Physics
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles—currently accepted as quarks, which may be truly fundamental—to the vast distances between galaxies. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the rigorous methodology of physical science. This course aims to enable students to apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques, which will develop their ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific information. Physics is a discipline that has always been, and still is, an international endeavour and this course will raise the awareness of students of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities.
Students construct hypotheses, use scientific method, analyse data and evaluate findings. Problem-solving techniques and rigorous scientific explanations will be developed. Students are required to demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance and responsibility appropriate for effective scientific investigation and problem-solving. They also need to demonstrate the manipulative skills necessary to carry out scientific investigations with precision and safety. Students studying Physics should be confident in their mathematics as much of the material presented is quantitative in nature.
The Syllabus Content for IB Physics is broken up into SL and HL Content an overview of this is shown in the two tables below:
Syllabus component |
Teaching hours |
|
SL |
HL |
|
Syllabus content A. Space, time and motion B. The particulate nature of matter C. Wave behaviour D. Fields E. Nuclear and quantum physics |
110 27 24 17 19 23 |
180 42 32 29 38 39 |
Experimental programme Practical work Collaborative sciences project Scientific investigation |
40 20 10 10 |
60 40 10 10 |
Total teaching hours |
150 |
240 |
Physics syllabus content overviewA. Space, time and motion |
B. The particulate nature of matter |
C. Wave behaviour |
D. Fields |
E. Nuclear and quantum physics |
A.1 Kinematics • A.2 Forces and momentum • A.3 Work, energy and power • A.4 Rigid body mechanics ••• A.5 Galilean and special relativity ••• |
B.1 Thermal energy transfers • B.2 Greenhouse effect • B.3 Gas laws • B.4 Thermodynamics ••• B.5 Current and circuits • |
C.1 Simple harmonic motion •• C.2 Wave model • C.3 Wave phenomena •• C.4 Standing waves and resonance • C.5 Doppler effect •• |
D.1 Gravitational fields •• D.2 Electric and magnetic fields •• D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields • D.4 Induction ••• |
E.1 Structure of the atom •• E.2 Quantum physics ••• E.3 Radioactive decay •• E.4 Fission • E.5 Fusion and stars • |
• Topics with content that should be taught to all students
•• Topics with content that should be taught to all students plus additional HL content
••• Topics with content that should only be taught to HL students