The Most-Tested Topics in IB Physics SL
Every IB Physics SL past-paper question, mapped to the current syllabus and ranked by how often each topic is tested (2016–2025).
All topics (SL) ()
42 papers analysed · top 15 of 19 topics
| # | Topic | % of all SL questions | Questions | Avg marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forces and momentum | 18.4% | 127 | 1.5 |
| 2 | Kinematics | 14.9% | 103 | 1.2 |
| 3 | Wave characteristics | 14.2% | 98 | 2.7 |
| 4 | Work, energy and power | 13.4% | 92 | 1.3 |
| 5 | Temperature and thermal energy | 9.9% | 68 | 2 |
| 6 | Radioactive decay | 9.6% | 66 | 2.5 |
| 7 | Wave interference | 9.4% | 65 | 4.4 |
| 8 | Current and circuits | 8.6% | 59 | 2.3 |
| 9 | Gases | 8.3% | 57 | 3.4 |
| 10 | Electric fields | 6% | 41 | 1.6 |
| 11 | Stars and astrophysics | 5.2% | 36 | 6.2 |
| 12 | Standing waves | 3.8% | 26 | 2.8 |
| 13 | Simple harmonic motion | 3.8% | 26 | 1.8 |
| 14 | Gravitational fields | 3.8% | 26 | 1.1 |
| 15 | Greenhouse effect | 3.6% | 25 | 2.1 |
How this was measured
Based on OwlsPrep's database of IB Physics SL past papers (2016–2025), 689 questions each tagged to its syllabus topic and mapped to the current IB syllabus via our topic crosswalk. “% of all SL questions” = the share of all tagged IB Physics SL questions that test the topic. Topics no longer in the current syllabus are excluded; because one question can test several topics, shares do not sum to 100%. Figures are aggregate statistics from question metadata — no exam questions or mark schemes are reproduced.
You've seen what's most tested. Now master it.
Photograph any IB Physics SL past-paper question and get the full working — step by step, checked against the mark scheme — not just the final answer.
Solve a question free →