Category: Physics

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
• +4

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).
• RevisionDojo
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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
• 2
• R
• 2
• value.
• Max/Min slope drawn on the graph for uncertainty in gradient.
• Specific, non-generic improvements listed.
• Bibliography included.

Each lab should start with a title page.

a. It should include the name of the experiment, when it was performed and who performed it.

2. A brief introduction

a. This should outline the basics of the experiment.

b. What you plan on doing and what you hope you will get.

3. Theory Section

a. Here you will give a detailed explanation about the physics involved in the experiment.

i. Basically if you were to teach this subject this would be what would you say.

b. Equations and their derivations.

4. Experimental procedures

a. What equipment did you us to perform the experiment?

b. How did you set it up?

i. Figures are your friend here.

c. What did you need to change?

5. Data

a. Here is where you give the data you collected.

b. Graphs and tables

i. Units, learn them, love them, and USE them.

6. Discussion of Results

a. What did you do and what did you get when you did it?

i. Basically list what you did and the results you got when you did that step.

7. Results and Conclusion

a. Compare your data with what the theory section of your report said you should have gotten.

b. Was the experiment successful?

c. What did you learn?

d. What are some of the errors that might have thrown off your data?

Results for: Charging by Rubbing Objects Together

initial reading: 0v

“after rubbing” 2v

“after separation” 2v

“dark out” 1v

“both in” 1v

“white out” 1v

“final” 1v

“both out” 2v

Results for “Charging by Contact”

(WHITE)

“initial” 13v

“after touch” 21v

“disk out” 20v

#6: (Dark)

“initial” 0v

“after touch” 0v

“disk out” 4v

Results for “Charging by Induction”

(White)

“initial” 13v

“after touch” 15v

“disk out” 16v

#6: (DARK)

“Initial” 6v

“after touch” 1v

“disk out” 3v