What are Physics EE examples?

Physics EE examples are real student coursework samples that help you understand structure, rubric expectations, and the standard of work expected in IB Extended Essay.

How should I use these examples?

Use them to compare structure, evidence, feedback, and scoring patterns. Do not copy the topic or wording; use the examples to improve your own planning and revision decisions.

Are these examples useful for understanding IB marking?

Yes. Examples with score and feedback signals help you connect concrete student work to the assessment criteria and understand what stronger submissions tend to do well.

IB Physics EE Examples

IB Physics EE Grader

Lots of students struggle to unpack their Physics Extended Essay grade and assessment.
This is a free grading tool that breaks down the IB Biology EE rubric into plain English, so you understand exactly where your 4,000-word research project stands across all five assessment criteria.
The embedded grader makes self-evaluation faster and more accurate than manual rubric checking, so you're never left guessing.

Note

The grader works in two modes:

Draft Mode: Quick assessment of your work-in-progress. Input your current sections and get instant feedback on which criteria need more work before you finish writing.
Full Mode: Complete evaluation of your finished EE. Input your final project details across all criteria and get a comprehensive grade breakdown with specific improvement suggestions for each section.

Quick Start Checklist

Before using the grader, ensure you understand these key elements:
1. Research Question - Clear, focused physics question that can be answered through secondary research and analysis
2. Physics Focus - Must be firmly based on established physics theory from classical to modern physics
3. Academic Sources - Minimum 15-20 credible sources including physics journals, research papers, and scientific publications
4. Physics Analysis - Critical evaluation of physics evidence with mathematical analysis and theory application
5. Word Count Verification - Maximum 4,000 words (excluding bibliography, footnotes, and appendices)
6. Complete Structure - Introduction, Investigation, Analysis, Conclusion, Bibliography, and Reflections
7. Supervisor Meetings - Evidence of 3 mandatory reflection sessions with your EE supervisor
8. Mathematical Content - Appropriate use of physics mathematics and quantitative analysis where relevant

Rubric Breakdown

The IB Physics EE is assessed based on five criteria, totaling 34 marks. Here's a breakdown:

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)

This criterion tests how clear and focused your physics research question is.
It evaluates whether your methodology is appropriate for physics investigation.

Mark Band	What It Means	Evidence You Must Show
5-6	Excellent focus and method.	Clear, focused research question; well-designed methodology directly addressing the question.
3-4	Good focus and method.	Research question and methodology are clear but may have minor flaws.
1-2	Basic focus and method.	Research question and methodology are present but lack clarity or appropriateness.
0	Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors.	Research question and methodology are unclear or absent.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

This evaluates your grasp of physics concepts and scientific knowledge.
It tests how well you apply physics theory and demonstrate subject expertise.

Mark Band	What It Means	Evidence You Must Show
5-6	Excellent knowledge and understanding.	Accurate application of physics concepts; clear connection to the research question.
3-4	Good knowledge and understanding.	Generally accurate application of physics concepts; some connection to the research question.
1-2	Basic knowledge and understanding.	Limited application of physics concepts; weak connection to the research question.
0	Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors.	Misapplication or absence of relevant physics concepts.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)

This is the most important criterion - worth 35% of your total grade.
It assesses your ability to analyze physics data, evaluate scientific evidence, and synthesize findings.

Mark Band	What It Means	Evidence You Must Show
10-12	Excellent critical thinking.	Thorough analysis; well-supported arguments; insightful conclusions.
7-9	Good critical thinking.	Adequate analysis; arguments supported with some evidence; reasonable conclusions.
4-6	Basic critical thinking.	Limited analysis; weak arguments; conclusions lack support.
1-3	Poor critical thinking.	Minimal analysis; arguments and conclusions are unsupported.
0	Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors.	Lack of analysis; absence of arguments and conclusions.

Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)

This assesses professional presentation and academic formatting.
It includes structure, physics communication, and adherence to academic conventions.

Mark Band	What It Means	Evidence You Must Show
3-4	Excellent presentation.	Clear structure; concise language; correct formatting.
2	Good presentation.	Generally clear structure; some language or formatting issues.
1	Basic presentation.	Disorganized structure; unclear language; significant formatting errors.
0	Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors.	Lack of structure; poor language; incorrect formatting.

Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)

This tests your personal engagement with the physics research process.
It's based on your reflection sessions and demonstrates your intellectual development.

Mark Band	What It Means	Evidence You Must Show
5-6	Excellent engagement.	Deep reflection; clear evidence of personal engagement and growth.
3-4	Good engagement.	Some reflection; limited evidence of personal engagement.
1-2	Basic engagement.	Minimal reflection; little evidence of personal engagement.
0	Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors.	No reflection or evidence of personal engagement.

How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool

The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 28 marks across all criteria except E, your reflections.
Here's how to interpret your results:
1. 24-28 marks (Grade A territory): Excellent work with sophisticated physics research. Minor refinements needed.
2. 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong project with good physical analysis. Focus on critical evaluation and chemical theory synthesis.
3. 14-18 marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen physical analysis and evidence evaluation.
4. 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research focus and physical understanding.

Tip

If you're between bands, focus on Criterion C (Critical Thinking) - it offers the biggest impact for improvement.

Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark

IB Extended Essay grade boundaries are consistent across subjects but can vary slightly by session:

IB Grade	Mark Range (out of 34)	Percentage	Description
A	27-34	79-100%	Excellent
B	21-26	62-76%	Good
C	14-20	41-59%	Satisfactory
D	7-13	21-38%

Tip

Grades D or E in your EE mean you cannot receive the IB Diploma, regardless of other grades
Your EE grade combines with TOK to contribute up to 3 bonus points to your total IB score.

Subject-Specific Tips

Classical Mechanics Focus:
1. Investigate advanced dynamics, celestial mechanics, fluid dynamics, or oscillation systems.
2. Include mathematical derivations and theoretical predictions with experimental verification.
Electromagnetism Focus:
1. Examine electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, antenna design, or plasma physics.
2. Use Maxwell's equations and field theory to support quantitative analysis.
Quantum Physics Focus:
1. Focus on quantum mechanics applications, atomic physics, solid-state theory, or quantum technologies.
2. Include Schrödinger equation solutions and quantum mechanical calculations where relevant.
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics:
1. Analyze heat engines, phase transitions, statistical distributions, or entropy applications.
2. Use thermodynamic laws and statistical mechanics principles in analysis.
Modern Physics Focus:
1. Investigate relativity applications, particle physics, cosmology, or nuclear physics.
2. Include relativistic calculations and modern physics concepts with current research.

Common Mistake

And quick fixes:

Too broad research question → Focus on specific physics phenomena or theoretical applications with clear scope
Insufficient physics sources → Use minimum 15-20 peer-reviewed papers from physics journals and recent research
Purely descriptive content → Include critical analysis, mathematical derivations, and theoretical comparisons
Weak physics theory application → Connect findings to fundamental principles, mathematical laws, and physical models
Poor methodology explanation → Clearly explain your research approach and source evaluation criteria
Missing mathematical content → Include relevant equations, derivations, and quantitative analysis where appropriate
Inadequate physics communication → Use proper physics notation, clear diagrams, and precise scientific language
Word count violations → Stay within 4,000 words; only first 4,000 words are marked
Generic conclusions → Base conclusions on specific physics evidence and quantitative analysis
Poor academic referencing → Use consistent citation style and credible physics sources

FAQs

Can I conduct original experiments for my Physics EE?
1. Not recommended - focus on theoretical analysis and literature review rather than primary experimentation.
How mathematical should my Physics EE be?
1. Include appropriate mathematics for your topic - derivations and calculations enhance analysis but shouldn't dominate.
Should my EE connect to my IA topic?
1. No, avoid overlap - choose a different physics focus or theoretical approach for your EE.
What level of physics is expected?
1. Beyond IB syllabus is acceptable and encouraged - explain advanced concepts clearly for educated readers.
How important are physics diagrams?
1. Very important - include theoretical diagrams, field visualizations, circuit schematics, and conceptual illustrations.
Can I focus on engineering applications?
1. Yes, but maintain physics focus on underlying principles rather than purely engineering aspects.
Should I include computational physics?
1. Where relevant - numerical simulations and computational models can support theoretical analysis.
How detailed should mathematical derivations be?
1. Include key derivations that support your analysis - full mathematical detail where it enhances understanding.

Use the Free Physics Extended Essay Grader Now

Stop guessing about your grade.
The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your EE against all five official criteria, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
Input your project details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
Physics-specific analysis helps you master the theoretical research and critical evaluation that separate excellent from average Physics Extended Essays.