Group 4: Sciences

IB Physics HL study notes and revision

Free IB Physics HL notes spanning mechanics, thermal physics, waves, fields, and nuclear and quantum physics with higher-level extensions.

Syllabus coverage

Every topic in one structured path

Work through the course in order or jump directly to the area you need to revise. Each public topic guide includes a clear introduction, a worked example, a complete unit outline, and links to the formulas used.

Topic 1

Δ Space, Time and Motion

Space, Time and Motion is a core part of IB Physics HL. This guide connects the syllabus ideas behind Kinematics, Forces and Momentum, Work, Energy and Power, Rigid Body Mechanics, Galilean and Special Relativity, shows how they appear in worked problems, and points you to the formulas and full lessons needed for exam revision.

5 units · 15 lessons

Topic 2

The Particulate Nature of Matter

The Particulate Nature of Matter is a core part of IB Physics HL. This guide connects the syllabus ideas behind Specific Heat Capacity, Latent Heat, Heat Transfer Mechanisms, The Greenhouse Effect, Climate Feedbacks and Equilibrium Temperature and 5 more units, shows how they appear in worked problems, and points you to the formulas and full lessons needed for exam revision.

10 units · 22 lessons

Topic 3

Wave Behaviour

Wave Behaviour is a core part of IB Physics HL. This guide connects the syllabus ideas behind SHM Equations and Systems, Energy and Damping in SHM, Wave Properties, Superposition and Interference, Refraction and Total Internal Reflection and 6 more units, shows how they appear in worked problems, and points you to the formulas and full lessons needed for exam revision.

11 units · 23 lessons

Topic 4

Fields

Fields is a core part of IB Physics HL. This guide connects the syllabus ideas behind Gravitational Fields and Forces, Orbital Motion, Electric Fields and Coulomb's Law, Electric Potential and Energy, Magnetic Force and Fields and 2 more units, shows how they appear in worked problems, and points you to the formulas and full lessons needed for exam revision.

7 units · 14 lessons

Topic 5

Nuclear and Quantum Physics

Nuclear and Quantum Physics is a core part of IB Physics HL. This guide connects the syllabus ideas behind Atomic Models, Emission and Absorption Spectra, Nuclear Notation, Isotopes and Mass Defect, The Photoelectric Effect, Matter Waves and Uncertainty and 7 more units, shows how they appear in worked problems, and points you to the formulas and full lessons needed for exam revision.

12 units · 27 lessons

Topic 6

Internal Assessment

Internal Assessment is a core part of IB Physics HL. This guide connects the syllabus ideas behind Internal Assessment Guide, shows how they appear in worked problems, and points you to the formulas and full lessons needed for exam revision.

1 units · 4 lessons

Assessment

How the course is assessed

IB Physics HL combines external examinations with practical work and a scientific investigation, with greater depth and additional higher-level content.

Assessment arrangements can change. Confirm dates, paper conditions, permitted technology, and weighting with your school and the official awarding body before an examination.

Free interactive reference

IB Physics HL Data Booklet

A searchable IB Physics HL data booklet with core and higher-level equations, defined variables, topic links, and KaTeX rendering.

Open the full reference →

Reviewed by the Study to Learn editorial team · Updated 2026-07-24