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Cambridge IGCSE

Physics
Revision Guide 2024

Unit 1 Part 1

Mohammed Ali
[Physics with Mo Ali]

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Quantities and Measurements
1 Describe the use of rulers and measuring cylinders to find a length or a volume
2 Describe how to measure a variety of time intervals using clocks and digital timers
3 Determine an average value for a small distance and for a short interval of time by measuring multiples (including
the period of oscillation of a pendulum)

International System of Units (SI) and Prefixes

Base Quantity SI Unit Prefix Multiplier Value
Length meters (m) mega (M) × 1000 000 × 106
Time seconds (s) kilo (k) × 1000 × 103
Mass kilograms (kg) centi (c) ÷ 100 × 10−2
Temperature Kelvin (K) milli (m) ÷ 1000 × 10−3
Electric Current Ampere (A) micro (µ) ÷ 1000 000 × 10−6

Measuring Length
Meter Rule Lengths up to 1 m
Measuring Tape Long distances more than 1 m
Micrometer Small lengths, such as thickness of coins or wires

Measuring the thickness of a sheet of paper

thickness
1. Measure the thickness of several sheets of paper (100) of 100
2. Divide the reading by the number of sheets (100) to get the thickness of one sheet sheets
3. Repeat and take an average

Defining Volume: The space occupied by an object. (m3 cm3).

Measuring volume of a liquid Use a measuring cylinder
Measuring volume of a regular 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
solid 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Measuring volume of an irregular pour some water into a measuring cylinder and record the volume
solid (V1)
gently put the stone (object) into the water using a thread to avoid
splashing
record the new volume level from the cylinder (V2)
the volume of the stone is the difference between the two readings
(V2-V1)

Time
Converting Units of time: 1 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 → 60𝑚𝑖𝑛 and 1𝑚𝑖𝑛 → 60𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠
Time is measured using a stopwatches, clocks and digital timers.
Measuring the period of oscillation of a pendulum
1. Measure the time of several cycles in one go (20 oscillations).
2. Then divide the reading by the number of oscillations (20).
3. Repeat the reading and take an average.
4. Reset your stopwatch to zero before making measurements

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Mass and Weight
1 State that mass is a measure of the quantity of matter in an object at rest relative to the observer
2 State that weight is a gravitational force on an object that has mass
𝑊
3 Define gravitational field strength as force per unit mass; recall and use the equation 𝑔 = 𝑚 and know that this is
equivalent to the acceleration of free fall (9.8𝑁/𝑘𝑔)
4 Know that weights (and masses) may be compared using a balance
5 Describe, and use the concept of, weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass

Defining Mass: A measure of the quantity of matter in an object at rest relative to the observer (amount of matter)
Mass is measured using a balance.
Measuring the mass of a liquid
1. To find the mass of a liquid measure the mass of the empty container first (m1).
2. Then measure the mass of the container and liquid together (m2).
3. Finally calculate the difference to get the mass of the liquid alone (m2-m1). mass of liquid = 250 – 200 = 50 g

Defining Weight: The gravitational force on an object that has mass

Calculating Weight: 𝑾 = 𝒎𝒈 where g = 9.8N/kg and is equal to the acceleration of freefall.
Defining gravitational field strength (g): force per unit mass

From June 2023 Paper 23

From June 2023 Paper 22

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Density
𝑚
1 Define density as mass per unit volume; recall and use the equation 𝜌 = 𝑉

2 Describe how to determine the density of a liquid, of a regularly shaped solid and of an irregularly shaped solid
which sinks in a liquid (volume by displacement), including appropriate calculations
3 Determine whether an object floats based on density data
4 Determine whether one liquid will float on another liquid based on density data given that the liquids do not mix

Defining Density: the mass per unit volume of a substance

𝒎
Calculating Density: 𝝆 = 𝑽
(kg/m3 or g/cm3)

Measuring the density of a regular solid

1. Measure the mass of the object using a balance
2. Measure the length, width and height and calculate the volume of the object
3. Calculate density using mass/volume
Measuring the density of a liquid
1. Measure the mass of an empty measuring cylinder
2. Pour the liquid into the cylinder and measure the new mass
3. The difference is the mass of the liquid
4. Record the volume of the liquid from the measuring cylinder scale
5. Calculate density using mass/volume
Measuring the density of an irregular solid
1. Measure the mass of the object using a balance
2. Pour some water into a measuring cylinder and measure the initial volume
3. Gently put the object into the measuring cylinder and record the new volume
4. Calculate the difference to find the volume of the object
5. Calculate density using mass/volume
Floating and Sinking
Objects or liquids that are less dense than water will float on top of water. Objects or liquids that are more dense than
water will sink in the water.
Extra point 1: Objects made of the same material have the same density, even if these objects are of different sizes
and masses.
Extra point 2: Temperature can affect the density of a substance. Increasing the temperature decreases the density.
Decreasing the temperature increases the density.

From March 2023 Paper 22

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Scalars and Vectors
1 Understand that a scalar quantity has magnitude (size) only and that a vector quantity has magnitude and direction
2 Know that the following quantities are scalars: distance, speed, time, mass, energy and temperature
3 Know that the following quantities are vectors: force, weight, velocity, acceleration, momentum, electric field
strength and gravitational field strength
4 Determine, by calculation or graphically, the resultant of two vectors at right angles, limited to forces or velocities
only

Defining Scalars: Quantities with only magnitude

Examples of scalars; distance, speed, time, mass, energy and temperature
Defining Vectors: Quantities with magnitude and direction
Examples of vectors; force, weight, velocity, acceleration, momentum, electric field strength and gravitational field
strength

Resultant Vectors (Adding Vectors) by Calculation

𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑽𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 = √𝑭𝟏𝟐 + 𝑭𝟐𝟐

Direction is the angle 𝛉
𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽 = 𝒉𝒚𝒑𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒔𝒆 then on your calculator SHIFT + sin (ANS).

𝒂𝒅𝒋𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕
𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 = 𝒉𝒚𝒑𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒔𝒆 then on your calculator SHIFT+ cos (ANS).

𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆
𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽 = 𝒂𝒅𝒋𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 then on your calculator SHIFT + tan (ANS).

Resultant Vectors (Adding Vectors) by Drawing

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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From March 2023 Paper 42

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Motion
𝑑
1 Define speed as distance travelled per unit time; recall and use the equation 𝑠 = 𝑡

2 Define velocity as speed in a given direction

3 Recall and use the equation average speed = total distance travelled total time taken
4 Sketch, plot and interpret distance–time and speed–time graphs
5 Determine, qualitatively, from given data or the shape of a distance–time graph or speed–time graph when an object
is: a. at rest b. moving with constant speed c. accelerating d. decelerating
6 Calculate speed from the gradient of a straight- line section of a distance–time graph
7 Calculate the area under a speed–time graph to determine the distance travelled for motion with constant speed or
constant acceleration
8 State that the acceleration of free fall g for an object near to the surface of the Earth is approximately constant and is
approximately 9.8 m/s2
∆𝑣
9 Define acceleration as change in velocity per unit time; recall and use the equation 𝑎 = 𝑡

10 Determine from given data or the shape of a speed–time graph when an object is moving with: a. constant
acceleration b. changing acceleration
11 Calculate acceleration from the gradient of a speed–time graph
12 Know that a deceleration is a negative acceleration and use this in calculations

Defining Speed: distance travelled per unit time

𝒅 𝒅
Calculating speed: 𝒔 = 𝑜𝑟 𝒗 = (m/s or km/h)
𝒕 𝒕

𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅

Calculating average speed: 𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅 =
𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒏

Defining Velocity: speed in a given direction (vector version of speed)

Distance-Time Graphs

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Defining Acceleration: change in velocity per unit time
∆𝒗 𝒗−𝒖
Calculating acceleration: 𝒂 = 𝑜𝑟 𝒂 = (m/s2)
𝒕 𝒕

Deceleration is when the velocity decreases, also known as negative acceleration.

Speed-Time Graphs

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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From November 2023 Paper 42

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Forces
1 Know that forces may produce changes in the size and shape of an object
2 Sketch, plot and interpret load–extension graphs for an elastic solid and describe the associated experimental
procedures
3 Determine the resultant of two or more forces acting along the same straight line
4 Know that an object either remains at rest or continues in a straight line at constant speed unless acted on by a
resultant force
5 State that a resultant force may change the velocity of an object by changing its direction of motion or its speed
6 Describe solid friction as the force between two surfaces that may impede motion and produce heating
7 Know that friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a liquid
8 Know that friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a gas (e.g. air resistance)
9 Define the spring constant as force per unit extension; recall and use the equation k = F/x
10 Define and use the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for a load–extension graph and identify this point on the graph
(an understanding of the elastic limit is not required)
11 Recall and use the equation F = ma and know that the force and the acceleration are in the same direction
12 Describe, qualitatively, motion in a circular path due to a force perpendicular to the motion as: a. speed increases if
force increases, with mass and radius constant b. radius decreases if force increases, with mass and speed constant c.
an increased mass requires an increased force to keep speed and radius constant (F = mv2/r is not required)
13 Describe the motion of objects falling in a uniform gravitational field with and without air/ liquid resistance
(including reference to terminal velocity)

Effect of Force on Shape and Size

original length
stretched
length
extension

load

𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 = 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 − 𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉

Hooke’s Law: The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the load on it, as long as the limit of
proportionality (elastic limit) is not exceeded.
Define Spring Constant: Force per unit extension
𝑭
Calculate Spring Constant: 𝒌 = (N/cm)
𝒙

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Resultant of Forces in a Straight Line
If forces are in the same direction, they are added. If forces are in opposite directions, they are subtracted.

Friction and Drag

Solid friction is the resisting force between two solid surfaces moving relative to each other. Friction can slow down
objects. Friction produces heat energy (kinetic to heat).
Friction with water and air is called Drag (Water or Air resistance).
Drag increases if: 1. Speed of the object increases and 2. Area of the object increases.

Newton’s First Law of Motion

An object either remains at rest or continues in a straight line at constant speed unless acted on by a resultant force.

A resultant force may change the velocity of an object by changing its direction of motion or its speed.

Newton’s Second Law

Calculating Force: 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 = 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔 × 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑭 = 𝒎𝒂 Force and acceleration are in the
same direction.
Unit: Newton (N)

Circular Motion
Motion in a circular path is due to a force perpendicular to the motion. The resultant force is always towards the center
of the circle. The acceleration is towards the center of the circle.
a. speed increases if force increases, with mass and radius constant
b. radius decreases if force increases, with mass and speed constant
c. an increased mass requires an increased force to keep speed and radius constant

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Objects falling in a vacuum (no air resistance)
Falls at constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s2, called the acceleration of freefall, due to the weight of the object.

Objects falling in air (with air resistance)

Objects experience three stages of motion:
1. Only weight acts downwards, so object falls at constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s2
2. As speed increases, upward air resistance increases, so downward resultant force decreases, which decreases
the acceleration.
3. Upward air resistance becomes equal to downward weight, resultant force and acceleration are zero, so object
falls at a constant maximum speed (called terminal velocity)

Graph for object falling in air:

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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From June 2022 Paper 42

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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From November 2022 Paper 41

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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Momentum
1 Define momentum as mass x velocity; recall and use the equation p = mv
2 Define impulse as force x change in time; recall and use the equation Impulse = FΔt = Δ(mv)
3 Apply the principle of the conservation of momentum to solve simple problems in one dimension
4 Define resultant force as the change in momentum per unit time; recall and use the equation F = ∆p/∆t

Defining Momentum: product of mass and velocity

Calculating momentum: 𝒑 = 𝒎𝒗 (kg m/s or Ns)
Defining Impulse: Force x change in time
Calculating impulse: 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒔𝒆 = 𝑭𝒕 = ∆𝒎𝒗 (Ns)
Extra Note: According to the formula above, impulse is equal to the change in momentum of an object. A common
question is one that asks you to calculate momentum. Then asks you to state the impulse, which is equal to the
previous answer of impulse.
Defining Resultant Force: change in momentum per unit time
∆𝒎𝒗 ∆𝒑
Calculating resultant force: 𝑭 = ∆𝒕
𝑜𝑟 𝑭 = ∆𝒕
(N)

Law of Conservation of Momentum: total momentum of a closed system is always conserved (constant)
Solving problems using the law of conservation of momentum: 𝒔𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 = 𝒔𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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From June 2016 Paper 42

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1

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From November 2023 Paper 43

Cambridge IGCSE Physics Revision Guide by Mo Ali – Unit 1 – Part 1