In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, power generation and transmission is a subtopic of Topic 11, electromagnetic induction. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Alternating current (AC) generators
  2. Average power and root mean square (RMS) values of current and voltage
  3. Transformers
  4. Diode bridges
  5. Half-wave and full-wave rectification

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

Frequency distribution of questions by power generation and transmission for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, average power and root mean square (RMS) values of current and voltage accounted for about two-fifths of the questions. One-third of the questions came from transformers. Rectification and diode bridges accounted for less than one-tenth of the questions.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_34_Power_generation_and_transmission_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the significant change is the increased emphasis on rectification and diode bridges.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_34_Power_generation_and_transmission_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Electromagnetic induction
  2. Power generation and transmission
  3. Capacitance

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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