In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, momentum and impulse is a subtopic of Topic 2 mechanics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Newton’s second law expressed in terms of rate of change of momentum
  2. Impulse and force–time graphs
  3. Conservation of linear momentum
  4. Elastic collisions, inelastic collisions and explosions

In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning momentum and impulse understandings?”

Frequency distribution of questions by momentum and impulse understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, collisions and Newton’s second law expressed in terms of rate of change of momentum account for more than two-thirds of the questions. About one-fifth of the questions came from impulse and force-time graphs. Conservation of linear momentum accounted for about one-tenth of the questions.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_7_Momentum_and_impulse_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, Newton’s second law was the most frequently assessed understanding. The remaining three understandings accounted for two-thirds of the questions.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_7_Momentum_and_impulse_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by momentum and impulse understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for SL the distribution is similar to HL. Again, collisions and Newton’s second law were heavily assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_7_Momentum_and_impulse_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the distribution is similar to the entire dataset for SL. One difference is that besides collisions, the remaining three understandings are emphasized in similar amounts.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_7_Momentum_and_impulse_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Motion
  2. Forces
  3. Work, energy and power
  4. Momentum and Impulse

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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