How to Score TOP Marks for IB Physics?

If you are struggling with IB Physics right now, look no further. I did the IB in 2019 and scored a 41 (an ATAR equivalent of 98.5). Let me walk you, step by step, on how to ace physics IB too!

What is IB Physics?

Before starting the IB, I was advised against doing HL Physics. However, I fell in love with physics as I progressed through my senior school years, despite the reputation this subject holds.

IB physics encompasses many branches of physics, from kinematics to electricity and electromagnetism, to circular motion, and even elementary quantum and atomic physics. While it might seem daunting, remember you have two years to prepare for all this.

If you are not confident with the content you have studied so far, a private tutor from KIS Academics would benefit you:

How do you study for IB physics?

1. Memorise Concepts, definitions, variables and units

IB physics places great emphasis on theory and concepts. The course, especially Higher Level (HL), will go into great depth with deriving equations and definitions of constants and variables.

• Learn definitions of all concepts by memory. As you progress through different topics, you will be introduced to new equations, concepts, variables and equations. Definitions of concepts such as work, energy, and gravitational potential will likely be tested in the final exam. So, do whatever it takes to memorise definitions!
• The IB will give you a formula booklet for exams as seen below. Get hold of one and learn the purpose and function of every equation and constant in the book. Learn what each variable means, its official definition, and how it relates to other variables in an equation:

I will give you an example of how you may want to learn definitions and equations for this subject, this is a method I used and found it extremely helpful!

• Firstly, notice something absolutely crucial I included above - UNITS!!! Every variable in physics will have a unit. ALWAYS ask yourself, what are the units that I am working with? Watts per second? Newtons? Volts? Joules? Joules per second? Include units in your calculations too! It may seem like a hassle, but it will save your life as it has for mine multiple times.
• Secondly, we seem to be going down a rabbit hole of definitions; one variable is actually comprised of other variables, those variables may be comprised of other variables, and so on. Throw yourself into these rabbit holes! Start with an equation, learn the definitions AND units of each variable or constant, continue on and learn them until you reach the end of the rabbit hole where you end up with SI units!

2. Learn Real-Life Application

IB physics is indeed very theory heavy, but there is plenty of room for application of the concepts we learned. Without physics, we would not have electricity generation, batteries, cars, things we cannot imagine life without! So here is my second tip:

• Learn a real-life application for every equation in the IB data booklet.

Think about real-life scenarios where you can see these equations in action. Your textbook will definitely include some, however, ask your teacher if you cannot think of any or head to the endless amount of online resources you have at the access of your fingertips. It will help with the exam!

3. Bringing it all together

I have one last big tip for you readers aspiring to conquer this subject. There is a hidden beauty of this subject which is only revealed when you have covered the majority of the content:

• The same variables, basic concepts and units can be seen across multiple branches of this field.

The term “work” (learn the definitions and the units of this!), I assure you, will be used in over half of the topics you study. The inverse square law I explained earlier, regarding intensity, will also make multiple appearances along your journey. Try and spot these concepts coming up again and again and how they relate to different subsections of physics and your conceptual understanding will absolutely skyrocket.

Study Tips

1. Learn ALL definitions, variables and constants for all introduced concepts and equations AND their units (if any).
   1. Study derivation of equations. Learn where they come from to ensure conceptual understanding. Equations do not materialise out of thin air just for your academic displeasure! Your textbook will definitely include these.
2. Have real-life examples of where these equations can be applied!
   1. Ask your teacher or online resources if you have any struggles.
   2. Remember application is key for physics! It is not just a random mess of numbers and equations, EVERYTHING can be applied to real life.
3. Try to find connections of concepts between different branches of physics! Another example: the law of conservation of energy is the foundation for MANY derivations across all branches of this subject.
4. Also, the IB is a two-year course. Treat it as a marathon, tackling it one step at a time daily.
   1. Do not procrastinate to the point where you have two years of content to learn one month before the exam (I have seen this happen and it is not pretty).
5. Along with textbook questions, do practice/past exam questions! And do a lot of them.
   1. The IB is 80% exam weighted with 20% being the IA. You really want to get used to the style of questions you will be asked, as well as proficiently solve them.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading and good luck! It may be a hard and long road for anyone tackling IB physics, however, you will look back on your IB years with great pride if you put the work into it!

Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!

FAQs

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for IB & SACE Physics and Mathematics, Alex Chen. Alex is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Philosophy (Honours) at the University of Adelaide. You can view Alex’s profile here and request him as a tutor here.

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!