In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, electric cells is a subtopic of Topic 5, electricity and magnetism. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Cells
  2. Internal resistance
  3. Secondary cells
  4. Terminal potential difference
  5. Electromotive force (emf)

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

Frequency distribution of questions by electric cells understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, more than half of the questions in Paper 1 came from internal resistance. The terminal potential difference was not assessed at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_17_Electric_cells_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, internal resistance was again heavily emphasized. Terminal potential difference and cells were not assessed at all. Secondary cells became relatively more important.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_17_Electric_cells_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by electric cells understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire SL dataset, secondary cells were not assessed at all. Internal resistance was disproportionately emphasized.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_17_Electric_cells_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the distribution is similar to the entire dataset. Only the emphasis on terminal potential difference is increased.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_17_Electric_cells_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Electric fields
  2. Heating effect of electric currents
  3. Electric cells
  4. Magnetic effects of electric currents

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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