• IB
  • IB Docs (2) Team
    Logout
  • Maths
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Combined Science
  • English Language
  • Geography
  • Other Subjects
GCSE Maths
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast PapersPast Papers Questions
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
GCSE Biology
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Gateway Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
GCSE Chemistry
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Gateway Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
GCSE Physics
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Gateway Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
GCSE Combined Science
Edexcel Combined: Biology Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel Combined: Chemistry Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel Combined: Physics Revision NotesPast Papers
AQA Combined: Biology Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Combined: Chemistry Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Combined: Physics Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Gateway Combined: Biology Topic QuestionsRevision Notes
OCR Gateway Combined: Chemistry Revision Notes
OCR Gateway Combined: Physics Revision Notes
GCSE English Language
AQA Revision NotesPractice PapersPast Papers
Edexcel Past Papers
OCR Past Papers
GCSE Geography
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision Notes
Edexcel Topic Questions
GCSE Other Subjects
AQA English LiteratureBusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsFurther MathsGeographyHistoryPsychologySociologyStatistics
Edexcel English LiteratureBusinessComputer ScienceGeographyHistoryPsychologyStatistics
OCR English LiteratureBusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology
OCR Gateway GeographyHistory
  • Maths
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Double Science
  • Economics
  • English Language
  • Geography
  • Other Subjects
IGCSE Maths
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast PapersBronze-Silver-Gold Questions
CIE (Extended) Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE (Core) Topic QuestionsPast Papers
IGCSE Biology
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2020-2022 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2023-2025 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
IGCSE Chemistry
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2020-2022 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2023-2025 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
IGCSE Physics
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2020-2022 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2023-2025 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
IGCSE Double Science
Edexcel Double: Biology Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel Double: Chemistry Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel Double: Physics Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
IGCSE Economics
CIE Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
IGCSE English Language
CIE Revision NotesPractice PapersPast Papers
Edexcel Past Papers
IGCSE Geography
CIE Revision NotesTopic QuestionsPast Papers
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
IGCSE Other Subjects
CIE Additional MathsEnglish LiteratureBusinessComputer ScienceHistorySociology
Edexcel English LiteratureBusinessComputer ScienceHistoryFurther Maths
  • Maths
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • English Language
  • Other Subjects
AS Maths
Edexcel Pure MathsMechanicsStatistics
AQA Pure MathsMechanicsStatistics
OCR Pure MathsMechanicsStatistics
CIE Pure 1Pure 2MechanicsProbability & Statistics 1
Edexcel IAS Pure 1Pure 2MechanicsStatistics
AS Biology
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2019-2021 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2022-2024 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel IAL Revision Notes
AS Chemistry
Edexcel Revision Notes
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Revision Notes
CIE 2019-2021 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2022-2024 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel IAL Revision Notes
AS Physics
Edexcel Revision Notes
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Revision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2019-2021 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2022-2024 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel IAL Revision Notes
AS English Language
AQA Past Papers
Edexcel Past Papers
OCR Past Papers
AS Other Subjects
AQA BusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsEnglish LiteratureFurther MathsGeographyHistoryPsychologySociology
Edexcel BusinessEconomicsEnglish LiteratureFurther MathsGeographyHistoryPsychology
OCR BusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsEnglish LiteratureFurther Maths AGeographyHistoryPsychologySociology
CIE Further Maths
  • Maths
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • English Language
  • Economics
  • Further Maths
  • Psychology
  • Other Subjects
A Level Maths
Edexcel Pure MathsMechanicsStatistics
AQA Pure MathsMechanicsStatistics
OCR Pure MathsMechanicsStatistics
CIE Pure 1Pure 3MechanicsProbability & Statistics 1Probability & Statistics 2
Edexcel IAL Pure 1Pure 2Pure 3Pure 4Mechanics 1Mechanics 2Statistics 1Statistics 2Decision 1
A Level Biology
Edexcel Topic QuestionsPast Papers
Edexcel A (SNAB) Revision Notes
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast PapersGold Questions
CIE 2019-2021 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2022-2024 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel IAL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
A Level Chemistry
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast PapersGold Questions
CIE 2019-2021 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2022-2024 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel IAL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
A Level Physics
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
OCR Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2019-2021 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE 2022-2024 Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
Edexcel IAL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
A Level English Language
AQA Past Papers
CIE Past Papers
Edexcel Past Papers
OCR Past Papers
Edexcel IAL Past Papers
A Level Economics
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Topic QuestionsPast Papers
OCR Past Papers
CIE Past Papers
A Level Further Maths
Edexcel Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
AQA Past Papers
OCR Past Papers
CIE Past Papers
Edexcel IAL Past Papers
A Level Psychology
AQA Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPast Papers
CIE Past Papers
Edexcel Past Papers
OCR Past Papers
Edexcel IAL Past Papers
A Level Other Subjects
AQA BusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsEnglish LiteratureGeographyHistorySociology
CIE BusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsEnglish LiteratureGeographySociology
Edexcel BusinessEconomics AEnglish LiteratureGeographyHistory
OCR BusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsEnglish LiteratureGeographyHistorySociology
Edexcel IAL English LiteratureGeography
CIE IAL History
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Other Subjects
O Level Biology
CIE Topic QuestionsPast Papers
O Level Chemistry
CIE Topic QuestionsPast Papers
O Level Physics
CIE Topic QuestionsPast Papers
O Level Other Subjects
CIE Additional MathsMaths D
  • Maths
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
Pre U Maths
CIE Topic QuestionsPast Papers
Pre U Biology
CIE Topic QuestionsPast Papers
Pre U Chemistry
CIE Topic QuestionsPast Papers
Pre U Physics
CIE Topic QuestionsPast Papers
  • Maths
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Economics
IB Maths
Maths: AA HL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
Maths: AI HL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
Maths: AA SL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
Maths: AI SL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
IB Biology
Biology: SL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
Biology: HL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
IB Chemistry
Chemistry: SL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
Chemistry: HL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
IB Physics
Physics: SL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
Physics: HL Topic QuestionsRevision NotesPractice Papers
IB Economics
Economics: SL Revision Notes

DP IB Physics: HL

Revision Notes

Home / IB / Physics: HL / DP / Revision Notes / 3. Thermal Physics / 3.1 Thermal Concepts / 3.1.1 Solids, Liquids & Gases


3.1.1 Solids, Liquids & Gases


Solids, Liquids & Gases

  • The three states of matter are solid, liquid and gas
  • The kinetic theory of matter is a model that attempts to explain the properties of the three states of matter
    • In this model, particles are assumed to be small solid spheres

Diagram 1 - States of Matter, downloadable IB Physics revision notes

Water has three states of matter; solid ice, liquid water and gaseous steam. The difference between each state is the arrangement of the particles

Solids

  • Particles in solids:
    • Are held together by strong intermolecular forces
    • Are closely packed
    • Are arranged in a fixed pattern (lattice structure)
    • Can only vibrate about their fixed positions
    • Have low energies compared to particles in liquids and gases

Diagram 2 Solids, downloadable IB Physics revision notes

In a solid, particles are arranged in a fixed pattern, with no spaces between them, and are only able to vibrate about their fixed positions

  • As a result of the arrangement and behaviour of their particles, solids:
    • Have a fixed shape (although some solids can be deformed when forces are applied)
    • Have a fixed volume
    • Are very difficult to compress
    • Have higher densities than liquids and gases

Liquids

  • Particles in liquids:
    • Are held together by weaker intermolecular forces compared to the forces between particles in solids
    • Are closely packed
    • Are randomly arranged (i.e. there is no fixed pattern)
    • Can flow past each other
    • Have higher energies than particles in solids, but lower energies than gas particles

Diagram 2 Liquids, downloadable IB Physics revision notes

In a liquid, particles are arranged randomly and are able to flow past one another

  • As a result of the arrangement and behaviour of their particles, liquids:
    • Do not have a fixed shape and take the shape of the container they are held in
    • Have a fixed volume
    • Are difficult to compress
    • Have lower densities than solids, but higher densities than gases

Gases

  • Particles in gases:
    • Have negligible intermolecular forces between them
    • Are far apart (the average distance between the particles is ∼10 times greater than the distance between the particles in solids and liquids)
    • Are randomly arranged
    • Move around in all directions at a variety of speeds, occasionally colliding with each other and with the walls of the container they are in
    • Are negligible in size compared to the volume occupied by the gas
    • Have higher energies than particles in solids and liquids

gas-density, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

In a gas, particles can move around freely in all directions (shown by the arrows).

  • As a result of the arrangement and behaviour of their particles, gases:
    • Do not have a fixed shape and take the shape of the container they are held in
    • Do not have a fixed volume and expand to completely fill the available volume
    • Can be compressed
    • Have the lowest densities (∼1000 times smaller than the densities of solids and liquids)

Diagram 3 - Table, downloadable IB Physics revision notes

Worked Example

Liquids are about 1000 times denser than gases. Let d  be the diameter of a molecule. Estimate the average intermolecular distance in a gas. Give your answer in terms of d. 

Step 1: Recall the equation for density 

rho space equals space m over v

Step 2: Write down the relationship between the density of a gas ρgas and the density of a liquid ρliquid

rho subscript l i q u i d end subscript space equals space 1000 space cross times space rho subscript g a s end subscript

Step 3: Substitute into the density equation to show the relationship between the masses and volumes of a liquid a gas

m subscript l i q u i d end subscript over v subscript l i q u i d end subscript space equals space space 1000 space cross times open parentheses m subscript g a s end subscript over v subscript g a s end subscript close parentheses

Step 4: Since the mass stays the same, the relationship between the densities translates into a relationship between volumes as mass cancels out

fraction numerator up diagonal strike m subscript l i q u i d end subscript end strike over denominator v subscript l i q u i d end subscript end fraction space equals space space 1000 space cross times open parentheses fraction numerator up diagonal strike m subscript g a s end subscript end strike over denominator v subscript g a s end subscript end fraction close parentheses
space space space space space space space space space space space space space space space

v subscript g a s end subscript space equals space space 1000 space cross times space v subscript l i q u i d end subscript

Step 4: Relate the volume to the average distance between the molecules, x

    • The average distance x between the molecules is related to the cube root of the volume

x space equals space ∛ 1000 space v subscript l i q u i d end subscript space equals space 10 cross times d



  • 1. Measurement & Uncertainties
    • 1.1 Measurements in Physics
      • 1.1.1 SI Units
        • 1.1.2 Using Scientific Notation
          • 1.1.3 Estimating Physical Quantities
          • 1.2 Uncertainties & Errors
            • 1.2.1 Random & Systematic Errors
              • 1.2.2 Calculating Uncertainties
                • 1.2.3 Determining Uncertainties from Graphs
                • 1.3 Vectors & Scalars
                  • 1.3.1 Vector & Scalar Quantities
                    • 1.3.2 Combining & Resolving Vectors
                      • 1.3.3 Solving Vector Problems
                    • 2. Mechanics
                      • 2.1 Motion
                        • 2.1.1 Distance & Displacement
                          • 2.1.2 Speed & Velocity
                            • 2.1.3 Acceleration
                              • 2.1.4 Graphs Describing Motion
                                • 2.1.5 Uniform Acceleration
                                  • 2.1.6 Acceleration of Free Fall Experiment
                                    • 2.1.7 Projectile Motion
                                      • 2.1.8 Terminal Speed
                                      • 2.2 Forces
                                        • 2.2.1 Free-Body Diagrams
                                          • 2.2.2 Newton’s First Law
                                            • 2.2.3 Newton’s Second Law
                                              • 2.2.4 Newton’s Third Law
                                                • 2.2.5 Applying Newton’s Laws of Motion
                                                  • 2.2.6 Friction
                                                  • 2.3 Work, Energy & Power
                                                    • 2.3.1 Kinetic Energy
                                                      • 2.3.2 Gravitational Potential Energy
                                                        • 2.3.3 Elastic Potential Energy
                                                          • 2.3.4 Work Done
                                                            • 2.3.5 Power
                                                              • 2.3.6 Principle of Conservation of Energy
                                                                • 2.3.7 Efficiency
                                                                • 2.4 Momentum & Impulse
                                                                  • 2.4.1 Force & Momentum
                                                                    • 2.4.2 Impulse
                                                                      • 2.4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
                                                                        • 2.4.4 Collisions & Explosions
                                                                      • 3. Thermal Physics
                                                                        • 3.1 Thermal Concepts
                                                                          • 3.1.1 Solids, Liquids & Gases
                                                                            • 3.1.2 Temperature
                                                                              • 3.1.3 Internal Energy
                                                                                • 3.1.4 Specific Heat Capacity
                                                                                  • 3.1.5 Specific Latent Heat
                                                                                    • 3.1.6 Phase Change
                                                                                      • 3.1.7 Investigating Thermal Energy
                                                                                      • 3.2 Modelling a Gas
                                                                                        • 3.2.1 Ideal Gas Laws
                                                                                          • 3.2.2 Ideal Gas Equation
                                                                                            • 3.2.3 Kinetic Model of an Ideal Gas
                                                                                              • 3.2.4 Mole Calculations
                                                                                                • 3.2.5 Investigating Gas Laws
                                                                                              • 4. Waves
                                                                                                • 4.1 Oscillations
                                                                                                  • 4.1.1 Properties of Oscillations
                                                                                                    • 4.1.2 Simple Harmonic Oscillations
                                                                                                      • 4.1.3 SHM Graphs
                                                                                                        • 4.1.4 Energy in SHM
                                                                                                        • 4.2 Travelling Waves
                                                                                                          • 4.2.1 Properties of Waves
                                                                                                            • 4.2.2 Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
                                                                                                              • 4.2.3 Electromagnetic Waves
                                                                                                                • 4.2.4 Sound Waves
                                                                                                                • 4.3 Wave Characteristics
                                                                                                                  • 4.3.1 Wavefronts
                                                                                                                    • 4.3.2 Amplitude & Intensity
                                                                                                                      • 4.3.3 Superposition
                                                                                                                        • 4.3.4 Polarisation
                                                                                                                          • 4.3.5 Malus’s Law
                                                                                                                          • 4.4 Wave Behaviour
                                                                                                                            • 4.4.1 Reflection, Refraction & Transmission
                                                                                                                              • 4.4.2 Reflection
                                                                                                                                • 4.4.3 Refraction
                                                                                                                                  • 4.4.4 Determining Refractive Index
                                                                                                                                    • 4.4.5 Single-Slit Diffraction
                                                                                                                                      • 4.4.6 Interference & Path Difference
                                                                                                                                        • 4.4.7 Double-Slit Equation
                                                                                                                                        • 4.5 Standing Waves
                                                                                                                                          • 4.5.1 The Nature of Standing Waves
                                                                                                                                            • 4.5.2 Nodes & Antinodes
                                                                                                                                              • 4.5.3 Boundary Conditions for Standing Waves
                                                                                                                                                • 4.5.4 Harmonics
                                                                                                                                              • 5. Electricity & Magnetism
                                                                                                                                                • 5.1 Electric Fields
                                                                                                                                                  • 5.1.1 Charge & Current
                                                                                                                                                    • 5.1.2 Drift Speed
                                                                                                                                                      • 5.1.3 Potential Difference & DC
                                                                                                                                                        • 5.1.4 Electric Fields
                                                                                                                                                          • 5.1.5 Coulomb’s Law
                                                                                                                                                          • 5.2 Heating Effect of Electric Currents
                                                                                                                                                            • 5.2.1 Circuits
                                                                                                                                                              • 5.2.2 Resistance & Resistors
                                                                                                                                                                • 5.2.3 Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws
                                                                                                                                                                  • 5.2.4 I-V Characteristics
                                                                                                                                                                    • 5.2.5 Resistivity
                                                                                                                                                                      • 5.2.6 Investigating Resistivity
                                                                                                                                                                        • 5.2.7 Series & Parallel Circuits
                                                                                                                                                                          • 5.2.8 Heating Effect of Current
                                                                                                                                                                            • 5.2.9 Potential Divider Circuits
                                                                                                                                                                            • 5.3 Electric Cells
                                                                                                                                                                              • 5.3.1 Primary & Secondary Cells
                                                                                                                                                                                • 5.3.2 Investigating Electric Cells
                                                                                                                                                                                  • 5.3.3 Terminal Potential Difference
                                                                                                                                                                                    • 5.3.4 Electromotive Force & Internal Resistance
                                                                                                                                                                                    • 5.4 Magnetic Effects of Electric Currents
                                                                                                                                                                                      • 5.4.1 Magnetic Fields
                                                                                                                                                                                        • 5.4.2 Magnetic Force on a Charge
                                                                                                                                                                                          • 5.4.3 Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor
                                                                                                                                                                                            • 5.4.4 Solving Problems Involving Magnetic Forces
                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6. Circular Motion & Gravitation
                                                                                                                                                                                            • 6.1 Circular Motion
                                                                                                                                                                                              • 6.1.1 Circular Motion
                                                                                                                                                                                                • 6.1.2 Centripetal Force
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 6.1.3 Centripetal Acceleration
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 6.1.4 Applications of Circular Motion
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 6.2 Newton’s Law of Gravitation
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 6.2.1 Newton’s Law of Gravitation
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 6.2.2 Circular Orbits
                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6.2.3 Gravitational Field Strength
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 7. Atomic, Nuclear & Particle Physics
                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 7.1 Discrete Energy & Radioactivity
                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 7.1.1 Discrete Energy Levels
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 7.1.2 Calculating Discrete Energies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 7.1.3 Emission & Absorption Spectrum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 7.1.4 Isotopes & Radioactive Decay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 7.1.5 Background Radiation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 7.1.6 Alpha, Beta & Gamma Particles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 7.1.7 Decay Equations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 7.1.8 Half-Life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 7.1.9 Investigating Half-Life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 7.2 Nuclear Reactions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 7.2.1 Atomic Mass Unit
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 7.2.2 Mass Defect & Nuclear Binding Energy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 7.2.3 Nuclear Fission & Fusion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 7.2.4 Binding Energy per Nucleon Curve
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 7.3 The Structure of Matter
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 7.3.1 Discovery of the Nucleus
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 7.3.2 Quarks & Leptons
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 7.3.3 Hadrons, Baryons & Mesons
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 7.3.4 Particle Conservation Laws
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 7.3.5 Fundamental Forces
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 7.3.6 Feynman Diagrams & Confinement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 7.3.7 The Standard Model of Particle Physics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 8. Energy Production
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 8.1 Energy Sources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 8.1.1 Specific Energy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 8.1.2 Sankey Diagrams
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 8.1.3 Primary & Secondary Energy Sources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 8.1.4 Energy Resources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 8.1.5 Energy Generation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 8.1.6 Safety Issues in Nuclear Power
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 8.2 Thermal Energy Transfer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 8.2.1 Conduction, Convection & Thermal Radiation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 8.2.2 Black-Body Radiation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 8.2.3 The Solar Constant, Albedo & Emissivity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 8.2.4 The Greenhouse Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 8.2.5 Earth's Surface–Atmosphere System
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 9. Wave Phenomena (HL only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 9.1 Simple Harmonic Motion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 9.1.1 The Defining Equation of SHM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 9.1.2 Energy Changes in SHM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 9.1.3 Calculating Energy Changes in SHM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 9.1.4 Examples of SHM
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 9.2 Single-Slit Diffraction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 9.2.1 The Nature of Single-Slit Diffraction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 9.2.2 Intensity of Interference Maxima & Minima
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 9.3 Interference
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 9.3.1 Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 9.3.2 Two-Slit Interference Patterns
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 9.3.3 Diffraction Grating Patterns
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 9.3.4 The Diffraction Grating Equation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 9.3.5 Thin Film Interference
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 9.4 Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 9.4.1 The Rayleigh Criterion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 9.4.2 Rayleigh Criterion Calculations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 9.4.3 Resolvance of Diffraction Gratings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 9.5 Doppler Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 9.5.1 The Doppler Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 9.5.2 Uses of The Doppler Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 9.5.3 The Doppler Equation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 10. Fields (HL only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 10.1 Describing Fields
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 10.1.1 Gravitational & Electrostatic Fields
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 10.1.2 Gravitational & Electrostatic Field Lines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 10.1.3 Gravitational & Electrostatic Potential
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 10.1.4 Equipotential Surfaces
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 10.2 Fields at Work
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 10.2.1 Potential & Potential Energy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 10.2.2 Potential Energy Calculations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 10.2.3 Potential Gradient & Difference
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 10.2.4 Potential in a Charged Sphere
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 10.2.5 Escape Speed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 10.2.6 Orbital Motion, Speed & Energy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 10.2.7 Forces & Inverse-Square Law Behaviour
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 10.2.8 Forces on Charges & Masses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 11. Electromagnetic Induction (HL only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 11.1 Electromagnetic Induction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 11.1.1 Emf, Magnetic Flux & Magnetic Flux Linkage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.1.2 Induced Emf
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 11.1.3 Faraday’s Law
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.1.4 Lenz’s Law
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.2 Power Generation & Transmission
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 11.2.1 AC Generators
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 11.2.2 Root-Mean-Square Current & Voltage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 11.2.3 Step-Up & Step-Down Transformers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 11.2.4 Transformer Calculations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 11.2.5 AC Electrical Power Distribution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.2.6 Diode Bridges
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 11.2.7 Investigating Diode Bridges
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.2.8 Rectification
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 11.2.9 Capacitors & Diode Bridges
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 11.3 Capacitance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 11.3.1 Capacitance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 11.3.2 Dielectric Materials
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 11.3.3 Capacitors in Series & Parallel
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 11.3.4 The Time Constant
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.3.5 Energy Stored in a Capacitor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 11.3.6 Capacitor Charge & Discharge
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.3.7 Discharge Calculations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 12. Quantum & Nuclear Physics (HL only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 12.1 The Interaction of Matter with Radiation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 12.1.1 Photons
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 12.1.2 The Photoelectric Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 12.1.3 Observing the Photoelectric Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 12.1.4 Solving Photoelectric Problems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 12.1.5 Matter Waves
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 12.1.6 Pair Production & Annihilation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 12.1.7 Quantization of Angular Momentum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 12.1.8 The Wave Function
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 12.1.9 The Uncertainty Principle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 12.1.10 Tunnelling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 12.2 Nuclear Physics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 12.2.1 Rutherford Scattering & Nuclear Radius
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 12.2.2 Nuclear Scattering
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 12.2.3 Deviations from Rutherford Scattering
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 12.2.4 Nuclear Energy Levels
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 12.2.5 The Neutrino
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 12.2.6 The Law of Radioactive Decay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 12.2.7 Measuring Half-Life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Katie Moon

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Author: Katie

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Save My Exams Logo
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Resources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Home Join Support

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Members
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Members Home Account Logout

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Company
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          About Us Contact Us Jobs Terms Privacy Facebook Twitter

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Quick Links
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          GCSE Revision Notes IGCSE Revision Notes A Level Revision Notes Biology Chemistry Physics Maths 2022 Advance Information

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          © IB Documents (2) Team & u/aimlesskr
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          IBO was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, the resources created by Save My Exams.