IPC and SPC Online are online physics competitions for global secondary school students, officially hosted by the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO). As qualifying events for the BPhO China region (implemented from 2025), their importance far exceeds that of a "practice test"—winners are prioritized for the valuable spots among the 3,500 BPhO exam seats.
I. First, Clarify: Core Differences Between IPC & SPC Online
| Dimension | IPC Online (Intermediate) | SPC Online (Advanced) |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable Grades | 9–10 (Junior/Senior Middle School / G10) | 10–11 (G10 / G11) |
| Curriculum Alignment | A-Level AS / IB DP1 / AP Physics 1&2 | A-Level A2 / IB HL / AP Physics C |
| Question Type | Online Multiple Choice (single-select + multi-select) | Online Multiple Choice (single-select + multi-select) |
| Difficulty Level | Medium-High, focuses on basic application | Higher, emphasizes comprehensive analysis & derivation |
| Core Objective | Test introductory physics modeling ability | Connect to BPhO, screen high-potential candidates |
Key Note: Although both are multiple-choice, SPC questions are longer, more information-dense, and require higher math skills (some need calculus or trigonometric functions).
II. Preparation Plan for the Sprint Phase
For IPC Candidates:
Systematically review core chapters of AS/A-Level AS or IB SL.
Focus training: Free-body diagrams, energy flow charts, circuit simplification.
Memorize core formulas (e.g., photoelectric effect cutoff frequency ν₀=W₀/h, ideal gas isothermal change p₁V₁=p₂V₂).
For SPC Candidates:
Supplement A2/IB HL new content (electromagnetic induction, thermodynamics, quantum basics).
Start familiarizing with simple applications of calculus in physics.
Master answering techniques (see below).
Memorize core formulas.
3 Days Before Exam: Technical Prep + Mindset Adjustment
Device Check: Camera, microphone, stable internet.
Familiarize with platform (e.g., Zoom proctoring + online answering system).
Prepare blank scratch paper (some platforms require photo upload).
III. High-Score Techniques for Multiple Choice (IPC & SPC Common)
| Technique | Application | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Elimination | Quickly narrow options. | Eliminate options with wrong units (e.g., unit for "force" is J), violate physical laws, or have absurd magnitudes. |
| 2. Substitution & Verification | Quickly solve calculation problems. | Substitute answer choices into the formula to work backward. |
| 3. Keyword Circling | Identify the tested concept. | Keywords map to principles: "smooth" → no friction, mechanical energy conserved; "adiabatic" → Q=0, ΔU=W; "released from rest" → initial velocity=0. |
IV. Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Don't Fall for These Misconceptions!
| Pitfall / Misconception | Correct Understanding |
|---|---|
| "I must understand all the hard SPC problems." | 80% of IPC/SPC questions are low-medium difficulty. Securing basics = securing awards. |
| "Using a phone calculator is fine." | Must use a scientific calculator. Familiarize yourself with its operation beforehand. |
| "IPC and SPC are similar, just pick one." | There's a clear difficulty gap! Choosing the wrong track = wasting your chance. |
| "Pull an all-nighter practicing before the exam." | In the last 3 days, only review formulas + past mistakes. Staying alert is more important than doing 10 extra problems. |