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Physics — O Level (5054)
O levels/ IGCSE · Cambridge 5054

Physics — O Level (5054)

How light races through glass fibres to bring you the internet, how a dam lights a city, how we know the Universe is expanding — physics is the rulebook of everything that moves, shines and spins.

Level
O levels/ IGCSE
Syllabus
Cambridge International · 5054
Exam session
June & November
Exam papers
3 papers
Grades
A* to E
Format
Live online classes
$40.00

One-time payment

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About this course

This course prepares students for the Cambridge O Level Physics examination (Syllabus 5054). Students will explore the fundamental principles of physics including forces, motion, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics. The course develops scientific reasoning, practical investigation skills, and the ability to apply physical concepts to everyday situations. Ideal for students in Grades 9–10 seeking a strong foundation for A Level sciences, engineering, or medicine.

What is included

  • Live online classes with your teacher
  • Quizzes and assignments in your student portal
  • Marks and feedback from your teacher
  • Progress your parents can follow
The syllabus

Cambridge O Level Physics (5054)

Checked against the official Cambridge syllabus for exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028

Quick facts

Syllabus code
5054
Cambridge O Level Physics
Exams you sit
3 papers
Paper 1 + Paper 2 + one practical paper (3 or 4)
Total exam time
3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min
Depends on which practical paper you take
Exam sessions
June & November
Every year
Grades
A* to E
A* is the highest
Teaching time
about 130 hours
Cambridge's guide; usually 2 school years
Calculator
Allowed
In all parts of the exam
Topics
6 big areas
From motion to space physics

Topic map

1Motion, forces and energy
  • 1.1 Physical quantities and measurement techniques
  • 1.2 Motion
  • 1.3 Mass and weight
  • 1.4 Density
  • 1.5 Forces
  • 1.6 Momentum
  • 1.7 Energy, work and power
  • 1.8 Pressure
2Thermal physics
  • 2.1 Kinetic particle model of matter
  • 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature
  • 2.3 Transfer of thermal energy
3Waves
  • 3.1 General properties of waves
  • 3.2 Light
  • 3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum
  • 3.4 Sound
4Electricity and magnetism
  • 4.1 Simple magnetism and magnetic fields
  • 4.2 Electrical quantities
  • 4.3 Electric circuits
  • 4.4 Practical electricity
  • 4.5 Electromagnetic effects
  • 4.6 Uses of an oscilloscope
5Nuclear physics
  • 5.1 The nuclear model of the atom
  • 5.2 Radioactivity
6Space physics
  • 6.1 Earth and the Solar System
  • 6.2 Stars and the Universe

Exam pattern

Paper 1 — Multiple Choice
40 questions, each with four options. Covers the whole syllabus.
Everyone
30%
1 hour · 40 marks
Paper 2 — Theory
Short-answer and structured questions — calculations, explanations, graphs.
Everyone
50%
1 hour 45 minutes · 80 marks
Paper 3 — Practical Test
Real experiments in a lab, based on the experimental skills in the syllabus.
Either Paper 3 or Paper 4
20%
1 hour 30 minutes · 40 marks
Paper 4 — Alternative to Practical
A written paper about experiments: reading instruments, recording and processing data, planning and improving methods.
Either Paper 3 or Paper 4
20%
1 hour · 40 marks

Every paper is marked by Cambridge. Students who study online usually sit Paper 4, as it needs no lab — your exam centre confirms which practical paper it offers.

Grades

A*, A, B, C, D, E. 'Ungraded' means below E and is not shown on the certificate. Your certificate says GCE O LEVEL.

What it took in June 2026

GradeMarks out of 200Roughly
A*163–168about 82–84%
A132–137about 66–68%
B101–105about 50–52%
C70–73about 35–36%
D58–62about 29–31%
E47–51about 24–26%

Minimum weighted marks out of 200 in June 2026 (the range covers the different paper variants). Boundaries move every series — aim well above them.

An A or A* is the usual target for A Level Physics, engineering and medicine routes.

Full subject guide
Everything about Cambridge O Level Physics (5054)

Why study it, types of questions, command words, what examiners reward, books, common mistakes, a study plan, careers and FAQs.

Read the guide
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