IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 6, “circular motion and gravitation”, has two subtopics: Circular motion and Newton’s law of gravitation. 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 3, thermal 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 circular motion and gravitation subtopics for SL

Between 1999-2023

As shown in Figure 1, for the SL, circular motion accounted for three-fifths of the questions on this topic, whereas Newton’s law of gravitation accounted for two-fifths.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_6_Circular_motion_and_gravitation_SL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

As shown in Figure 2, for the SL, between these years the emphases on the two subtopics remain unchanged compared to the entire dataset.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_6_Circular_motion_and_gravitation_SL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by circular motion and gravitation subtopics for HL

Between 1999-2023

Unlike the distribution of the number of questions for SL, for HL, the two topics were equally emphasized in Paper 1, as shown in Figure 1.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_6_Circular_motion_and_gravitation_HL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

The emphasis, however, was dramatically shifted between 2016 and 2023. Circular motion became very important, two-thirds of the questions came from this subtopic.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_6_Circular_motion_and_gravitation_HL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Circular motion
  2. Newton’s law of gravitation

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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