IB past paper analysis

Physics HL
May 2025 · Paper 2 · TZ2

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  • 8questions
  • 90marks
  • 46question parts
  • 26micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Space, time and motion29%
  • Nuclear and quantum physics23%
  • Fields17%
  • The particulate nature of matter16%
  • Wave behaviour16%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Energetics of orbits and escape velocity (HL)4 marks
  2. 2.Ideal gas law, moles and Avogadro3 marks
  3. 3.Diffraction and interference patterns (HL)3 marks

Question types

find / solve: 35%show that / prove: 17%estimate: 13%outline: 11%17%
  • find / solve35%
  • show that / prove17%
  • estimate13%
  • outline11%

17% of parts are show / prove.

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Questions in this paper

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Where to go next

Good to know

Can I download Physics HL May 2025 TZ2 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 TZ2 Paper 2?

Space, time and motion 29% (typical 21%), Nuclear and quantum physics 23% (typical 20%), Fields 17% (typical 19%).

How do I practise this paper without the paper?

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