IB HL/SL Physics Summary 2: Thermal, Fields, Quantum & Nuclear

Free IB Physics HL/SL summary covering thermodynamics, fields, quantum physics, nuclear physics and exam-focused revision.

What it is: A 77-page HL/SL Physics summary covering thermal energy transfer, gas laws and kinetic theory, thermodynamics (HL), gravitational and other fields, and quantum and nuclear physics – including black body radiation, the greenhouse effect, the Carnot cycle, entropy and orbital motion.
Why you need it: The second half of the Physics syllabus is conceptually dense and formula-heavy. Consolidating thermal, fields, quantum and nuclear physics in one reference makes this notoriously tricky material far more manageable.
Who it’s for: IB Diploma Physics students at HL or SL working through the modern and thermal physics units, and the tutors and parents supporting them.
How it helps: By pairing each phenomenon with its governing equations and clearly marking HL-only depth, it helps students connect concepts to calculations and revise the harder topics with confidence.

This comprehensive IB Physics HL/SL summary sheet covers the thermal, fields, quantum and nuclear physics topics within the Diploma Programme syllabus. Designed as a structured revision resource, it consolidates key concepts, formulas and definitions into a single reference guide, with Higher Level content clearly identified where applicable. Topics include thermal energy transfer, gas laws, kinetic theory, thermodynamics (HL), gravitational and other fields, orbital motion, quantum physics and nuclear physics. The resource also covers advanced concepts such as black body radiation, the greenhouse effect, the Carnot cycle and entropy. By bringing together some of the most conceptually demanding areas of the syllabus, this summary helps students revise more efficiently and build confidence in both theoretical understanding and quantitative problem-solving.