Which atomic, nuclear and particle physics subtopics get assessed most in IB Physics Paper 1?

IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 7, “atomic, nuclear and particle physics”, has three subtopics: Discrete energy and radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and the structure of matter. This post is part of a larger analysis; I strongly recommend that you check the complete analysis. I wanted to figure out which topics were mostly assessed in IB Physics Paper 1 exams. I classified all of the questions from 1999 to 2023. In this post, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions with respect to subtopic in Topic 7, atomic, nuclear and particle physics?” This information may help you with being strategic about planning your studies, especially for revision, especially if the exam is getting closer.

Frequency distribution of questions by atomic, nuclear and particle physics subtopics for SL

Between 1999-2023

As shown in Figure 1, for the SL, discrete energy and radioactivity subtopic accounts for about two-thirds of the questions. Nuclear reactions followed by the structure of matter account for the remaining one-third.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_7_Atomic,_nuclear_and_particle_physics_SL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

As shown in Figure 2, there is less emphasis on discrete energy and radioactivity, but this subtopic still makes up half of the questions about this topic. A second difference we see is that the structure of matter is more emphasized between these years.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_7_Atomic,_nuclear_and_particle_physics_SL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by atomic, nuclear and particle physics subtopics for HL

Between 1999-2023

The distribution of the number of questions per subtopic for the HL is almost identical to that of the SL, as shown in Figure 3. Again, we see that discrete energy and radioactivity are heavily emphasized.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_7_Atomic,_nuclear_and_particle_physics_HL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

As shown in Figure 4, the emphasis on discrete energy is shifted in favor of nuclear reactions and the structure of matter between these years.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_7_Atomic,_nuclear_and_particle_physics_HL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Discrete energy and radioactivity
  2. Nuclear reactions
  3. The structure of matter

You can go for the broader analysis of the topics.

  1. Measurement and uncertainties
  2. Mechanics
  3. Thermal physics
  4. Waves
  5. Electricity and magnetism
  6. Circular motion and gravitation
  7. Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
  8. Energy production
  9. Wave phenomena
  10. Fields
  11. Electromagnetic induction
  12. Quantum and nuclear physics

Or check out the analysis for Distribution of Questions by Topic in IB Physics Paper 1

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