Physics Overview
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies.
The sciences are taught practically. Students have opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings. The investigations may be laboratory based or they may make use of simulations and data bases. Students develop the skills to work independently on their own design, but also collegiately, including collaboration with schools in different regions, to mirror the way in which scientific research is conducted in the wider community. (IBO, 2016)
Resources
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Marking Guide
Investigation Ideas
Ideas for the Investigation
These are all starting points for investigations, the idea being that a student would focus on a piece of apparatus, find out how to use it and carry out an investigation based on it. The report could also include the theory related to the investigation and some simulated activity.
Dynamics Track
Conservation of momentum in collisions using video, motion sensors or light gates
Newton’s second law, masses and pulleys
Impulse using force meter to measure force and time for different collisions
Work and energy (Applying force to trolley and measuring increase in KE)
Energy conservation of a trolley rolling down an incline
Graphical analysis of motion using a motion sensor
Investigation of SHM of trolley and two springs
Rolling balls - many possible variables.
Rotational Motion System
Conservation of angular momentum
Rotational inertia
Measuring centripetal force
Rotational inertia of a disc and rings
Rotational inertia of disc off axis
Rotational inertia of plasticine models
Investigation Exemplars and Resources
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1.1 Charge to mass simulationIA Exemplars 1 charge to mass simulation.pdf
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1.2 Charge to mass simulationExample01_annotations_en.pd
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1.3 Charge to mass simulationIA exemplars Example01_en.pdf
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2.1 Light dependent resistorsIA exemplar 2 Light dependent resistor.pdf
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2.2 Light dependent resistorsIA Exemplar Example02_annotations_en.pdf
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2.3 Light dependent resistorsIA exemplar Example02_en.pdf
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3.1 Single slit diffraction and densityIA exemplar 3 density and single slit diffraction Example03_en.pdf
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3.2 Single slit diffraction and densityIA exemplar 3 density and diffraction Example03_annotations_en.pdf
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3.3 Single slit diffraction and densityIA exemplar 3 density and single slit diffraction.pdf
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4.1 Habitable zones of starsExemplar 4 examiners comments.pdf
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4.2 Habitable zones of starsExample04_annotations_en.pdf
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4.3 Habitable zones of starsExample04_en.pdf
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5.1 Suspension length and frequency for pendulumExemplar 5 examiner comments.pdf
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5.2 Suspension length and frequency for pendulumExample05_annotations_en.pdf
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5.3 Suspension length and frequency for pendulumExample05_en.pdf
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6.1 Permeability of free space with magnet and solonoidExemplar 6 examiner comment.pdf
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6.2 Permeability of free space with magnet and solonoidExample06_annotations_en.pdf
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6.3 Permeability of free space with magnet and solonoidExample06_en.pdf
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7.1 Wien's constantExemplar 7 examiners comments.pdf
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7.2 Wien's constantExample07_annotations_en.pd
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7.3 Wien's constantExample07_en.pdf
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8.1 Modelling the expansion of the universeExemplar 8 examiner comments.pdf
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8.2 Modelling the expansion of the universeExample08_annotations_en.pdf
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8.3 Modelling the expansion of the universeExample08_en.pdf