IB Physics: syllabus structure, exam papers and how to score a 7
A guide to IB Physics: the syllabus themes, HL vs SL, the three exam papers, the Internal Assessment and the measurement/uncertainty skills that decide marks.
IB Physics is one of the group 4 sciences and, at HL, one of the most demanding subjects in the Diploma Programme. Its challenge is not memorising formulae but connecting the right equation to the right variable under time pressure — and handling measurement and uncertainty precisely. This guide covers the syllabus, exam papers, the IA and where marks are won. For one-to-one support see IB Physics tutoring.
Syllabus structure
The current IB Physics syllabus is organised around themes covering space, time and motion; the particulate nature of matter; wave behaviour; fields; and nuclear and quantum physics. HL students study the same themes at greater depth plus additional higher-level content. A cross-cutting strand on experimental skills — measurement, uncertainty and data analysis — runs through the whole course and is examined directly.
HL vs SL
SL and HL share the same core themes, but HL adds depth (extra sub-topics) and a heavier mathematical treatment. HL also carries an additional paper's worth of content. The practical difference is that HL rewards students who can carry algebra and modelling through multi-step problems, while SL keeps the quantitative load lighter.
The exam papers
- Paper 1: multiple-choice plus data/experimental analysis — fast, breadth-testing.
- Paper 2: extended structured questions where most marks (and most lost marks) live.
- HL depth: the higher tier examines the additional content and expects more sophisticated problem solving.
Studying the same content across different paper formats fixes the common "I understood it but couldn't score it" problem.
The Internal Assessment
The Physics IA is a student-designed investigation worth 20% of the grade, marked on the same rubric as the other sciences. A strong IA rests on a focused research question, a controlled variable design and — critically for physics — a rigorous treatment of uncertainty propagation. Starting the IA in the DP1 summer lightens the DP2 load.
Where marks are won and lost
- Measurement and uncertainty: a recurring source of dropped marks; propagating uncertainty and quoting significant figures correctly is a learnable, high-return skill.
- Command-term precision: "state", "explain" and "determine" earn marks differently; answering the wrong depth wastes time.
- Past-paper plus mark-scheme cycle: in a subject this format-sensitive, marks come from writing in the mark scheme's language.