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

  1. Circuit diagrams
  2. Kirchhoff’s circuit laws
  3. Heating effect of current and its consequences
  4. Resistance expressed as R=V/I
  5. Ohm’s law
  6. Resistivity
  7. Power dissipation

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

Frequency distribution of questions by the heating effect of electric currents understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, understanding circuit diagrams was heavily assessed. Heating effect of current and its consequences was barely assessed. The emphasis on the remaining understandings was similar except for Ohm’s law.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_16_Heating_effect_of_electric_currents_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, more than half of the questions came from circuit diagrams and Kirchoff’s circuit laws. The heating effect of current and its consequences and resistance expressed as R=V/I were not assessed at all. The emphasis on Ohm’s law increased.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_16_Heating_effect_of_electric_currents_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by the heating effect of electric currents understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

The most emphasized understanding for the entire SL dataset was circuit diagrams. Power dissipation and resistivity were also emphasized; about one-third of the questions came from these understandings.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_16_Heating_effect_of_electric_currents_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, resistance expressed as R=V/I was not assessed at all. Again, circuit diagrams was the most commonly evaluated understanding.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_16_Heating_effect_of_electric_currents_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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