At a glance
- Current guide
- First assessed May 2025
- Themes
- A to E, from motion to quantum physics
- Paper 1
- 36%: SL 1 h 30 min, HL 2 h
- Paper 2
- 44%: SL 1 h 30 min, HL 2 h 30 min
- Internal assessment
- Scientific investigation, 20%
IB Physics assessment
| Component | SL | HL | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (1A multiple choice, 1B data-based questions) | 1 h 30 min | 2 h | 36% |
| Paper 2 (short answer and extended response) | 1 h 30 min | 2 h 30 min | 44% |
| Scientific investigation (IA) | About 10 hours, four criteria | About 10 hours, four criteria | 20% |
The investigation is marked by the teacher against research design, data analysis, conclusion and evaluation, and moderated by the IB. A physics data booklet is provided in the exams.
The five themes, and what HL adds
| Theme | Core content (SL and HL) | Additional HL topic |
|---|---|---|
| A: Space, time and motion | Kinematics, forces and momentum, work, energy and power | A.4 Rigid body mechanics; A.5 Galilean and special relativity |
| B: The particulate nature of matter | Thermal energy transfers, greenhouse effect, gas laws, current and circuits | B.4 Thermodynamics |
| C: Wave behaviour | Simple harmonic motion, wave model, wave phenomena, standing waves, Doppler effect | Further depth within the core topics |
| D: Fields | Gravitational fields, electric and magnetic fields, motion in electromagnetic fields | D.4 Induction |
| E: Nuclear and quantum physics | Structure of the atom, radioactive decay, fission, fusion and stars | E.2 Quantum physics |
Where IB Physics marks are lost
- Rearranging before understanding. Students hunt for an equation in the data booklet instead of identifying the physics, then substitute into the wrong one.
- Units, significant figures and uncertainties. These are examined explicitly and lose marks across both papers.
- Explanations without physics vocabulary. "It goes faster" is not an explanation of a change in momentum or energy.
- Graph skills. Gradients, areas under graphs and linearising data appear in Paper 1B and Paper 2 every session.
- HL topics left late. Relativity, rigid bodies and quantum physics feel abstract and need time; leaving them to DP2 crowds the revision period.
How one-to-one Physics lessons work
A tutor who teaches IB Physics starts with the concept, often with a diagram on the shared whiteboard, before any equation. The student then solves graded problems aloud, so the tutor can see where reasoning breaks down. Each lesson ends with exam-style questions marked against the markscheme, and recurring errors go on a list the student revisits.
Physics depends on mathematics, so tutors watch for algebra, trigonometry and graph gaps and fix them inside physics problems. For the scientific investigation, the tutor helps the student design an experiment with a clear relationship to test, plan for uncertainties, and understand how to linearise and analyse data, while the report stays the student's own work.
Pair with the right maths
Universities that ask for HL Physics often also ask for HL Maths, frequently Analysis and Approaches. Check the requirements for engineering and physics courses early, before subject choices are fixed.
Common questions
Is IB Physics HL harder than SL?
Yes. HL has 240 teaching hours against 150, five extra topics including relativity, thermodynamics and quantum physics, and longer papers. Strong maths makes HL much more manageable.
Does IB Physics still have options?
No. Since May 2025 the options and Paper 3 have been removed. Assessment is Paper 1, Paper 2 and the scientific investigation.
How much maths does IB Physics need?
Confident algebra, trigonometry and graph work at SL, and at HL comfort with exponentials, logarithms and more abstract reasoning. Calculus is not required in the papers, but students who study it find some topics easier.
When should my child start Physics tutoring?
Ideally in DP1, when mechanics and the foundations are taught and before the investigation. Students starting later benefit most from targeted work on the topics they find hardest plus timed papers.
How much do IB Physics lessons cost?
$15 a lesson, the same flat rate for every subject and level, on a weekly plan billed monthly. Lessons are 60 minutes, one to one and online, and the first lesson is a free trial.
Sources
Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.