IB past paper analysis

Physics SL
May 2026 · Paper 1 · TZ2

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  • 25questions
  • 45marks
  • 38question parts
  • 26micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Experimental skills44%
  • Space, time and motion13%
  • The particulate nature of matter13%
  • Nuclear and quantum physics11%
  • Wave behaviour9%
  • Fields9%

Hardest areas (by marks)

    Question types

    find / solve: 50%identify: 29%explain / justify: 11%sketch: 5%0%
    • find / solve50%
    • identify29%
    • explain / justify11%
    • sketch5%

    0% 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 SL May 2026 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 2026 TZ2 Paper 1?

    Experimental skills 44% (typical 17%), Space, time and motion 13% (typical 19%), The particulate nature of matter 13% (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.

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