IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 12, “Quantum and nuclear physics”, has two subtopics: The interaction of matter with radiation and nuclear physics. This post is part of a larger analysis. I wanted to figure out which topics were heavily assessed in IB Physics Paper 1 exams. I classified all of the questions from 1999 to 2023. In this post, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions with respect to subtopic in Topic 12, quantum and nuclear physics?” This information may help you with being strategic about planning your studies, especially for revision, especially if the exam is getting closer.

Frequency distribution of questions by quantum and nuclear physics subtopics for SL

Between 1999-2023

As shown in Figure 1, for the entire dataset, the interaction of matter with radiation was emphasized more than nuclear physics. Two-thirds of the questions came from the subtopic the interaction of matter with radiation, one-third came from nuclear physics.

![frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_12_Quantum_and_nuclear_physics_HL_1999_2023](Which quantum and nuclear physics subtopics get assessed most in IB Physics Paper 1.assets/frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_12_Quantum_and_nuclear_physics_HL_1999_2023.png)

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

As shown in Figure 2, the situation remained more or less the same between these years as compared to the entire dataset. Again, the interaction of matter with radiation was emphasized more than nuclear physics.

![frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_12_Quantum_and_nuclear_physics_HL_2016_2023](Which quantum and nuclear physics subtopics get assessed most in IB Physics Paper 1.assets/frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_topic_12_Quantum_and_nuclear_physics_HL_2016_2023.png)

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

You can go for the broader analysis 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

Or check out the analysis for Distribution of Questions by Topic in IB Physics Paper 1

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