0625_s26_ms_27 — 2026 May-June Physics 0625 Mark Scheme 2 Variant 7 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

Unit conversion errors — minutes to hours, kW to W, cm to m, km³ to m³

“Incorrect answers chosen involved using an incorrect equation, not converting minutes to hours or not converting watts to kilowatts.”— Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Write every conversion: 1 hour = 60 min (not 100). 1 kW = 1000 W. 1 km = 1000 m, so 1 km³ = (1000)³ m³ = 10⁹ m³. For time: 3h 20min = 10/3 hours (not 3.20). Always convert BEFORE substituting into equations.

Equation rearrangement errors — dividing instead of multiplying

“The most common incorrect answer was option A, indicating that candidates had not rearranged the equation correctly and instead they divided force by distance.”— Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Write the formula first. Then rearrange algebraically BEFORE substituting numbers. Check: if speed = distance/time, then distance = speed × time (multiply, not divide). Use the formula triangle if needed, but always verify the rearrangement makes sense.

Mass vs weight confusion — even at Extended level

“Only stronger candidates answered this correctly, with the majority confusing weight and mass and therefore choosing option A.”— Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Mass = amount of matter (kg, measured with balance, same everywhere). Weight = gravitational force on an object (N, measured with newton-meter, changes with location). Weight = mass × g. An object on the Moon has the SAME mass but LESS weight.