, properties, applications, dangers.
- 3.4 Sound: Production, properties, human hearing, echoes, speed, uses of ultrasound.
4. Electricity and magnetism
- 4.1 Simple magnetism and magnetic fields: Properties, field patterns, uses.
- 4.2 Electrical quantities: Charge, current, potential difference, resistance, Ohm’s law.
- 4.3 Electric circuits: Symbols, series and parallel circuits, circuit components.
- 4.4 Practical electricity: Uses, safety, fuses, cost calculations.
- 4.5 Electromagnetic effects: Induction, generators, motors, transformers.
- 4.6 Uses of an oscilloscope: Displaying waveforms, measurements.
5. Nuclear physics
- 5.1 The nuclear model of the atom: Atomic structure, isotopes.
- 5.2 Radioactivity: Detection, types of radiation, decay equations, fission and fusion, half-life, safety precautions.
6. Space physics
- 6.1 Earth and the Solar System: Earth's motion, Solar System structure, gravitational fields.
- 6.2 Stars and the Universe: The Sun, life cycle of stars, galaxies, redshift, Big Bang theory.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 1 hour; 40 marks.
- 40 four-option multiple-choice questions.
- Tests knowledge and problem-solving.
- Weighting: 30%.
Paper 2: Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes; 80 marks.
- Short-answer and structured questions.
- Tests knowledge and problem-solving.
- Weighting: 50%.
Practical Assessment
- Candidates take one of the following:
- Paper 3: Practical Test
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 40 marks.
- Practical experiments; tests experimental skills.
- Weighting: 20%.
- Paper 4: Alternative to Practical
- 1 hour; 40 marks.
- Practical scenarios and data analysis; no experiments.
- Weighting: 20%.
- Paper 3: Practical Test
General notes
- Papers assess grades A* to E.
- Papers 1 and 2 test knowledge and handling information.
- Paper 3 or 4 tests experimental skills.
- Practical contexts include measurements, circuits, optics, thermal physics, and planning investigations.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Physics 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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