IB Physics Internal Assessment HL on Simple Harmonics

To achieve a perfect 24/24 (a 7) on the IB Physics HL Internal Assessment (IA) under the 2025-2026 syllabus, you must produce a 3,000-word (maximum) report showcasing high-level personal engagement, meticulous data collection, rigorous analysis, and critical evaluation. The IA, now officially called a Scientific Investigation, accounts for 20% of your final grade.

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Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what a 24/24 IA requires:

1. What is the IA?

• Definition: An individual, open-ended scientific investigation. While data collection can be done in small groups, the report must be unique to you.
• Components: It must include a well-defined research question (RQ), background theory, detailed methodology, raw data, processed data, conclusion, and evaluation.
• Format: The report should be 6-12 pages (max 3,000 words), well-organized with clear headings, and include citations.
• Clastify
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2. The 24/24 Criteria Breakdown

The IA is assessed against four equally weighted criteria (6 marks each, total 24):

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A. Research Design (6/6 Marks)

• Focused RQ: The research question must be specific, measurable, and clearly state the independent and dependent variables (e.g., “How does the temperature of a viscous fluid affect its terminal velocity?”).
• Context & Theory: Background physics theory MUST be directly relevant to the RQ. Do not fill space with generic physics.
• Methodology: A detailed, step-by-step procedure that allows for reproducibility. Include a labeled diagram or photograph of the setup.
• Variables: Explicitly define independent, dependent, and controlled variables. Explain how you controlled them.
• Safety/Environmental: Include a brief, honest assessment of safety or environmental considerations.
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B. Data Collection and Processing (6/6 Marks)

• Sufficient Data: At least 5 independent variable values (intervals) and 3-5 trials for each, to ensure a reliable average.
• Uncertainties: Every measurement must have an associated uncertainty (e.g.,
• 0.1 cm for a ruler). Mention instrument limits.
• Processing: Calculate averages, propagate uncertainties (using max-min slope method or formula), and use consistent significant figures.
• Graphs: Must include labeled axes (with units), trendlines, and error bars.
• Sample Calculation: Include a step-by-step example for one calculation (e.g., uncertainty propagation).
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C. Conclusion (6/6 Marks)

• Direct Answer: The conclusion must directly answer the RQ, justified by your data.
• Interpretation: Explain the trend (linear, non-linear) and relate it back to the underlying physics theory.
• Comparison: Compare your experimental value to accepted literature values or theoretical values and discuss the percentage error.
• Consistency: The conclusion must be consistent with the evidence presented in the analysis.
• Clastify
• +4

D. Evaluation (6/6 Marks)

• Critical Thinking: Do not just list “human error” or “friction.” Identify specific, technical sources of error (e.g., systematic error in sensor calibration).
• Impact of Error: Explain how each error affected your results (e.g., “caused an overestimation of the terminal velocity”).
• Improvements: Suggest realistic and specific improvements to the procedure, rather than just “get better equipment”.
• Extensions: Propose a meaningful extension to the experiment to further the study.
• Clastify
• +3

3. Key Tips to Get 100%

• Choose a Simple Topic: A simple experiment done perfectly with excellent analysis scores higher than an overly complex one done poorly.
• Data Over Everything: Ensure you have enough data points to make your graph meaningful.
• “Error Bars” are Crucial: If you don’t have error bars, you cannot get a 7.
• Personal Engagement: Make your introduction explain why this interests you, but keep it concise (one paragraph).
• Use the 3000 Words Wisely: Use the extra space from the new syllabus for in-depth analysis and evaluation, not for fluff.
• Nail IB
• +4

4. 2026 Checklist

• Research Question: “How does [X] affect [Y]?”
• 5+ variations of IV, 3+ trials each.
• Labeled diagram of apparatus.
• Background physics formula derived or explained.
• Uncertainty for every measurement calculated.
• Graph with error bars, trendline, and R
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• R
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• value.
• Max/Min slope drawn on the graph for uncertainty in gradient.
• Specific, non-generic improvements listed.
• Bibliography included.