IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 1, “Measurement and uncertainties,” has three subtopics: Measurements in physics, uncertainties and errors, and vectors and scalars. This post is part of a larger analysis. I wanted to figure out which topics were heavily assessed in IB Physics Paper 1 exams. I classified all of the questions from 1999 to 2023. In this post, I am especially interested in answering the question “What is the frequency distribution of the questions with respect to subtopic in Topic 1, measurement and uncertainties?” With the exam approaching, you may find it helpful to strategically arrange your studies, particularly for revision, with the help of this material.
Frequency distribution of questions by measurement and uncertainties subtopics for SL
Between 1999-2023
As shown in Figure 1, almost half of the questions about measurement and uncertainties came from the subtopic measurements in physics. This is followed by about a third of the questions coming from uncertainties and error, and finally, about one-fifth coming from vectors and scalars for the SL.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
As shown in Figure 2, the distribution has shifted, particularly measurement in physics and uncertainties and errors switched places. Now about two-fifths of the questions are accounted by uncertainties and errors.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by measurement and uncertainties subtopics for HL
Between 1999-2023
The distribution for HL is quite different than that of SL, as shown in Figure 3. More than half of the questions are asked from the uncertainties and errors subtopic. Vectors and scalars seem to be assessed rarely.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
The distribution for HL between these years shows an even stronger emphasis placed on uncertainties and errors, and vectors and scalars subtopic questions become even more rare, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
You can check out the broader analysis 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
Or check out the analysis for Distribution of Questions by Topic in IB Physics Paper 1
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