IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 2, “Mechanics”, has four subtopics: Motion, Forces, Work, energy and power, and Momentum and impulse. This post is part of a larger analysis; I strongly recommend that you check it. 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 particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions with respect to subtopic in Topic 2, mechanics?” This information may help you with being strategic about planning your studies, especially for revision, especially if the exam is getting closer.
Frequency distribution of questions by mechanics subtopics for SL
Between 1999-2023
As shown in Figure 1, for the SL, Motion and Forces subtopics are the most frequently asked questions in IB Physics Paper 1, accounting for about a third of the questions coming from the Mechanics topic. Work, energy, power, momentum, and impulse account for about one-fifth of the questions asked in this topic.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
As shown in Figure 2, the distribution almost looks identical between these years as it was for the entire dataset.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by mechanics subtopics for HL
Between 1999-2023
As shown in Figure 3, for the HL, motion is the most heavily assessed subtopic, followed by forces, together accounting for about two-thirds of the questions. This mimics the results of SL. The major difference is the emphasis placed on motion. Work, energy, and power, followed by momentum and impulse together, account for about a third of the questions asked in mechanics.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
As Figure 4 shows, the distribution of the number of questions per subtopic between these years looks very similar to the entire dataset. One difference stands out: First, the emphasis has shifted from motion to work, energy, and power. This shift balances all subtopics but momentum and impulse.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
You can go for 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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