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Key Facts: European Baccalaureate Physics Exam

OSGES 2021-01-D-56

Official European Schools S6–S7 4-Period Physics Syllabus

Office of the Secretary-General of the European Schools

3 Hours

Duration of the official written Baccalaureate examination

Eursc Baccalaureate Regulations

Min 6.0/10

Overall pass mark required for the European Baccalaureate diploma

European Baccalaureate Handbook

4 Core Units

Fields, Oscillations & Waves, Quantum Physics, Nuclear & Relativity

European Schools Curriculum Board

100

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The European Baccalaureate Physics is administered by the Office of the Secretary-General of the European Schools (OSGES). Official assessment involves written/oral components graded on a 0-10 scale (passing score 5.0). Local questions on OpenExamPrep are an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for syllabus revision.

Sample European Baccalaureate Physics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the European Baccalaureate Physics exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Two point masses, M and m, are separated by a distance r in vacuum. If the separation distance is reduced to r/3, by what factor does the gravitational force between them increase?

A.9

B.3

C.1/3

D.1/9

Explanation: According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the gravitational force F is inversely proportional to the square of the separation distance r (F = G*M*m/r^2). Decreasing the distance by a factor of 3 increases the force by a factor of 3^2 = 9. The other choices represent linear scaling or inverse scaling.

2A satellite of mass m moves in a circular orbit of radius r around a planet of mass M. What is the satellite's orbital speed v?

A.v = G * M / r

B.v = sqrt(G * M / r)

C.v = sqrt(G * M / r^2)

D.v = G * M / r^2

Explanation: Equating the gravitational force G*M*m/r^2 to the centripetal force m*v^2/r yields v^2 = G*M/r, so v = sqrt(G*M/r). The incorrect choices lack the square root, incorrectly includes r^2 inside the square root, and represent gravitational field strength rather than velocity.

3What is the gravitational potential V at a distance r from a point mass M, taking zero potential at infinity?

A.-G * M / r^2

B.-G * M * m / r

C.-G * M / r

D.+G * M / r

Explanation: Gravitational potential V is defined as work done per unit mass bringing a test mass from infinity to distance r, giving V = -G*M/r. The incorrect choices represent field strength with a negative sign, potential energy (U) rather than potential (V), or omit the necessary negative sign for attractive fields.

4Which of Kepler's laws states that the square of the orbital period T of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis a of its orbit (T^2 proportional to a^3)?

A.Kepler's First Law

B.Kepler's Second Law

C.Kepler's Law of Equipartition

D.Kepler's Third Law

Explanation: Kepler's Third Law (Harmonic Law) states T^2 / a^3 = constant for all bodies orbiting the same central mass. Kepler's First Law describes elliptical orbits, Kepler's Second Law states equal areas are swept in equal times (conservation of angular momentum), and Equipartition is a statistical thermodynamics theorem.

5Two positive point charges +q and +4q are separated by a distance d. At what distance x from +q along the line joining them is the net electric field zero?

A.d / 3

B.d / 4

C.d / 2

D.2d / 3

Explanation: Setting electric fields equal: k*q/x^2 = k*(4q)/(d-x)^2 => 1/x = 2/(d-x) => d - x = 2x => 3x = d => x = d/3. The incorrect choices forget to take the square root of 4, ignore charge magnitude difference, or give distance from +4q rather than +q.

6A uniform electric field of magnitude E = 2000 N/C exists between two parallel metal plates separated by d = 0.05 m. What is the potential difference V between the plates?

A.40,000 V

B.100 V

C.400 V

D.200 V

Explanation: In a uniform electric field, potential difference V = E * d = 2000 N/C * 0.05 m = 100 V. The incorrect choices incorrectly divides E by d, multiplies by 2, or doubles the actual voltage.

7An electron (charge -e, mass m) enters a region of uniform magnetic field B with velocity v perpendicular to the field lines. What is the radius r of its circular path?

A.r = q * B / (m * v)

B.r = m * v^2 / (q * B)

C.r = m * v / (e * B)

D.r = e * B * v / m

Explanation: Equating magnetic Lorentz force e*v*B to centripetal force m*v^2/r gives e*v*B = m*v^2/r, so r = m*v / (e*B). this choice is inverted, this choice has v squared in the numerator, and this choice is acceleration rather than radius.

8A straight wire of length L = 0.40 m carries a current I = 5.0 A directed along the +x axis in a uniform magnetic field B = 0.30 T directed along the +y axis. What are the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on the wire?

A.0.60 N in the -z direction

B.0.12 N in the +z direction

C.0.60 N in the +y direction

D.0.60 N in the +z direction

Explanation: Magnetic force magnitude F = I * L * B * sin(90 deg) = 5.0 * 0.40 * 0.30 = 0.60 N. By the right-hand rule, (+x) x (+y) = (+z) direction. this choice gives opposite direction, this choice miscalculates magnitude (5*0.4*0.3 != 0.12), and this choice gives force parallel to field which is impossible.

9A circular loop of area A = 0.02 m^2 is placed in a uniform magnetic field of B = 0.5 T. If the plane of the loop makes an angle of 30 degrees with the field lines, what is the magnetic flux through the loop?

A.0.005 Wb

B.0.010 Wb

C.0.0087 Wb

D.0.000 Wb

Explanation: Magnetic flux Phi = B * A * cos(theta), where theta is the angle between the field and normal to the loop. Since the loop plane makes 30 deg with field, normal makes theta = 90 - 30 = 60 deg. Thus Phi = 0.5 * 0.02 * cos(60 deg) = 0.01 * 0.5 = 0.005 Wb. this choice forgets cos(theta), this choice uses cos(30 deg), and this choice assumes parallel alignment.

10A coil with N = 100 turns and enclosed area A = 0.01 m^2 is in a magnetic field that changes uniformly from 0.1 T to 0.5 T in 0.2 seconds. What is the magnitude of the induced electromotive force (EMF) in the coil?

A.20 V

B.2.0 V

C.0.2 V

D.10 V

Explanation: By Faraday's law, magnitude of induced EMF = N * |dPhi/dt| = N * A * (dB/dt) = 100 * 0.01 * (0.4 T / 0.2 s) = 1.0 * 2.0 = 2.0 V. this choice forgets to multiply by area 0.01, this choice misplaces a decimal point, and this choice uses total field instead of change in field.

About the European Baccalaureate Physics Exam

The European Baccalaureate Physics evaluates S6-S7 European Baccalaureate candidates on official OSGES syllabus learning outcomes. Note: Official examinations consist of written constructed-response papers and oral assessments; the 100 questions provided here are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for core concept revision.

Exam sponsor: Office of the Secretary-General of the European Schools (OSGES). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Official written paper and/or oral examination; 100 local practice MCQs for self-assessment.

Time Limit

180 minutes (3 hours)

Passing Score

5.0 out of 10.0 (50%)

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 111.49 Baccalaureate registration fee

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 85-90%. This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Core Syllabus Module 1

Universal gravitation, planetary orbits, electrostatic fields, potential, motion in uniform fields, Lorentz magnetic force, and electromagnetic induction.

25%

Core Syllabus Module 2

Harmonic motion, progressive waves, acoustic phenomena, wave superposition, Young's slits, single-slit diffraction, gratings, and optical reflection/refraction.

25%

Core Syllabus Module 3

Blackbody radiation, photons, photoelectric effect, de Broglie matter waves, electron diffraction, and discrete atomic energy spectra.

25%

Core Syllabus Module 4

Nuclear stability, mass defect, radioactive decay dynamics, fission/fusion, and Einsteinian special relativity kinematics and dynamics.

Preparing for the European Baccalaureate Physics Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 5.0 out of 10.0 (50%)
Assessment: Official written paper and/or oral examination; 100 local practice MCQs for self-assessment.
Time limit: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Exam / certification fees: EUR 111.49 Baccalaureate registration fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
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European Baccalaureate Physics: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master vector field operations: always resolve force and field vectors into components when dealing with electric, gravitational, or magnetic superposition.

2Practice multi-step orbital mechanics and energy conservation, relating kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, orbital velocity, and escape velocity.

3Be confident in wave optics calculations: memorize phase differences, path differences for interference maxima/minima, and Snell's law critical angle conditions.

4Derive photoelectric and relativistic relationships directly from first principles using E = hf - Phi and gamma = 1/sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the European Baccalaureate Physics written examination?

The written examination for 4-period Physics lasts 3 hours (180 minutes) and is divided into structured questions worth 100 points total, covering Fields, Oscillations & Waves, Quantum Physics, and Mixed Topics. Students use the official European Schools Physics Formula Booklet.

What passing score is required in the European Baccalaureate Physics exam?

The European Baccalaureate diploma uses a 0–10 grading scale. An overall score of 6.0/10 (60%) is required to obtain the diploma, and a minimum of 5.0/10 is required in written examinations to pass individual course requirements.

Who sets the syllabus and administers the European Baccalaureate Physics exam?

The curriculum (Syllabus 2021-01-D-56) and examinations are established by the Office of the Secretary-General of the European Schools (OSGES) and evaluated by external European inspectors and internal teachers.

Is a calculator permitted during the European Baccalaureate Physics exam?

Yes, standard non-programmable or approved graphic calculators (without internet access or formula storage) and the official European Schools Physics Formula Booklet are permitted during written examinations.

Free Practice Questions for European Baccalaureate Physics

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