IB past paper analysis
Physics HL
May 2025 · Paper 2 · TZ1
See what this paper tests, focus on the skills that carry the marks, and practise matched Exam Vault questions with AI marking.
- 9questions
- 90marks
- 45question parts
- 27micro-topics
Mark distribution
- Fields26%
- Wave behaviour22%
- Nuclear and quantum physics22%
- Space, time and motion16%
- The particulate nature of matter14%
Hardest areas (by marks)
- 1.Principles of electromagnetic induction7 marks
- 2.Nuclear fusion and stellar equilibrium5 marks
- 3.First law of thermodynamics3 marks
Question types
- find / solve38%
- outline18%
- write down / state13%
- explain / justify11%
9% of parts are show / prove.
Questions in this paper
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Explore topic pages
Every micro-topic in this paper, with its exam pattern and practice.
Browse Physics HL topicsPredicted questions
The likely question types in the next sitting, from the same data.
Predicted Paper 2Good to know
Can I download Physics HL May 2025 TZ1 Paper 2 here?
No. The paper and its mark scheme belong to the IB and are not reproduced. This page gives the structure of every question (marks, command term, micro-topic, the skill tested), the exam analysis, and practice questions we wrote to test the same skills. Subscribers can also open our summary of how each part's marks are awarded.
Which topics dominate May 2025 TZ1 Paper 2?
Fields 26% (typical 21%), Wave behaviour 22% (typical 14%), Nuclear and quantum physics 22% (typical 20%).
How do I practise this paper without the paper?
Press "Practise similar" on any question. We open questions matched by micro-topic, command term and mark range with model answers and AI marking, then bring you back here.