In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, forces is a subtopic of Topic 2 mechanics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Objects as point particles
  2. Free-body diagrams
  3. Translational equilibrium
  4. Newton’s laws of motion
  5. Solid friction

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

Frequency distribution of questions by forces understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, about two-thirds of the questions were from Newton’s laws of motion and solid friction. Free-body diagrams and translational equilibrium accounted for the remaining one-third of the questions.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_5_Forces_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

The distribution is almost identical between these years with the entire dataset.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_5_Forces_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by forces understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for SL, Newton’s laws of motion were heavily assessed under the subtopic forces, with almost two-thirds of questions coming from this understanding. Solid friction is assessed rarely.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_5_Forces_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, Newton’s laws of motion again appeared to be the most heavily assessed understanding. One difference from the entire dataset is the remaining three understandings are equally frequently assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_5_Forces_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Motion
  2. Forces
  3. Work, energy and power
  4. Momentum and Impulse

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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