IB Physics Paper 1 Practice

For IB Physics Paper 1, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering the core subjects and the options chosen by the school, here are three practice questions that span various topics within the IB Physics curriculum. These questions are designed to test conceptual understanding:

Practice Question 1: Waves and Sound

Which of the following statements best describes the principle of superposition as it applies to waves?

A. When two waves meet, their velocities are added together.

B. When two waves meet, their amplitudes combine to form a new wave.

C. When two waves meet, their frequencies are combined.

D. When two waves meet, they cancel each other out.

Solution to Question 1:

The correct answer is B. When two waves meet, their amplitudes combine to form a new wave. This can result in constructive interference (where the amplitudes add together to increase the wave height) or destructive interference (where the amplitudes subtract from each other, potentially canceling out).

Practice Question 2: Electricity and Magnetism

A bar magnet is dropped through a coil of wire connected to a galvanometer. What will the galvanometer indicate?

A. A constant voltage as long as the magnet is in the coil.

B. A voltage that changes direction once during the fall.

C. A voltage that changes direction twice during the fall.

D. No voltage at any time during the fall.

Solution to Question 2:

The correct answer is C. A voltage that changes direction twice during the fall. As the magnet enters the coil, the magnetic flux through the coil changes, inducing a voltage (and hence a current) in one direction. As the magnet falls through and exits the coil, the direction of the changing magnetic flux reverses, inducing a voltage (and current) in the opposite direction.

Practice Question 3: Thermal Physics

Which of the following best explains why gases expand when heated at constant pressure?

A. The mass of the gas molecules increases.

B. The gas molecules collide with the walls of the container more frequently.

C. The gas molecules move more slowly.

D. The distance between gas molecules increases due to an increase in kinetic energy.

Solution to Question 3:

The correct answer is D. The distance between gas molecules increases due to an increase in kinetic energy. When a gas is heated, the average kinetic energy of its molecules increases, which means the molecules move faster. This results in more forceful collisions with the container's walls if the pressure is kept constant, leading to an expansion of the gas.

These questions are designed to test a range of skills, including understanding key concepts in physics, applying principles to different scenarios, and critical thinking. They cover a broad spectrum of the IB Physics curriculum, providing a comprehensive review of the material without the need for mathematical calculations.