Free revision cheatsheets for every IB Physics SL topic on the 2025 syllabus. Physics SL is examined on Paper 1 (1A multiple-choice + 1B data analysis) and Paper 2. Each cheatsheet below opens the shared page where the SL content is tagged, with every formula, key derivations, common traps and an exam-attack plan.
Every topic below opens its dedicated cheatsheet, where the SL sections are clearly tagged. Formulas, worked examples, common traps and a per-section exam-attack plan — all free, with a downloadable PDF.
SUVAT equations, motion graphs (s–t, v–t, a–t), projectile motion, fluid resistance and terminal velocity.
FreeNewton's three laws, contact and field forces, momentum, impulse, elastic and inelastic collisions, circular motion.
FreeWork-energy theorem, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, power, efficiency, energy density.
Conduction, convection, radiation, specific and latent heat capacity, Stefan-Boltzmann and Wien's displacement laws.
FreeBlack-body radiation, emissivity, albedo, solar constant, planetary energy balance, enhanced greenhouse effect.
FreePressure, kinetic theory, empirical gas laws (Boyle, Charles, Pressure), ideal gas equation, internal energy.
FreeFirst and second laws, entropy, four thermodynamic processes (isobaric, isothermal, isochoric, adiabatic), Carnot cycle.
FreeCurrent and charge, EMF, potential difference, Ohm's law, resistors in series and parallel, internal resistance, power.
SHM defining equation, period, frequency, energy, phase, mass-spring vs pendulum, x/v/a graphs.
FreeTransverse vs longitudinal waves, v = fλ, sound waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, mechanical vs EM comparison.
FreeWavefronts, Snell's law, total internal reflection, superposition, Young's double slit, single slit (HL), diffraction gratings.
FreeStanding-wave formation, nodes/antinodes/phase, harmonics on strings and in open/closed pipes, resonance and damping.
FreeDoppler equations for sound (source/observer motion), EM Doppler and cosmological redshift, real-world applications.
Newton's law of gravitation, orbital mechanics, escape velocity, gravitational potential, energy in orbits.
FreeCoulomb's law, electric field lines, electric potential, magnetic flux density, parallel-plate field.
FreeCharged particles in uniform E-fields (parabolic), in B-fields (circular), velocity selectors, mass spectrometers (HL).
Geiger-Marsden experiment, nuclear notation, atomic spectra, nuclear radius/density, Bohr model derivations.
FreePhotoelectric effect, threshold frequency, work function, de Broglie wavelength, Compton scattering, energy-level transitions.
FreeAlpha, beta, gamma decay; half-life and activity; background and absorption (HL); binding-energy curve (HL).
FreeNuclear fission, chain reactions, reactor components (moderator, control rods, coolant), energy calculations, safety.
FreeStellar fusion, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, Wien and Stefan-Boltzmann laws, stellar evolution, mass-luminosity (HL).
IB Physics SL shares the same five themes (A–E) as HL on the 2025 syllabus, but omits the HL-only topics — A.4 Rigid-body mechanics, A.5 Relativity and D.4 Induction — and the HL-only depth within each shared topic. The twenty-one cheatsheets below are the SL topics; on each page the HL-only extensions are clearly marked so SL students can skip them. Physics SL and HL both sit Papers 1 and 2 (there is no Paper 3 in Physics). Prefer the full higher-level set? Browse the Physics HL cheatsheet hub.
The pages above are free forever. When you're ready to drill to a 7, these are the same resources Photon Academy students use — one-time purchases, no subscription.
Every topic's full Notes PDF, an IB-style Tutorial booklet, mark-scheme Tutorial Solutions with M1/A1 annotations, and the predicted question types for the next session. Lifetime access.
Unlock the LibraryFull predicted exam sets with mark schemes, matched to the current SL syllabus and recent examiner trends. Start with two free sets, then unlock the rest.
See Predicted PapersThe Studio drills each SL topic to mastery with adaptive question ladders; the Diagnostic marks your handwritten working and pinpoints exactly what to fix.
Try Photon LearnA few questions IB students and parents in Singapore often ask about the IB Physics SL course and these resources.
The cheatsheets above are free for everyone. Photon Academy students unlock the full library for each topic — the printable PDF, a Notes booklet, the IB-style Tutorial booklet, mark-scheme-style Tutorial Solutions, and predicted-paper questions. Enrolled students get free access; others can buy the Lifetime Library.
