IB Physics SL study guide
IB Physics SL · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
IB Physics SL is the standard-level physics course within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a two-year pre-university qualification recognised by universities worldwide. It suits students who want a rigorous, concept-driven physics foundation without the extra depth of Higher Level, and it pairs naturally with mathematics, chemistry, or design subjects. The IB Physics SL study guide has 8 sections and about 2,514 words.
01Measurements and Uncertainties
This section covers Measurements and Uncertainties. The exam tests SI units and prefixes, scientific notation, significant figures, uncertainty treatment, and graphical analysis, including error bars and gradients.
305 words, about 2 min02Mechanics
This section covers Mechanics. The exam tests kinematics, Newton's laws, momentum, work, energy and power, often through multistage motion or force problems.
322 words, about 2 min03Thermal Physics
This section covers Thermal Physics. The exam tests the molecular model of matter, internal energy, specific heat capacity, latent heat, and ideal gases.
320 words, about 2 min04Waves
This section covers Waves. The exam tests wave properties, reflection, refraction, diffraction, superposition, standing waves, resonance and the Doppler effect.
309 words, about 2 min05Electricity and Magnetism
This section covers Electricity and Magnetism. The exam tests charge, current, potential difference, resistance, circuits, electrical power, magnetic forces and electromagnetic induction.
318 words, about 2 min06Circular Motion and Gravitation
This section covers Circular Motion and Gravitation. The exam tests angular quantities, centripetal acceleration and force, gravitational fields, and satellite orbits.
315 words, about 2 min07Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
This section covers Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics. The exam tests atomic models, photon energy and spectra, nuclear notation, radioactive decay, half-life, mass defect, binding energy, and the standard model.
308 words, about 2 min08Energy Production
This section covers Energy Production. The exam tests energy sources, power and efficiency, specific energy, Sankey diagrams, and the environmental and practical features of fossil, nuclear and renewable generation.
317 words, about 2 min