IB past paper analysis

Physics SL
May 2025 · Paper 1 · TZ2

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  • 25questions
  • 45marks
  • 38question parts
  • 30micro-topics

Mark distribution

  • Experimental skills36%
  • The particulate nature of matter22%
  • Space, time and motion11%
  • Wave behaviour11%
  • Nuclear and quantum physics11%
  • Fields9%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Uncertainties & error propagation3 marks
  2. 2.Fluid resistance and terminal velocity1 marks
  3. 3.Drag force & terminal velocity1 marks

Question types

find / solve: 53%identify: 26%explain / justify: 8%sketch: 5%3%
  • find / solve53%
  • identify26%
  • explain / justify8%
  • sketch5%

3% of parts are show / prove.

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Questions in this paper

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Predicted questions

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Good to know

Can I download Physics SL May 2025 TZ2 Paper 1 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 1?

Experimental skills 36% (typical 19%), The particulate nature of matter 22% (typical 18%), Space, time and motion 11% (typical 16%).

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.