IGCSE Physics (Cambridge code 0625) is one of the most popular science subjects for Mauritius students at both SC and IGCSE level. It is also one of the most consistently challenging — with questions that require you to understand the physics, not just recall formulas. This guide gives you free access to all IGCSE Physics past papers, a topic-by-topic breakdown, and shows you how AI tutoring can help you master the questions that cost students the most marks.
Quick Answer:
IGCSE Physics (0625) past papers for Mauritius students are available free at Aixampapers.com. The AI tutor explains every Physics question step by step — including diagram questions and practical questions that textbooks rarely cover well.
IGCSE Physics Paper Structure
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) has three papers:
| Paper | Type | Duration | Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Multiple Choice | 45 min | 40 marks | All 40 questions compulsory |
| Paper 2 | Core Theory | 1 hr 15 min | 80 marks | Structured questions, Core tier |
| Paper 4 | Extended Theory | 1 hr 15 min | 80 marks | Harder structured questions, Extended tier |
| Paper 6 | Alternative to Practical | 1 hr | 40 marks | Planning experiments, data analysis |
Most Mauritius SC students sit the Extended tier (Papers 1, 4, 6), which allows access to higher grades (A*–E). Core tier (Papers 1, 2, 6) caps at grade C.
IGCSE Physics Topics — Complete Syllabus for Mauritius
General Physics
- Length, volume, time, mass measurements
- Speed, velocity, acceleration (distance-time and velocity-time graphs)
- Forces: Newton's laws, weight, friction, turning effects (moments)
- Pressure in solids, liquids, and gases
- Work, energy, power (conservation of energy)
Thermal Physics
- Kinetic particle theory (solids, liquids, gases)
- Temperature measurement
- Heat capacity and specific heat capacity
- Latent heat (melting and boiling)
- Thermal expansion
- Conduction, convection, radiation
- Gas laws (Boyle's law, pressure-temperature relationship)
Waves
- Properties of waves: speed, frequency, wavelength, amplitude
- Reflection, refraction, diffraction
- Sound: longitudinal waves, speed, echo
- Light: ray diagrams, lenses, total internal reflection
- Electromagnetic spectrum (properties and uses)
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric charge and electrostatics
- Current, voltage, resistance (Ohm's law)
- Series and parallel circuits
- Electrical power and energy
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Electromagnetic induction (generators, transformers)
- Motors and relay switches
Atomic Physics
- Atomic structure (protons, neutrons, electrons)
- Radioactivity: alpha, beta, gamma radiation
- Half-life and decay
- Nuclear fission and fusion
- Safety and uses of radioactivity
The Topics That Cost Mauritius Students the Most Marks
1. Ray Diagrams (Optics)
Converging and diverging lens ray diagrams appear in almost every Physics paper. Many students lose marks here because they draw imprecise diagrams. Cambridge examiners require:
- Arrows on rays showing direction
- Three specific rays drawn (parallel ray, central ray, focal ray)
- The image located at the intersection — no guessing
- Clear labelling of object, image, focal points, and lens
Ask the Aixampapers AI tutor to walk you through a ray diagram step by step. It will describe exactly which rays to draw and where the image forms.
2. Velocity-Time Graphs
Questions about velocity-time graphs are consistently among the highest mark-value questions in Paper 4. They test: reading acceleration from gradient, reading distance from area under the curve, and describing motion. Practise at least 10 graph questions before the exam.
3. Transformer Calculations
The transformer equation (Vs/Vp = Ns/Np) is simple but students frequently apply it incorrectly. The most common error: confusing which side is primary and which is secondary. Always label clearly before calculating.
4. Paper 6 — Alternative to Practical
Paper 6 is the most underrevised paper for Mauritius Physics students. It tests planning experiments, drawing graphs, and analysing data. Many students revise only the theory papers and lose easy marks on Paper 6. Key skills:
- Drawing graphs with correct axis labels, units, and scale
- Calculating gradient with triangle clearly shown
- Identifying and writing sources of error
- Suggesting improvements to experimental method
- Writing a clear experimental plan with variables identified
How to Use AI for IGCSE Physics Revision
Physics explanations benefit enormously from step-by-step breakdown. The Aixampapers AI tutor is particularly effective for Physics because you can ask it to:
- "Explain how to draw a ray diagram for a converging lens with an object inside the focal length"
- "Show me the steps for this electricity calculation and explain why each formula is used"
- "What would the Cambridge examiner expect for full marks on this 6-mark question?"
- "Why is the answer B and not C for this multiple choice question?"
For Paper 6 (practical), you can describe an experimental scenario and ask the AI to help you plan the method, identify variables, or check your graph interpretation.
IGCSE Physics Revision Plan for Mauritius Students
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| January–May | Complete syllabus in school. Use Aixampapers chapter practice for each topic after it is taught. |
| June | Start Paper 1 (multiple choice) practice. Aim for 35+/40 before July. |
| July | First full past paper (Papers 1 + 4 + 6). Review every wrong answer with AI tutor. |
| August | Focus on your 3 weakest topics. Do targeted past questions on those topics only. |
| September | 2 full papers per week. Strict time conditions. Paper 6 practice every week. |
| October | Review only — marking schemes and examiner reports. Final Paper 6 practice. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are IGCSE Physics and SC Physics the same in Mauritius?
Mauritius SC Physics uses the Cambridge O Level Physics syllabus (5054), which is closely related to but not identical to IGCSE Physics (0625). Both cover similar topics and the past papers are excellent revision material for each other. IGCSE Extended papers (0625) are generally considered slightly harder than O Level (5054) and excellent practice for high-achieving SC students.
Where can I download free IGCSE Physics past papers?
Aixampapers.com provides free IGCSE Physics (0625) past papers including Paper 1, Paper 4, and Paper 6, with marking schemes for all years. AI explanations are available for any question.
How do I improve my IGCSE Physics grade?
The three highest-leverage actions are: (1) practise Paper 6 every week — most students ignore it; (2) master ray diagrams and velocity-time graphs — they appear every year; (3) use AI tutoring after every past paper to understand every question you got wrong, not just to check answers.
What is the difference between IGCSE Physics Core and Extended?
Core tier (Papers 1, 2, 6) has simpler questions and is capped at grade C. Extended tier (Papers 1, 4, 6) has harder questions but allows grades A* through E. Most Mauritius students aiming for HSC sciences should sit the Extended tier.