IB Physics 2025 – Mastery Checklist

A. Space, time and motion A.1 Kinematics A.2 Forces & momentum A.3 Work, energy & power A.4 Rigid body mechanics A.5 Galilean & special relativity

A.1 Kinematics (SL/HL)

Am I able to describe motion using position, velocity, and acceleration (qualitatively & quantitatively)?
Can I distinguish distance vs displacement and compute each from data/graphs?
Can I calculate instantaneous vs average speed/velocity/acceleration and read them from s–t / v–t / a–t graphs?
Can I apply uniform acceleration equations v = u + at; s = ut + ½at²; v² = u² + 2as; s = ((u+v)/2)t to multi-step problems?
Can I model projectile motion (no drag) by resolving components and predict time of flight, range, max height?
Can I explain qualitatively how fluid resistance changes projectile trajectory, velocity, and terminal speed?

A.2 Forces and momentum (SL/HL)

Am I able to draw accurate free-body diagrams and find the resultant force in 1–2D?
Can I apply Newton’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd laws to equilibrium and dynamics scenarios?
Can I handle friction in problems using F_f ≤ μ_sF_N; F_f = μ_dF_N?
Can I use Hooke’s law F = −kx and connect to elastic potential energy E = ½k(Δx)²?
Can I reason with drag and terminal speed (qualitative or given model), and with buoyancy F_b = ρVg?
Can I use impulse–momentum J = FΔt = Δp and solve elastic/inelastic collisions and explosions?
Can I analyse uniform circular motion, using a = v²/r = ω²r and identify centripetal force sources?

A.3 Work, energy and power (SL/HL)

Can I compute work with angle: W = Fs cosθ, and use work–energy methods?
Can I track energy transfers between KE, GPE ΔE_p = mgΔh and elastic E = ½k(Δx)²?
Can I compute power and efficiency: P = ΔW/Δt = Fv, η = E_out/E_in?

A.4 Rigid body mechanics (SL/HL)

Can I compute and reason with torque (τ = rF sinθ) and identify moment arms?
Can I apply rotational equilibrium conditions ∑F = 0 and ∑τ = 0 to extended bodies?
Can I use angular variables θ, ω, α and convert between linear and angular (s = rθ, v = ωr, aₜ = αr)?
Can I solve constant-α problems using Δθ = (ωf+ωi)t/2, ωf = ωi + αt, Δθ = ωi t + ½αt², ωf² = ωi² + 2αΔθ?
Can I calculate moment of inertia for point masses (I = Σmr²) and use given formulae for standard bodies?
Can I apply rotational Newton’s 2nd law τ = Iα and connect to linear dynamics?
Can I work with angular momentum L = Iω, angular impulse ΔL = τΔt, and conservation when ∑τ = 0?
Can I compute rotational kinetic energy Ek = ½Iω² and relate it to total mechanical energy?

A.5 Galilean and special relativity (SL/HL)

Galilean: inertial frames; x' = x − vt, t' = t; velocity addition u' = u − v.
Special relativity: state the two postulates; know when classical addition fails.
Apply Lorentz transforms x' = γ(x − vt), t' = γ(t − vx/c²) to simple setups.
Compute time dilation Δt = γΔt₀ and length contraction L = L₀/γ.
Use relativistic velocity addition u' = (u − v)/(1 − uv/c²) in 1D.
Reason with invariant interval (Δs)² = c²Δt² − Δx²; interpret proper time/length.
Read simple spacetime diagrams (world lines, light cone) and discuss simultaneity.
Cite/interpret experimental evidence (e.g., muon decay) for time dilation/length contraction.

B. The particulate nature of matter B.1 Thermal transfers B.2 Greenhouse B.3 Gas laws B.4 Thermodynamics (HL) B.5 Current & circuits

B.1 Thermal energy transfers (SL/HL)

Am I able to explain conduction, convection, and radiation pathways?
Can I calculate heating/cooling using Q = mcΔT and interpret heating curves?
Can I handle phase change using Q = mL (fusion/vaporization) and energy balances?

B.2 Greenhouse effect (SL/HL)

Can I qualitatively distinguish natural vs enhanced greenhouse effect and IR absorption/re-emission?
Can I discuss consequences and energy-balance reasoning for the climate system?

B.3 Gas laws (SL/HL)

Can I derive and use PV = nRT = Nk_BT from empirical gas laws?
Can I link pressure to molecular collisions; use U = 3/2 nRT (monatomic ideal)?
Can I justify when the ideal gas model is valid/limited?

B.4 Thermodynamics (HL only)

Can I apply the First Law Q = ΔU + W and compute W = ∫PdV (incl. W = PΔV)?
Can I reason with entropy ΔS = ΔQ/T and the Second Law (irreversibility, heat engines)?
Can I compute Carnot efficiency η = 1 − T_c/T_h and compare real engines qualitatively?

B.5 Current and circuits (SL/HL)

Can I apply V = IR, ρ = RA/L, and power relations P = IV = I²R = V²/R?
Can I analyse series/parallel networks and compute equivalent resistance?
Can I model sources with emf and internal resistance: ε = I(R + r)?

C. Wave behaviour C.1 SHM C.2 Wave model C.3 Wave phenomena C.4 Standing waves C.5 Doppler effect

C.1 Simple harmonic motion (SL/HL)

Can I identify conditions for SHM and use the defining relation a = −ω²x?
Can I use T = 1/f = 2π/ω, and periods for spring T = 2π√(m/k) and pendulum T = 2π√(l/g)?
(HL) Can I use full SHM set: x = x₀ sin(ωt+φ), v = ωx₀ cos(…), energy relations?

C.2 Wave model (SL/HL)

Can I compare mechanical vs EM waves, transverse vs longitudinal?
Can I apply v = fλ = λ/T and describe sound wave behaviour?

C.3 Wave phenomena (SL/HL + HL extension)

Can I use wavefronts & rays to describe propagation and boundaries (reflection, refraction, transmission)?
Can I apply Snell’s law and explain critical angle & TIR?
Can I reason about diffraction through apertures/around obstacles and sketch ray/wavefront diagrams?
Can I explain superposition, coherence, constructive (nλ) and destructive ((n+½)λ) interference?
Can I use Young’s double slit relation s = λD/d?
(HL) Can I apply single-slit condition θ ≈ λ/b and grating nλ = d sinθ?

C.4 Standing waves and resonance (SL/HL)

Can I distinguish travelling vs standing waves via superposition of counter-propagating waves?
Can I identify nodes & antinodes, and predict modes in strings and open/closed pipes?
Can I explain resonance and the effect of damping on amplitude & resonant frequency?

C.5 Doppler effect (SL/HL)

Can I explain the Doppler effect qualitatively for sound and light, relating frequency shift to relative motion?
(SL) Can I use the small-velocity approximation for light: Δf/f ≈ v/c and interpret red/blue shifts?
(HL) Can I apply the sound formulas for moving source f' = f·v/(v ∓ u_s) and moving observer f' = f·(v ± u_o)/v?
(HL) Can I solve mixed problems with both moving source and observer and infer speeds from measured shifts?

D. Fields D.1 Gravitational D.2 Electric & magnetic D.3 Motion in EM fields D.4 Induction (HL)

D.1 Gravitational fields (SL/HL)

Can I define a gravitational field, draw field lines, and relate g = F/m?
Can I apply Newton’s law of gravitation F = Gm₁m₂/r² to two-body problems?
Can I compute g = GM/r² and discuss how g varies with altitude/radius?
Can I connect circular orbits via GMm/r² = mv²/r and determine orbital speed/period?
(HL) Can I use gravitational potential V = −GM/r and potential energy U = mV?
(HL) Can I sketch equipotential surfaces and relate them to field strength/direction?
(HL) Can I derive and compute escape velocity v_esc = √(2GM/R) and energy changes between radii?

D.2 Electric and magnetic fields (SL/HL)

Can I apply Coulomb’s law F = kq₁q₂/r² and draw accurate E-field lines for charges/plates?
Can I compute uniform field strength using E = V/d and reason about force on a charge?
Can I describe B-field patterns for straight wires, loops, and solenoids, and use right-hand rules?
(HL) Can I use electric potential V = W/q, relate E ≈ −ΔV/Δr, and sketch equipotentials?
(HL) Can I solve energy/work problems with charges moving between potentials: ΔU = qΔV?

D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields (SL/HL)

Can I compute magnetic force on a charge: F = qvB sinθ and identify direction via right-hand rule?
Can I analyse circular motion in uniform B (v ⟂ B) using r = mv/(qB); note KE constant?
Can I compute force on a current: F = BIL sinθ and predict motion/torque for simple geometries?
Can I use a velocity selector with crossed fields to get v = E/B?
(HL) Can I apply force per unit length between parallel currents: F/L = μ₀ I₁ I₂ /(2πr) (attractive for same direction)?
(HL) Can I infer q/m from curvature in a known B-field (mass spectrometer context)?

D.4 Induction (HL only)

Can I compute magnetic flux Φ = BA cosθ for given geometry/orientation?
Can I use Faraday’s law ε = −N ΔΦ/Δt and Lenz’s law to determine direction/sign?
Can I calculate motional emf in a conductor: ε = BvL and reason with energy conservation?
Can I explain trends for an ac generator (frequency, coil turns, area, B-field) on induced emf amplitude?

E. Nuclear and quantum physics E.1 Structure of atom E.2 Quantum (HL) E.3 Radioactive decay E.4 Fission E.5 Fusion & stars

E.1 Structure of the atom (SL/HL)

Can I explain evidence from the Rutherford/Geiger–Marsden experiment for the nuclear model?
Can I relate line spectra to quantized energy levels (E = hf) and photon emission/absorption?
(HL) Can I use models such as Bohr to compute hydrogen energy levels (qualitatively if required)?

E.2 Quantum physics (HL only)

Can I apply the photoelectric equation: E_max = hf − Φ (threshold frequency, stopping potential)?
Can I compute de Broglie wavelength: λ = h/p and discuss wave–particle duality?
Can I use the Compton shift relation qualitatively/quantitatively where required?

E.3 Radioactive decay (SL/HL)

Can I classify and balance nuclear equations for α, β⁻, β⁺, γ emission and understand neutrino role?
Can I use decay law N = N₀ e^{−λt}, activity A = λN, and half-life T₁/₂ = ln2/λ?
(HL) Can I compute mass defect and binding energy from atomic masses using E = Δmc²?

E.4 Fission (SL/HL)

Can I describe induced fission, chain reactions, and criticality qualitatively?
Can I explain roles of moderator, control rods, coolant, shielding in reactors?
Can I estimate energy release from mass differences in a fission reaction (order-of-magnitude)?

E.5 Fusion and stars (SL/HL)

Can I explain fusion requirements (temperature, pressure, confinement) and Coulomb barrier concept?
Can I discuss stellar hydrostatic equilibrium (radiation pressure vs gravity)?
Can I outline stellar evolution tracks and interpret the H–R diagram (main sequence, giants, dwarfs)?
Can I link mass to stellar lifetime and end states (white dwarf, neutron star, black hole) qualitatively?

Core skills & IA readiness Vectors & units Uncertainties & graphs Inquiry & evaluation

Skills in the study of physics

Can I draw vectors, resolve components, and produce correct free-body diagrams?
Do I use units, prefixes, sig-figs, dimensional checks consistently?
Can I calculate and propagate uncertainties (± form; %, fractional; operations and powers)?
Can I produce/edit graphs (linearize where appropriate), draw best fit, max/min gradient, and estimate gradient/intercept uncertainties?
Inquiry: Can I design valid methods, justify ranges & repeats, control variables, and evaluate limitations with realistic improvements?

IB Physics (First assessment 2025) — Mastery Checklist