Introduction
The IB Physics Internal Assessment (IA) is an opportunity for students to explore physics beyond the classroom. Worth 20% of your final grade, the IA allows you to design and carry out your own investigation. But one of the hardest parts is simply deciding on a research question.
Many students repeat overused experiments or choose topics too complex to complete properly. This guide provides unique IB Physics IA ideas that are creative, feasible, and capable of scoring top marks.
What Makes a Strong Physics IA Idea?
A good Physics IA should be:
- Original — not just a copy of a textbook experiment.
- Feasible — can be completed with school lab resources.
- Focused — has a clear, measurable independent variable.
- Relevant — connects to real-life physics applications.
- Analytical — allows you to process data with depth.
Remember, examiners reward personal engagement, thoughtful design, and strong analysis — not just flashy experiments.
Unique IB Physics IA Ideas
Here are categories and sample ideas that can inspire your IA:
Mechanics
- Investigating how different surfaces affect the coefficient of friction for rolling objects.
- Analyzing the effect of string length on centripetal force in circular motion.
- Exploring how mass distribution influences rotational acceleration of a homemade wheel.
Waves
- Investigating how the thickness of materials affects sound absorption.
- Exploring resonance frequencies in water-filled bottles at different volumes.
- Studying the effect of string tension on frequency in homemade string instruments.
Electricity and Magnetism
- Investigating how wire thickness affects resistance and heating rate.
- Exploring how coil turns affect the strength of an electromagnet.
- Studying the effect of distance on the efficiency of wireless energy transfer.
Thermal Physics
- Investigating how different liquids retain heat when exposed to the same environment.
- Exploring the effect of surface area on cooling rates.
- Studying insulation efficiency using homemade materials.
Modern Physics
- Investigating how LED brightness changes with applied voltage.
- Exploring the photoelectric effect through light intensity and output.
- Studying how radiation shielding varies with material thickness.
Tips for Choosing the Right IA Idea
- Keep it simple. A manageable project done well scores higher than an ambitious one done poorly.
- Focus on variables. Make sure you can control and measure variables accurately.
- Think about resources. Choose an idea that fits your lab equipment and time frame.
- Engage personally. Link your IA to hobbies or interests (e.g., music, sports, technology).
- Plan for analysis. Ensure your topic allows for graphs, calculations, and statistical evaluation.
Common Mistakes in Physics IA Ideas
- Choosing overdone experiments like pendulum swings or projectile motion without adding originality.
- Picking topics too advanced (e.g., quantum mechanics requiring specialized equipment).
- Collecting too little data or failing to repeat trials.
- Ignoring uncertainties and limitations in measurement.
How to Turn a Basic Idea Into a Unique One
Example: Instead of just studying “how the length of a pendulum affects its period,” you could:
- Investigate how pendulum behavior changes with different fluids providing air resistance.
- Explore how pendulum swings change when the pivot point is altered.
By adding a creative twist, you transform a basic idea into an engaging IA.
Checklist for Finalizing Your Physics IA Idea
- Does it answer a specific, measurable research question?
- Can you collect enough reliable data within school resources?
- Does it allow for analysis beyond simple description?
- Will it show personal engagement?
- Is it safe and practical?
FAQs About IB Physics IA Ideas
1. Do I need a completely original Physics IA idea?
Not completely — you can adapt existing experiments, but add your own twist to show engagement.
2. Can I use simulations instead of real experiments?
Yes, if resources are limited, but explain why and ensure your analysis is strong.
3. How long should my Physics IA be?
Around 6–12 pages, with a word count of about 2,200 words. Quality and clarity matter more than length.
4. How important is personal engagement?
Very. Examiners reward students who show genuine curiosity and ownership of their project.
5. What if my results don’t match expectations?
That’s fine. The IB values analysis and evaluation of errors more than “perfect” results.
Conclusion
The IB Physics IA is your chance to explore physics creatively. By choosing a manageable yet unique idea, you can showcase curiosity, design skills, and analytical thinking. From mechanics to modern physics, the best IAs are not the flashiest, but the ones that are well-planned and deeply analyzed.
With a thoughtful research question and careful execution, your Physics IA can be a highlight of your IB experience.
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