In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, discrete energy and radioactivity is a subtopic of Topic 7, atomic, nuclear and particle physics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Discrete energy and discrete energy levels
  2. Transitions between energy levels
  3. Radioactive decay
  4. Fundamental forces and their properties
  5. Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays
  6. Half-life
  7. Absorption characteristics of decay particles
  8. Isotopes
  9. Background radiation

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

Frequency distribution of questions by discrete energy and radioactivity understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, more than half of the questions came from radioactive decay and transition between energy levels. Background radiation and absorption characteristics of decay particles were hardly assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_21_Discrete_energy_and_radioactivity_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, absorption characteristics of decay particles and isotopes were not assessed at all. The emphasis on half-life increased.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_21_Discrete_energy_and_radioactivity_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by discrete energy and radioactivity understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

Radioactive decay and half-life were heavily emphasized for the entire dataset for SL. Again, background radiation and absorption characteristics of decay particles were barely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_21_Discrete_energy_and_radioactivity_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, again, absorption characteristics of decay particles and isotopes were not assessed at all. Half-life, radioactive decay, and transition between energy levels were emphasized.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_21_Discrete_energy_and_radioactivity_SL_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

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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