IB Diploma Level Physics

This section of the website contains suggestions for material that could be used with the IB Diploma Level Physics syllabus for first examination in 2009.

I am grateful to the International Baccalaureate Organization for permission to reproduce extracts from its intellectual property.

This material has been developed independently by myself and the content is in no way connected with nor endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
The website does not necessarily cover all topics or to the correct depth required for this syllabus although some sections may cover topics in more detail than is needed. It is the responsibility of the individual teacher to select the appropriate material.

References to work at lower levels that might be useful at Diploma level are shown as (14-16) or (11-14)

For the full version of the syllabus please see: International Baccalaureate Organization to purchase a copy of the 2009 Physics syllabus guide.

Topic 5 Electric currents

5.1 Electric potential difference, current and resistance

5.1.1 Potential difference
5.1.2 Potential and potential difference
5.1.3 The electronvolt
5.1.4 Potential difference

5.1.5 Electric current
5.1.6 Resistance
5.1.7 Resistance and resistivity
5.1.8 Resistivity
5.1.9 Ohm's law (14-16)
5.1.9 Ohmic and non-ohmic behaviour
5.1.10 Electrical power

14-16/Electricity and magnetism/Current electricity/Experiments/Power of a lamp and a small motor

5.1.11Potential difference, current and resistance problems

16- 19/Electricity and magnetism/Current electricity/Problems/Current electricity
16-19/Electricity and magnetism/Current electricity/Problems/Current electricity 2
16-19/Electricity and magnetism/Current electricity/Problems/Ohm's law
16-19/Electricity and magnetism/Current electricity/Problems/Electricity 1
16-19/Electricity and magnetism/Current electricity/Problems/Electricity 2

5.2 Electric circuits

5.2.1 EMF and internal resistance
5.2.2 EMF and internal resistance
5.2.3 Resistors in series and in parallel
5.2.4 Electrical symbols and circuit diagrams

5.2.5 Ammeter and voltmeters in circuits
5.2.6 Potential divider
5.2.7 Potential divider and sensors
5.2.8 Kirchoff's Laws


Further text references, problems and experiments will be added later.