In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, thermal concepts is a subtopic of Topic 3 thermal physics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Molecular theory of solids, liquids and gases
  2. Temperature and absolute temperature
  3. Internal energy
  4. Specific heat capacity
  5. Phase change
  6. Specific latent heat

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

Frequency distribution of questions by thermal concepts understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, specific heat capacity, phase change, and temperature and absolute temperature make about four-fifths of the questions. Specific latent heat and molecular theory of solids, liquids, and gases are rarely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_8_Thermal_concepts_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the emphasis is increased on specific heat capacity understanding; it accounts for almost two-thirds of the questions.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_8_Thermal_concepts_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by thermal concepts understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for SL, the distribution is similar to HL. Again, specific heat capacity, phase change, and temperature and absolute temperature make up about three-quarters of the questions. Specific latent heat and molecular theory of solids, liquids, and gases are rarely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_8_Thermal_concepts_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, similar to HL, the emphasis is increased on specific heat capacity for SL. Internal energy and phase change account for about one-third of the questions. The ratio of temperature and absolute temperature questions is reduced by more than half compared to the entire dataset.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_8_Thermal_concepts_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Thermal concepts
  2. Modeling a gas

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

This work/product/service has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate, Baccalauréat International, Bachillerato Internacional and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.