In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, uncertainties and errors is a subtopic of Topic 1 measurement and uncertainties. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Random and systematic errors
  2. Absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties
  3. Error bars
  4. Uncertainty of gradient and intercepts

In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions with respect to uncertainties and errors understandings?”

Frequency distribution of questions by uncertainties and errors understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset, absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties is the most frequently asked understanding, with about two-thirds of the questions coming from these two. Random and systematic errors and error bars follow these, accounting for about one-third of the questions. Uncertainty of gradient and intercepts is rarely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_2_Uncertainties_and_errors_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

There is a major shift in emphasis placed on absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties between these years compared to the entire dataset. About nine-tenths of the questions came from this understanding. Random and systematic errors account for about one-tenth of the questions. The remaining two understandings were not assessed in Paper 1 at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_2_Uncertainties_and_errors_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by uncertainties and errors understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

The general shape of the distribution is similar to HL. Absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties account for about half of the questions. Random and systematic errors and error bars account for the other half of the questions. Uncertainty of gradient and intercepts is again rarely assessed.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_2_Uncertainties_and_errors_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

The shift observed in the distribution for HL is repeated for SL. About nine-tenths of the questions came from absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties. Random and systematic errors account for about one-tenth of the questions. Again, the remaining two understandings were not assessed in Paper 1 for SL.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_2_Uncertainties_and_errors_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Measurements in physics
  2. Uncertainties and errors
  3. Vector and scalar quantities

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

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