IB Physics

In Part IB (second year), there are two physics subjects. Physics A covers “modern” physics, while Physics B focuses on the classical topics. The typical physical natural sciences student will do both physics subjects along with IB Mathematics.

Each subject consists of a few different lecture courses, which span most of the academic year. I have provided a breakdown of the subtopics within each course.

Physics A

• Experimental methods
  • Amplifiers
  • Errors
  • Sampling
  • Inference
• Oscillations and waves
  • Waves
  • Fourier series
  • Diffraction
  • Optics
  • Interference
• Quantum mechanics
  • Wavefunctions and the Schrodinger equation
  • Bound particles
  • Operator algebra
  • Time-dependent QM
  • QM in 3D
  • Spin
  • Matrix mechanics
  • Multiparticle systems
• Condensed matter (omitted)

Physics B

• Electromagnetism
  • Electrostatics
  • Dielectrics
  • Magnetostatics
  • Magnetic fields in matters
  • EM introduction
  • EM waves
  • Guided waves
• Classical dynamics
  • Newtonian mechanics
  • Orbits
  • Rigid-body dynamics
  • Lagrangian dynamics
  • Normal modes
  • Fluid dynamics
• Thermodynamics (omitted)