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

  1. Reflection and refraction
  2. Snell’s law, critical angle and total internal reflection
  3. Diffraction through a single-slit and around objects
  4. Interference patterns
  5. Double-slit interference
  6. Path difference

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

Frequency distribution of questions by wave behaviour understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, reflection and refraction and Snell’s law, critical angle and total internal reflection were the most frequently assessed understandings. Path difference was the least emphasized understanding.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_13_Wave_behaviour_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, again, reflection and refraction and Snell’s law, critical angle and total internal reflection were the most emphasized understandings. Path difference was not assessed at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_13_Wave_behaviour_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by wave behaviour understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for SL, the distribution is similar to SL. Reflection and refraction and Snell’s law, critical angle and total internal reflection were heavily emphasized. Path difference was not assessed at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_13_Wave_behaviour_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, one difference from all other distributions for this subtopic is that diffraction through a single-slit and around objects was not assessed at all.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_13_Wave_behaviour_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

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