Introduction
For years, students taking IB Physics HL expected three written exam papers at the end of their two-year course. The third one, commonly known as Physics HL Paper 3, focused on option topics and experimental skills. But starting with the new syllabus, this exam structure has changed. Paper 3 has been eliminated and replaced with a new component known as Paper 1B.
This change has caused confusion. Many students and even some teachers still reference “Physics HL Paper 3,” but if you’re preparing for the IB exams in 2025 and beyond, you will not sit for Paper 3 at all. Instead, your skills in experimental design and data analysis are assessed in Paper 1B.
This article explains what happened to Physics Paper 3, what Paper 1B looks like, and how you can prepare effectively under the updated assessment model.
Quick Start Checklist for Physics HL Students
If you’re short on time, here are the most important points to remember about Paper 3 and its replacement:
- Paper 3 no longer exists — don’t waste time searching for recent past papers under that name.
- Paper 1B is the replacement, focusing on experimental design and data analysis.
- The option topics were removed from the Physics syllabus as part of the reform.
- Preparation now requires a stronger focus on scientific reasoning, uncertainty analysis, and data interpretation.
- Old Paper 3 experimental questions are still useful for practice, but option content is no longer relevant.
- Managing time across all exam papers is essential — Paper 1B is shorter but still requires precision and clarity.
What Happened to Physics HL Paper 3?
In the old IB Physics exam model, Paper 3 was a significant component:
- It tested experimental design and analysis, skills that are also emphasized in the Internal Assessment (IA).
- It included option topics, such as astrophysics, medical physics, relativity, and engineering physics. Students had to study one of these areas in depth, depending on what their teacher selected.
However, IB curriculum designers recognized that the options often caused inequality — some schools offered popular or “easier” options while others didn’t. In addition, Paper 3 sometimes overlapped with skills already tested in other assessments.
The reform simplified the structure:
- Paper 3 was removed.
- Option topics were eliminated.
- The assessment of experimental and analytical skills moved into a new component: Paper 1B.
Now, instead of three distinct written papers, IB Physics HL students complete Paper 1A, Paper 1B, and Paper 2.
Understanding Paper 1B
Paper 1B is now the exam section where you demonstrate your ability to think like a scientist. While Paper 1A focuses on multiple-choice knowledge questions, Paper 1B requires higher-order thinking.
What Paper 1B Covers
- Experimental design – You may be asked to outline how to set up an experiment to test a given hypothesis.
- Data interpretation – You will analyze tables or graphs and draw conclusions.
- Error and uncertainty analysis – A key component is recognizing limitations in data and suggesting improvements.
- Application of theory – You must connect experimental results to underlying physics principles.
Paper 1B Format
- Time: Shorter than the traditional Paper 3, but still challenging under timed conditions.
- Question types: Structured response rather than multiple-choice.
- Skills tested: Critical thinking, data handling, and clear scientific communication.
How to Prepare for Paper 1B
Since Physics HL Paper 3 no longer exists, your preparation strategy must adapt. Here are some targeted tips:
1. Practice Experimental Design
Go through past Paper 3 experimental-style questions. Even though the exam format has changed, the skills required remain the same. Practice writing clear methods, identifying independent and dependent variables, and discussing control of variables.
2. Focus on Uncertainties
IB Physics examiners expect you to handle uncertainties in data. Get comfortable with percentage uncertainty calculations, propagation of error, and discussing reliability.
3. Review Graphing Skills
Many Paper 1B questions involve graph analysis. Practice determining gradients, intercepts, and drawing best-fit lines. Be ready to explain what the slope or shape of a graph means in terms of physical laws.
4. Connect Theory with Experiment
Paper 1B questions often ask you to explain results using physics concepts. Practice linking equations, like Newton’s laws or conservation of energy, to real experimental outcomes.
5. Train with Timed Conditions
Even though Paper 1B is not as long as Paper 3 used to be, time pressure can still cause mistakes. Set a timer when practicing to improve efficiency.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Studying option topics: These no longer appear on the exam. If you are reviewing astrophysics or relativity specifically for Paper 3, you’re wasting valuable time.
- Ignoring experimental skills: Some students focus only on theory and equations, forgetting that data handling and design are just as important.
- Overcomplicating answers: Paper 1B rewards clarity. Long, unfocused answers often lose marks.
- Not practicing IA-style thinking: Your IA prepares you well for Paper 1B, but only if you reflect on what you learned. Treat it as exam practice, not just coursework.
FAQs About Physics HL Paper 3
1. Does Physics HL Paper 3 still exist?
No. Paper 3 has been replaced by Paper 1B under the new assessment model. If you see references to Paper 3, they are outdated.
2. Why did IB remove Paper 3?
The IB removed it to simplify the assessment model and remove option-topic inequality. The focus is now on core concepts and experimental analysis.
3. Is Paper 1B harder than the old Paper 3?
It’s not necessarily harder, but it requires sharper skills in scientific reasoning. Since there are no option topics, students spend more time mastering core physics and experimental analysis.
4. How can I prepare without many Paper 1B past papers?
Use old Paper 3 experimental questions for practice. Focus less on memorizing content and more on analysis, uncertainties, and scientific reasoning.
5. Do universities care about this change?
No. Universities still recognize the rigor of IB Physics HL. Whether the exam is Paper 3 or Paper 1B, the skills tested are equally valued.
Conclusion
The Physics HL Paper 3 no longer exists. Starting with the 2025 IB syllabus reform, Paper 3 was officially removed and replaced by Paper 1B. Instead of testing option topics, the new exam emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reasoning.
For students, this means you must focus less on memorizing niche content and more on mastering transferable skills. Understanding uncertainties, practicing experimental setups, and analyzing graphs are now critical for success.
Although the change may feel disorienting, the new system actually provides clarity: it rewards students who think like scientists rather than just recalling information. By preparing thoughtfully and adapting to the new structure, you’ll be ready to excel in IB Physics HL.
