In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, interference is a subtopic of Topic 9, wave phenomena. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Young’s double-slit experiment
  2. Modulation of two-slit interference pattern by one-slit diffraction effect
  3. Multiple slit and diffraction grating interference patterns
  4. 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.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_28_Interference_HL_1999_2023

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.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_28_Interference_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Simple harmonic motion
  2. Single-slit diffraction
  3. Interference
  4. Resolution
  5. Doppler effect

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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