IB past paper analysis

Physics HL
Specimen 2025 · Paper 2

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  • 10questions
  • 90marks
  • 45question parts
  • 28micro-topics

Mark distribution

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

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Postulates of special relativity4 marks
  2. 2.Gravitational potential energy and potential (HL)3 marks
  3. 3.Principles of electromagnetic induction3 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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Explore topic pages

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Predicted questions

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