IB Physics

Mr. Taylor

Fall 2022

Room: G235

So, what will we cover this Fall?

As a second year course - and year long, we will make sure to get a solid look at where we are and which first year topics may need a review and extension.

Measurement - do we understand the importance of precision and accuracy - and the difference between the two?

Motion - let us make the calculus connection, and discuss the power of plotting motion. Video analysis anyone?

Momentum and energy - can we solve car crashes? In 1 dimension? 2 dimensions? 3 dimensions?


The topics for IB Physics are:

  1. Measurement and Uncertainties

  2. Mechanics

  3. Thermal Physics

  4. Waves

  5. Electricity and Magnetism

  6. Circular Motion & Gravitation

  7. Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics

  8. Energy Production


And then the options (these are all a lot of fun!!)

A: Relativity

B: Engineering Physics

C: Imaging

D: Astrophysics



James Webb telescope is amazing everyone, with its quick and monumental imaging.(Image courtesy NASA.)
Race to the moon: The Artemis stands ready to deliver! Launch is set for August 29th!(Image courtesy NASA.)Side note: SpaceX's Starship is planned to lift off this fall.
Will understanding gravity waves allow us to figure out Warp drive travel like in the movies?(Image courtesy NASA.)
The Earth's largest experiment detected the Higg's boson. We are understanding inertia for the first time ever!(Image courtesy CERN.)

Images above..

What an exciting time to be a high school student studying astronomy!

  • The largest space telescope ever, the James Web Telescope, is operating for the first time and seems to be doing fantastic work.

  • NASA and SpaceX both have rockets with capability to travel to the moon; both planned to fly this year.

  • Scientist discovered gravitational waves! They now detect them all the time!

  • The Higg's Boson was found, and now 1000's of scientist are conducting experiments to look further into the atom than ever. They make anti-matter and change the rate time moves in their experiments!

Having taught for nearly 30 years, my goal is for each of you to have a fun, learning, relevant experience. Physics can be tricky, and will push you to grow, but our hard work will allow you to experience so much more of the world around you! After this course, you will understand things that many adults don't understand.