ExamPal

IGCSE Physics 0625 Paper 43, Oct/Nov 2025

Question paper and mark scheme80 marks10 questions

Solve it on ExamPal

Practise

Untimed. Write on the paper and check as you go.

Start

Exam

Timed, with a clock you set, like sitting the real paper.

Start

Opens full screen.

Download PDFMark scheme
100%

Opening the question paper

Read as textThe questions and the mark scheme as plain text. Easier to read on a phone.

Question paper

0625/43 · Oct/Nov 2025

Download PDF
1
Figure 1 of 3 for question 1
Figure 2 of 3 for question 1
Figure 3 of 3 for question 1
a(i)

A hard ball is dropped vertically downwards. Fig. 1.1 shows the speed–time graph for the ball from when it is dropped until it hits the ground. Air resistance is ignored. Describe the motion of the ball in Fig. 1.1.

[1]
a(ii)

Show that the distance travelled by the ball is 1.8 m.

[2]
a(iii)

The mass of the ball is 0.54 kg. Calculate the gravitational potential energy stored in the ball immediately before it is dropped. gravitational potential energy = .........................................................

[2]
a(iv)

Determine the kinetic energy of the ball when it has fallen half way to the ground. kinetic energy = .........................................................

[1]
b

The same ball is dropped from an aeroplane. Air resistance acts on the ball. Explain how the vertical motion of the ball changes, from when it is dropped to just before it hits the ground. Use the idea of forces in your answer.

[3]
c

A soft ball is dropped by a student so that it bounces on the ground. Fig. 1.2 shows the height–time graph for the ball. The height is measured from the ground. The ball bounces four times. Explain why the change in height of the ball between B and C is less than the change in height between A and B.

[2]
2

A cricket ball is travelling at a speed of 25 m/s horizontally through the air. The mass of the ball is 0.14 kg. A player catches the ball and the ball comes to rest.

a

Calculate the change in momentum of the ball during the catch. change in momentum = .........................................................

[2]
b

The player’s hands are in contact with the moving ball for 9.7 ms. Calculate the horizontal force exerted by her hands to bring the ball to rest. force = .........................................................

[3]
3
Figure 1 of 1 for question 3
a(i)

Fig. 3.1 shows a Sankey diagram for the power transfer in a coal-fired power station. Show that the useful power output from the power station is approximately 1100 MW.

[2]
a(ii)

Calculate the efficiency of the power station. efficiency = .........................................................

[2]
b

Describe how useful energy may be obtained from geothermal resources.

[2]
4
Figure 1 of 5 for question 4
Figure 2 of 5 for question 4
Figure 3 of 5 for question 4
Figure 4 of 5 for question 4
Figure 5 of 5 for question 4
a(i)

A rectangular glass tank contains 3.0 m3 of liquid. The mass of the liquid is 2800 kg. Calculate the density of the liquid. density = .........................................................

[1]
a(ii)

A metal block is placed in the tank and it sinks to the bottom. The top surface of the block is 1.1 m below the surface of the liquid. Fig. 4.1 shows the block on the bottom of the tank. Calculate the force exerted by the liquid on the top of the block. force on top of the block = .........................................................

[4]
b

Fig. 4.2 shows part of a steel railway track. There are small gaps between sections of the rail. State why gaps are needed between the sections of rail. Explain your answer in terms of particles. statement .................................................................................................................................. explanation ............................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................

[2]
c

Fig. 4.3 shows a saucepan of boiling water on the heating ring of an electric cooker. The handle is made from plastic. Explain why this material is suitable.

[2]
5
Figure 1 of 2 for question 5
Figure 2 of 2 for question 5
a(i)

Electromagnetic waves have many uses. On Fig. 5.1 draw one line from each use to the region of the electromagnetic (e-m) spectrum it uses.

[2]
a(ii)

State one advantage of using microwaves compared with radio waves to transmit mobile (cell) phone signals.

[1]
b

Describe the difference between transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

[2]
c(i)

Fig. 5.2 shows a simplified diagram of seismic P-waves travelling through the Earth. The paths of the waves are curved. Seismic waves are produced by rock movements in earthquakes. State the type of wave that P-waves can be modelled as.

[1]
c(ii)

At point X, the P-wave travels from the solid mantle to the liquid core. There is a sudden change in direction of the path of the wave. Explain the change in direction of the P-wave at point X.

[2]
d

The Earth’s surface absorbs incoming radiation from the Sun and also emits thermal radiation from its surface. Over the past 50 years, scientists estimate that the average temperature of the Earth’s surface has increased by approximately 0.75 ∘C. Explain what is causing this average temperature rise.

[2]
6
Figure 1 of 3 for question 6
Figure 2 of 3 for question 6
Figure 3 of 3 for question 6
a(i)

Fig. 6.1 shows a circuit which includes an LDR (light-dependent resistor). The LDR is in a brightly lit room. The voltmeter reads 1.8 V. Calculate the current in the 400 Ω resistor. current = .........................................................

[3]
a(ii)

The light level in the room changes from bright to dark. State and explain the effect on the voltmeter reading. statement .......................................................................................................................... explanation ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................................

[3]
b(i)

Fig. 6.2 shows two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in parallel in a circuit. R is a red LED and G is a green LED. The voltmeter across the LEDs shows a potential difference (p.d.) of 2.0 V. Fig. 6.3 shows a current-p.d. graph for the LEDs. Use Fig. 6.3 to determine the current in the ammeter. current = .........................................................

[2]
b(ii)

The connections to the power supply are reversed. State the reading on the ammeter. current = .........................................................

[1]
7

Fig. 7.1 shows a simple a.c. generator.

Figure 1 of 5 for question 7
Figure 2 of 5 for question 7
Figure 3 of 5 for question 7
Figure 4 of 5 for question 7
Figure 5 of 5 for question 7
a(i)

Explain the function of the slip rings and brushes.

[1]
a(ii)

Describe how an alternating current is generated in the lamp.

[3]
a(iii)

State two possible changes that cause a larger maximum current in the lamp. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 2 ........................................................................................................................................

[2]
b(i)

Fig. 7.2 is a graph to show how the electromotive force (e.m.f.) varies with time for the coil. Determine how many revolutions the coil has made, from time = 0 to E. number of revolutions = .........................................................

[1]
b(ii)

Fig. 7.3 shows the end view of the position of the plane of the coil at time = 0. The coil is rotating anti-clockwise. On Fig. 7.4, draw four lines to match the coil position to the times A, B, C and D. The coil is viewed from the front. Each coil position may be used once, more than once or not at all.

[3]
8
Figure 1 of 1 for question 8
a(i)

Alpha (α) particles are directed at a very thin sheet of gold foil. The following observations provide evidence for the nuclear model of the atom. State what conclusions may be made about the model of the atom from these observations. Observation: most of the particles pass straight through the foil. conclusion ......................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................

[1]
a(ii)

Observation: a few particles bounce back or are deflected through large angles. conclusion ......................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................

[1]
b(i)

Fig. 8.1 shows three beams of ionising radiation, alpha, beta and gamma, passing between two parallel plates. The plates are charged and there is a uniform electric field between them. State and explain which path P, Q or R shows a beam of alpha particles. path ................................................................................................................................... explanation ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................................

[2]
b(ii)

State and explain the direction of the electric field between the plates. direction ............................................................................................................................. explanation ........................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................................

[1]
c

Curium-242 is a radioactive isotope. It emits alpha particles. It has a half-life of 160 days. After 480 days, the mass of curium-242 in a sample is 2.4×10−3 g. Calculate the initial mass of curium-242 in the sample. initial mass of curium-242 = .........................................................

[2]
9
a(i)

Cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) can be observed in every direction in space around us. State when CMBR was produced.

[1]
a(ii)

State and explain how the wavelength of this radiation has changed since it was formed.

[2]
b(i)

Table 9.1 shows data about planets in our solar system. The orbit of Venus is approximately circular. Calculate the average orbital speed v of Venus. Give your answer in km/h. orbital speed = ................................................ km/h

[3]
b(ii)

State how the average surface temperature of a planet changes as its distance from the Sun increases.

[1]
10
a

Sketch a diagram to show the orbital path of a comet around the Sun. Mark the position of the Sun on your diagram using an S.

[2]
b

Draw a cross on your diagram to show where the comet is travelling with the slowest speed. Label the cross L.

[1]
c

Explain why the speed of a comet changes as it travels around its orbit. Use the conservation of energy in your explanation.

[3]

Mark scheme

0625/43 · Oct/Nov 2025

Download PDF

1a(i) · 1 mark

  • B1

    constant acceleration

1a(ii) · 2 marks

  • B1

    area under the graph OR ½ bh OR average speed × time

  • B1

    0.5 × 5.9 × 0.6 OR 1.77 (to ⩾ 3 sf)

1a(iii) · 2 marks

  • A2

    9.5 J

  • C1

    (ΔEp =) mg(Δ)h OR 0.54 × 9.8 × 1.8

1a(iv) · 1 mark

  • A1

    candidate’s 1(a)(iii) value × 0.5 (2sf)

1b · 3 marks

  • B3

    (initially there is acceleration due to) an unbalanced force OR resultant force OR downward force OR weight OR gravitational force acting on the ball

  • B3

    as speed increases the air resistance increases

  • B3

    (as air resistance increases) resultant force downwards decreases OR acceleration decreases

  • B3

    (eventually) ball falls with constant speed when air resistance = weight OR ball falls with terminal velocity when air resistance = weight

1c · 2 marks

  • B1

    (some of the) energy is: transferred to the thermal energy (store) of the ground (when ball hits ground) OR converted / transferred to thermal energy (store) of the air OR used to deform ball / transferred to the elastic energy (store) of the ball (as it contacts the ground)

  • B1

    gravitational potential energy (in the store at C) will be less (than at A) OR (ball has) less kinetic energy (in its store just after B)

2a · 2 marks

  • A2

    (–) 3.5 kgm / s

  • C1

    (Δp =) m(Δ)u OR m{v – u} OR 0.14 × {25 (– 0)}

2b · 3 marks

  • A3

    360 N

  • C1

    0.0097 (s) OR 9.7 × 10–3 (s) OR 3.6 × 10ⁿ

  • C1

    (F =) (Δ)p / t OR 3.5 / 0.0097

3a(i) · 2 marks

  • B1

    (wasted power =) 2200 + 40 + 25 OR 2265 OR (useful power output =) power input – wasted power

  • B1

    1140 (MW) (⩾ 3 sf)

3a(ii) · 2 marks

  • A2

    0.32 OR 32%

  • C1

    (efficiency =) {useful power output / total power input} (× 100%) OR 1100 / 3400

3b · 2 marks

  • B1

    water is pumped into the ground and heated by hot rocks OR heat from hot rocks underground is used to turn water into steam

  • B1

    steam used to heat buildings OR steam used to turn generator / turbine / produce electricity

4a(i) · 1 mark

  • A1

    930 kg / m³

4a(ii) · 4 marks

  • A4

    1400 N

  • C1

    (Δ)p = ρg(Δ)h OR 930 × 9.8 × 1.1 OR 10 000 (N / m²)

  • C1

    area = length × width OR 0.45 × 0.30 OR 0.14 (m²)

  • C1

    (F=) p × A OR 10 000 × 0.14

4b · 2 marks

  • B1

    thermal expansion OR to prevent buckling / bending when heated

  • B1

    particles vibrate faster

  • B1

    particles have greater speed / kinetic energy / momentum

  • B1

    vibrations (of particles) take up more space

  • B1

    (average) space / separation between particles increases

4c · 2 marks

  • B1

    (plastic is a good) insulator / poor conductor

  • B1

    (handle) will not get too hot to touch OR reduces heat flow to hand

5a(i) · 2 marks

  • B2

    all four correct = 2 marks; any two correct = 1 mark: security marking to ultraviolet, Bluetooth to radio waves, optical fibres to infrared, detection of cancer to gamma rays

5a(ii) · 1 mark

  • B1

    only require a short aerial / antenna

  • B1

    can pass through the atmosphere / ionosphere to satellites

  • B1

    can transmit large amounts of data at high speeds / high rate of data transmission

5b · 2 marks

  • B2

    transverse: oscillations / vibrations are at right angles to direction of propagation

  • B2

    transverse: medium not required / can travel through a vacuum (for e-m wave)

  • B2

    transverse: have crests / peaks and troughs

  • B2

    longitudinal: oscillations / vibrations are parallel to direction of propagation

  • B2

    longitudinal: medium is required

  • B2

    longitudinal: have rarefactions and compressions

5c(i) · 1 mark

  • B1

    longitudinal

5c(ii) · 2 marks

  • B1

    refraction

  • B1

    change in speed of the wave

  • B1

    change in density of the medium

5d · 2 marks

  • B1

    increase in carbon dioxide / greenhouse gases (in the atmosphere) OR increase in methane / water vapour (in the atmosphere)

  • B1

    prevents / reduces (re-emitted) radiation escaping (into space) OR radiation re-emitted / reflected back to surface (by atmosphere / greenhouse gases) OR (amount of) radiation absorbed is greater than (the amount of) radiation leaving the atmosphere

6a(i) · 3 marks

  • A3

    0.008(0) A OR 8(.0) mA OR 8(.0) × 10–3 A

  • C1

    (p.d. across 400 Ω resistor =) 5 – 1.8 OR 3.2 (V)

  • C1

    (I =) V / R OR 3.2 / 400

6a(ii) · 3 marks

  • B1

    increases

  • B1

    resistance of LDR increases

  • B1

    ratio of potential differences (across each component) equals ratio of the two resistances OR R₁ / R₂ = V₁ / V₂ OR LDR has greater share of the total / supply voltage OR potential difference of the source is divided between the resistor (R) and LDR

6b(i) · 2 marks

  • A2

    56 mA OR 5.6 × 10–2 A

  • C1

    44 (mA) OR 12 (mA)

6b(ii) · 1 mark

  • B1

    0 (A)

7a(i) · 1 mark

  • B1

    provide a continuous connection (between the coil and the lamp) OR prevent the contacts reversing every half turn / 180° OR prevent the wires (to the lamp) twisting / tangling

7a(ii) · 3 marks

  • B3

    coil is rotated / moved in magnetic field

  • B3

    coil cuts (magnetic) field OR changing (magnetic) field through coil

  • B3

    e.m.f. / voltage induced

  • B3

    coil forms part of a complete circuit (through the lamp) so there is a current

  • B3

    as one side of the coil starts to move in the opposite direction, current is induced in the opposite direction OR direction of current in coil is reversed every half turn / 180°

7a(iii) · 2 marks

  • B2

    increase strength of magnetic field

  • B2

    increase speed of rotation (of the coil)

  • B2

    increase number of turns (of coil)

7b(i) · 1 mark

  • B1

    2.5 (revolutions)

7b(ii) · 3 marks

  • B3

    any 1 correct = 1 mark; any 2 or 3 correct = 2 marks; all 4 correct = 3 marks (matching Time Label from graph A, B, C, D to coil positions)

8a(i) · 1 mark

  • B1

    most of the atom is empty space OR nucleus is (very) much smaller than the atom

8a(ii) · 1 mark

  • B1

    nucleus must have a positive charge OR (the positive) charge is concentrated at the centre of the atom OR most of the mass (of the atom) is concentrated in the nucleus

8b(i) · 2 marks

  • B1

    P

  • B1

    alpha particles have greater mass so are deflected less (than the beta particles)

8b(ii) · 1 mark

  • B1

    upwards AND alpha particles are positively charged so attracted towards negatively charged plate OR direction of field is direction of force on positive charge

8c · 2 marks

  • A2

    1.9 × 10–2 g OR 1.9 × 10–5 kg

  • C1

    3 half-lives OR 2.4 × 10–3 × 2³ OR 1 / 8

9a(i) · 1 mark

  • B1

    (shortly after) Big Bang OR when Universe was formed

9a(ii) · 2 marks

  • B1

    Increased

  • B1

    Universe has expanded OR Universe accelerated outwards

9b(i) · 3 marks

  • A3

    120 000 (km / h) OR 1.2 × 10⁵ (km / h)

  • C1

    (v =) 2πr / T OR {2 × π × 108 (× 10⁶ ) } / {0.62 × 365 × 24}

  • C1

    (T =) 0.62 × 365 × 24 OR (T =) 5431 OR (T =) 226.3 × 24 OR 1.2 × 10ⁿ

9b(ii) · 1 mark

  • B1

    decreases

10a · 2 marks

  • B1

    elliptical shape drawn

  • B1

    S at a focus of the ellipse by eye

10b · 1 mark

  • B1

    L furthest away from their S / Sun

10c · 3 marks

  • B1

    total energy = gravitational (potential) energy + kinetic energy

  • B1

    (energy stored as) GPE decreases and (energy stored as) KE increases closer to the Sun

  • B1

    when the comet has more kinetic energy it has a greater speed

Questions

  1. 1
    Question 111 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  2. 2
    Question 25 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  3. 3
    Question 36 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  4. 4
    Question 49 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  5. 5
    Question 510 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  6. 6
    Question 69 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  7. 7
    Question 710 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  8. 8
    Question 87 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  9. 9
    Question 97 marks
    Mark scheme ›
  10. 10
    Question 106 marks
    Mark scheme ›

More 0625 papers

Other papers from Oct/Nov 2025

Solve it on ExamPalStart