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

  1. Distance and displacement
  2. Speed and velocity
  3. Acceleration
  4. Graphs describing motion
  5. Equations of motion for uniform acceleration
  6. Projectile motion
  7. Fluid resistance and terminal speed

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

Frequency distribution of questions by motion understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

Projectile motion and graphs describing motion for the entire dataset make up more than half of the questions. Equations of motion for constant acceleration and fluid resistance and terminal speed accounts for about a quarter of the questions. Acceleration, distance and displacement and speed and velocity were assessed relatively less than the other understandings.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_4_Motion_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the distribution is similar to the entire dataset. One difference is the increase in the emphasis on acceleration.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_4_Motion_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by motion understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

The distribution for SL for the entire dataset looks similar to HL. One difference is that the most commonly assessed understanding is graphs describing motion, and the second is projectile motion.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_4_Motion_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the distribution compared to the entire dataset for SL looks similar, with one difference. Projectile motion and graphs describing motion switched the first and second places.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_4_Motion_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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