Physics HL

Revision Summary

Measurements and Uncertainties

Where does it appear? How much does it count?

(Calculations for the tables below were made based on past exams from May 2016 until May 2022)

 

Approximate number of marks

Approximate percentage of your final IBDP Physics grade

Paper 1

1-2 marks 

(out of 40)

0.8 %

Paper 3 – Section A

15 marks

(out of 45)

6.7 %

Overall percentage of your IB Physics grade based on Topic 1

7.5 %

What to study?

Sub-topic 1.1 – Measurements in physics

  • Fundamental and derived SI units, SI unit combinations
  • Scientific notation and metric multipliers (see Data Booklet)
  • Significant figures

Sub-topic 1.2 – Uncertainties and errors

  • Random and systematics errors, precision, accuracy
  • Absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties + related equations (see Data Booklet)
  • Line of best fit, error bars and linearizing graphs

 

Sub-topic 1.3 – Vectors and scalars

  • Difference between vector and scalar quantities
  • Basic vector operations
  • Resolution of vectors into two perpendicular directions (see Data Booklet)

Topic Specific PaperPlainz Resources

Video Concept Explanations

Measurements and Uncertainties

Measurements in Physics
Uncertainties and Errors
Vectors and Scalars
HL Questionbank

Measurements and Uncertainties

 
HL Past Exam Video Solutions by Topic

Measurements and Uncertainties

Topic 2 →