International Physics Olympiad IPhO

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About International Physics Olympiad IPhO

International Physics Olympiad or IPhO is a global olympiad held across different countries yearly. IPhO aims to evaluate the knowledge of higher secondary students in Physics through complex problem-solving and experimental evaluation. Students have a fantastic opportunity to participate and test their knowledge on an international level.

To participate in IPhO, students must first qualify the national-level physics olympiad. Each national team comprises five students, and each student has to compete individually. Aimed at motivating students to pursue higher studies in science, IPhO addresses the growing need for education in Physics

The 54th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2024 will be held in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is scheduled from 21st July 2024 to 29th July 2024.

IPhO Syllabus

The IPhO syllabus is specifically designed for students pursuing higher secondary education, i.e. for Class 11-12 students. The detailed syllabus of IPhO is as follows:

Mechanics

• Kinematics
• Statics
• Dynamics
• Celestial Mechanics
• Hydrodynamics

Electromagnetics

• Basic Concepts
• Integral forms of Maxwell’s equations
• Interaction of matter with electric and magnetic fields
• Circuits

Oscillations and waves

• Single Oscillator
• Waves
• Interference and diffraction
• Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves with Mat­ter
• Geometrical Optics and Photometry
• Optical Devices

Relativity Quantum Physics

• Probability Waves
• Structure of Matter

Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

• Classical Thermodynamics
• Heat Transfer and Phase Transitions
• Statistical Physics

Experimental Skills

• Safety
• Measurement Techniques and Apparatus
• Accuracy
• Experimental Uncertainty Analysis
• Data Analysis

Mathematics

• Algebra
• Functions
• Geometry and Stereometry
• Vectors
• Complex Numbers
• Statistics
• Calculus
• Approximate and numerical methods

Stages of The Physics Olympiad Program

The physics olympiad program is conducted in 5 stages.

1. National Standard Examination In Physics (NSEP)

Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) organises the NSE exams. The National Standard Examination is composed of objective types of questions. The exam covers the class 12 level physics curriculum.

2. Indian National Olympiad in Physics

The students securing the top positions participate in the INO in physics. Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) organises the INOs for all the subjects. Students who score in top positions become eligible to participate in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).

3. Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC)

Approximately the top 35 students from the Indian National Olympiad in Physics are selected for the orientation cum selection camp. HBCSE organises the camp for students to work on their concepts, experimental knowledge and problem-solving skills.

4. Pre-Departure Training Camp for IPhO

The pre-departure training camp trains students on the concepts of physics and covers all the aspects of the international physics olympiad (IPhO).

5. Participation in International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

The final stage is the IPhO or International Physics Olympiad, where students from all the participating countries enter the competition. The IPhO exam has two stages: the practical and theoretical exams.

IPhO 2024 Important Dates

Here are the important dates for IPhO 2024 to be held in the Islamic Republic of Iran from 21st July 2024 to 29th July 2024.

IPhO 2024 Selection Process

To get selected for the IPhO exam, students must compete in the national level examination and qualify for the subsequent stages of the exam. Therefore, only the top 4-5 students get to participate in the IPhO exam.

IPhO Participation Fee

The participation fee for IPhO 2024 is €500 per person.

IPhO Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for participation are:

• Students must be pursuing a higher secondary level education.
• Students who have completed their higher secondary education can also participate if they have not started their education at university.
• Must have qualified for the National Olympiad in Physics.
• Must have commendable knowledge of concepts of Physics.

IPhO Exam Pattern

The exam pattern of IPhO incorporates both the theoretical and the practical parts of Physics. Firstly students will have to write the theoretical exam, which will consist of objective questions. Then, in the second stage, students will compete in the practical part of the exam.

IPhO Awards

To award the top performing students IPhO organising committee awards students with gold, silver, and bronze medals. There are also honourable mentions for students who appeared in the exam.