IB Physics HL study guide
IB Physics HL · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
IB Physics HL is the higher-level physics course within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a two-year pre-university qualification taught in schools worldwide and recognised by universities for admission and, in some cases, credit. It suits students who want a rigorous, mathematically grounded treatment of physics and who intend to study engineering, the physical sciences, medicine or another quantitative field. The IB Physics HL study guide has 6 sections and about 1,894 words.
01Space, Time and Motion: Mechanics, Kinematics, Forces, Momentum, Energy, Circular Motion and Gravitation
Space, time and motion is the mechanics core of IB Physics HL. Questions test your ability to choose a kinematic model, apply Newton’s laws to single and linked bodies, use momentum and energy conservation, analyse circular motion, and link gravitational field strength to orbits.
351 words, about 2 min02The Particulate Nature of Matter: Thermal Physics, Ideal Gases and Thermodynamics
Particulate nature of matter covers thermal energy, ideal gases and thermodynamics. The exam tests kinetic models, the gas laws, specific and latent heat, the first law, and entropy as a measure of disorder.
322 words, about 2 min03Wave Behaviour: Oscillations, Waves, Sound, Light, Superposition, Interference and Diffraction
Wave behaviour covers oscillations, wave properties, sound, light, superposition, interference and diffraction. The exam tests SHM definitions, the wave equation, standing waves, two-source interference, diffraction gratings and the Doppler effect.
299 words, about 1 min04Fields: Gravitational, Electric, Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Induction
Fields covers gravitational, electric and magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction. The exam tests field strength and potential, inverse-square laws, motion of charged particles, magnetic force direction, flux, Faraday’s law and Lenz’s law.
315 words, about 2 min05Nuclear and Quantum Physics: Radioactivity, Nuclear Reactions, Photoelectric Effect, Energy Levels and Tunnelling
Nuclear and quantum physics covers radioactivity, nuclear reactions, the photoelectric effect, atomic energy levels and quantum tunnelling. The exam tests exponential decay, conservation in nuclear equations, mass defect and binding energy, the photoelectric equation, de Broglie wavelength and discrete spectra.
286 words, about 1 min06Internal Assessment: Scientific Investigation Individual Report
Internal assessment is the individual scientific investigation: a report of about 10 hours of practical work, marked out of 24 using the criteria for research question, background, methodology, data collection, analysis, evaluation and communication. The exam does not test it as a written paper, but your report must show independent thinking, controlled variables, appropriate uncertainty treatment and a conclusion tied to the research question.
321 words, about 2 min