IB Physics

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

Core Topics

Mechanics

• 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

Fields

• 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

Waves

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

Thermal Physics

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

Electricity

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

AHL / Advanced Topics

Quantum and Nuclear Physics

• 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

Exam Resources

Related Content

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

Common Pitfalls

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.

Overview

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

Content Structure

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

How to Use These Notes

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

Key Topics

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

Revision Strategies

• 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

Exam Preparation

Focus on command word interpretation and mark scheme analysis. Practice timing yourself on questions to build speed and accuracy. Review examiner reports for this topic to understand common student errors.