Key features of the Physics SL & HL Relativity study guide: 

•  An in-depth review of SL and HL topics related to IB Physics Option A.  

• More than 20 worked examples followed by similar practice problems to help you fill knowledge gaps and build your confidence in advance of exams.  

• Hands-on tasks to specifically hone your labelling and graphing skills.  

• Over 50 questions with answers about IB Physics Relativity to test your understanding and highlight areas for further study.  

• Key Point Boxes with helpful tips and useful insights.  

• A review of common mistakes students make to help you achieve exam success.

Contents of the Physics SL & HL Relativity study guide: 

Introduction to Relativity 

• Frames of reference 

• Galilean transformations 

• Maxwell’s theory 

• Forces on a charge or current 

Lorenz transformations 

• Postulates of special relativity 

• Clock synchronization 

• The Lorentz factor 

• Relativistic addition of velocities 

• Invariant quantities 

• Time dilation 

• Length contraction 

• Muon decay experiment 

Space-time diagrams 

• Space-time diagrams 

• World-lines 

• The twin paradox 

Relativistic mechanics 

• Total energy and rest energy 

• Relativistic Momentum and Energy 

• Particle acceleration 

• Electric charge as an invariant quantity 

• Photons 

General Relativity 

• The Principle of Equivalence 

• The effect of gravity on light 

• Gravitational red shift and the Pound Rebka Snider experiment 

• Black holes and the Schwarzchild radius 

• Event horizons 

• Time dilation near a black hole 

• Application of general relativity to the Universe 

Task Answers 

Task Box Answers 

Common examination mistakes 

Questions 

Answers