IB past paper analysis

Physics HL
May 2026 · Paper 2 · TZ2

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  • 9questions
  • 90marks
  • 50question parts
  • 33micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Space, time and motion29%
  • Fields26%
  • Wave behaviour16%
  • Nuclear and quantum physics16%
  • The particulate nature of matter14%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Conservation of angular momentum3 marks
  2. 2.Kinetic model of an ideal gas3 marks
  3. 3.Refraction, Snell's law and total internal reflection3 marks

Question types

find / solve: 40%explain / justify: 24%show that / prove: 12%identify: 10%12%
  • find / solve40%
  • explain / justify24%
  • show that / prove12%
  • identify10%

12% 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 2026 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 2026 TZ2 Paper 2?

Space, time and motion 29% (typical 21%), Fields 26% (typical 19%), Wave behaviour 16% (typical 14%).

How do I practise this paper without the paper?

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