IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 8, “Energy production”, has two subtopics: Energy sources and thermal energy transfer. 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 8, energy production?” 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 energy production subtopics for SL

Between 1999-2023

As shown in Figure 1, for the SL, energy sources and thermal energy transfers were assessed in equal proportions; half of the questions came from one subtopic and the other half from the other.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_8_Energy_production_SL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, as shown in Figure 2, the balance of the questions per subtopic shifted a little in favor of energy sources.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_8_Energy_production_SL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by energy production subtopics for HL

Between 1999-2023 and 2016-2023

As shown in Figure 3, for HL, for both the entire dataset and the limited dataset, energy sources were assessed more frequently in Paper 1 than thermal energy transfer, which is very similar to the distribution for SL between 2016 and 2023.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_8_Energy_production_HL_1999_2023

Figure 3

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_8_Energy_production_HL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Energy sources
  2. Thermal energy transfer

You can check out the broader analysis 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

Or check out the analysis for Distribution of Questions by Topic in IB Physics Paper 1

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