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 Organisation to purchase a copy of the 2009 Physics syllabus guide.

Topic 13 Quantum physics and nuclear physics

13.1 Quantum physics

13.1.1 Photoelectric effect
13.1.2 Photoelectric effect
13.1.1 Quantum theory of radiation
13.1.5 Einstein's equation and the potential well
13.1.3 Planck's constant measurement
13.1.4 16-19/Quantum physics/Problems/Photoelectric effect
13.1.4 16-19/Quantum physics/Problems/Photoelectric effect 2
13.1.5 Wave nature of matter
13.1.5 De Broglie's equation
13.1.6 Davisson-Germer experiment
13.1.7 16-19/Quantum physics/Problems/Matter waves
13.1.8 Planck's constant measurement
13.1.9 Spectra and atomic structrure
13.1.9 Energy levels in hydrogen
13.1.10 Spectra and atomic structrure
13.1.11 Quantised orbits
13.1.11 Electrons in a box
13.1.12 Electrons in a box
13.1.12 Further material is in preparation.
13.1.13 Heisenberg uncertainty principle

13.2 Nuclear physics

13.2.1 Alpha particle scattering
13.2.1 Further material in preparation
13.2.2 Bainbridge mass spectrometer
13.2.3 Gamma rays
13.2.3 Alpha particle energies
13.2.4 Beta minus decay and the antineutrino
13.2.4 Beta plus decay and the neutrino
13.2.5 Radioactive decay law
13.2.6 Decay constant and half life
13.2.6 Half life
13.2.7 16-19/Nuclear physics/Radioactivity/Experiments/Radioactive decay of thoron
13.2.8 16-19/Nuclear physics/Radioactivity/Problems/Half life
13.2.8 16-19/Nuclear physics/Radioactivity/Problems/Radioactive decay
13.2.8 16-19/Nuclear physics/Radioactivity/Problems/Radioactivity
13.2.8 16-19/Nuclear physics/Radioactivity/Problems/Radioactivity - further problems