All subjects

Select a subject from the left to view available exam boards and resources

Related: Past Papers Topical Questions IGCSE Physics AS Mathematics A2 Physics Grade Boundaries Command Words

Electricity & Magnetism

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) · 16 topics

Simple phenomena of magnetism

Magnetic Materials Ferromagnetic materials (iron, steel, nickel, cobalt) can be magnetised to form magnets. In their unmagnetised state, they are attracted to…
Electric charge

Types of Electric Charge There are two types of electric charge: positive (+) and negative (−) . Law of Electric Charges Like charges repel (+ and +, or − and…
Electric current

What is Electric Current? An electric current consists of moving electric charges. In metals, current is the flow of free electrons . Electric current The…
Electromotive force and potential difference

Electromotive Force (e.m.f.) Electromotive force (e.m.f.) The electrical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit. E = W/Q Where:…
Resistance

What is Resistance? The resistance of a conductor is the opposition it offers to the flow of electric current. A good conductor has low resistance; a poor…
Electrical energy and electrical power

Energy Transfer in Circuits Electric circuits transfer energy from a source (battery, cell, mains supply) to circuit components and then into the surroundings .…
Circuit diagrams and circuit components

Circuit Symbols Circuit diagrams use standard symbols to represent components. You must be able to draw and interpret these symbols. Component Symbol…
Series and parallel circuits

Series Circuits In a series circuit , components are connected end-to-end in a single loop. FIG 4.3.3: Series circuit Circuit showing battery connected to three…
Action and use of circuit components

Voltage and Resistance Relationship For a constant current through a circuit, the p.d. across a conductor increases as its resistance increases . From Ohm's Law…
Electrical safety

Electrical Hazards The following conditions create electrical hazards: Hazard Risk Damaged insulation Exposed live wires can cause electric shock or short…
Electromagnetic induction

What is Electromagnetic Induction? Electromagnetic induction is the production of an e.m.f. (and hence current in a closed circuit) when there is relative…
The a.c. generator

Structure of a Simple A.C. Generator An a.c. generator converts kinetic energy to electrical energy using electromagnetic induction. FIG 4.5.5: Simple a.c.…
Magnetic effect of a current

Magnetic Field Around a Straight Wire When current flows through a straight wire, a magnetic field is produced around it. FIG 4.5.9: Field around a…
Force on a current-carrying conductor

The Motor Effect When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field , it experiences a force . This is called the motor effect . Conditions for…
The d.c. motor

The Motor Effect in Action A d.c. motor converts electrical energy to kinetic (rotational) energy using the motor effect. Basic Principle A current-carrying…
The transformer

What is a Transformer? A transformer is a device that changes the voltage of an a.c. supply. It only works with a.c. , not d.c. FIG 4.5.24: Simple transformer…