In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, oscillations is a subtopic of Topic 4 waves. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Simple harmonic oscillations
  2. Time period, frequency, amplitude, displacement and phase difference
  3. Conditions for simple harmonic motion

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

Frequency distribution of questions by oscillations understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, most of the questions came from simple harmonic oscillations. Only about one-tenth of the questions came from the time period, frequency, amplitude, displacement, and phase difference. Conditions for simple harmonic motion was not assessed in Paper 1 at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_10_Oscillations_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, there is little change compared to the entire dataset. The only difference is the emphasis on time period, frequency, amplitude, displacement and phase difference is increased.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_10_Oscillations_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by oscillations understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

The distribution of questions per understanding for oscillations for SL is very similar to HL.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_10_Oscillations_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

There is almost no difference in the distribution between the entire dataset and the data between these years.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_10_Oscillations_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Oscillations
  2. Travelling waves
  3. Wave characteristics
  4. Wave behaviour
  5. Standing waves

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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