In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, thermal energy is a subtopic of Topic 8, energy production. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.
- Conduction, convection and thermal radiation
- Black-body radiation
- Albedo and emissivity
- The solar constant
- The greenhouse effect
- Energy balance in the Earth surface–atmosphere system
In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning thermal energy transfer understandings?”
Frequency distribution of questions by thermal energy understandings for HL
Between 1999-2023
For the entire dataset for HL, black-body radiation and the greenhouse effect accounted for about two-thirds of the questions. Albedo and emissivity was also emphasized.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, the emphasis on the greenhouse effect was reduced and the emphasis on albedo and emissivity increased.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by thermal energy understandings for SL
Between 1999-2023
For the entire dataset for SL, the distribution is similar to HL.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
Between these years, black-body radiation is heavily emphasized.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
- Energy sources
- Thermal energy transfer
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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