IB Physics IA guide

Writing an IB Physics Internal Assessment (IA) is your chance to be a physicist—designing and conducting an experiment, analyzing your data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. It should showcase your ability to apply the scientific method using physics concepts and tools. Here’s a full breakdown to help you write a strong IA.

🧪 1. Choose a Strong Research Question

Your RQ should be clear, focused, and testable. It usually starts with “How does ___ affect ___?” and involves a measurable independent and dependent variable.

✅ Good RQ Examples:

• How does the angle of inclination affect the acceleration of a cart on a ramp?

• How does the thickness of a wire affect its electrical resistance?

• How does temperature affect the period of a simple pendulum?

✨ Tip: Make it original and manageable with the tools you have access to—school lab equipment is enough!

📋 2. Follow the Required Structure

🟣 Title Page

• Title of your investigation

• Subject and level (SL/HL)

• Date

🟡 Introduction and Rationale

• Explain what you’re investigating and why.

• Include the context or real-world relevance.

• State your research question clearly.

Example: “This investigation aims to determine how the launch angle affects the horizontal range of a projectile.”

🔵 Background Theory

• Introduce the relevant physics.

• Include equations, laws, or concepts (e.g. Newton’s laws, Ohm’s law, etc.).

• Show understanding with derivations or examples.

• Cite your sources.

🟢 Methodology

• Variables: Clearly identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables.

• Materials: List all equipment.

• Procedure: Describe your method step by step—detailed enough to be reproducible.

• Diagram: Include labeled diagrams or photos of your setup.

• Address safety, ethical, and environmental considerations.

🟠 Data Collection

• Present raw data in organized tables.

• Include units and uncertainties for each measurement.

• Use enough trials to be statistically meaningful.

🔴 Data Processing and Analysis

• Process your data to find meaningful results (e.g. calculate averages, slopes, derived quantities).

• Include graphs (with uncertainties, best-fit lines, etc.).

• Show sample calculations with units and propagation of uncertainties.

• Discuss sources of error (random vs systematic).

⚫ Conclusion and Evaluation

• Restate your findings clearly.

• Was your hypothesis supported?

• Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of your method.

• Suggest improvements and possible extensions.

📚 References and Appendices

• Cite all sources using a consistent format (APA, MLA, etc.).

• Include raw data tables, calibration info, or extended calculations in appendices if needed.

IA Criteria Breakdown (24 Marks Total)

📌 Tips for Success

• Keep your IA around 6–12 pages or less than 3000 words.

• Use significant figures consistently.

• Uncertainty analysis is crucial—don’t skip it!

• Keep language formal and scientific.

• Make sure everything links back to the research question.