# "Explain" questions — IB DP Physics Standard Level (2023 syllabus)

> 94 questions · physics

## How to answer

WHAT + WHY. Every point paired with a because. Structure: X happens because Y. This causes Z because … Assessment Objective: AO2. Every "explain" answer on this spec is marked against exactly this pattern.

## Sample questions

1. [Explain why the fringes in a double-slit interference pattern become less bright and eventually disappear at large angle…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-fringes-in-a-010247cf)
2. [Explain why the motion of a simple pendulum released from a small angle can be modelled as simple harmonic motion, and i…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-motion-of-a-029ac2fc)
3. [Explain why the decay constant of a radioactive nuclide is unaffected by changes in temperature or chemical bonding of t…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-decay-constant-of-0731423e)
4. [Explain why two stationary observers, one standing directly in front of an approaching ambulance and one standing direct…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-two-stationary-observers-one-09fa6136)
5. [Explain why the rate of thermal energy transfer by conduction between two objects in contact decreases over time until i…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-rate-of-thermal-0ff935d3)
6. [Explain why enriched uranium, rather than natural uranium, is typically used as fuel in most nuclear fission reactors.](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-enriched-uranium-rather-than-14873ff9)
7. [Explain why the Earth's surface temperature remains approximately constant despite the Earth continuously absorbing radi…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-earth-s-surface-temperature-1802aaf4)
8. [Explain why two identical resistors connected in parallel have a combined resistance that is less than the resistance of…](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-two-identical-resistors-connected-18799134)

## Related

- [IB DP Physics Standard Level (2023 syllabus) revision notes](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn/ib-dp-physics-standard-level-2023-syllabus)
- [IB DP Physics Standard Level (2023 syllabus) past papers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/past-papers/ib-dp-physics-standard-level-2023-syllabus)
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