IB Physics: A Complete Guide (2024)

IB Physics is a challenging course offered to high school students aged 16-18 who want to pursue a career in physics or related fields. The course covers a wide range of topics, from mechanics and thermodynamics to modern physics and astrophysics. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and problem-solving skills, but it is also highly rewarding. By studying IB Physics, students gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of the universe, learn how to analyse and solve complex problems, and develop critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills.

In this complete guide, we will explore why you should study IB Physics, what the course entails, how to excel in it, and what career opportunities it can open up for you. So, if you are interested in physics and want to challenge yourself, keep reading!

Why study IB Physics?

IB Physics is an excellent course for high school students who are interested in pursuing further studies in physics, engineering, mathematics or other related fields. The course is designed to provide a strong foundation in physics principles, as well as develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are highly transferable.

By studying IB Physics, students gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the natural world. This knowledge can be applied to various fields of study, including engineering and mathematics. For example, students who study IB Physics can develop a strong grasp of mathematical concepts, which can be applied to various fields like statistics, computational science, and more. Additionally, the analytical and problem-solving skills developed in IB Physics are highly applicable in engineering, where students need to be able to design and build systems that solve real-world problems.

Studying IB Physics also provides students with a strong foundation in scientific research methods and experimental design. These skills are essential for conducting research in many fields of science, including physics, engineering, and mathematics. Students who study IB Physics can use these skills to pursue further studies in research-intensive fields, such as astrophysics, quantum mechanics, and more.

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Is IB Physics hard?

IB Physics is considered one of the more difficult subjects. The average grade for IB Physics HL in 2020 was 5.35 out of 7, while the average grade for IB Physics SL was 4.92 out of 7.

In terms of pass rates, in 2021, 94% of students who took the IB Physics HL exam passed, while 93% of students who took the IB Physics SL exam passed. Additionally, the IBO reports that in 2021, 25% of students who took the IB Physics HL exam received the top score of 7, For the IB Physics SL exam, 15% of students received a score of 7.

One lecturer in mathematics and physics at Oxford University said the following about IB Physics:

"IB Physics is arguably the most difficult of the sciences. I've seen many capable students struggle with some of the concepts. Strong mathematical skills are necessary to to well. You learn a lot though during the course and it sets you up well for university. It can be hard work, and to get a 7 at HL is tough, but usually it is worth it."

To learn more about the most challenging IB subjects, read our article on which are the hardest IB subjects?

IB Physics SL & HL grade distributions in 2021

The IB Physics syllabus

The IB Physics syllabus covers a wide range of topics related to the study of physics, which are divided into two levels: Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).

For SL, the syllabus covers the following topics:

• Mechanics: the study of motion and forces
• Thermal physics: the study of heat and temperature
• Waves: the study of the behaviour of waves
• Electricity and magnetism: the study of electric and magnetic fields and their effects on matter
• Atomic and nuclear physics: the study of the structure of atoms, nuclear reactions, and radiation
• Practical investigation worth 20% of the final grade: students must design, carry out and report on a physics investigation

For HL, the syllabus covers all topics covered in SL syllabus plus additional topics:

• Thermodynamics: the study of heat and energy transfer
• Electromagnetic induction: the study of electric and magnetic fields and their relationship to induced currents and forces
• Optics: the study of light and its behaviour
• Quantum and nuclear physics: the study of the behaviour of particles on a subatomic level
• An additional topic option: students choose one additional topic from a list of options
• More extensive practical investigation and a written report: students must design, carry out and report on a more extensive physics investigation.

The IB Physics syllabus is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of fundamental physics principles, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue further studies in physics, engineering, mathematics or other related fields. The syllabus also emphasises the development of scientific inquiry skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The skills and knowledge gained from studying IB Physics are highly transferable and can be applied to a variety of academic and professional settings.

Have a look at our comprehensive set if IB Physics Resources developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

- IB Physics 2024 Study Notes

- IB Physics 2025 Study Notes

- IB Physics 2024 Questions

- IB Physics 2025 Questions

IB Physics vs A-Level Physics

Both IB Physics and A-Level Physics cover similar topics, but there are some key differences between them. The IB Physics syllabus is broader than A-Level Physics, covering a wider range of topics and requiring a greater depth of understanding. In contrast, A-Level Physics is more focused and goes into greater detail on fewer topics. This can make A-Level Physics more challenging in terms of the amount of information that needs to be retained.

Another difference is the emphasis on scientific inquiry and critical thinking. The IB Physics course places a greater emphasis on developing scientific inquiry skills, including the ability to design and carry out experiments, analyse and interpret data, and evaluate scientific evidence. This can make the course more challenging, as it requires students to apply their knowledge in a range of contexts.

In terms of exam performance, 25% of IB Physics HL students achieved a score of 7/7, compared to 21% of A-Level Physics students achieving the top grade of an A*. In both courses, approximately 94% of students achieved the passing grading. So based on these statistics, there is not much difference in terms of difficulty. However, both the IB Physics tutors and A-Level Physics tutors often help students achieve top grades by providing targeted support for each curriculum.

Both qualifications are highly respected and provide students with a solid foundation in physics, but the IB programme may be a better fit for students who are interested in a more interdisciplinary approach to science and want to develop additional skills such as critical thinking and research. For a more in-depth report, read our article on the differences between and A-Levels.

What level of Physics should you choose in the IB?

The choice between Physics: SL and HL should depend on your interest in physics and your future career goals. Physics SL covers a reduced version of the full syllabus and is intended for students who may not want to pursue Physics as a career or who may not have a strong background in science. Physics HL covers the full syllabus and is intended for students who plan to study physics or a related field at university.

Standard Level Physics is intended to provide students with a solid foundation in physics, while Higher Level Physics is designed to provide a deeper understanding and preparation for university-level study. Students who choose HL Physics will be required to cover additional topics and have a greater depth of understanding compared to SL Physics.

It is recommended that students choose the level of Physics that best suits their academic strengths and future goals. If you are considering a degree in physics or a related field such as mathematics or engineering, it is advisable to take HL Physics. However, if you are not planning to pursue physics beyond the IB programme, SL Physics may be more suitable for you.

It is worth noting that some universities may have specific requirements for physics courses, so students should check with their chosen universities before making a decision on which level of physics to take. For example, to study Physics at Imperial College London, the requirement is to achieve a grade 6 or 7 in HL Physics. And to study Physics at Oxford University, students are required to achieve a 7 in either HL Physics or Maths.

Number of IB Physics SL & HL candidates and mean grades in 2021

Understanding the IB Physics grading system

The IB Physics course is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest score achievable. Students are assessed through a combination of external assessments and internal assessments.

External assessments consist of three papers that are taken at the end of the two-year programme, assessing knowledge and understanding of the core topics, application of the core topics and option topics, and the student's ability to design and carry out experiments, analyse data, and evaluate evidence.

Internal assessments are carried out by the school and moderated externally by the IB. The internal assessment for Physics consists of a practical investigation that is worth 20% of the final mark.

The final mark for the course is calculated by combining the marks from the external assessments and the internal assessment. The maximum mark that can be achieved is 98, with a minimum passing score of 24.

IB Physics exam format

The IB Physics exam is divided into three papers, with a total duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes. The papers are taken at the end of the two-year programme and cover a range of topics from the syllabus.

Paper 1 is a multiple-choice paper, consisting of 30 questions that assess knowledge and understanding of the core topics. The duration of the paper is 45 minutes and it accounts for 20% of the final mark.

Paper 2 consists of short-answer and extended-response questions, assessing understanding and application of the core topics and option topics. The duration of the paper is 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it accounts for 36% of the final mark.

Paper 3 is a data-based and practical paper, assessing the student's ability to design and carry out experiments, analyse data, and evaluate evidence. The duration of the paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes, and it accounts for 24% of the final mark.

As mentioned, in addition to the three papers, the internal assessment for Physics is worth 20% of the final mark.

What is a good IB Physics score?

A good IB Physics score is one that reflects a strong understanding of the subject and a high level of achievement in the course. As the average IB Physics HL score is 5.35, a good score would be considered a 6 or a 7, with 5 still considered very respectable.

For students who plan to study physics or a related field at university, a 6 or 7 is generally considered to be a strong achievement. However, the specific requirements for university admission vary by institution and by programme. For example, the University of Cambridge would expect students applying for their Physical Natural Sciences course to achieve a 7.

It is important for students to aim for a score that reflects their individual strengths and achievements in the course, rather than focusing solely on achieving a high score. Developing a deep understanding of the subject, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, can be just as important for success in future academic and career pursuits.

How to revise and get a 7 in IB Physics?

To get a 7 in IB Physics, you need to be dedicated, organised, and focused. With the right approach, it's possible to achieve top marks in the subject. Here are six tips by top IB Physics tutors to help you do well:

1. Start revision early: It's essential to give yourself enough time to prepare for IB Physics exams. Ideally, you should start revising several weeks before your exams, at least in March, to ensure you cover all the material and have time for practice.

2. Keep a strict revision and study schedule: Make a schedule that includes specific times for revision, study, and practice. Stick to your schedule as closely as possible to ensure you cover all the material and leave enough time for revision and practice.

3. Practice past paper and example questions: The best way to prepare for exams is to practice past paper and example questions. This will give you a sense of the types of questions that will be asked and the level of detail and depth required in your answers.

4. Get help from a tutor: If you're struggling with a particular topic, it's a good idea to get help from an IB tutor. A tutor can provide one-on-one support and guidance, and help you to overcome any areas of difficulty.

5. Take advantage of resources such as revision guides: There are many resources available to help you revise for IB Physics exams, including revision guides, textbooks, and online resources. Use these resources to supplement your own notes and to fill in any gaps in your understanding.

6. Do mock papers under exam conditions: This can help you assess how quickly you need to answer questions and get used to the format of the exam. It can also help to identify areas that you need to work on and give you confidence in your ability to perform well in the exam.

Overview of IB Physics internal assessment

The IB Physics internal assessment is a crucial part of the course that counts for 20% of the final grade. The IA consists of a practical investigation conducted by the student, which is then assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB. The investigation should be based on a topic related to the syllabus and can take various forms, such as a laboratory experiment, computer simulation, or design project.

The IA allows students to develop their research and investigative skills, apply their knowledge of physics in a practical context, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject. It also provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their creativity and innovation, as well as their ability to work independently. The IA can be a challenging task, but with proper planning, organisation, and guidance from the teacher, students can produce a high-quality investigation and achieve a good grade.

To learn more and get example topics, read our article: IB Physics IA: 60 Examples And Guidance.

Top resources for IB Physics preparation

Preparing for IB Physics can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help students succeed. Here are some of the top resources for preparation:

Textbooks and Revision Guides: Textbooks and revision guides are an essential resource for IB Physics students, providing detailed explanations of key concepts, practice questions and examples of scientific experiments. Some popular textbooks and revision guides include Physics for the IB Diploma Coursebook and Physics for the IB Diploma Exam Preparation Guide.

Online Resources: TutorChase's IB Physics Study Notes are the perfect resource for students who want to get a 7 in their IB Physics exams. They are completely free, cover all topics in depth, and are structured by topic so you can easily keep track of your progress. Additionally, IB Physics Q&A Revision Notes offer comprehensive answers to common questions and are a great tool for reinforcing learning. Other online resources include Khan Academy and IBPhysics.org.

Past Papers: Practicing past papers is an important part of preparation, as it helps students to become familiar with the exam format, time management, and develop their exam technique. Past papers and mark schemes can be found on the official IB website, as well as other online resources.

Private Tutors: Private Physics tutors can provide one-on-one support for students who need extra help with understanding difficult concepts or preparing for exams. Many tutoring services like TutorChase specialise in IB Physics and offer personalised study plans and feedback.

Laboratory and Practical Work: The internal assessment for IB Physics involves practical work, so students should take advantage of laboratory and practical work opportunities to develop their skills in data collection, analysis and evaluation.

Exploring career opportunities with IB Physics

IB Physics can lead to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Here are some potential career paths that students may consider:

1. Engineering: Engineering is a popular career choice for physics graduates. With a strong foundation in physics, students can go on to pursue careers in various fields of engineering such as mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and civil engineering.

2. Data Science: Physics provides a strong foundation for data science, which is one of the fastest-growing industries students can apply their knowledge of mathematical and computational modelling to work in fields such as data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

3. Medical Physics: Medical physics involves the application of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This field offers a range of career opportunities, including medical imaging, radiation therapy, and diagnostic medical physics.

4. Research: Students with a background in IB Physics can go on to pursue a career in research, either in academia or industry. Research can be in a variety of areas including energy, materials, and advanced technologies.

5. Education: With a strong foundation in physics, students may consider teaching physics at the secondary or post-secondary level or becoming an online tutor.

Conclusion

IB Physics is a rigorous program that prepares students for diverse educational and career opportunities by developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of physics. As students prepare for higher education or careers in fields like engineering, data science, or research, leveraging a variety of resources, including specialised study materials and experienced tutors, is crucial for excelling in this challenging course.