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IB Physics HL community
Ask, share and discuss with other Physics HL students
Physics HL chapters
24 topics · free- A.1Kinematics
- A.2Forces and momentum
- A.3Work, energy and power
- A.4Rigid body mechanics
- A.5Galilean and special relativity
- B.1Thermal energy transfers
- B.2Greenhouse effect
- B.3Gas laws
- B.4Thermodynamics
- B.5Current and circuits
- C.1Simple harmonic motion
- C.2Wave model
- C.3Wave phenomena
- C.4Standing waves and resonance
- C.5Doppler effect
- D.1Gravitational fields
- D.2Electric and magnetic fields
- D.3Motion in electromagnetic fields
- D.4Induction
- E.1Structure of the atom
- E.2Quantum physics
- E.3Radioactive decay
- E.4Fission
- E.5Fusion and stars
Papers in Physics HL
- HLPaper 1Practise under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- HLPaper 2Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- HLPaper 3Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback ->IB Physics HL — papers & markbands
Multiple choice (Paper 1), structured/extended response (Paper 2) and the data/option paper (Paper 3). Above are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Physics HL?
- IB Physics at HL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, plus internal assessment. Multiple choice (Paper 1), structured/extended response (Paper 2) and the data/option paper (Paper 3).
- How is IB Physics marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Physics HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Physics HL exam series on our IB Physics past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Physics course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Physics course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Physics resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.