IGCSE · Physics 0625 · Motion, forces & energy

Physical quantities & measurement: IGCSE Physics questions with answers

Free Physical quantities & measurement questions for IGCSE Physics (0625), part of Motion, forces & energy. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

Generate a full Physical Quantities & Measurement worksheet →All Motion, forces & energy questions

Physical quantities & measurement practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

A student measures the thickness of a stack of 500 identical sheets of paper with a ruler. The stack is 3.0 cm thick.
What is the thickness of one sheet?

  1. A 0.0060 mm
  2. B 0.060 mm
  3. C 0.60 mm
  4. D 6.0 mm
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which instrument is most suitable for measuring the diameter of a thin wire?

  1. A micrometer screw gauge
  2. B measuring tape
  3. C measuring cylinder
  4. D metre rule
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 3Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement describes vector?

  1. A A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as velocity or force
  2. B A quantity that has magnitude only, such as speed or mass
  3. C The product of force and the time for which it acts, equal to the change in momentum
  4. D A region in which a magnetic pole experiences a force
Show answer

Answer: A

Question 4Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

Two forces of 6.0 N and 8.0 N act at right angles on an object.

(a)

Calculate the size of the resultant force.

[2]
(b)

Calculate the angle between the resultant and the 8.0 N force.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)10 N
√(6² + 8²) C1
10 N A1
2
(b)37°
tan θ = 6 ÷ 8 C1
37° A1
2
Question 5Structured · 5 marks

A student times a pendulum and measures a ball with vernier calipers.

(a)

Explain how a micrometer screw gauge reading is obtained.

[2]
(b)

Describe how to find the volume of an irregular object using a measuring cylinder.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)main scale + thimble
read the main (sleeve) scale B1
add the thimble scale reading B1
2
(b)water displacement
partly fill with water and read the volume B1
immerse the object fully B1
volume = rise in the water level B1
3
Question 6Structured · 3 marks

A student wants to measure the thickness of one sheet of paper with a ruler.

(a)

Explain why measuring one sheet with the ruler is not accurate.

[1]
(b)

Describe how she can find an accurate value.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)too thin compared with ruler precision
the sheet is much thinner than the smallest division on the ruler (1 mm) B1
1
(b)measure a stack and divide
measure the thickness of a large stack (e.g. 100 sheets) B1
divide by the number of sheets B1
2

More Motion, forces & energy questions

MotionMass & weightDensityEffects of forcesTurning effect & centre of gravityMomentumEnergy, work & powerEnergy resourcesPressurePendulums & timing

Want a mentor, not just a paper?

Riyaz Shaikh has mentored IGCSE, IB and A Level students for 15+ years, one-on-one, online and in Mumbai. The hardest questions on this site are the ones he uses to find a student's weak points.

Meet Riyaz →

Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in