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

  1. Vector and scalar quantities
  2. Combination and resolution of vectors

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

Frequency distribution of questions by vectors and scalars understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset, vector and scalar quantities understanding account for two-thirds, and the combination and resolution of vectors accounts for one-third of the questions.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_3_Vectors_and_scalars_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

There is a single question related to this subtopic in HL during these years. There might also be a classification error during the analysis.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_3_Vectors_and_scalars_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by vectors and scalars understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset, the shape of the distribution for SL mimics HL. Again, vector and scalar quantities is assessed twice as much as the combination and resolution of vectors.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_3_Vectors_and_scalars_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, almost everything stayed the same as compared to the entire dataset.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_3_Vectors_and_scalars_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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