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IB Physics SL Study Guide - Coggle Diagram
IB Physics SL Study Guide
Measurements & Uncertainties
Types of Uncertainty
Absolute (± value around a measurement, e.g., 2.2 ± 0.1 cm)
Relative (Δx/x)
Percentage ( (Δx/x) × 100% )
Types of Error
Random (precision)
Systematic (accuracy)
Calculating Uncertainties
Single reading
(instrument’s smallest division or smallest displayed increment)
(mean, range/2, standard deviation) Multiple readings
Propagation of Uncertainties
Addition/subtraction (add absolute)
Multiplication/division (add percentage)
Powers/roots (multiply or divide percentage uncertainty)
Vectors & Scalars
Scalar Quantities (magnitude only)
Vector Quantities (magnitude + direction)
Vector Operations
Tip-to-tail, components (Ax = Acosθ), graphical addition
Example: Walk 3 km N, then 4 km E ⇒ resultant is 5 km NE (Pythagoras)
Kinematics
Key Definitions
Displacement (vector)
Straight line from start to end position
Velocity (Vector)
Change in position
Acceleration (avg, instantaneous)
Change in Velocity
Speed (Scalar)
Change in distance
Distance (Scalar)
All the path travelled
Kinematic Equations
Free Fall
g = - 9.8 m/s² (down)
Special cases:
Dropped from rest (u = 0)
Thrown upward (parabola)
At max height (v = 0 | a = - g)
Uniform accelerated motion with a = g
