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IB Physics

IB Physics, from data to explanation.

Paper 1B and Paper 2 reward reading data and explaining it. Your tutor works through data questions with you and helps you plan your scientific investigation.

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A 0.50 kg ball hits a wall at 4.0 m/s and rebounds at 3.0 m/s. Calculate the magnitude of the impulse on the ball.[3 marks]

This is worth 3 marks. They go for:

  • Take direction into account: the velocity changes from −4.0 m/s to +3.0 m/s (1 mark)
  • Impulse = change in momentum = 0.50 × (3.0 + 4.0) (1 mark)
  • Impulse = 3.5 N s (1 mark)

Examiner tip: Momentum is a vector. Subtracting 3.0 from 4.0 gives the wrong answer because it ignores the rebound.

See how it works

Watch a tutor work through a question.

Say what you're studying, choose a tutor, then work through your homework step by step, take a quick quiz or call your tutor. This one is IGCSE Maths, and every subject works the same way.

Assessment

How IB Physics is assessed

SL and HL take the same kinds of papers, worth the same percentages. HL papers are longer and HL covers more content: 240 teaching hours against 150 at SL.

The course first assessed in 2025.

Standard Level (SL)

  • Paper 1 (1A and 1B)

    Paper 1A multiple choice and Paper 1B data-based questions

    Time
    1 h 30 min
    Weight
    36%

  • Paper 2

    Short-answer and extended-response questions

    Time
    1 h 30 min
    Weight
    44%

  • Internal assessment: scientific investigation

    A written report of up to 3,000 words on your own research question

    Time
    10 h in class
    Weight
    20%

Higher Level (HL)

  • Paper 1 (1A and 1B)

    Paper 1A multiple choice and Paper 1B data-based questions

    Time
    2 h
    Weight
    36%

  • Paper 2

    Short-answer and extended-response questions

    Time
    2 h 30 min
    Weight
    44%

  • Internal assessment: scientific investigation

    A written report of up to 3,000 words on your own research question

    Time
    10 h in class
    Weight
    20%

The scientific investigation is 20% of your grade at SL and HL: an open-ended task where you gather and analyse data to answer your own research question.

From the official International Baccalaureate syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus

Syllabus content

What’s on the IB Diploma Physics syllabus

  • A. Space, time and motion
  • B. The particulate nature of matter
  • C. Wave behaviour
  • D. Fields
  • E. Nuclear and quantum physics

Where marks are lost

Common IB Diploma Physics mistakes

  • Using degrees Celsius in gas laws.

    Convert temperatures to kelvin before using pV = nRT. Add 273 to the Celsius value.

  • Memorising equations instead of using the data booklet.

    The data booklet gives the equations. Learn what each symbol means and when an equation applies, which the booklet doesn’t tell you.

  • Drawing IA graphs with no error bars.

    Add error bars, then draw the steepest and shallowest lines that still fit them to get the uncertainty in the gradient.

Six physics tutors, six ways to learn

Practise past-paper style questions with the exam coach, drill facts before a test with quick revision, or slow down with a step-by-step tutor. Switch any time.

See how each one teaches How the AI tutor works
  • LeoConcept explainer
  • InesStep by step
  • MarcusExam coach
  • ZaraQuick revision
  • FelixChallenger
  • AmaraConfidence builder

Recorded your Physics lesson?

Upload the recording and get notes, a quiz and flashcards made from what your teacher said, ready to revise for IB Diploma Physics.

See the Lesson Analyser

FAQ

IB Diploma Physics questions, answered.

It can help you narrow a research question, identify variables and plan how to analyse uncertainties. The investigation must be your own work.

Yes, such as rigid body mechanics, relativity and thermodynamics. Tell your tutor you’re taking HL.

Yes. Send a photo of the graph or table and your tutor helps you read it, find gradients and explain what the data shows.

Yes. The free plan includes 5 tutor messages and 15 minutes of calls a day. Pro and Max give you more when exams get close.

Bring your Physics questions.

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More IB Diploma subjects

Physics in other curricula