In IB Physics First Assessment 2016, work, energy, and power is a subtopic of Topic 2 mechanics. This subtopic has the following understandings associated with it.

  1. Kinetic energy
  2. Gravitational potential energy
  3. Elastic potential energy
  4. Work done as energy transfer
  5. Power as rate of energy transfer
  6. Principle of conservation of energy
  7. Efficiency

In this part of the analysis, I am particularly interested in “What is the frequency distribution of the questions concerning work, energy, and power understandings?”

Frequency distribution of questions by work, energy, and power understandings for HL

Between 1999-2023

For the entire dataset for HL, work done as energy transfer is the most frequently assessed understanding, accounting for more than a quarter of the questions. Power, elastic potential energy, and conservation of energy understandings account for about half of the questions. Gravitational potential energy is the least frequently assessed understanding.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_6_Work,_energy_and_power_HL_1999_2023

Figure 1

Between 2016-2023

Between these years there is a shift in the distribution towards equalizing four understandings. Power, elastic potential energy, kinetic energy, and work are assessed almost in equal frequencies.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_6_Work,_energy_and_power_HL_2016_2023

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of questions by work, energy, and power understandings for SL

Between 1999-2023

The distribution of SL is similar to HL for the entire dataset. Again, work is the most frequent, and gravitational potential energy is the least frequently assessed understanding.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_6_Work,_energy_and_power_SL_1999_2023

Figure 3

Between 2016-2023

Between these years, the emphasis on work has shifted towards elastic potential energy. Efficiency and gravitational potential energy are the least frequently assessed understandings.

frequency_distribution_questions_IB_Physics_subtopic_6_Work,_energy_and_power_SL_2016_2023

Figure 4

Where to go from here?

You may want to check out the other related subtopics:

  1. Motion
  2. Forces
  3. Work, energy and power
  4. Momentum and Impulse

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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