In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, measurements in physics is a subtopic of Topic 1 measurement and uncertainties. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.
- Fundamental and derived SI units
- Scientific notation and metric multipliers
- Significant figures
- Orders of magnitude
- Estimation
In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “what is the frequency distribution of the questions with respect to measurements in physics understandings?”
Frequency distribution of questions by measurements in physics understandings for HL
Between 1999-2023
For the entire dataset for HL, fundamental and derived SI units and orders of magnitude are the most frequently asked understandings, with more than two-thirds of the questions coming from these two. Estimation follows these with accounting for about one-fifth of the questions. Significant figures and scientific notation are rarely assessed.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
The major difference between these years is the emphasis on fundamental and derived units is increased even more. Orders of magnitude and estimation are less frequently assessed. Significant figures are not directly assessed at all.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by measurements in physics understandings for SL
Between 1999-2023
The frequency distribution for SL is similar to that of HL for the entire dataset. There is one difference that stands out. There is more emphasis on significant figures.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, the overall pattern for significant figures is conserved. Fundamental and derived units is the most frequently assessed understanding. The emphasis on significant figures is less but still existent.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
- Measurements in physics
- Uncertainties and errors
- Vector and scalar quantities
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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