IB past paper analysis

Physics SL
May 2025 · Paper 2 · TZ3

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  • 6questions
  • 50marks
  • 29question parts
  • 18micro-topics

Mark distribution

  • Space, time and motion26%
  • The particulate nature of matter22%
  • Fields18%
  • Nuclear and quantum physics18%
  • Wave behaviour16%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Latent heat and calorimetry3 marks
  2. 2.Energy released in radioactive decay2 marks
  3. 3.Kepler's laws and orbital motion2 marks

Question types

explain / justify: 24%show that / prove: 21%find / solve: 21%outline: 10%21%
  • explain / justify24%
  • show that / prove21%
  • find / solve21%
  • outline10%

21% 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 TZ3 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 TZ3 Paper 2?

Space, time and motion 26% (typical 16%), The particulate nature of matter 22% (typical 18%), Fields 18% (typical 17%).

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.