5 Mistakes Most Students Make in IB Physics Exam Questions
I have a truly, horrible exam mistake that I made when I was 17.
Let me share it with you...
In my final History exam at high school, I finished my paper early. I checked through my answers and felt pretty smug while I watched everybody around me madly scribbling until the bitter end. I thought I'd nailed it.
Three minutes before the end of the exam, I noticed that I'd missed the last page of the paper. I'd missed out one whole essay!
I obviously couldn't write the essay in time and I had to end the exam in the knowledge that I'd missed 25% of the paper.
I was devastated.
I thought I'd failed.
I guess there were a few lessons to learn from this experience:
- It's never as bad as you think. My coursework boosted my grade (my other essays were good) and whilst I didn't get the grade I was hoping for, I did get the grades to get into University and study my favourite subjects, Physics!
- You can know the subject inside out, but still make silly mistakes. Those silly mistakes will be the thing that keeps you awake at night well into your forties!
My goal of this article, is to help you avoid the silly mistakes that most students make in their IB Physics exam questions.
These 5 key mistakes have not just been plucked out of thin air! I've gone through the last few years of examiner reports from each IB Physics exam sitting and have highlighted the recurring mistakes that have been identified by IB Physics examiners.
In no particular order we have:
- Incorrect Memorisation of Definitions
- Underestimating the Difficulty of IB Physics Exam Questions
- Disregarding Reasonableness of Answers
- Mixing up Degrees and Radians
- The Perils of Poor Penmanship (Bad Handwriting....)
We'll go through these mistakes below. Note that these mistakes only really matter after you've studied the IB Physics syllabus. So click here if you need a simple strategy on how to study IB Physics.
Mistake #1: Incorrect Memorisation of Definitions
If you analyse IB Physics exam questions, you'll see that they all contain a specific 'exam command' word. This 'exam command' tells you what the examiner expects from your answer. "Define" (and it's more common synonym "State") is one of the more common exam command words found in IB Physics exam questions.
Countless students spend hours memorising lengthy, vague definitions, but this can be an inefficient use of your precious revision time. True, there's a big chance to nudge up your grades with a bit of smart memorisation. The examiners are on my side here;
 “Candidates who compile a glossary of definitions and commit to learning them thoroughly inevitably do better” |
This tells us that those who nail down their glossary of definitions and learn those definitions typically come out on top. And by learn your definitions, I mean giving the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
You only get the marks in IB Physics exam questions if you memorise the exact, precise definition.
Grappling with Definitions Across IB Physics Exam Papers
Paper 1A: It's Not Just About Memory
Don't expect a barrage of multiple-choice questions in Paper 1A that just test your memory. Yet, examiners do nudge you to recall key facts and definitions, as they underpin your overall comprehension, which influences how you tackle the questions. So… definitions are important in Paper 1A for understanding, rather than easy point scoring.
Paper 1B: Where Definitions Count
Here's where you can scoop up marks just for knowing your stuff. Keep your eyes peeled for terms like Accuracy, Precision, Random Uncertainty, Systematic Error, Vector, and Scalar – they're likely candidates for some quick wins.
Paper 2: The Art of Stating Facts
It is more likely to find a question based on proper memorisation of definitions in Paper 2. The new IB Physics syllabus hints that the word “state” would be used as the exam command, rather than ‘define’. We’ll talk about exam command word more here. Each individual question is only worth one or two marks, but there is guaranteed to be at least one ‘state’ question in your final physics exam. This means that knowing your definitions is an easy way to secure quick marks without needing to dust off your problem-solving skills.
Strategies for Mastering the Right Definitions in IB Physics Exam Questions
Diving into TrIBe Physics:
For the smoothest ride to a top grade, I’ve sifted through the exams, zeroed in on the definitions you'll need, and have them lined up and waiting in TrIBe Physics.
If TrIBe Physics is not for you - that’s ok!
Finding Your Way Without TrIBe Physics:
Going solo? Here's how:
- Online Resources (Like Quizlet): You can hunt down definitions on sites such as Quizlet. Just be wary of lists that go overboard with unnecessary terms AND beware that these lists can be written by anyone and they may not be correct….
- Past Papers: Digging into past papers and spotlighting the definitions that come up time and again is a brilliant tactic. It's a bit of a slog but well worth it. Make sure you highlight these gems in your notes as you revise.
Your Handy IB Physics Notes Template For Definitions
There's really no point in putting in lots of working identifying the definitions, only for them to be scribbled down on the back of an envelope that's eventually lost in the back of your desk drawer.
You know I'm here to help you out - so I recommend you use my IB Physics note template. Click here and I can show you how to write the notes for each topic (including definitions) in under 15 minutes.
The Shift in Definitions for IB Physics
Back in the day (think pre-2024 exams), memorising your definitions could give you a 9-11% leg-up on your score. The new curriculum is mixing things up a bit. That's not to say definitions have been given the boot – they still carry weight in IB Physics exam questions but probably not as much as 9-11% of a boost in grade.
Tip: Put together a comprehensive glossary of definitions and learn them inside out.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Difficulty of IB Physics Exam Questions
The challenge in IB Physics exams is real and intentional. The exams are meant to be hard! The examiners deliberately write 50% of the questions to test your higher-order thinking skills. These are the questions that might seem daunting and impossible. These questions demand more than just a cursory glance; they want you to engage with concepts on a deeper level.
You can identify the questions by looking out for the exam command word. They include commands like “explain,” “analyse,” “determine,” and “discuss.”
You’ll find them hard and that’s ok!
Embrace the Difficult IB Physics Exam Questions
The Right Mindset for IB Physics
One of the most important mindsets in IB Physics is learning to love problem-solving and to enjoy the challenge it brings!
Approach these complex problems not as barriers but as puzzles waiting to be solved. Loving the process of untangling a physics problem can transform your study time from a chore into a challenge you’re eager to tackle.
Don’t think of physics as scary, impossible, or difficult. In fact, don’t think of it in negative terms at all. Just think of it as straightforward problem solving.
From Day One: Problem-Solving Practice
You cannot pass any physics exam by just learning facts from a flashcard - you need to be able to solve problems. Ideally that would be an enjoyable experience for you!
You can practice this mindset from day 1 of your course.
Picture the scene...
You have been set 25 physics problems for your homework. They are pretty tricky Kinematics problems and you know they are not going to be easy.
What do you do?
- Do you “google” each problem word-for-word and head to Reddit to find solutions?
- Do you roll up your sleeves and get your calculator out?
If you choose roll up your sleeves embrace the challenge of problem solving, you’ll get better grades in those 50% of higher order questions in the IB Physics exams.
Adapting to the Exam's Difficulty
Keep in mind that IB Physics exams are living, breathing entities – their difficulty morphs year on year. If you're wrestling with those higher-order questions and feeling the burn, remember that you're probably not alone. The grade boundaries flex to match the overall toughness of the exam, so a challenging paper for you likely means a challenging paper for everyone.
Tip: Don’t let the difficulty curve throw you. Acknowledge it, prepare for it, and you'll navigate those tricky waters more skilfully than you thought possible
Mistake #3: Disregarding Reasonableness of Answers
It's vital to ensure that the answers you calculate in IB Physics exam questions are reasonable and within the realms of physical possibility. A classic pitfall is to overlook this, especially in the heat of an exam. The examiners agree:
“Candidates should be encouraged to consider whether an answer is reasonable.” |
Example of an Unreasonable Answer
Question:
An electron is emitted from a photoelectric surface with kinetic energy of 2.1eV. What is the speed of the electron?
Flawed Solution:
In the solution above, a student calculates the speed of the electron but ends up with an answer that suggests the electron is travelling faster than the speed of light. This is a red flag, as nothing with mass can exceed the speed of light. The calculated speed exceeds this universal speed limit, indicating a mistake was made.
The Correct Solution:
A closer inspection reveals that the square root was not taken when solving for the velocity.
Correcting this error brings the electron's speed below the speed of light, which makes sense physically and earns full marks for the question.
Conducting a "Reasonableness Check" in IB Physics exam questions
It's perfectly ok if you get wrong answers in your IB Physics exam, as long as you notice it and change it before you complete the exam!
When reviewing your calculations, consider these guidelines to ensure your answers are physically plausible:
- The energy of a visible light photon is around J.
- The refractive index for any material in the visible spectrum ranges from 1.00 to 2.50.
- The speed of any object with mass must be less than m/s—the speed of light.
- Mass, density, and time are always non-negative quantities.
- Absolute zero is -273.15°C; temperatures below this are not feasible.
Never forget to question the plausibility of your answers.
Tip: Conduct a quick "sanity check" to avoid losing out on easy marks.
Your results need to be reasonable and adhere to established physical principles, so keep these in mind as you solve and review problems in your IB Physics exams.
Mistake #4: Mixing up Degrees and Radians
One of the common areas where students stumble is the correct use of degrees and radians, particularly in topics such as A.2 Forces and Momentum, with its subtopics of angular velocity and acceleration, and C.1 Simple Harmonic Motion.
IB Physics Examiner Insight on the Mix-Up
Examiners have pinpointed this issue as recurring, stating,
"A common mistake was to get confused between radians and degrees.” |
This highlights the need for students to be vigilant about the units they are working with.
How to Use Your Calculator in IB Physics Exams
Mode Setting:
Before diving into calculations, make sure your calculator is set to the correct mode. If your work involves angular measurements, check whether you should be using degrees or radians.
Without a Calculator:
For those who opt for manual calculations, remember this essential conversion:
To convert radians to degrees, use the factor:
Consistency Across the IB Physics Syllabus
Default Setting:
As a rule of thumb, most of the IB Physics curriculum employs degrees. Therefore, it's best practice to set your calculator to 'degree' mode by default.
Which IB Physics Exam Questions Will Use Radians?
However, when you tackle questions on angular velocity or acceleration, particularly in Topic A.2, be prepared to switch to 'radian' mode as necessary.
Tip: Being conscious of whether a question calls for degrees or radians, and adjusting your approach accordingly, is crucial.
This attention to detail can prevent unnecessary errors and ensure you're on the right track during class tests and IB Physics exams.
Mistake #5: The Perils of Poor Penmanship
A browse through the r/IBO community on Reddit reveals a flurry of concerns about handwriting legibility.
When it comes to handwriting, some of you are cooked 💀💀💀
With IB Physics exams questions requiring precise answers, clarity in handwriting is not just a nicety—it's a necessity.
IB Physics Examiner's Handwriting Concern
The Clear Warning:
Examiners across the board voice a consistent message:
"Student handwriting continues to be an issue. Examiners cannot give credit for illegible statements.” |
Quite simply, they can't award marks for what they can't decipher. Illegible handwriting is an avoidable pitfall that can cost you dearly in terms of scores.
There's MORE Than Just a Handwriting Concern...!
It's Not Only Handwriting - Calculations Too!
Beyond the handwriting itself, the presentation of written, algebraic, and numerical work is frequently subpar. In the whirlwind of exam pressure, students often scramble their numerical solutions into an incoherent mess.
Stay Within The Spaces
IB Physics exams provide ample space for your answers. It's your responsibility to practice presenting your work neatly and logically.
Are Your Numbers A Nightmare?
Too often, figures like 4, 7, and 9 are scrawled in a way that makes them nearly indistinguishable from one another; even powers of ten suffer the same fate. Don't expect examiners to play guessing games; they won't.
Practice Makes Perfect
Tip: Develop a consistent practice of laying out your work in a clear, straightforward manner. This skill, like any other, requires regular practice to perfect.
Seeking help on internet forums at the eleventh hour is not the solution! Writing legibly and presenting final answers prominently should be part of your preparation from day one.
Straying outside the designated answer areas is a common mistake. Examiners strive to credit all visible work, but they can't score what they can't see. Keep your work contained and highlight any off-scanning, or it may go unnoticed.
Remember, your IB Physics exam is not only a test of your scientific understanding but also a demonstration of your ability to communicate effectively under exam conditions.
Don't let poor handwriting or disorganised work be the barrier between you and the grades you aim to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I effectively memorise IB Physics definitions?

This article will help. I have three methods that I find particularly useful for memorising IB Physics definitions. Using TrIBe Physics will help because we have already created a researched glossary of key definitions and work with you as we learn them together.
Are definitions still important in the new IB Physics syllabus 2025+?

Yes, definitions continue to be important, although the emphasis might be slightly less than in the old syllabus. Knowing the correct definitions can still contribute significantly to your final score.
Why are 50% of the questions in the IB Physics exam considered hard?

The IB Physics exams are designed to assess higher-order thinking skills, this allows for a more fair distribution of final grades. Questions that require explanation and analysis make up 50% of the papers and are included to challenge your problem-solving abilities and understanding of the subject.
What should I do if I find a physics problem challenging?

IB Physics is a two year course for a reason… it generally takes two years to develop the problem-solving skills necessary to score top marks in your final IB Physics exams. That’s why you’ll find class tests and mock exams hard - you haven’t developed the problem-solving skills yet. There are ways to speed up mastering this skill.
You can embrace the challenge. Engage with the problem, and don't shy away from attempting it without external help. They are called ‘problems’ for a reason! This approach helps improve problem-solving skills and prepares you for difficult exam questions.
You can join TrIBe Physics. I’ve designed the course to accelerate your development of problem-solving skills and exam technique as part of my 4 Step Success Path. I teach you how to study IB physics in a way that is tailored towards the IB physics exam questions.
How do I ensure my answers are reasonable in IB Physics exams?

Always cross-check your answers against known physical constants and principles. Remember that things like the speed of light are limits that can't be exceeded, and conduct sanity checks on your calculations. These basic checks will help you determine if your answers are wrong in IB exams
What if I make an error in my calculations during the exam?

If you notice an error, correct it clearly and concisely. If you run out of space, clearly indicate where the examiner can find your continued work. Avoid working outside the designated areas whenever possible.
How can mixing up degrees and radians affect my exam score?

Using the wrong unit can lead to incorrect answers, especially in problems involving angles and trigonometry. Always confirm whether you should use degrees or radians before starting a calculation.
What should I do if my handwriting might be hard to read?

Practice writing legibly and organising your answers clearly. Sadly, there’s nobody else that can do this for you. You have to work at it. Make sure your final answers are easy to find and understand. Start practicing well before the exam so that clear handwriting becomes a habit.
How do examiners view illegible handwriting in IB Physics exams?

Examiners cannot award marks for answers they cannot read. Ensuring your handwriting is legible and your calculations are well-organised is essential for receiving full credit for your answers.
Hope it helps
