Physics makes the world go round. Or at least, it explains why the world goes round. And also why the world is round. As the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, Physics seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles – currently accepted as quarks, which may be truly fundamental – to the vast distances between galaxies. The critical question of physics is why do things happen in the way they do? The physicist or physics student asks a question, develops a theory based on the physics involved and then tests that theory through experimentation. In doing so, they gain a better understanding of how the universe works at its most fundamental levels.
During the IB Physics course, not only do students develop the knowledge needed to begin to understand and explain the intricacies of the universe; they also develop the skills necessary to obtain and manipulate that knowledge. These include mathematical, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as the experimental skills used to obtain raw data. All of these skills are widely valued by Universities and employers alike, but students hoping to pursue a degree in the Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Computing or Architecture would be strongly advised to take Physics as one of their IB subjects.
At both higher and standard level 80% of the final grade is based upon examinations with 20% on Internal Assessment. The IB Physics exam is made up of three parts for both SL and HL – two external exams and one internal assessment.
Paper 1 (1 hour and 30 minutes – 36%)
Paper 1A: Multiple-choice questions
Paper 1B: Data-based questions
(Total 55 marks)
Paper 2 (1 hour and 30 minutes – 44%)
Short-answer and extended-response questions
(Total 50 marks)
Internal Assessment (10 hours – 20 %)
The internal assessment consists of one task: the scientific investigation.
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
(Total 24 marks)
Paper 1 (2 hours – 36%)
Paper 1A: Multiple-choice questions
Paper 1B: Data-based questions
(Total 75 marks)
Paper 2 (2 hours and 30 minutes – 44%)
Short-answer and extended-response questions
(Total 90 marks)
Internal Assessment (10 hours – 20 %)
The internal assessment consists of one task: the scientific investigation.
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
(Total 24 marks)
Internal Assessment (SL/HL) – (20%)
