In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, fields at work is a subtopic of Topic 10, fields. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Potential and potential energy
  2. Potential gradient
  3. Potential difference
  4. Escape speed
  5. Orbital motion, orbital speed and orbital energy
  6. Forces and inverse-square law behaviour

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

Frequency distribution of questions by fields at work for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, orbital motion, orbital speed, and orbital energy accounted for more than one-third of the questions. More than one-third of the questions came from potential and potential energy. Potential gradient and forces and inverse-square law behaviour were barely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_32_Fields_at_work_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the shape of the distribution is almost identical to the entire dataset.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_32_Fields_at_work_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Describing fields
  2. Fields at work

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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