IB Physics Diagnostic Guide

Overview

This diagnostic suite contains 12 topic-level tests for IB Physics. Each test comprises 3 unit tests (single-topic, maximum difficulty) and 3 integration tests (multi-topic synthesis). The questions target the hardest material within the IB specification and are designed to expose deep misconceptions.

Topic Coverage Map

#	File	Topic	Section
1	diag-kinematics.md	Kinematics	Mechanics
2	diag-dynamics.md	Dynamics	Mechanics
3	diag-energy.md	Energy and Conservation	Mechanics
4	diag-rotational-motion.md	Rotational Motion	Mechanics
5	diag-wave-properties.md	Wave Properties	Waves
6	diag-shm.md	Simple Harmonic Motion	Waves
7	diag-electric-magnetic-fields.md	Electric and Magnetic Fields	Fields
8	diag-gravitational-fields.md	Gravitational Fields	Fields
9	diag-induction.md	Induction	Fields
10	diag-thermodynamics.md	Thermodynamics	Thermal Physics
11	diag-atomic-nuclear.md	Atomic and Nuclear Physics	Quantum and Nuclear
12	diag-current-electricity.md	Current Electricity	Electricity

Prerequisite Chains

Kinematics
  └── Dynamics
        ├── Energy and Conservation
        │     └── Rotational Motion
        └── Gravitational Fields

Wave Properties
  └── Simple Harmonic Motion

Electric and Magnetic Fields
  ├── Gravitational Fields
  └── Induction
        └── Current Electricity

Thermodynamics
  └── (independent)

Atomic and Nuclear Physics
  └── (independent)

Critical dependency notes:

• Kinematics must be mastered before Dynamics.
• Dynamics underpins Energy, Rotational Motion, and Gravitational Fields.
• Wave Properties is a prerequisite for SHM.
• Electric and Magnetic Fields should be studied before Induction.
• Thermodynamics and Atomic/Nuclear Physics are relatively independent but require algebra and graph skills from the mechanics topics.
• Current Electricity is most naturally studied after Electric and Magnetic Fields.

Integration Test Cross-References

Primary Topic	Integration Partners
Kinematics	Dynamics, Work-Energy
Dynamics	Energy, Kinematics
Energy	Gravitational Fields, Dynamics
Rotational Motion	Energy, Dynamics, Kinematics
Wave Properties	SHM, Energy
SHM	Dynamics, Energy
Electric/Magnetic Fields	Kinematics, Current Electricity, Energy
Gravitational Fields	Circular Motion, Energy
Induction	Current Electricity, SHM
Thermodynamics	Energy, Kinematics
Atomic/Nuclear	Energy, Electric/Magnetic Fields
Current Electricity	Kirchhoff's Laws, Energy

Grading Rubric

Per-Question Scoring

Each question (unit or integration) is scored on a 0--4 scale:

Score	Descriptor
0	No meaningful attempt, or fundamental misconception evident
1	Correct approach identified but major errors in execution
2	Substantially correct method with one significant error
3	Correct method, minor arithmetical or notational error
4	Fully correct solution with appropriate working and sig figs

Diagnostic Classification

For each topic test (6 questions, max 24 marks):

Total Score	Classification	Interpretation
22--24	Secure	Topic fully mastered; ready for extension
18--21	Proficient	Sound understanding; minor gaps to address
13--17	Developing	Core concepts present but inconsistent application
8--12	Emerging	Significant gaps; foundational revision needed
0--7	Not Started	Major revision required; return to prerequisite topics

Unit vs Integration Analysis

• Unit test score significantly higher than integration score: Student can apply procedures in isolation but struggles with cross-topic synthesis. Focus on mixed-topic practice.
• Integration test score higher than unit test score: Unusual but may indicate stronger conceptual understanding than procedural fluency. Focus on technique.
• Both scores low: Return to prerequisite chain and rebuild from earlier topics.

Recommended Diagnostic Workflow

1. Begin with diag-kinematics.md. If score is below 13, revise before proceeding.
2. Work through prerequisite chains in order.
3. After completing a topic, attempt its integration tests to check cross-topic fluency.
4. Revisit any topic where the gap between unit and integration scores exceeds 4 marks.
5. Use the prerequisite chains to identify whether a low score stems from an earlier topic.

Key Misconceptions Index

Topic	Misconception	Diagnostic Test
Kinematics	Displacement vs distance on sign reversal	UT-2
Kinematics	Projectile sign convention errors	UT-1
Kinematics	Two-stage motion with restitution	UT-3
Dynamics	Newton's 3rd law pair identification	UT-1
Dynamics	Friction inequality vs equality	UT-2
Dynamics	System equilibrium vs individual motion	UT-3
Energy	Work done by friction is path-dependent	UT-1
Energy	Elastic collision energy check	UT-2
Energy	Power = Fv not F/t	UT-3
Rotational Motion	Torque uses perpendicular distance	UT-1
Rotational Motion	Parallel axis theorem application	UT-2
Rotational Motion	Angular momentum conservation with changing I	UT-3
Wave Properties	Intensity proportional to amplitude squared	UT-1
Wave Properties	Wave speed depends on tension and mu	UT-2
Wave Properties	Frequency is invariant across media	UT-3
SHM	SHM condition a = -omega^2 x is necessary and sufficient	UT-1
SHM	KE = PE at A/sqrt(2)	UT-2
SHM	Phase difference in superposition	UT-3
Electric/Magnetic Fields	Field lines never cross	UT-2
Electric/Magnetic Fields	Magnetic force perpendicular to v and B	UT-3
Electric/Magnetic Fields	Superposition requires vector addition	UT-1
Gravitational Fields	Field inside uniform sphere is linear	UT-1
Gravitational Fields	Gravitational potential is always negative	UT-2
Gravitational Fields	Escape velocity is a threshold, not a target speed	UT-3
Induction	Faraday (magnitude) vs Lenz (direction)	UT-1
Induction	Flux linkage = NBA cos(theta), theta is normal angle	UT-2
Induction	Back EMF limits starting current	UT-3
Thermodynamics	Ideal gas is a model, not fundamental law	UT-1
Thermodynamics	First law sign convention	UT-2
Thermodynamics	Carnot efficiency is maximum possible	UT-3
Atomic/Nuclear	Bohr model limitations	UT-1
Atomic/Nuclear	Binding energy per nucleon explains fission/fusion	UT-2
Atomic/Nuclear	Half-life is statistical, not deterministic	UT-3
Current Electricity	Non-ohmic dynamic vs static resistance	UT-1
Current Electricity	Internal resistance reduces terminal PD	UT-2
Current Electricity	Potential divider loading effect	UT-3

IB-Specific Notes

Data Booklet Usage

These diagnostic tests are designed to be attempted under exam conditions. Students may use the IB Physics data booklet. The questions test whether students can apply the formulae correctly in non-standard situations, not whether they have memorised them.

Significant Figures

IB Physics expects answers to be given to an appropriate number of significant figures (typically 3, or consistent with the data provided). One mark is deducted for incorrect sig figs in the grading rubric.

Level of Difficulty

These questions correspond to the hardest questions found on IB Physics Paper 2 (SL/HL) and Paper 3. They target band 7 understanding. Students scoring below "Proficient" on multiple topics should prioritise revision over extension work.