Course hub · Physics SL (course first examined in 2025)

IB Physics SL: free cheatsheets, paper analysis and study guides

Everything for IB Physics SL in one place: a free cheatsheet for each of the 21 topics, the marks-weighted analysis of every recent paper, the guidebook, IA help and predicted papers.

  • 21 topics
  • 2 exam papers
  • IA worth 20%
  • Free to read

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Free21 topic cheatsheetsEvery formula, method and common trap. FreePast-paper analysisWhere the marks have gone since 2021. GuidebookIB Physics SL and HL e-bookEvery question type, with a free chapter. IA helpPhysics IA guideCriteria in plain words, ideas and outlines. Set 1 freePredicted papersFull papers with markschemes.

All 21 IB Physics SL topics

Grouped by theme. Each one opens its free cheatsheet.

The IB Physics SL sections are tagged inside each cheatsheet, so you can skip the HL-only parts.

A · Space, time & motion

A.1KinematicsSUVAT equations, motion graphs (s–t, v–t, a–t), projectile motion, fluid resistance and terminal velocity.A.2Forces & MomentumNewton's three laws, contact and field forces, momentum, impulse, elastic and inelastic collisions, circular motion.A.3Work, Energy & PowerWork-energy theorem, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, power, efficiency, energy density.

B · The particulate nature of matter

B.1Thermal Energy TransfersConduction, convection, radiation, specific and latent heat capacity, Stefan-Boltzmann and Wien's displacement laws.B.2Greenhouse EffectBlack-body radiation, emissivity, albedo, solar constant, planetary energy balance, enhanced greenhouse effect.B.3Gas LawsPressure, kinetic theory, empirical gas laws (Boyle, Charles, Pressure), ideal gas equation, internal energy.B.4ThermodynamicsFirst and second laws, entropy, four thermodynamic processes (isobaric, isothermal, isochoric, adiabatic), Carnot cycle.B.5Current & CircuitsCurrent and charge, EMF, potential difference, Ohm's law, resistors in series and parallel, internal resistance, power.

C · Wave behaviour

C.1Simple Harmonic MotionSHM defining equation, period, frequency, energy, phase, mass-spring vs pendulum, x/v/a graphs.C.2The Wave ModelTransverse vs longitudinal waves, v = fλ, sound waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, mechanical vs EM comparison.C.3Wave PhenomenaWavefronts, Snell's law, total internal reflection, superposition, Young's double slit, single slit (HL), diffraction gratings.C.4Standing Waves & ResonanceStanding-wave formation, nodes/antinodes/phase, harmonics on strings and in open/closed pipes, resonance and damping.C.5Doppler EffectDoppler equations for sound (source/observer motion), EM Doppler and cosmological redshift, real-world applications.

D · Fields

D.1Gravitational FieldsNewton's law of gravitation, orbital mechanics, escape velocity, gravitational potential, energy in orbits.D.2Electric & Magnetic FieldsCoulomb's law, electric field lines, electric potential, magnetic flux density, parallel-plate field.D.3Motion in EM FieldsCharged particles in uniform E-fields (parabolic), in B-fields (circular), velocity selectors, mass spectrometers (HL).

E · Nuclear & quantum physics

E.1Structure of the AtomGeiger-Marsden experiment, nuclear notation, atomic spectra, nuclear radius/density, Bohr model derivations.E.2Quantum PhysicsPhotoelectric effect, threshold frequency, work function, de Broglie wavelength, Compton scattering, energy-level transitions.E.3Radioactive DecayAlpha, beta, gamma decay; half-life and activity; background and absorption (HL); binding-energy curve (HL).E.4FissionNuclear fission, chain reactions, reactor components (moderator, control rods, coolant), energy calculations, safety.E.5Fusion & StarsStellar fusion, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, Wien and Stefan-Boltzmann laws, stellar evolution, mass-luminosity (HL).

The exam

How IB Physics SL is assessed

  • Paper 1 Paper 1A is multiple choice; Paper 1B is data-based questions.
  • Paper 2 Short and extended responses across the five themes.
  • Internal assessment 20% of the grade. Read the IA guide.

See how the marks are spread across topics in recent papers.

The guidebook

Study Guide for the IB Diploma (SL & HL)

One volume covering all 24 topics for SL and HL, plus Tools and inquiry and a chapter on the exam.

See the book

Free sample chapters

IB Physics SL questions

How many topics are in IB Physics SL?

This hub covers 21 topics, grouped into the course's five themes. Each has its own free cheatsheet.

Which papers do IB Physics SL students sit?

Paper 1: Paper 1A is multiple choice; Paper 1B is data-based questions. Paper 2: Short and extended responses across the five themes. The internal assessment makes up the rest of the grade.

Are the cheatsheets free?

Yes, every cheatsheet and the paper analysis are free to read without signing in.

Who writes these pages?

Ejaz Ahmad and the Photon Academy team, IB teachers since 2015. Every example and question is original.

In Singapore?

Learn IB Physics SL live

The same teachers run small classes in Singapore. See live classes at Photon Academy in Singapore.