IB past paper analysis

Physics HL
Specimen 2025 · Paper 2

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  • 10questions
  • 90marks
  • 45question parts
  • 25micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Fields30%
  • Nuclear and quantum physics30%
  • Space, time and motion20%
  • Wave behaviour11%
  • The particulate nature of matter9%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Fission and chain reactions6 marks
  2. 2.Lorentz transformations4 marks
  3. 3.Energetics of orbits and escape velocity (HL)3 marks

Question types

find / solve: 22%show that / prove: 18%write down / state: 13%outline: 13%18%
  • find / solve22%
  • show that / prove18%
  • write down / state13%
  • outline13%

18% 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 Specimen 2025 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 Specimen 2025 Paper 2?

Fields 30% (typical 19%), Nuclear and quantum physics 30% (typical 20%), Space, time and motion 20% (typical 21%).

How do I practise this paper without the paper?

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