In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, standing waves is a subtopic of Topic 4 waves. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.
- The nature of standing waves
- Boundary conditions
- Nodes and antinodes
In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning standing waves understandings?”
Frequency distribution of questions by standing waves understandings for HL
Between 1999-2023
For the entire dataset for HL, almost half of the questions came from boundary conditions. About one-third of the questions came from the nature of standing waves. Nodes and antinodes were the least assessed understanding.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, one difference is nodes and antinodes are not assessed at all.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by wave behaviour understandings for SL
Between 1999-2023
For the entire dataset for SL, more than two-thirds of the questions came from the nature of standing waves. Nodes and antinodes was the least assessed understanding.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, the distribution remained almost the same compared to the entire dataset for SL.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
- Oscillations
- Travelling waves
- Wave characteristics
- Wave behaviour
- Standing waves
If you are interested in more detailed analyses of the topics:
- Measurement and uncertainties
- Mechanics
- Thermal physics
- Waves
- Electricity and magnetism
- Circular motion and gravitation
- Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
- Energy production
- Wave phenomena
- Fields
- Electromagnetic induction
- Quantum and nuclear physics
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