A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the wonderful world of physics! It’s pretty much the greatest thing ever. Physics is the study of everything.
Physicists want to understand how everything in the universe works, so there are many different branches of physics.
These topics may seem unrelated, but scientists believe that they are really all the same, and they hope to prove it in the
future. In this course, you will get a taste of most of these different topics. Students doing Higher Level (HL) and
Standard Level (SL) will get to study together, but the HL students will get to study a few extra topics, and will study a
few others in more detail. Here is a list of topics that will be covered in this course:
THE CORE – These are the main topics that HL and SL students will study together.
Topic 1: Physics and Physical Measurement
Topic 2: Mechanics
Topic 3: Thermal Physics
Topic 4: Oscillations and Waves
Topic 5: Electric Currents
Topic 6: Fields and Forces
Topic 7: Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Topic 8: Energy, Power and Climate Change
AHL – These are additional topics that will only be covered in the HL course.
Topic 9: Motion in Fields
Topic 10: Thermal Physics
Topic 11: Wave Phenomena
Topic 12: Electromagnetic Induction
Topic 13: Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics
Topic 14: Digital Technology
OPTIONS – Both students in SL and HL are required to study two additional topics, called options. Some of them are for
only HL, some for only SL, and some are shared.
SL ONLY:
Option A: Sight and Wave Phenomena
Option B: Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics
Option C: Digital Technology
Option D: Relativity and Particle physics
In this course, we will be studying Option A, Sight and Wave Phenomena. The content of this option is actually
the same as topic 11, so SL and HL students can actually study this topic together, but for HL students, it will not
count as an option.
HL AND SL:
Option E: Astrophysics
Option F: Communications
Option G: Electromagnetic Waves
In this course, we will be studying Option E, Astrophysics. This will count as the second option for SL, and the
first option for HL. HL students will be studying a few hours of additional material.
HL ONLY:
Option H: Relativity
Option I: Medical Physics
Option J: Particle Physics
In this course, we will be studying either Option H or Option I. Only HL students will be studying one of these
options.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF IB PHYSICS
AIMS – These are the goals of IB physics. They are the things that this course will do for you. The aims of IB physics are
to…
1. provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity within a global context that will stimulate and challenge students
2. provide a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology 3. enable students to apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize
science and technology 4. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information 5. engender an awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication
during scientific activities 6. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills 7. develop and apply the students’ information and communication technology skills in the study of
science 8. raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science
and technology 9. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations associated with science and scientists 10. encourage an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and the overarching
nature of the scientific method. OBJECTIVES – These are important. They are the things you will be tested on. We will expect you to be able to do these things:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of:
a. scientific facts and concepts
b. scientific methods and techniques
c. scientific terminology
d. methods of presenting scientific information.
2. Apply and use:
a. scientific facts and concepts
b. scientific methods and techniques
c. scientific terminology to communicate effectively
d. appropriate methods to present scientific information.
3. Construct, analyse and evaluate:
a. hypotheses, research questions and predictions
b. scientific methods and techniques
c. scientific explanations.
4. Demonstrate the personal skills of cooperation, perseverance and responsibility appropriate for
effective scientific investigation and problem solving.
5. Demonstrate the manipulative skills necessary to carry out scientific investigations with precision and
safety.
Objectives 1, 2 and 3 will be assessed during exams. Objective 4 will be assessed during your Group 4 Project. Objective
5 will be assessed during your practical work.
COMMAND TERMS – These are the things you will be expected to do in objectives 1, 2 and 3. Please understand these
terms, because they will appear on your exams.
Objective 1
Define Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical quantity.
Draw Represent by means of pencil lines.
Label Add labels to a diagram.
List Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation.
Measure Find a value for a quantity.
State Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Objective 2
Annotate Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Apply Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation.
Calculate Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working (unless instructed
not to do so).
Describe Give a detailed account.
Distinguish Give the differences between two or more different items.
Estimate Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.
Identify Find an answer from a given number of possibilities.
Outline Give a brief account or summary.
Objective 3
Analyse Interpret data to reach conclusions.
Comment Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.
Compare Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring
to both (all) of them throughout.
Construct Represent or develop in graphical form.
Deduce Reach a conclusion from the information given.
Derive Manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or relationship.
Design Produce a plan, simulation or model.
Determine Find the only possible answer.
Discuss Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against the
relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of alternative hypotheses.
Evaluate Assess the implications and limitations.
Explain Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms.
Predict Give an expected result.
Show Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.
Sketch Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes but with
important features (for example, intercept) clearly indicated.
Solve Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods.
Suggest Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer.
IB ASSESSMENT
The IB will assess your abilities, and give you a final grade at the end of the program. This grade is on a number scale,
from 0 to 7. A 7 is the highest grade you can achieve.
This grade comes from your External Assessment (your IB exam) and your internal assessment (practical work).
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 76%
Your exam will be in November 2013. This one exam counts for most of your grade, so clearly, it is very important. You
will receive a score on this exam from 0 to 7. It consists of three papers, or three separate tests. It is different for SL and
HL students:
SL ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Component Overall
Weighting (%)
Weighting of Objectives (%)
1+2 3
Duration (hours:minutes)
Format and Syllabus Coverage
Paper 1 20 20 0:45 30 multiple-choice questions on the core
Paper 2 32 16 16 1:15
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core (all compulsory) Section B: one extended-response question on the core (from a choice of three)
Paper 3 24 12 12 1:00 Several short-answer questions in each of the two options studied (all compulsory)
HL ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Component Overall
Weighting (%)
Weighting of Objectives (%)
1+2 3
Duration (hours:minutes)
Format and Syllabus Coverage
Paper 1 20 20 1:00
40 multiple-choice questions (±15 common to SL plus about five more on the core and about 20 more on the AHL)
Paper 2 36 18 18 2:15
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core and the AHL (all compulsory) Section B: two extended-response questions on the core and the AHL (from a choice of four)
Paper 3 20 10 10 1:15
Several short-answer questions and one extended-response question in each of the two options studied (all compulsory)
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 24%
The practical work (experiments) you do in class will make up the internal assessment. SL students will need to do about
45 hours of practical work during the course, and HL students will do about 65 hours. A list of all the practical work that
you do, called the Practical Scheme of Work (PSOW), will be compiled and sent to the IB during your last semester.
Some of the practical work you do will require you to write a formal lab report. Lab reports will be graded using the IB
criteria and aspects:
DESIGN(D)
Levels/marks Aspect 1 Aspect 2 Aspect 3
Defining the problem and
selecting variables Controlling variables
Developing a method for collection of data
Complete/2 Formulates a focused problem/research question and identifies the relevant variables.
Designs a method for the effective control of the variables.
Develops a method that allows for the collection of sufficient relevant data.
Partial/1
Formulates a problem/research question that is incomplete or identifies only some relevant variables.
Designs a method that makes some attempt to control the variables.
Develops a method that allows for the collection of insufficient relevant data.
Not at all/0
Does not identify a problem/research question and does not identify any relevant variables.
Designs a method that does not control the variables.
Develops a method that does not allow for any relevant data to be collected.
DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING(DCP)
Levels/marks Aspect 1 Aspect 2 Aspect 3
Recording raw data Processing raw data Presenting processed data
Complete/2
Records appropriate quantitative and associated qualitative raw data, including units and uncertainties where relevant.
Processes the quantitative raw data correctly.
Presents processed data appropriately and, where relevant, includes errors and uncertainties.
Partial/1
Records appropriate quantitative and associated qualitative raw data, but with some mistakes or omissions.
Processes quantitative raw data, but with some mistakes and/or omissions.
Presents processed data appropriately, but with some mistakes and/or omissions.
Not at all/0
Does not record any appropriate quantitative raw data or raw data is incomprehensible.
No processing of quantitative raw data is carried out or major mistakes are made in processing.
Presents processed data inappropriately or incomprehensibly.
CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION(CE)
Levels/marks Aspect 1 Aspect 2 Aspect 3
Concluding Evaluating procedure Improving the investigation
Complete/2
States a conclusion, with justification, based on a reasonable interpretation of the data.
Evaluates weaknesses and limitations.
Suggests realistic improvements in respect of identified weaknesses and limitations.
Partial/1 States a conclusion based on a reasonable interpretation of the data.
Identifies some weaknesses and limitations, but the evaluation is weak or missing.
Suggests only superficial improvements.
Not at all/0
States no conclusion or the conclusion is based on an unreasonable interpretation of the data.
Identifies irrelevant weaknesses and limitations.
Suggests unrealistic improvements.
Some lab reports will only be assessed for one or two of the criteria, and some will be assessed on all three. Since the
maximum score for each aspect is 2, the maximum score for each of the criteria is 6. The IB will accept the two highest
scores in each of the criteria.
THE GROUP 4 PROJECT:
This is a large research project that all IB science students perform together. Students will decide on a topic, plan and
execute an experiment, and write a lab report together. This project represents 10 hours of your PSOW. You will learn
the details about this project later. There is a fourth criterion that will be assessed only during the group 4 project,
called Personal Skills (PS). This criterion, like the others, has a maximum score of 6.
MANIPULATIVE SKILLS(MS) (Assessed summatively)
Levels/marks Aspect 1 Aspect 2 Aspect 3
Following Instructions Carrying out techniques Working Safely
Complete/2
Follows instructions accurately, adapting to new circumstances (seeking assistance when required).
Competent and methodical in the use of a range of techniques and equipment.
Pays attention to safety issues.
Partial/1 Follows instructions but requires assistance.
Usually competent and methodical in the use of a range of techniques and equipment.
Usually pays attention to safety issues.
Not at all/0 Rarely follows instructions or requires constant supervision.
Rarely competent and methodical in the use of a range of techniques and equipment.
Rarely pays attention to safety issues.
Your score for this criterion will be based on all of the practical work you do during the course. You can receive a
maximum score of 6 points.
So, your score for internal assessment will be based on these 5 criteria:
D 6 x 2 = 12
DCP 6 x 2 = 12
CE 6 x 2 = 12
PS 6 x 1 = 6
MS 6 x 1 = 6
This gives a total of 48 points for internal assessment.
ICT: This is the final requirement for internal assessment. ICT refers to the use of technology when doing experiments.
There are five software applications that must be used:
1. Data logging in an experiment
2. Software for graph plotting.
3. A spreadsheet for data processing.
4. A database.
5. Computer modeling/simulation.
We will use each of these applications at least once during the course.
SCHOOL GRADING
In addition to your IB assessment, you will also receive grades for this course. A grade report will be sent home four
times a year. Your grades will be determined as follows:
Mid-term Exam ……… 25%
Final Exam ……………… 25%
In-class Tests …………. 15%
Homework …………….. 15%
Lab Work ………………. 15%
Class Participation …. 5%
Your IB course timeline will be as follows:
Year One SL HL Supplement
Term One
Marking Period One
January Topic 1: Physics and Physical measurement Topic 1: Physics and Physical Measurement
1.1 - The Realm of Physics extra - Dot and Cross Product
1.2 - Measurements and Uncertainties
1.3 - Vectors and Scalars
In-class Exam
February Topic 2: Mechanics Topic 9: Motion in Fields
1.1 – Kinematics 9.1 - Projectile Motion
1.2 - Forces and Dynamics extra - simple calculus
March 1.3 - Work, Energy and Power Mid-term Exam
1.4 - Uniform Circular Motion 9.4 - Orbital Motion
Marking Period Two
April Topic 3: Thermal Physics Topic 10: Thermal Physics
3.1 - Thermal Concepts 10.1 - Thermodynamics
3.2 - Thermal Properties of Matter 10.2 - Processes
In-class Exam
10.3 - Second Law of Thermodynamics and Entropy
May Topic 4: Oscillations and Waves Extra practicals
4.1 - Kinematics of SHM
4.2 - Energy Changes During SHM
4.3 - Forced Oscillations and Resonance
4.4 - Wave Characteristics
4.5 - Wave Properties
In-class Exam
June Option A: Sight and Wave Phenomena Extra practicals
A.1 - The Eye and Sight
A.2 - Standing Waves
A.3 - Doppler Effect
A.4 – Diffraction
July A.5 – Resolution Extra practicals
A.6 – Polarization
Term One Final Exam
Term Two
Marking Period One
September Topic 5: Electric Currents Topic 12: Electromagnetic Induction
5.1 - Electric Potential Difference, Current and Resistance 12.3 - Transmission of Electrical Power
5.2 - Electric Circuits
October Topic 6: Fields and Forces Topic 9/Topic 12
6.1 - Gravitational Force and Field 9.2 - Gravitational Field, Potential and Energy
6.2 - Electrical Force and Field 9.3 - Electric Field, Potential and Energy
6.3 - Magnetic Force and Field 12.1 - Induced EMF
Mid-term Exam
Marking Period Two
November Topic 7: Atomic and Nuclear Physics Topic 12: Electromagnetic Induction
7.1 - The Atom 12.2 - Alternating Current
7.2 - Radioactive Decay Topic 13: Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics
7.3 - Nuclear Reactions, Fission and Fusion 13.1 - Quantum Physics
Term Two Final Exam