Physics

Group 4 subject 

To study physics is to attempt to understand the nature of the universe itself. It is the search for answers from how the universe exploded into life in the Big Bang to what the nature of time is itself. Some of the greatest discoveries in history have been made by physicists and these discoveries have revolutionised our world—and physicists are continuing to change the way we think today.

Physics encompasses everything that we do as human beings. The very meaning of the word is “the study of nature”. Indeed, when the discipline was first defined, it was about observing the Milky Way, the entire known universe at the time, while wondering about the existence of the atom. As with the universe, physics knowledge is constantly expanding. The existence of black holes, gravitational forces so strong that even light is unable to escape, was first theorised in the 18th century. In 2019, an image of a black hole was captured for the first time.

However, physics is not just about staring into the vastness of space or scrutinising the tiniest particles that make up the fabric of the universe. The fact is that discoveries in physics are the root of ideas that revolutionise the technology used in our daily lives. It is an everyday, grounded science encompassing advances in communication, medical technology and renewable energy.

It is above all a creative discipline. Physics requires solid knowledge of basic principles and a willingness to put them to the test in new ways. It requires curiosity and an appetite to explore what might be.

"Look up at the stars and not down at your feet ... Be curious"

Stephen Hawking

Course content

Core curriculum (Standard Level)

• measurement: uncertainties and errors, vectors and scalars

• space, time and motion: kinematics, forces & momentum, work, energy & power

• the particulate nature of matter: thermal energy transfers, greenhouse effect, gas laws, current & circuits

• wave behaviour: oscillations, wave model, wave phenomena, standing waves & resonance, doppler effect

• fields: gravitational fields, electric & magnetic fields, motion in electromagnetic fields

• nuclear physics: structure of the atom, radioactive decay, fission, fusion & stars

Additional Higher Level (AHL)

• space, time and motion: rigid body mechanics, galilean and special relativity

• the particulate nature of matter: thermodynamics

• wave behaviour: simple harmonic motion, wave phenomena, doppler effect

• fields: gravitational fields, electric & magnetic fields, induction

• nuclear quantum physics: structure of the atom, radioactive decay, quantum physics

For Physics IB syllabus,  click here.

Skills developed

Buildings, aircraft, Formula One cars, computers and saucepans all obey the laws of physics. It provides an understanding of how the world around us works. It can supply answers to some important questions in topics such as energy demand and the environment. It will make you more informed on issues such as nuclear power and climate change. As well as learning how to plan experiments and process uncertainties in measurement, you will develop your critical and analytical thinking skills.

Assessment

External assessment – 80%

• paper 1: multiple choice & data-based questions – 36%

• paper 2: short-answer & extended response questions – 44%

Internal assessment – 20%

• the internal assessment component occupies about 10 hours of class time and comprises experimental work investigating a research question of your choice

University courses and careers

Physics underpins most of the benefits of the modern world in which we live and will hopefully provide some of the solutions to the problems that humanity will face in the future. Physics is used by anyone who discovers, makes or designs. Its emphasis on logical thought develops skills useful in many businesses, financial or legal careers, and is helpful to those who work with scientists and engineers. It has applications in daily life, and provides a background understanding of technology in an increasingly technological world.