Models and principles
Identify the system, assumptions, and governing physical law before selecting equations or substituting values.
IB Sciences • SL
IB Physics SL
Use this IB Physics SL study guide to browse the syllabus topic structure, study materials, and practice resources.
Structured practice
IB Physics SL Question Bank
Jump straight into grouped unit practice without losing your place in the syllabus overview.
A. Space, time and motion
A.1 Kinematics
A.2 Forces and momentum
A.3 Work, energy and power
B. The particulate nature of matter
B.1 Thermal energy transfers
B.2 Greenhouse effect
C. Wave behaviour
C.1 Simple harmonic motion
C.3 Wave phenomena
C.4 Standing waves and resonance
C.5 Doppler effect
D. Fields
D.1 Gravitational fields
D.2 Electric and magnetic fields
D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields (HL only)
E. Nuclear and quantum physics
E.1 Structure of the atom
E.3 Radioactive decay
E.4 Fission (HL only)
E.5 Fusion and stars (HL only)
Overview
Course overview
How to study IB Physics SL
IB Physics SL uses models, mathematics, experiments, and data to study five connected themes: space, time and motion; the particulate nature of matter; wave behaviour; fields; and nuclear and quantum physics. Forces, energy, and particles provide recurring conceptual links across the course. The current syllabus began teaching in August or September 2023 and was first assessed in 2025. SL prioritises secure physical models, accurate application, and concise interpretation of calculations and evidence.
Mathematics and representation
Use diagrams, vectors, graphs, algebra, units, and limiting cases to make multi-step reasoning visible and test whether a result is physical.
Experiments and data
Interpret gradients, intercepts, uncertainty, experimental design, limitations, and improvements in the context of the model being tested.
Assessment at a glance
For the current IB Physics SL course first assessed in 2025, external assessment contributes 80% and the individual scientific investigation contributes 20%. Confirm the examination session, data-booklet arrangements, and practical requirements with your school.
| Component | Format | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 1 hour 30 minutes; Paper 1A multiple choice and Paper 1B data-based questions | 36% |
| Paper 2 | 1 hour 30 minutes; short-answer and extended-response questions | 44% |
| Internal assessment | 10 hours; individual scientific investigation, maximum 3,000 words | 20% |
Sources: official IB Physics subject brief (first assessment 2025) and official IB Physics course overview.
Revision plan
- 1.Map each topic to the recurring concepts of forces, energy, and particles, noting assumptions and useful representations.
- 2.Solve problems symbolically before substituting numbers, then check dimensions, units, sign, direction, and order of magnitude.
- 3.Practise Paper 1B and experimental questions by separating observation, calculation, interpretation, and evaluation.
- 4.Complete mixed-theme questions so method selection is driven by physical reasoning rather than a topic label.
Exam strategy
Define the system and draw a useful representation before calculating. State the governing principle, show coherent working, retain units and direction, and interpret the final value. If a result is unexpected, use dimensions, limiting cases, and scale to locate the error rather than restarting blindly.
Practise IB Physics SL questionsFrequently asked questions
What does IB Physics SL cover?
IB Physics SL is organised into five themes: space, time and motion; the particulate nature of matter; wave behaviour; fields; and nuclear and quantum physics. Forces, energy, and particles connect ideas across the course.
Which syllabus applies to the current IB Physics course?
The current Physics course began teaching in August or September 2023 and was first assessed in 2025. Students should confirm their examination session and any guide updates with their school.
How is IB Physics SL assessed?
External assessment is worth 80%: Paper 1 lasts one hour and 30 minutes and contributes 36%, while Paper 2 lasts one hour and 30 minutes and contributes 44%. The scientific investigation internal assessment contributes 20%.
What is in IB Physics SL Paper 1?
Paper 1 combines Paper 1A multiple-choice questions with Paper 1B data-based questions. It assesses physics knowledge together with mathematical, modelling, experimental, and data-analysis skills.
What is the current IB Physics scientific investigation?
The scientific investigation is an open-ended individual task in which a student gathers and analyses data to answer a self-formulated research question. The written report has a maximum overall word count of 3,000 words and contributes 20% at both SL and HL.