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

  1. Charge
  2. Electric field
  3. Coulomb’s law
  4. Electric current
  5. Direct current (dc)
  6. Potential difference

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

Frequency distribution of questions by electric fields understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, almost half of the questions assessed understanding the electric field. Electric charge, Coulomb’s law, and electric current accounted for the remaining half of the questions. Potential difference was rarely assessed. Direct current was not assessed at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_15_Electric_fields_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the emphasis on the electric field remained. Electric current also became dominant. Potential difference was again rarely assessed. Again, direct current was not assessed at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_15_Electric_fields_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by electric fields understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire SL dataset, the questions are more evenly distributed among the understandings. Only direct current was barely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_15_Electric_fields_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the understanding of charge was not assessed. The emphasis on electric field and electric current increased.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_15_Electric_fields_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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