Physics

Higher Level and Standard Level 

Nature of subject 

Physics is a natural science based on experimental studies. No physical theory is considered to be valid before it has successfully been tested with experiments. Therefore, in IB physics the approach is experimental. It is only through personal experience of the scientific method that a student can understand how knowledge in physics has evolved. 

Theoretical understanding of different phenomena has developed further in physics than in any other science. Physics only deals with such features of phenomena that can be measured. This is one of the main reasons why mathematics is so powerful a tool in physics. It is essential for a student to learn about the theoretical structure of physics in order to fully appreciate the usefulness of physics. 

Syllabus 

The structure of this physics syllabus is intended to promote concept-based learning and teaching that can be connected through three concepts: energy, particles and forces. These three concepts appear throughout the physics syllabus in each of the themes.

There are five organizing themes in the physics syllabus.

A. Space, time and motion

B. The particulate nature of matter

C. Wave behaviour

D. Fields

E. Nuclear and quantum physics

Each theme is subdivided into topics. “Space, time and motion” includes the topics of kinematics and rigid body mechanics, “Fields” includes the topics of gravitational fields and induction, “Nuclear and quantum physics” includes the topics of radioactive decay and fission. The topics can be connected through three concepts: energy, particles and forces.