IB Physics - Wyatt's Notes

sources:

• text: Standard textbook reference

Complete revision notes for IB Physics, covering the full syllabus with worked examples, common pitfalls, and exam-style problems.

• Kinematics — Motion, velocity, acceleration, projectiles, and kinematics equations
• Dynamics and Newton”s Laws — Newton’s laws, friction, momentum, impulse, and work-energy
• Energy and Conservation — Kinetic energy, potential energy, conservation of energy, and power
• Rotational Motion — Circular motion, centripetal acceleration, torque, and angular momentum
• Forces and Momentums — Forces and momentums in the context of space-time

• Gravitational Fields — Newton’s law of gravitation, gravitational potential, and orbital mechanics
• Electric and Magnetic Fields — Coulomb’s law, electric potential, and magnetic fields
• Motion in Electromagnetic Fields — Charged particle motion in electric and magnetic fields
• Induction — Electromagnetic induction, Faraday’s law, and Lenz’s law

• Wave Phenomena — Standing waves, resonance, harmonics, Doppler effect, diffraction, and interference

• Thermodynamics — Heat, temperature, internal energy, and the laws of thermodynamics

• Current Electricity — Electric circuits, resistance, Kirchhoff’s laws, and potential dividers

• Quantum and Nuclear Physics — Radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and binding energy
• Atomic and Nuclear Physics — Atomic models, nuclear physics, radioactivity, and mass-energy equivalence
• Quantum and Nuclear Physics (Advanced) — Photoelectric effect, photon model, de Broglie wavelength, energy levels, and spectra

• A-Level Physics: A-Level Physics
• DSE Physics: DSE Physics
• University Physics: University Physics

1. Incorrectly applying $\vec{F} = m\vec{a}$when forces are not collinear. Resolve into components first.

2. Using the wrong equation from the data sheet. Take time to read the full equation, including conditions and variable definitions.

3. Confusing scalar and vector quantities. Always check whether direction matters for the quantity in question.

4. Rounding intermediate answers too early, which compounds errors in multi-step calculations.

This section provides comprehensive Ib Physics content, covering all specification points with detailed explanations, worked examples, and practice questions.

Each page in this section includes:

• Definitions: Clear, precise explanations of key concepts
• Worked Examples: Step-by-step solutions with annotations
• Practice Questions: Examination-style questions with detailed solutions
• Common Pitfalls: Errors to avoid and how to fix them
• Exam Tips: Strategies for maximising marks

1. Read the introductory page to understand the topic overview
2. Work through each sub-topic in order
3. Attempt the practice questions before checking solutions
4. Use the flashcards to revise key terminology
5. Complete the diagnostic test to identify remaining gaps

• Core definitions and principles
• Application to examination-style questions
• Links to related topics across the specification
• Assessment objective alignment

• Active Recall: Test yourself regularly rather than re-reading notes
• Spaced Practice: Revisit this topic at increasing intervals
• Interleaving: Mix with other topics during revision sessions
• Elaboration: Explain concepts in your own words

Physics is the study of how the universe behaves when you ask it direct questions. Each topic in IB Physics is a different lens for looking at the same reality: kinematics describes what happens, dynamics explains why it happens, energy tells you how much it costs, and fields reveal how objects influence each other across empty space. The beauty of physics is that the same principles that explain a falling apple also explain the motion of planets, because nature recycles its rules across vastly different scales.

• Syllabus provides the complete IB Physics syllabus outline with key understanding statements and equations.
• Wrap Up offers a revision summary across all five thematic areas with exam-focused strategies.
• Kinematics is the starting point for Thematic Area A covering motion, velocity, and acceleration.