IB Physics First Assessment 2016, Topic 3, “thermal physics”, has two subtopics: Thermal concepts and modelling a gas. This post is part of a larger analysis; I strongly recommend that you check the complete analysis. I wanted to figure out which topics were mostly 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 3, thermal 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 thermal physics subtopics for SL
Between 1999-2023
As shown in Figure 1, for the SL, thermal concepts subtopic accounted for about two-thirds of the questions, and modelling a gas accounted for one-third.
Figure 1
Between 2016-2023
The distribution changed dramatically between these years compared to the entire dataset, as shown in Figure 2. Both of the subtopics are almost equally weighted now.
Figure 2
Frequency distribution of questions by thermal physics subtopics for HL
Between 1999-2023
As shown in Figure 3, for the entire dataset, there seems to be a ten percent difference between thermal concepts and modelling a gas in favor of the prior for HL.
Figure 3
Between 2016-2023
However, between these years, as shown in Figure 4, the situation is reversed. Again, about a ten percent difference is observed between thermal concepts and modelling a gas, but this time, it is in favor of the latter. IB appears to have shifted emphasis towards modelling a gas in Paper 1 for HL.
Figure 4
Where to go from here?
You may want to check out the other related subtopics:
You can go for the broader analysis 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
Or check out the analysis for Distribution of Questions by Topic in IB Physics Paper 1
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.