IPC and SPC are online physics competitions for global secondary school students, officially organized by the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO). As qualifying events for the Chinese BPhO round (effective from 2025), their importance has grown far beyond "practice tests"—winners will receive priority access to valuable slots among the 3,500 BPhO exam seats.
Part 1: First, Clarify the Core Differences Between IPC and SPC Online
| Dimension | IPC Online (Intermediate) | SPC Online (Senior) |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable Grade | Grades 9–10 (Junior/Senior Middle School / G1) | Grades 10–11 (G1 / G2) |
| Course 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 to High, focuses on fundamental application | High, emphasizes comprehensive analysis and derivation |
| Core Objective | Tests introductory physics modeling ability | Bridges to BPhO, screens high-potential candidates |
Key Note: Although both are multiple-choice, SPC questions are longer, information-denser, and require higher math skills. Some questions may need calculus or trigonometric assistance.
Part 2: Last-Stage Preparation Plan
For IPC Candidates:
Systematically review core chapters of AS/A-Level AS or IB SL.
Focus on practicing: free-body diagrams, energy flow charts, circuit simplification.
For SPC Candidates:
Fill in new A2/IB HL content (electromagnetic induction, thermodynamics, quantum basics).
Start getting familiar with basic applications of calculus in physics.
Master answering techniques (see below).
For All: Review Formula Sheets
Ensure core formulas are memorized perfectly (e.g., ν0=W0/h for photoelectric effect, p1V1=p2V2 for ideal gas isothermal changes) to avoid basic mistakes.
3 Days Before the Exam: Technical Prep & Mindset Adjustment
Device Check: Camera, microphone, stable internet.
Familiarize with Platform: Understand the proctoring (e.g., Zoom) and online answer system.
Prepare Materials: Have blank scratch paper ready (some platforms may require uploading photos).
Part 3: High-Score Techniques for Multiple Choice Questions (IPC & SPC)
Elimination Method – Quickly narrow down choices.
Eliminate options with wrong units (e.g., "Joule" for force).
Eliminate options violating physical laws (e.g., "A perpetual motion machine of the second kind is feasible").
Eliminate options with unrealistic magnitudes (e.g., car speed = 10⁶ m/s).
Substitution & Verification Method – Solve calculation problems quickly.
Plug answer choices back into the formula to check.
Keyword Highlighting Method – Pinpoint the tested concept.
| Keywords | Corresponding Physics Principle |
| :--- | :--- |
| "Smooth" | No friction, mechanical energy conserved |
| "Adiabatic" | Q=0, ΔU=W |
| "Released from rest" | Initial velocity is 0 |
| "Uniform circular motion" | Net force = centripetal force |
Part 4: Guide to Avoid Pitfalls: Steer Clear of These Misconceptions!
| Misconception | Correct Understanding |
|---|---|
| "I must understand every difficult SPC question" | 80% of IPC/SPC questions are of low-medium difficulty. Securing the basics = securing the award. |
| "Using a phone calculator is fine" | A scientific calculator is a must. Familiarize yourself with its operation in advance. |
| "IPC and SPC are similar, just pick one randomly" | There's a significant difficulty gap! Choosing the wrong track = wasting an opportunity. |
| "Stay up late cramming before the exam" | In the last 3 days, only review formulas & past mistakes. Staying sharp is more important than doing 10 more problems. |