In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, nuclear reactions is a subtopic of Topic 7, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. The unified atomic mass unit
  2. Mass defect and nuclear binding energy
  3. Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion

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

Frequency distribution of questions by nuclear reactions understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, more than two-thirds of the questions came from mass defect and nuclear binding energy. About one-quarter of the questions came from nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. The unified atomic mass unit was relatively less emphasized.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_22_Nuclear_reactions_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the shape of the distribution is almost identical to the entire dataset.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_22_Nuclear_reactions_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by nuclear reactions understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

Half of the questions for the entire dataset for SL came from mass defect and binding energy. About one-third of the questions came from nuclear fission and fusion.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_22_Nuclear_reactions_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, mass defect and binding energy were heavily emphasized; seven out of ten questions came from this understanding.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_22_Nuclear_reactions_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Discrete energy and radioactivity
  2. Nuclear reactions
  3. The structure of matter

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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