The Physics Extended Essay is a research paper required for students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme who are studying physics. The Extended Essay is an independent analysis project that allows students to explore a specific topic of interest in depth.
The Extended Essay in physics allows students to engage in scientific research, following the scientific methods and conventions, to discover, demonstrate, and communicate their understanding of the natural world. Through this process, students develop research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate their findings effectively in writing.
The Physics Extended Essay is a requirement for students aiming to complete the IB Diploma and should be a scientific investigation of approximately 4,000 words that explores a specific topic in physics. The topics can vary widely and can be experimental, theoretical, or historical.
The student should be able to develop a clear research question, hypothesis, and methodology, and should have a detailed plan for carrying out the investigation. The student should also be able to analyze the data and draw a conclusion based on the research findings.
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Throughout the process, the student will be supervised by a teacher familiar with the subject matter, who will provide guidance and support. The final paper will be assessed by an examiner who will evaluate the student’s understanding of physics and research skills.
30 IB Physics Extended Essay Topic Ideas!
Extended essay topics in physics can vary widely depending on the student’s interests, the available research resources, and the specific requirements of the IB Diploma Programme. Some examples of extended essay topics for physics might include:
- A study of the efficiency of different designs of solar cells.
- An investigation into the effect of temperature on the electrical resistance of a metal.
- An analysis of the properties of electromagnetic waves in a transmission line.
- A study of the effect of magnetic fields on the behavior of electrons in a conductor.
- An investigation into the relationship between the strength of a magnetic field and the electrical current in a solenoid.
- A study of the energy transfer in a mechanical wave.
- An analysis of the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction when a light beam passes through a prism.
- A study of the properties of various types of lenses and mirrors.
- An investigation into the effect of temperature on the thermal expansion of metal.
- An analysis of the relationship between the strength of a gravitational field and the motion of an object.
- A study of the energy transfer in a simple harmonic motion
- An investigation into the motion of electrons in a magnetic field
- A study of the impact of a cooling system in a high-performance computer on energy consumption
- An analysis of the effect of temperature on the properties of semiconductors.
- An investigation into the properties of different types of superconductors.
- A study of the impact of different geometric shapes on the efficiency of wind turbines.
- An analysis of the properties of X-rays and their medical applications.
- A study of the relationship between the frequency and intensity of light in a laser.
- An investigation into the properties of electromagnetic waves in the microwave region.
- A study of the properties of blackbody radiation.
- An analysis of the relationship between the mass and acceleration of an object in free fall.
- A study of the properties of waves in a quantum mechanical system.
- An investigation into the properties of electromagnetic waves in the visible region of the spectrum.
- A study of the effects of temperature on the electrical conductivity of different types of insulators.
- An analysis of the properties of a wave function in a quantum mechanical system.
- A study of the properties of different types of cosmic rays and their origins
- An investigation into the properties of gravitons and the nature of gravitational waves
- A study of the properties of dark matter and its impact on the formation of galaxies
- An analysis of the properties of the Higgs Boson and its impact on our understanding of the universe
- A study of the properties of Hawking radiation and the information paradox in black holes
It’s important to keep in mind that the EE topic must be researchable, and the research question should align with the IB subject guide. This ensures the research is at the expected level for diploma students.
Students can use these extended essay topics in physics as a starting point for their own research. The key is to select a topic that interests the student and can be researched within the scope and guidelines of the IB Diploma Programme.
Once a topic has been selected, students can begin researching it using sources such as academic journals, books, and online resources. They should also consult with their supervisor, who can provide guidance and feedback on their research plan.
For these physics topics, the student can start by formulating a research question that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) and aligning it with the subject guide. They should then develop a research plan that includes a hypothesis, a method, and a list of equipment or materials required for the experimentation. The student should also ensure that their research plan is ethical and considers any potential risks.
The student can then conduct the research, taking careful, accurate measurements and recording the results. After collecting data, students can then analyze their findings and draw conclusions.
Finally, students should use the results of their research to write their extended essay, which should include an introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. It should be written in a clear, concise manner, following the guidelines and format established by the International Baccalaureate. The essay should also include a bibliography listing all sources used in the research process.
Throughout the process, students should keep in mind that the supervisor is there to help and should be consulted regularly to ensure the research stays on track and any issues are addressed promptly.
Physics Extended Essay Topics By Category
| Type | Topic | Research Question |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanics | Sports Physics | How does the launch angle affect the horizontal range of a football kicked by professional players? |
| Mechanics | Vehicle Safety | To what extent does crumple-zone length affect impact force in modern Toyota vehicles? |
| Waves | Acoustics | How does the panel tilt angle affect the power output of Tesla solar panels in urban environments? |
| Waves | Noise Control | How effective are noise-cancelling headphones (Sony WH-1000XM5) at reducing sound intensity across different frequencies? |
| Electricity | Power Generation | How does panel tilt angle affect power output of Tesla solar panels in urban environments? |
| Electricity | Energy Efficiency | To what extent does wire material (copper vs aluminium) affect resistive power loss in household wiring? |
| Thermal Physics | Insulation | How effective is double glazing used in Velux windows at reducing heat loss compared to single glazing? |
| Thermal Physics | Climate Physics | How does surface colour affect heat absorption on urban rooftops in Dubai? |
| Atomic & Nuclear | Radiation Safety | How effective is lead shielding thickness in reducing gamma radiation intensity in medical X-ray facilities? |
| Astrophysics | Space Observation | How does light pollution in London affect the visibility of stars compared to rural locations? |
In conclusion
The Extended Essay is an important aspect of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research and develop critical thinking skills. In this response, I’ve suggested several physics topics that students could use as a starting point for their EE.
It’s important to select a topic that interests the student and can be researched within the IB program’s guidelines and scope. Students should also consult their supervisor to ensure their research question is SMART, ethical, and aligned with the subject guide. They should also develop a research plan and conduct their research carefully and accurately, analyzing the data and drawing conclusions.
Finally, students should use their research to write a clear, concise extended essay that adheres to the IB guidelines and format. They should also include a bibliography that lists all sources used in the research process.
Writing an International Baccalaureate extended essay can be challenging, and students may need additional help to ensure they write a successful essay. To overcome this, a student may seek help from an essay writing service, which can provide professional guidance and support throughout the research and writing process.
