In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, capacitance is a subtopic of Topic 11, electromagnetic induction. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Capacitance
  2. Dielectric materials
  3. Capacitors in series and parallel
  4. Resistor-capacitor (RC) series circuits
  5. Time constant

In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning capacitance understandings?”

Frequency distribution of questions by capacitance for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, capacitance and capacitors in series and parallel accounted for more than two-thirds of the questions. RC series circuits accounted for one-quarter of the questions. Dielectric materials and time constant were rarely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_35_Capacitance_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the emphasis on capacitance decreased in favor of increased focus on capacitors in series and parallel and RC series circuits.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_35_Capacitance_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Electromagnetic induction
  2. Power generation and transmission
  3. Capacitance

If you are interested in more detailed analyses 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

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