Which nuclear physics understandings get assessed most in IB Physics Paper 1?

In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, nuclear physics is a subtopic of Topic 12, quantum and nuclear physics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

1. Rutherford scattering and nuclear radius
2. Nuclear energy levels
3. The neutrino
4. The law of radioactive decay and the decay constant

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

Frequency distribution of questions by nuclear physics for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, more than half of the questions came from the law of radioactive decay and the decay constant. Rutherford scattering and nuclear radius and nuclear energy levels accounted for more than two-fifths of the questions. The neutrino was barely assessed.

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the emphasis on Rutherford scattering and nuclear radius increased, and the focus on the law of radioactive decay and the decay constant decreased.

Figure 2

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

1. The interaction of matter with radiation
2. Nuclear physics

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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