In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, interference is a subtopic of Topic 9, wave phenomena. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.
- Young’s double-slit experiment
- Modulation of two-slit interference pattern by one-slit diffraction effect
- Multiple slit and diffraction grating interference patterns
- Thin film interference
In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning interference understandings?”
Frequency distribution of questions by interference understandings for HL
Between 1999-2023
For the entire dataset for HL, more than half of the questions came from Young’s double-slit experiment. More than a quarter of the questions came from multiple slit and diffraction grating interference patterns. Modulation of two-slit interference pattern by one-slit diffraction effect was relatively less emphasized.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, more than half of the questions came from multiple slit and diffraction grating interference patterns. Thin film interference and Young’s double-slit experiment accounted for one-fifth of the questions each. Modulation of two-slit interference pattern by one-slit diffraction effect was, again, relatively less emphasized.
Figure 2
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
If you are interested in more detailed analyses 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
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