Physics
For Physics Discussions
1,008 topics in this forum
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- 2 replies
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Dear young physicists I am supposed to do an experiment for EE in Physic.. somewhere I should calculate the energy realesed by a spark and some known amount of gass (like methan or... ) . Does anybody know what formula I can use for my calculation? Thanks,
Last reply by khimberleigh, -
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For my IA, we were asked to investigate some aspect of a pendulum. I wanted to discover/certify the gravitational constant using the equation T=2π√(l/g). I rearranged it to yield "g". When I recorded my data, I let it swing for 10 full revolutions and then stopped the timer, to try to reduce uncertainty. I found a suitable uncertainty of +/-.3s. Since what we did only could be applied to the 10 revolutions, I was curious how I would express that uncertainty when if I want to express the period in terms of one revolution. How would I process that through? I've looked through my books, as well as on the internet but I haven't found anything that is useful. Do you know how…
Last reply by Rigel, -
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I am currently doing Physics HL and my exams are in May, finding it kind of difficult (some parts are somewhat easy while some very hard to compherehend). Yet even for the easy parts the IB manages to set difficult questions thus screwing you over. What are your thoughts on a specific textbook/study guide that works well for you? I'm not really having a panic attack but am a bit worried. I currently have the Tsokos and Oxford Physics Study Guide by Tim Kirk as a textbook and study guide. Oh and we are currently just starting the HL bit for Electricity (Electromagentic Induction), is that normal considering we are this far in the course?
Last reply by David14, -
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Hello all! I have a quick question about a physics IA (some of you may have seen my other post on this IA, I really should have put this question in that post ) For my experiment i tested the rate of rubbing of a plastic insulator strip and compared it to how many pieces of paper it could pick up. Surprisingly, my data is linear, not directly proportional, and so I have run into a problem. The graph of my data is attached. As you can see from my data, I have a critical rate of 40 rubs per minute (you must rub at this rate to pick up any pieces of paper at all). The only issue is, I want to show that the linear portion of the graph (the domain of 40 to 210) is linear t…
Last reply by theboro76, -
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Hey there, IB survivors! Well I am currently in DP2 physics SL and I know it's probably not the right time to start but is it already too late for me? I have been continuously scoring 2s in physics and I really need to improve my physics grade to at least a 4 because it's bringing down my entire IB grade. If I take my predictive grade now, the teacher is obviously going to give me a 2, but I desperately require a 4. Hence, I am going to be taking my predicted grade after my January mocks. Whenever I try to study physics, I end up spending a lot of time on something that I don't need to know which lowers my overall grade. I do enjoy learning physics and its methods, but I …
Last reply by The Master, -
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Hi, so I'm doing a physics lab where I'm given only the angle (theta), the range (dx), and the height (dy). First of all, I'm supposed to find viy (initial velocity) using vfy^2=viy^2+2gdy^2 then I'm supposed to find time using vfy=viy+gt, then vx us vx=dx/t. After finding all of that, I'm supposed to find vr and then angle then compare my measure angle to the one that I calculated. I have no idea where to even start. Could someone please help me out? My measures are as follows: dy= 13.5 cm dx= 12 cm Theta= 70 degrees g=100cm/s^2 Thank you so much to anyone who can help.
Last reply by Aflorcon, -
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"Molecules have potential energy because of the intermolecular forces." Ideal Gas: "there are no intermolecular forces" so does this mean an ideal gas doesn't have potential energy? I know it's a simple question, but i'd appreciate an explanation. Thanks!
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Hello, A while ago I came across a question which I am not sure how to answer correctly. Say we have two students: Alan and Donovan. One is moving with a constant speed and one is at rest. Now, a beam of light passes near them. If the speed of light according to both students is the same (that is c) - why can't we say, that the speed of the students is also the same (which in fact is not true, as we know, that one is moving and one is at rest) The easiest answer (not sure if it fully addresses the issue) is that you can't apply the Galilean transformatons to such object as light, as no matter what you add to it, it is still "c". But is there more to it? …
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As we know, the ADSL splitter box has 1 input and 2 outputs, one for phone signal line, and the other for internet signal line Plug the telecommunication line into the input. Then in the output lines, I make the exchange. I plug the phone line to the internet output, and the internet line to the phone output Then I dial the phone to call to a fax number Surprisingly, I heard the busy tone, instead of fax tone. Note: When I connect in normal way, plug the phone line to the phone output, and internet line to the internet output, this effect does not happen. That means I heard the fax tone as usual
Last reply by abdxyz, -
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Hey Guys, I am doing my Physics EE on: Research Question: How does the thickness/number of copper coils affect the strength of the resistive eddy currents, following the Lenz Law, when a magnet is passes through the coils?Topic : Investigating the relationship between the thickness of metal coils and the strength of Eddy Currents produced when a magnet is passed through the coil. (Lenz law)Firstly, I am not really sure how specific or broad the 'Topic' is meant to be compared to the Research Question.... Also, the experiment really isn't much where I will be calculating the time it takes for a magnet to fall through a controlled distance where copper wires are coiled arou…
Last reply by by.andrew, -
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Hey guys, So as I was creating my design labs I was just wondering how specific I needed to get to be able to list a material? My question is - How does the incline a catapult is stationed on, effect the range of the projected object? On the material list is it okay if I just put stuff like Toy CatapultIncline RampOr should it be something like (these are made up examples) PECK 400 Toy Launch CatapultSOS 333 4 meter incline rampI can't find any really specific toy catapult that would work so I am really hoping I don't have to do the second way.
Last reply by flinquinnster, -
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Hi all! Recently we had to conduct our 3rd IA (they really are starting to be a drag ) in SL physics. It was "investigate properties of electrostatics" For mine, I rubbed a plastic strip with woolen cloth at different rates and examined how many small pieces of paper the strip was able to lift. In doing this, I realized both of my units, rubs per minute for my independent and simply number for my dependent, are not SI units. Are these units acceptable to IB? My gradient units will be weird: #(rm-1) -1unless I am mistaken (rubs per minute = rm-1) . Is it OK to define these units in this manner? (where number = # and rubs per minute = rm-1) I suppose if not, I can do m…
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Physics November and May 1998
by Guest- 1 reply
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Could anybody send me the November and May 1998 question papers and markschemes? Thanks in advance.
Last reply by Gaby, -
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I have been considering what happens if I make the feedback from out put to input of a ADSL splitter, as well as change input to output and vice versa Below are my steps: Take the first splitter, plug the phone line to the Net output (NOT the input) of itPlug the input of the first splitter to the input of the second splitterPlug the Phone output of the second splitter to the phone output of the first onePlug the Net output of the second splitter to Modem, and connect to laptopSee diagram in my attached screenshot Here I made some abnormal things: Telephone signal transmits into the output, not the input of the splitterTheoutput of second splitter is connected back to the…
Last reply by thinhnghiem, -
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With November exams coming up within just over 3 months, its really time to start studying. Need some tips? Have a read of an article that I wrote in 2010: IB Physics, especially at the Higher Level, is one of the most difficult subjects in the IB Diploma. Nonetheless, it is still very possible to attain a 7. In fact, according to the IB Statistical Report in November 2009, 31% of Standard Level Candidates and 20% of Higher Level Candidates received a 7. This means that on average, in a class of 20 HL students, 4 will get a 7. So how do you get into that top 20%? To find out, I've asked many successful past IB Physics students regarding their techniques, as well as IB Phy…
Last reply by ctrls, -
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Hey guys, So, I'm Jaela. I'm a junior in my first year of IB Diploma and when I got accepted I was so excited. Applying for it was kind of a spontaneous, following the crowd decision, but I think that it was a really great decision for my future. Recently I've found that I'm having quite a bit of trouble in IB Physics HL. This is my teachers first year of teaching and he gets distracted very easily so we don't really learn much, but then get tested on what we were supposed to learn. I try to study my text book, but considering the fact that we're using an AP text book which is slightly different, it's not very helpful. Transitioning from Honors/AP classes to IB has b…
Last reply by IBgremlin, -
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Hi guys! So we started this lab in physics yesterday about SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY. We need to come up with our own ideas to do a design lab involving specific heat. Some guys came up with an idea of investigating the effect of adding cold milk to hot coffee. i want to do something original but am having a hard time coming up with a good topic. Could you please share any ideas you have regarding this? I would really appreciate your help
Last reply by Abdul Aziz, -
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Hello, our teacher sent us this worksheet and i am stuck on this question: The frequency of the incident light is increased but the intensity remains constant. Explain why this increase in frequency results in a change to the maximum photoelectric current (saturation current). Thanks in advance, Fiz
Last reply by Vioh, -
Physics Internal Assessment
by Guest- 4 replies
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Hello everyone, In the Physics class today, we just got the news that we had to do an experiment to find out the relation between the length of a pendulum and the time period for the oscillation. And the big bomb was that it would go to IB for grading. It was an Internal Assessment. We just got this question and an equation. Now we have to make a DCP CE experiment...what the hell is that?! I am being honest, I don't know much about practicals. In my entire life, I have never done a practical before coming to IB. Now suddenly I am being bombarded with these DCP CE and IA stuff which I have never even heard about! But I did do the experiment and I have a bunch of readings.…
Last reply by Efahey, -
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Hello, Does anyone have a specific form in which to write a conclusion and evaluation? Thanks in advance, Fiz
Last reply by ternopil2, -
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For my IA, I need to do an experiment about bicycles. I'm struggling to find a really good idea for my practical so I would really appreciate some guidance. Any ideas? =/
Last reply by Efahey, -
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Does anyone know if there is much difference between the following two textbooks? http://www.amazon.com/Physics-Principles-Applications-MasteringPhysics-Edition/dp/032168785X http://www.amazon.com/Higher-Level-Physics-IB-Diploma/dp/0435994425 They are both by Pearson but I've been recommended the latter, with many saying that it is one of the best physics textbooks out there. Are there any other textbooks or combinations which you would recommend for PHYSICS HL? Thank you!
Last reply by Hollath, -
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Hello Every one My Physics class just went through mechanics (topic 2) and non of us did exceptionally well in the test (yeah we all failed ). So i was wondering is mechanics one the hardest IB Physics HL topics or is each topic just going to get a lot harder? Any help would be very appreciated P.S: Eid Mubarak
Last reply by maroctam, -
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Hi all, I'm at my wits end with this physics graph data. I am measuring the change in momentum of an object from velocity readings before and after a collision. I plotted the data, and I'm now attempting to plot the data to get a straight line. The only problem is, my data has a known y intercept. That is, I know that when x = 0, y = some number, not 0. The graph will not pass through the origin.This invalidates the idea of a direct relationship, but is also posing some frustrations to graph fitting. As it stands, the line of best fit does not accurately fit my data, so i need to change the x or y axis axes to fit the data to a straight line, as per IB standards. The…
Last reply by ~Lc~, -
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Hello! I would like to post an exam question and hope that someone could help! The question:A coil of wire has a large number of turns. It is moved relative to a fixed magnetic field. The emf generated will be equal to the a) rate of change of magnetic flux linkage b) rate of change of magnetic flux through the coil. (other options are irrelevant) The correct answer is a but i have no clue of what is the difference between a and b? Could you please explain?
Last reply by HiggsHunter, -
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So I'm supposed to write a design lab report for my Physics practical experiments. I have no idea what it is. My experiment is based on a parachute experiment. My aim is how does the mass placed on the parachute affect the time taken for the parachute to land? But my teacher said that I don't have to do the practical, and gain raw data from the experiment. I just have to formulate a design. How am I supposed to answer my aim question, if I don't acquire the raw data by doing the experiment? And what exactly is a Design lab report. I'm really confused.
Last reply by ChocolateDrop, -
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How do I work out the uncertainies in my IA? I know about how to get them initially, but how do I handle them taking my IA to its conclusion? Can I simply add the uncertainties if I am multiplying two numbers for a third, or do I need to add the percentage errors and then work out the actual error from this? How many significant figures should I take my results to? Help
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So I have my midterms coming up soon. And I need help to revise the topics in physics sl. Does anyone have any notes or guides? Because I can't download most files from the Files & Notes sections
Last reply by Rigel, -
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Hey Guys, I was wondering if you could take a quick look at the questions below. I've tried getting my teacher to explain them, but I'm still not sure. Thanks in advance, really appreciate it!
Last reply by hmdcamran, -
General Questions on IB Physics
by Guest Ngod- 4 replies
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Hey Guys, I've just started IB Physics HL and I have a few general questions about the course. I love physics to start with and I always got 7's in MYP, but everyone says IB is a step up. My questions- 1. How hard is the course overall? I have also taken Chemistry HL, Maths HL and Economics HL. Compare the difficulty with these other subjects. 2. What is the hardest topic in the course? 3. Since 1999, have the examination papers gotten tougher, easier or has the difficulty remained relatively the same. 4. Since 1999 what was the hardest examination paper, counting both May and November sessions upto this year's May 2013 exam. (I heard that the May 2013 Paper 2 was bruta…
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Hello... I just bought the book "Physics for the IB Diploma" Study Guide by Tim Kirk and I want to know your opinion about the book, think it would help me studying? Thanks!
Last reply by Pedro9604, -
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Hi all, A very simple experiment can make us relax with beautiful scene Using a kaleidoscope, and let a LED source to emit light with red color to the back side of the kaleidoscope. You will see many images with very beautiful scene The light make the patterns created by the kaleidoscope turn into red, with blinking effect We can improve with green color LED, or combine both red and green Thinh
Last reply by the blonde one, -
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I understand that the syllabus has changed for 2014-2016? Where may I get hold of a copy?
Last reply by nid811, -
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can someone pleeaassee help me with uncertainty calculation!!! if m=1/E what is the uncertainty in E? (we have the value of m, E and uncertainty in m) please please help
Last reply by ctrls, -
Physics SL. Help, please.
by Guest tomaev42- 1 reply
- 682 views
1. How many heartbeats are there in the lifetime of a person (75 years)?
Last reply by bear_grylls_of_ib, -
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Hey I used the physics version 3 question bank and it really improved my score! But i cant find version 2 question bank for physics. Can somebody please mail it to me? my email id is [email protected]. Thanks.
Last reply by Dr Dangle, -
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Hey everyone, my Physics teacher gave us an assignment few days ago and I would like to hear some of your ideas as well in order to be able to finish the assignment in time. So basically, this is the situation: imagine that you are someone who was born on Earth (that shouldn't be too hard) and you have lived on Earth for your whole life. Now, you have a friend who was born on International Space Station and who has never been on Earth, so he, for instance, is not familiar with how gravity works, and stuff like that. So, my assignment is to write a letter to that person in space and to describe my life on Earth from a position of a physicist, and I would really need some i…
Last reply by Tamerlane, -
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Hi guys! Right now I am taking Physics SL first year, and apparently I have one of the worst physics teacher I can ever get. The teacher barely teaches the class anything and I am extremely worried for the course as a whole. I am planning to get someone to tutor me but I wanted to know whether this course is difficult or not. AND if I wanted to start teaching or reviewing the course material myself, is there any good book out there to help me? Thanks!
Last reply by Harrigon, -
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For the lab report, is there a format for doing DCP and CE for thermal physics (latent heat of fusion)? Since this is my first time doing a lab report for thermal, besides mechanics, I have no idea on the format of the report? So, help?
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Is it me or does anyone else find many of the questions in Tsokos a lot harder than actual exam questions? Or more abstract? Also, can anyone recommend a solid textbook? Doesn't have to be IB, can be A-Level or whatever. I have the HL Hamper one but I find that it is often over simplified and occasionally completely omits part of the syllabus altogether. I also have the Tim Kirk course companion (2nd edition) and while it is quite good (especially the questions and explanations), it doesn't cover everything and won't considering it's just a companion. Any recommendations?
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Hi, as I've said in other posts I'm moving from Italy to Poland this year, and I'm starting my first year in the IB. In Italy I had three hours of Physics a week, and we sometimes would go to the lab and do some veerrry basic experiments, e.g. (parabolic) free fall of a small metal sphere, boiling point for oil and water. Theory lessons were pretty tough, actually. I only had a 7/10 because I honestly didn't see how physics would help me if I wanted to do "Informatic Engineering" (that's the italian correspondant for Computer Science). The IB came later, and my ambition for the UK, too. We covered a very wide range of topics I've seen in the IB Syllabi. However, we never …
Last reply by vals, -
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can anyone please tell me how to phrase the hypothesis if the experiment is about : finding out a particular value like finding out the internal resistance of a cellfinding out a characteristic like finding out if a compound pendulum follows simple harmonic motionplease someone help!
Last reply by modern.rocky, -
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Basically, I'm doing my EE around depth of penetration / impact depth, How does area of point of penetration / weight of an object affect the impact depth? Still need more variables consider though, hmmm..... I have only found 2, wiki and sciencebasedlife.wordpress, which wouldn't be enough to fill me up with knowledge on this area So would someone be kind enough to share with me some sites that are knowledgable in this area to help me be more informed about this area? Thanks
Last reply by Emmi, -
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Dears, Few months ago I had chance to post topic here about a non stop engine model. Now it has been improved and works well, and I would like to introduce my new model here. 1. Tools and facilities: - The main component of this model is a wooden toy with dragonfly shape. Its head is a rectangle which is curved upward, with long tail - A sharp pillar - A medium sizes magnet (In attached screenshot it is the round and white piece) - Some tiny magnets 2. Model - Stick the tiny magnets under the tail of dragonfly shaped specimen. The gravity of magnets make this specimen settles down toward the tail. - Then, touch the sharp peak of the rectangle head of the specimen very sli…
Last reply by thinhnghiem, -
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Simple enough idea; which options do you plan to take tomorrow/next year or whenever and why? I'm taking Medical and EM Waves because my Physics teacher told our class that those are the easiest two. I'm basically counting on my paper 3 score tomorrow to pick up the slack that my measly performance in paper 2 (traumatized for life) produced.
Last reply by theboro76, -
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Hi, I'm doing my Extended Essay in physics now, and I've done an experiment. The data I collected is being processed, and our Physics book says that absolute uncertainties should be rounded off to 1 significant figure, and the value itself should have the same number of decimals as the uncertainty. This is the easy part for me, men when it comes to multiplying and dividing, the percentage uncertainties should be added. My questions are: How many decimals should I keep when calculating with percentage uncertainties? This is during the calculations. How many decimals should be presented in the final essay? I usually use 4 decimals to be sure that the numbers are exact, but …
Last reply by Slovakov, -
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Dears, I am investigating a way to make an engine that can run continuously. Currently, my result is so positive. 1. Tools and facilities: - The main component of this model is a wooden toy with dragonfly shape. Its head is a rectangle which is curved upward, with long tail - A sharp pillar - A medium sizes magnet (In attached screenshot it is the round and black piece) - A tiny magnet 2. Model - Stick the tiny magnet under the tail of dragonfly shaped specimen. The gravity of magnet makes this specimen settles down toward the tail. - Then, touch the sharp peak of the rectangle head of the specimen very slightly into the top of the pillar. It makes the balance status of t…
Last reply by thinhnghiem, -
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So I'm feeling really stressed out, as the question I chose for a design lab didn't really work out. (I had issues with the data.) I want to did an experiment and collected data after the prompt: Investigate a bouncing ball. I chose to look at kinetic and potential energy of the ball, then the total amount of energy possessed by the ball. But... I don't know how to word my question. I can't really change my experiment to word it how other sites are suggesting, so I'm kind of lost. I've done all the calculations, but I need some sort of question. Help? EDIT: Is this a clear and focused research question: What is the relationship between the kinetic energy and the potential…
Last reply by by.andrew, -
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Hello, I have been struggling with physics HL all year (I am almost done with my junior year). I have been getting 3's and 4's on unit tests all year round. I studied so much for the nuclear physics test (I literally did most of the Questionbank) and I still got a 75% (curved). Maybe the extra studying doesn't help and there's something wrong with me? I know I have attention problems and test anxiety. I have semester exams next week (will only cover topics from this semester). I have decided to go over my past tests because I was too depressed to have looked at any of them and thus don't even know what mistakes I made. Maybe there are common mistakes which I made and c…
Last reply by r1111, -
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- 706 views
Hello! Does anybody have physics questionbank for SL students?? Thanks in advance
Last reply by Sandwich,
