In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, modelling a gas is a subtopic of Topic 3 thermal physics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Pressure
  2. Equation of state for an ideal gas
  3. Kinetic model of an ideal gas
  4. Mole, molar mass and the Avogadro constant
  5. Differences between real and ideal gases

In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning modelling a gas understandings?”

Frequency distribution of questions by modelling a gas understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, more than two-thirds of the questions came from the equation of state for an ideal gas understanding. The kinetic model of an ideal gas accounted for about one-fifth of the questions. Mole, molar mass, and Avagadro constant and pressure were rarely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_9_Modelling_a_gas_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years for HL, the distribution is similar to the entire dataset.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_9_Modelling_a_gas_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by modelling a gas understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for SL, the shape of the distribution is similar to HL. Again, more than half of the questions came from the equation of state for an ideal gas. More than a quarter of questions came from the kinetic model of an ideal gas understanding.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_9_Modelling_a_gas_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the distribution is very similar to the entire dataset for SL. The equation of state for an ideal gas and kinetic model of an ideal gas account for nine-tenths of the questions. The remaining three understandings are rarely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_9_Modelling_a_gas_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Thermal concepts
  2. Modeling a gas

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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