IB Physics: Course Overview, Study Strategies & Resources
This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth overview of the IB Physics course, addressing its content, structure, and assessment criteria.
| Aspect | Standard Level (SL) | Higher Level (HL) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For students with a general interest in physics or those who wish to study the subject as part of a broader scientific education. | For students with a strong interest in physics or those intending to pursue a career or further studies in the field. |
| Core Topics | Covers a set of core topics that provide a solid foundation in physics. | Shares the same core topics as SL but delves deeper into the concepts. |
| Additional Topics (AHL) | None | Includes more complex concepts and theories in additional higher level (AHL) topics. |
| Teaching Hours | 150 | 240 |
| Assessment Structure | Less demanding assessments, focusing on essential concepts and principles. | More rigorous assessment structure, challenging students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject and refine their problem-solving abilities. |
The IB Physics program is undergoing significant changes in 2023. To read the complete update, check out the IB website. Otherwise, we’ve summarized the key changes, which include:
The physics curriculum is organized into five broad topics, which include:
| Topics/Projects | SL hours | HL Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Space, time and motion | 27 | 42 |
| The particulate nature of matter | 24 | 32 |
| Wave behavior | 17 | 29 |
| Fields | 19 | 38 |
| Nuclear and quantum physics | 23 | 39 |
| Practical work | 20 | 40 |
| Collaborative sciences project | 10 | 10 |
| Scientific investigation | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 150 | 240 |
Subtopics:
| Subtopics | Description | Key Learnings |
|---|---|---|
| Kinematics | Explore the fundamental concepts and principles related to the motion of objects. | Scalars and vectors Displacement, velocity, and acceleration Equations of motion Graphical analysis of motion Projectile motion |
| Forces and momentum | Explore the principles governing the behavior of objects when acted upon by forces, as well as the conservation of momentum. | Newton’s laws of motion Types of forces Free body diagrams Momentum Impulse Conservation of momentum Elastic and inelastic collisions |
| Work, energy, and power | Delve into the fundamental concepts related to the transfer, storage, and transformation of energy in various physical systems. | Work Energy Conservation of energy Power Efficiency Work-energy theorem |
| Rigid body mechanics (HL only) | Explore the principles and concepts related to the motion and equilibrium of rigid bodies. | Center of mass Rotational motion Moment of inertia Torque Angular momentum Static equilibrium Rotational dynamics |
| Galilean and special relativity (HL only) | Explore the fundamental principles governing the motion of objects at varying speeds, particularly when approaching the speed of light. | Galilean relativity In-variance of the speed of light Time dilation Length contraction Relativistic mass and energy Relativistic momentum |
| Thermal energy transfers | Explore the principles and processes governing the transfer of thermal energy and the behavior of matter under different temperature conditions. | Temperature and thermal energy Heat capacity and specific heat capacity Phase changes Modes of heat transfer Thermal conductivity |
| Greenhouse effect | Explore the principles, processes, and implications of the greenhouse effect, a key factor in understanding Earth’s climate and global warming. | Greenhouse gases Absorption and emission Earth’s energy balance Climate feedback mechanisms Human activities and the greenhouse effect Climate change and consequences |
Practical work forms an integral part of the IB Physics curriculum, with students dedicating 20 hours for SL and 40 hours for HL to various lab activities. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate practical work into their teaching plans to enhance student understanding and engagement with the subject.
