Physics IA Exemplar: Inclination Angle, Acceleration, and Dynamic Friction | RevisionDojo
IB Physics SL Internal Assessment Exemplar
How does inclination angle affect the acceleration of a block sliding up and down an incline, and
what is the coefficient of dynamic friction between metal and wood?
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Overall Score: 17/24
IB Grade: 6
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Criteria A: Research Design
5/6
0
3
6
Criteria Strands
Excellent
Research question context
Excellent
Methodological considerations for collecting data
Excellent
Methodological considerations
Criteria Feedback
The research question is situated within a specific and appropriate physical context, linking incline motion to Newton’s second law and literature values for μ_d.
Apparatus lists, diagrams, photographs and an eight-step procedure allow a competent reader to reproduce the experiment.
Methodological considerations (angle range choice, control of variables, repeated trials) are thoroughly explained and justified.
Broader practical applications of the investigation are not discussed, limiting the context depth.
Minor ambiguities remain (e.g. LoggerPro sampling rate, exact region selection for slope fitting).
Hand-pushing the block introduces uncontrolled initial velocity that should be quantified or mechanized.
Criteria B: Data Analysis
4/6
0
3
6
Criteria Strands
Excellent
Communication of data recording and processing
Excellent
Consideration of uncertainties
Excellent
Data processing quality
Criteria Feedback
Data tables and graphs are well formatted with correct units, titles, labels and error bars, supporting clarity and precision.
Uncertainties (instrumental, random, propagated) are considered throughout, with error bars and discussion of their influence on reliability.
Data processing (averages, differences, linearisation) is logical and internally consistent, matching theoretical expectations.
Several minor communication issues: typographical slips, inconsistent numbering and confusing sign conventions.
The origin of the fitting coefficient (8.480) is unexplained, reducing transparency.
Motion-detector resolution and combined uncertainty of the mean are not fully propagated or discussed.
Criteria C: Conclusion
4/6
0
3
6
Criteria Strands
Excellent
Conclusion relevance and support
Excellent
Scientific context comparison
Criteria Feedback
Conclusions (relationships of acceleration to angle, values of g and μ_d) are clearly stated and supported by data and error-bar analysis.
Comparisons to accepted scientific values (literature μ_d, g=9.81 m/s², static-friction threshold) are relevant and justified.
Interpretation of the static-friction threshold at 12° enriches the scientific context.
Slight over-statement of reliability leads to speculative phrasing in places.
Discussion of error-bar reliability could be extended with specific recommendations for refined estimation methods.
No deeper exploration of potential extensions or broader implications beyond confirming expected values.
Criteria D: Evaluation
4/6
0
3
6
Criteria Strands
Excellent
Methodological weaknesses
Excellent
Suggested improvements
Criteria Feedback
Specific methodological weaknesses are identified (air resistance, uncontrolled push force, spread at larger angles) and their relative impact is analysed quantitatively.
Realistic improvements (video analysis, pole marker, extended angle range, varying mass) are proposed and linked to identified limitations.
Modified force equations are used to predict the effects of air resistance, strengthening the evaluation.
Some suggested improvements lack detailed implementation (concrete angle ranges or block-parameter increments).
Impact of slope uncertainty in Graph 3 is noted but not fully quantified.
Evaluation does not exhaustively analyse every limitation’s relative impact across all conditions.