In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, travelling waves is a subtopic of Topic 4 waves. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Travelling waves
  2. Wavelength, frequency, period and wave speed
  3. Transverse and longitudinal waves
  4. The nature of electromagnetic waves
  5. The nature of sound waves

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

Frequency distribution of questions by travelling waves understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, more than two-thirds of the questions assessed the understanding of wavelength, frequency, period, and wave speed. About a quarter of the questions came from transverse and longitudinal waves.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_11_Travelling_waves_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the distribution of questions per understanding for travelling waves was similar to the entire dataset. One difference is that the nature of electromagnetic waves was not assessed between these years.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_11_Travelling_waves_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by travelling waves understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For HL for the entire dataset, the emphasis on wavelength, frequency, period, and wave speed is reduced compared to HL; still, about half of the questions came from this understanding. Transverse and longitudinal waves and the nature of electromagnetic waves were relatively more emphasized for SL as well.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_11_Travelling_waves_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the distribution of questions has been similar to the entire dataset for SL.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_11_Travelling_waves_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Oscillations
  2. Travelling waves
  3. Wave characteristics
  4. Wave behaviour
  5. Standing waves

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.