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IB Physics Syllabus + Topics

Wojtek

By Wojtek

27 Sept 2024

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Delving into the IB Physics syllabus offers a comprehensive overview of the knowledge you'll gain during the course. Join us as we break down the core concepts of the syllabus, providing you with a clearer insight into what to anticipate on your learning path.

 

IB Physics Syllabus + Topics

 

The IB Physics Syllabus is made up of 5 themes. Each theme consists of a variety of topics. 

 

Theme A: Space, time and motion

 

In this theme, you will explore the following topics:

  • Kinematics
  • Forces and momentum
  • Work, energy and power
  • Rigid body mechanics (HL only)
  • Galilean and special relativity (HL only)

 

Theme B: The particulate nature of matter

 

In this theme, you will explore the following topics:

  • Thermal energy transfers
  • Greenhouse effect
  • Gas laws
  • Current and circuits
  • Thermodynamics (HL only)

 

Theme C: Wave behaviour

 

In this theme, you will explore the following topics:

  • Simple harmonic motion 
  • Wave model
  • Wave phenomena
  • Standing waves and resonance
  • Doppler effect

 

Theme D: Fields

 

In this theme, you will explore the following topics:

  • Gravitational fields
  • Electric and magnetic fields
  • Motion in electromagnetic fields
  • Induction (HL only)

 

Theme E: Nuclear and quantum physics

 

In this theme, you will explore the following topics:

  • Structure of the atom
  • Radioactive decay
  • Fission 
  • Fusion and stars
  • Quantum physics (HL only)

 

 

 

We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog