In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, circular motion is a subtopic of Topic 6, circular motion and gravitation. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.
- Period, frequency, angular displacement, and angular velocity
- Centripetal force
- Centripetal acceleration
In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning circular motion understandings?”
Frequency distribution of questions by circular motion understandings for HL
Between 1999-2023
For the entire dataset for HL, three-quarters of the questions came from centripetal force. Centripetal acceleration and period, frequency, angular displacement, and angular velocity accounted for one-quarter of the questions.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, the distribution did not change compared to the entire dataset for HL.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by circular motion understandings for SL
Between 1999-2023
The distribution for the entire dataset for SL is almost identical to HL. Again, centripetal force accounted for three-quarters of the questions.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, the emphasis on centripetal force increased even more.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
- Circular motion
- Newton’s law of gravitation
If you are interested in more detailed analyses of the topics:
- Measurement and uncertainties
- Mechanics
- Thermal physics
- Waves
- Electricity and magnetism
- Circular motion and gravitation
- Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
- Energy production
- Wave phenomena
- Fields
- Electromagnetic induction
- Quantum and nuclear physics
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