IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 5, “Electricity and magnetism,” has four subtopics: Electric fields, the heating effect of electric currents, electric cells, and magnetic effects of electric currents. This post is part of a larger 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 5, electricity and magnetism?” 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 electricity and magnetism subtopics for SL
Between 1999-2023
As shown in Figure 1, for the SL, the heating effects of the currents subtopic accounted for two-fifths of the questions on electricity and magnetism. This is followed by electric fields and magnetic effects of electric currents subtopics, together accounting for about half the questions. The least emphasis seems to be placed on electric cells.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, as shown in Figure 2, the emphasis on the heating effect of electric currents remains unchanged. However, some emphasis shifted towards electric cells. Still, electric fields appear to be the least examined subtopic in Paper 1.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by electricity and magnetism subtopics for HL
Between 1999-2023
The distribution of the number of questions by subtopic in electricity and magnetism for HL seems to be very similar to that of SL, as shown in Figure 3. Again, we see that in Paper 1, the heating effects of electric currents are emphasized, and electric cells are not very emphasized.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, as shown in Figure 4, the emphasis is equalized between the heating effect of electric currents and the magnetic effects of electric currents. The emphasis on electric cells has increased compared to the entire dataset.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
- Electric fields
- Heating effect of electric currents
- Electric cells
- Magnetic effects of electric currents
You can go for the broader analysis 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
Or check out the analysis for Distribution of Questions by Topic in IB Physics Paper 1
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