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IB Physics · questions by skill and topic
IB Physics question types
All 4,499 original, past-paper-style questions sorted by the skill each one practises, topic by topic: 740 question types in total. Pick a type to open the topic with only those questions shown, each with its full mark scheme.
Ready to combine skills? Concept clusters: 48 original multi-part questions, each built on one setup that needs several subchapters at once.
The skills
Recalling definitions and factsState, define and identify: the facts and laws you need without any working.
Reasoning qualitativelyChoose the right physics idea without a full calculation: directions, which statement is correct, why something happens.
Calculating with one relationshipPick one equation, rearrange it, substitute and give the answer with a unit.
Solving multi-step problemsChain two or more ideas, where the answer to one step feeds the next.
Predicting changes and ratiosWhat happens when one quantity changes: factors, ratios and proportional reasoning.
Writing explanationsExplain, describe and outline in words, linking cause and effect with physics.
Reading and interpreting graphsValues, gradients and areas from a graph, and what its shape tells you.
Drawing graphs and diagramsSketch graphs and draw ray, field, force, circuit and wave diagrams.
Deriving and showing resultsShow that, derive and verify: every step written out.
Processing data and uncertaintiesTables of results, uncertainties, significant figures and best-fit lines.
Planning and evaluating experimentsMethod, variables, sources of error and improvements.
Exam tip: a topic can feel secure while one skill in it is weak. If you can do the calculations but lose marks on explanations or graphs, practise that question type on its own.
Jump to a topic
- A.1 Kinematics (IB Physics SL)
- A.2 Forces and momentum (IB Physics SL)
- A.3 Work, energy and power (IB Physics SL)
- B.1 Thermal energy transfers (IB Physics SL)
- B.2 Greenhouse effect (IB Physics SL)
- B.3 Gas laws (IB Physics SL)
- B.5 Current and circuits (IB Physics SL)
- C.1 Simple harmonic motion (IB Physics SL)
- C.2 Wave model (IB Physics SL)
- C.3 Wave phenomena (IB Physics SL)
- C.4 Standing waves and resonance (IB Physics SL)
- C.5 Doppler effect (IB Physics SL)
- D.1 Gravitational fields (IB Physics SL)
- D.2 Electric and magnetic fields (IB Physics SL)
- D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields (IB Physics SL)
- E.1 Structure of the atom (IB Physics SL)
- E.3 Radioactive decay (IB Physics SL)
- E.4 Fission (IB Physics SL)
- E.5 Fusion and stars (IB Physics SL)
- A.1 Kinematics (IB Physics HL)
- A.2 Forces and momentum (IB Physics HL)
- A.3 Work, energy and power (IB Physics HL)
- A.4 Rigid body mechanics (HL) (IB Physics HL)
- A.5 Galilean and special relativity (HL) (IB Physics HL)
- B.1 Thermal energy transfers (IB Physics HL)
- B.2 Greenhouse effect (IB Physics HL)
- B.3 Gas laws (IB Physics HL)
- B.4 Thermodynamics (HL) (IB Physics HL)
- B.5 Current and circuits (IB Physics HL)
- C.1 Simple harmonic motion (IB Physics HL)
- C.2 Wave model (IB Physics HL)
- C.3 Wave phenomena (IB Physics HL)
- C.4 Standing waves and resonance (IB Physics HL)
- C.5 Doppler effect (IB Physics HL)
- D.1 Gravitational fields (IB Physics HL)
- D.2 Electric and magnetic fields (IB Physics HL)
- D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields (IB Physics HL)
- D.4 Induction (HL) (IB Physics HL)
- E.1 Structure of the atom (IB Physics HL)
- E.2 Quantum physics (HL) (IB Physics HL)
- E.3 Radioactive decay (IB Physics HL)
- E.4 Fission (IB Physics HL)
- E.5 Fusion and stars (IB Physics HL)
IB Physics SL
2,460 questions. By skill: Recalling definitions and facts 117, Reasoning qualitatively 489, Calculating with one relationship 325, Solving multi-step problems 879, Predicting changes and ratios 216, Writing explanations 46, Reading and interpreting graphs 94, Drawing graphs and diagrams 6, Deriving and showing results 8, Processing data and uncertainties 280.
IB Physics SL · Topic A.1
Kinematics
221 questions · 30 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 29 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 26 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 86 questions
- Motion graphs & definitions: multi-step problems (17)
- Equations of motion: multi-step problems (16)
- Projectile motion: multi-step problems (11)
- Free fall: multi-step problems (9)
- Distance, displacement & averages: multi-step problems (8)
- Fluid resistance & terminal speed: multi-step problems (7)
- Kinematics data & measurement: multi-step problems (6)
- Non-uniform acceleration: multi-step problems (4)
- Velocity & acceleration: multi-step problems (4)
- Two-body kinematics: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 13 questions
Reading and interpreting graphs · 30 questions
Processing data and uncertainties · 30 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic A.2
Forces and momentum
212 questions · 30 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 47 questions
- Friction & inclined planes: qualitative reasoning (8)
- Circular motion: qualitative reasoning (7)
- Newton's laws & force pairs: qualitative reasoning (6)
- Drag & buoyancy: qualitative reasoning (5)
- Collisions & energy: qualitative reasoning (4)
- Variable mass & F = Δp/Δt: qualitative reasoning (4)
- Contact & field forces: qualitative reasoning (3)
Calculating with one relationship · 22 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 95 questions
- Circular motion: multi-step problems (13)
- Collisions & energy: multi-step problems (13)
- Friction & inclined planes: multi-step problems (12)
- Drag & buoyancy: multi-step problems (8)
- Momentum & impulse: multi-step problems (8)
- Variable mass & F = Δp/Δt: multi-step problems (8)
- Connected bodies: multi-step problems (7)
- Explosions & recoil: multi-step problems (6)
- Hooke's law & springs: multi-step problems (6)
- Newton's laws & force pairs: multi-step problems (6)
- Free-body diagrams: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 20 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic A.3
Work, energy and power
150 questions · 17 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 19 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 15 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 75 questions
- Power & efficiency: multi-step problems (14)
- Energy density of fuels: multi-step problems (13)
- Work done by a force: multi-step problems (13)
- Elastic potential energy: multi-step problems (11)
- Conservation of energy: multi-step problems (9)
- Sankey diagrams: multi-step problems (8)
- Kinetic energy & momentum: multi-step problems (5)
Predicting changes and ratios · 17 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic B.1
Thermal energy transfers
155 questions · 26 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 23 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 18 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 64 questions
- Method of mixtures: multi-step problems (12)
- Latent heat & phase change: multi-step problems (10)
- Density & the molecular model: multi-step problems (8)
- Conduction: multi-step problems (7)
- Luminosity & apparent brightness: multi-step problems (7)
- Stefan–Boltzmann & Wien: multi-step problems (6)
- Mechanisms of thermal transfer: multi-step problems (4)
- Internal energy & the molecular model: multi-step problems (3)
- Specific heat capacity: multi-step problems (3)
- Temperature & direction of transfer: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 20 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic B.2
Greenhouse effect
116 questions · 20 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 18 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 16 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 43 questions
- Equilibrium temperature: multi-step problems (10)
- Solar constant & S/4: multi-step problems (8)
- Energy balance of a planet: multi-step problems (7)
- Greenhouse gases: multi-step problems (7)
- Emissivity: multi-step problems (5)
- Albedo: multi-step problems (3)
- Surface–atmosphere energy balance: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 13 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic B.3
Gas laws
118 questions · 23 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 13 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 29 questions
- Moles, molecules & the Avogadro constant: one-step calculations (6)
- Internal energy of a gas: one-step calculations (5)
- Pressure: one-step calculations (5)
- The ideal gas equation: one-step calculations (5)
- Kinetic model & molecular speeds: one-step calculations (4)
- The empirical gas laws: one-step calculations (3)
Solving multi-step problems · 35 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 10 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic B.5
Current and circuits
127 questions · 21 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 20 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 21 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 47 questions
- Resistivity: multi-step problems (7)
- Thermistors, LDRs & dividers: multi-step problems (7)
- emf & internal resistance: multi-step problems (7)
- Ohmic & non-ohmic conductors: multi-step problems (5)
- Electrical power & energy: multi-step problems (4)
- Series & parallel circuits: multi-step problems (4)
- Chemical & solar cells: multi-step problems (3)
- Circuit diagrams & meters: multi-step problems (3)
- Conductors, insulators & resistance: multi-step problems (3)
- Current & charge: multi-step problems (3)
IB Physics SL · Topic C.1
Simple harmonic motion
79 questions · 17 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 15 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 15 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 18 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 11 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic C.2
Wave model
82 questions · 15 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 6 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 14 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 16 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 25 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic C.3
Wave phenomena
113 questions · 20 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 22 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 19 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 44 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic C.4
Standing waves and resonance
111 questions · 18 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 35 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 36 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 9 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic C.5
Doppler effect
48 questions · 11 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 13 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 17 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic D.1
Gravitational fields
136 questions · 20 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 23 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 12 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 55 questions
- Combining two gravitational fields: multi-step problems (8)
- Geostationary orbits: multi-step problems (8)
- Kepler's third law: multi-step problems (7)
- Newton's law of gravitation: multi-step problems (6)
- Gravitational field strength: multi-step problems (5)
- Variation of g with distance: multi-step problems (5)
- Kepler's laws: multi-step problems (3)
- Orbits and satellites: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 23 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic D.2
Electric and magnetic fields
156 questions · 32 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 3 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 44 questions
- Charging by friction & induction: qualitative reasoning (7)
- Quantization of charge: qualitative reasoning (7)
- Electric field lines: qualitative reasoning (6)
- Magnetic field of a straight wire: qualitative reasoning (5)
- Conservation of charge: qualitative reasoning (4)
- Magnetic field patterns: qualitative reasoning (4)
- Combining two electric fields: qualitative reasoning (3)
- Uniform fields between plates: qualitative reasoning (3)
Calculating with one relationship · 18 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 48 questions
- Combining two electric fields: multi-step problems (10)
- Conservation of charge: multi-step problems (5)
- Coulomb's law: multi-step problems (5)
- Uniform fields between plates: multi-step problems (5)
- Magnetic field patterns: multi-step problems (4)
- Quantization of charge: multi-step problems (4)
- Charging by friction & induction: multi-step problems (3)
- Electric field strength: multi-step problems (3)
- Gravity compared with electrostatics: multi-step problems (3)
- Magnetic field of a straight wire: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 15 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic D.3
Motion in electromagnetic fields
147 questions · 26 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 1 question
Reasoning qualitatively · 31 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 15 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 49 questions
- Charge in a uniform electric field: multi-step problems (9)
- Force on a current-carrying wire: multi-step problems (7)
- Parallel current-carrying wires: multi-step problems (7)
- Force on a moving charge: multi-step problems (6)
- Motion in an electric field: multi-step problems (6)
- The velocity selector: multi-step problems (6)
- Circular motion in a magnetic field: multi-step problems (4)
Predicting changes and ratios · 25 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic E.1
Structure of the atom
102 questions · 15 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 32 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 17 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 28 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 2 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic E.3
Radioactive decay
163 questions · 28 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 18 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 42 questions
- Penetration & ionization: qualitative reasoning (7)
- Changes in the nucleus: qualitative reasoning (5)
- Mass defect & binding energy: qualitative reasoning (5)
- Random & spontaneous decay: qualitative reasoning (4)
- The strong nuclear force: qualitative reasoning (4)
- Background radiation: qualitative reasoning (3)
- Choosing an isotope: qualitative reasoning (3)
- Isotopes: qualitative reasoning (3)
Calculating with one relationship · 21 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 48 questions
- The binding energy curve: multi-step problems (7)
- Beta decay & the neutrino: multi-step problems (6)
- Background radiation: multi-step problems (5)
- Half-life & activity: multi-step problems (4)
- Mass defect & binding energy: multi-step problems (4)
- Penetration & ionization: multi-step problems (4)
- Changes in the nucleus: multi-step problems (3)
- Mass–energy equivalence: multi-step problems (3)
IB Physics SL · Topic E.4
Fission
89 questions · 14 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 22 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 13 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 30 questions
IB Physics SL · Topic E.5
Fusion and stars
135 questions · 21 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 29 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 12 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 36 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 18 questions
IB Physics HL
2,039 questions. By skill: Recalling definitions and facts 40, Reasoning qualitatively 315, Calculating with one relationship 407, Solving multi-step problems 795, Predicting changes and ratios 211, Writing explanations 27, Reading and interpreting graphs 93, Deriving and showing results 12, Processing data and uncertainties 139.
IB Physics HL · Topic A.1
Kinematics
50 questions · 9 question types · all questions
Calculating with one relationship · 8 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 16 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic A.2
Forces and momentum
84 questions · 15 question types · all questions
Solving multi-step problems · 47 questions
- Vertical circular motion: multi-step problems (7)
- Elastic and inelastic collisions: multi-step problems (6)
- Newton's second law: multi-step problems (5)
- Momentum and variable mass: multi-step problems (4)
- Static and dynamic friction: multi-step problems (4)
- Circular motion: multi-step problems (3)
- Collisions in two dimensions: multi-step problems (3)
- Explosions: multi-step problems (3)
- Impulse and force–time graphs: multi-step problems (3)
IB Physics HL · Topic A.3
Work, energy and power
53 questions · 10 question types · all questions
Calculating with one relationship · 4 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 22 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 10 questions
Deriving and showing results · 1 question
IB Physics HL · Topic A.4
Rigid body mechanics (HL)
105 questions · 19 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 9 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 29 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 49 questions
- Conservation of angular momentum: multi-step problems (11)
- Rolling and rotational kinetic energy: multi-step problems (7)
- Torque and angular acceleration: multi-step problems (5)
- Angular impulse: multi-step problems (4)
- Angular impulse and braking torque: multi-step problems (4)
- Angular momentum in a collision: multi-step problems (3)
- Equilibrium of a ladder: multi-step problems (3)
- Rotational equilibrium: multi-step problems (3)
- Rotational kinetic energy and flywheels: multi-step problems (3)
Deriving and showing results · 1 question
IB Physics HL · Topic A.5
Galilean and special relativity (HL)
74 questions · 14 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 5 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 13 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 20 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 27 questions
Deriving and showing results · 1 question
IB Physics HL · Topic B.1
Thermal energy transfers
94 questions · 14 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 13 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 11 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 43 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 16 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic B.2
Greenhouse effect
49 questions · 10 question types · all questions
Solving multi-step problems · 22 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 8 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic B.3
Gas laws
67 questions · 12 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 2 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 14 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 28 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 6 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic B.4
Thermodynamics (HL)
63 questions · 13 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 1 question
Calculating with one relationship · 13 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 27 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic B.5
Current and circuits
84 questions · 10 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 1 question
Calculating with one relationship · 12 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 36 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic C.1
Simple harmonic motion
130 questions · 21 question types · all questions
Calculating with one relationship · 47 questions
- Energy in SHM: one-step calculations (9)
- SHM velocity and displacement: one-step calculations (9)
- Mass–spring and pendulum periods: one-step calculations (8)
- Phase and timing in SHM: one-step calculations (8)
- Acceleration in SHM: one-step calculations (5)
- Phase difference between oscillators: one-step calculations (4)
Solving multi-step problems · 36 questions
- Mass–spring and pendulum periods: multi-step problems (9)
- Energy in SHM: multi-step problems (6)
- Phase and timing in SHM: multi-step problems (5)
- SHM energy and equations: multi-step problems (5)
- Conditions for simple harmonic motion: multi-step problems (3)
- Damped oscillations: multi-step problems (3)
- Phase difference between oscillators: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 16 questions
Deriving and showing results · 2 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic C.2
Wave model
60 questions · 12 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 3 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 8 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 20 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 13 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 3 questions
Reading and interpreting graphs · 8 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic C.3
Wave phenomena
113 questions · 15 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 17 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 27 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 41 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 10 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic C.4
Standing waves and resonance
87 questions · 18 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 2 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 22 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 26 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 24 questions
- Forced oscillations and resonance: multi-step problems (4)
- Wavelength of a standing wave: multi-step problems (4)
- Formation of standing waves: multi-step problems (3)
- Pipes closed at both ends: multi-step problems (3)
- Standing waves in pipes: multi-step problems (3)
- Standing waves on strings: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 3 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic C.5
Doppler effect
60 questions · 12 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 19 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 20 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 16 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic D.1
Gravitational fields
123 questions · 12 question types · all questions
Calculating with one relationship · 25 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 52 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic D.2
Electric and magnetic fields
120 questions · 17 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 2 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 19 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 23 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 49 questions
- Charged conducting sphere: multi-step problems (8)
- Field and potential of several charges: multi-step problems (6)
- Field and potential of two point charges: multi-step problems (6)
- Electric potential energy of a system of charges: multi-step problems (5)
- Charged sphere in a uniform field: multi-step problems (3)
- Conservation of charge: multi-step problems (3)
- Electric potential energy in the hydrogen atom: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 13 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic D.3
Motion in electromagnetic fields
79 questions · 13 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 17 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 13 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 25 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 16 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic D.4
Induction (HL)
84 questions · 18 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 16 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 22 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 23 questions
Predicting changes and ratios · 10 questions
Deriving and showing results · 1 question
IB Physics HL · Topic E.1
Structure of the atom
111 questions · 18 question types · all questions
Recalling definitions and facts · 4 questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 20 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 18 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 40 questions
- Rutherford scattering and the nuclear radius: multi-step problems (10)
- The Bohr model: multi-step problems (10)
- Excitation of atoms in a fluorescent lamp: multi-step problems (4)
- Transitions on an energy level diagram: multi-step problems (4)
- Energy levels and spectra: multi-step problems (3)
- Nuclear radius and density: multi-step problems (3)
- The Bohr model and muonic hydrogen: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 17 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic E.2
Quantum physics (HL)
72 questions · 11 question types · all questions
Solving multi-step problems · 29 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic E.3
Radioactive decay
134 questions · 19 question types · all questions
Reasoning qualitatively · 21 questions
Calculating with one relationship · 21 questions
Solving multi-step problems · 62 questions
- Radioisotope power sources: multi-step problems (9)
- Positron emission tomography: multi-step problems (6)
- A cobalt-60 radiotherapy source: multi-step problems (4)
- Activity and decay law: multi-step problems (4)
- Beta decay and the antineutrino: multi-step problems (4)
- Absorption of radiation: multi-step problems (3)
- Binding energy of the deuteron: multi-step problems (3)
- Binding energy per nucleon: multi-step problems (3)
- Radiocarbon dating: multi-step problems (3)
Predicting changes and ratios · 4 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic E.4
Fission
44 questions · 10 question types · all questions
Solving multi-step problems · 22 questions
IB Physics HL · Topic E.5
Fusion and stars
99 questions · 14 question types · all questions