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IB Physics HL · D.1 Gravitational fields

Circular orbits and centripetal acceleration for IB Physics HL

Circular orbits and centripetal acceleration is mapped to D.1 Gravitational fields in the IB Physics HL pathway. Use this public guide to see exactly where the concept fits, what to master, and which GioPhysics resource continues the study sequence.

D · FieldsSL + HL extensionGuide 2 of 3

Where this fits

D.1 Gravitational fields

Curriculum
IB Physics HL
Theme or group
Fields
Current framework
First assessment 2025

Gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields plus induction.

Mastery checklist

Know what success looks like.

  1. 01

    Choose a coordinate direction and state the initial conditions before calculating.

  2. 02

    Separate perpendicular components when the motion is two-dimensional.

  3. 03

    Check the sign, unit, and physical size of every displacement, velocity, and acceleration result.

Exam lens

Build, apply, check.

D.1 Gravitational fields is identified as SL + HL extension in this curriculum map. Build the concept first, then practise selecting a model, showing working, and checking the final result.

Teaching sequence

D.1 Gravitational fields

This syllabus point maps to 3 ordered concept guides.

  1. 01Gravitational fields and the inverse-square law
  2. 02Circular orbits and centripetal accelerationCurrent guide
  3. 03Gravitational potential and potential energy

Continue on GioPhysics

Choose the right next step.

The curriculum context stays public. Lesson and presentation access follows the existing GioPhysics membership rules.

LearnOpen the mapped lessonCircular orbits and centripetal accelerationTeachOpen the presentationClassroom sequence for this conceptPractiseOpen problem applicationsEasy through expert problem pathwaysPlanOpen the full curriculum mapIB Diploma Programme Physics