extended essay in physics

IB Physics EE examples

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IB Physics Extended Essay Topics for IB

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

What’s up, IB scholars? You’re about to start writing your IB Physics Extended Essay, and I know you’re searching for that killer topic that’s going to stand out. Well, guess what? I’ve got over 100 extended essay topics and research questions ready for you. 

You do not need to thank me; you better say thank you to our IB writers at Writing Metier , who have invented and forwarded this awesome list to me for submission.

This isn’t just about getting it done; it’s about crushing it with something you’re passionate about.  So let’s get straight to the point and find you Physics EE ideas that will make some noise and show what you’ve got!

100+ Physics Extended Essay Topics

I’m breaking the list into ten categories for IB Physics extended essay topics, each with three subcategories for easier navigation:

• Projectile Motion (e.g., trajectory analysis, range equations, effects of air resistance)
• Circular Motion (e.g., centripetal force in different systems, banking angles, conical pendulums)
• Dynamics of Rigid Bodies (e.g., rotational inertia, torque, angular momentum conservation)
• Thermodynamics
• Heat Transfer (e.g., efficiency of different materials as insulators, rate of cooling, Newton’s law of cooling)
• Gas Laws (e.g., pressure-volume relationship, temperature effects, real vs. ideal gases)
• Phase Changes (e.g., specific heat capacities, latent heat, cooling curves)
• Waves and Oscillations
• Harmonic Motion (e.g., pendulums, mass-spring systems, resonance)
• Wave Properties (e.g., speed of sound in various media, diffraction patterns, polarization)
• Sound and Acoustics (e.g., Doppler effect, sound intensity, acoustic properties of materials)
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Circuit Analysis (e.g., Ohm’s law, series vs. parallel circuits, Kirchhoff’s laws)
• Electromagnetism (e.g., Faraday’s law, magnetic fields around conductors, applications of electromagnets)
• Capacitance and Inductance (e.g., time constants, LC circuits, energy storage)
• Modern Physics
• Quantum Phenomena (e.g., photoelectric effect, electron diffraction, energy levels in atoms)
• Nuclear Physics (e.g., radioactive decay, half-life, nuclear reactions)
• Special Relativity (e.g., time dilation, length contraction, mass-energy equivalence)
• Energy and Power
• Renewable Energy Sources (e.g., efficiency of solar panels, wind turbine performance, biofuels)
• Energy Conversion (e.g., internal combustion engines, thermal power plants, regenerative braking)
• Power Transmission (e.g., electrical grid efficiency, power loss, superconductors)
• Fluid Dynamics
• Aerodynamics (e.g., lift and drag forces, Bernoulli’s principle, airfoil shapes)
• Hydrodynamics (e.g., flow rate, viscosity effects, Reynolds number)
• Buoyancy and Density (e.g., Archimedes’ principle, floating and sinking, density stratification)
• Astrophysics and Cosmology
• Stellar Physics (e.g., Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, star classifications, blackbody radiation)
• Cosmological Models (e.g., Big Bang theory, cosmic microwave background, dark matter)
• Orbital Mechanics (e.g., Kepler’s laws, satellite motion, escape velocity)
• Optics and Light
• Reflection and Refraction (e.g., Snell’s law, critical angle, optical fibers)
• Lens and Mirror Optics (e.g., image formation, focal length, magnification)
• Interference and Diffraction (e.g., double-slit experiment, diffraction gratings, holography)
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Radio and Microwave Radiation (e.g., antenna design, signal propagation, communication systems)
• Infrared and Ultraviolet Light (e.g., thermal imaging, UV radiation effects, spectroscopy)
• X-rays and Gamma Rays (e.g., medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear gamma spectroscopy)

Each of these categories and subcategories can be explored through experiments, data analysis, or theoretical investigation, offering a wide range of possibilities for IB students to develop their IB Physics EE topics.

Mechanics Topics and Research Questions

Projectile Motion

Topic:  The effect of launch angle on the range of a projectile.

Research Question:  How does changing the launch angle affect the horizontal distance traveled by a projectile?

Topic:  The impact of air resistance on the trajectory of a projectile.

Research Question:  To what extent does air resistance alter the trajectory of a projectile compared to the idealized motion?

Topic:  The accuracy of range equations in predicting projectile motion.

Research Question:  How accurately do standard range equations predict the motion of a projectile in a controlled environment?

Circular Motion

Topic:  Measuring centripetal force in a rotating system.

Research Question:  How does the centripetal force required for circular motion change with the radius and speed of the rotating object?

Topic:  The physics of banking angles in road design.

Research Question:  What is the optimal banking angle for a curve on a road to maximize friction and safety at a given speed?

Topic:  Investigating the period of a conical pendulum.

Research Question:  How does the length of the string affect the period of oscillation of a conical pendulum?

Dynamics of Rigid Bodies

Topic:  The relationship between rotational inertia and angular acceleration.

Research Question:  How does changing the distribution of mass affect the rotational inertia and angular acceleration of a rigid body?

Topic:  The conservation of angular momentum in a closed system.

Research Question:  How does the angular momentum of a system change when the moment of inertia is altered?

Topic:  The effect of torque on rotational motion.

Research Question:  How does the application of torque affect the rotational motion of a rigid body with a fixed axis?

Mechanics shows us how things move and what affects them, but when we start talking about thermodynamics, we’re dealing with heat and energy. 

It’s like going from watching a ball roll down a hill to understanding why it feels warm to the touch on a sunny day.

Thermodynamics Topics and Research Questions

Heat Transfer

Topic:  Comparing the thermal insulation properties of various materials.

Research Question:  Which material provides the best thermal insulation for a given application, and why?

Topic:  The rate of cooling of a liquid in different environments.

Research Question:  How does the rate of cooling of a hot liquid differ between various environmental conditions?

Topic:  Investigating Newton’s law of cooling.

Research Question:  How closely does the cooling of a warm object follow Newton’s law of cooling in a real-world setting?

Topic:  The pressure-volume relationship of a gas at constant temperature.

Research Question:  How does the volume of a gas change with pressure at a constant temperature, and does it align with Boyle’s law?

Topic:  Temperature effects on the pressure of an enclosed gas.

Research Question:  How does the pressure of a fixed amount of gas change with temperature in a sealed container?

Topic:  Real vs. ideal gases under different conditions.

Research Question:  How do the behaviors of real gases deviate from the predictions of the ideal gas law under high-pressure conditions?

Phase Changes

Topic:  Measuring specific heat capacities of different substances.

Research Question:  How do the specific heat capacities of different substances compare, and what implications does this have for their use in heat storage?

Topic:  The energy involved in the phase change of materials.

Research Question:  How much energy is absorbed or released during the phase change of a substance, and how does this relate to its latent heat?

Topic:  Analyzing cooling curves of substances.

Research Question:  What can the cooling curve of a substance tell us about its phase change properties and purity?

After getting a grip on how heat works, it’s pretty cool to see how that energy gets around. Waves are all about energy transfer, whether it’s the sound from your speakers or the ripples on a pond when you toss a stone.

Waves and Oscillations Topics and Research Questions

Harmonic Motion

Topic:  The period of a simple pendulum.

Research Question:  How does the length of a pendulum affect its period, and does this confirm the theoretical model?

Topic:  The behavior of mass-spring systems.

Research Question:  How do different spring constants affect the oscillation of a mass-spring system?

Topic:  Resonance frequencies in mechanical systems.

Research Question:  At what frequencies do various mechanical systems resonate, and what factors influence this?

Wave Properties

Topic:  Measuring the speed of sound in different media.

Research Question:  How does the speed of sound compare in various gases, and what does this tell us about the properties of those gases?

Topic:  Investigating diffraction patterns through different apertures.

Research Question:  How do diffraction patterns change with the shape and size of apertures?

Topic:  Polarization of light by various materials.

Research Question:  How effectively can different materials polarize light, and what does this indicate about their structure?

Sound and Acoustics

Topic:  The Doppler effect and moving sources.

Research Question:  How does the frequency of a sound wave change as the source moves relative to an observer?

Topic:  Sound intensity levels at different distances.

Research Question:  How does the intensity of sound change with distance from the source, and is it consistent with the inverse square law?

Topic:  Acoustic properties of materials in soundproofing.

Research Question:  Which materials are most effective at soundproofing a room, and how do their acoustic properties contribute to this effectiveness?

Each of these topics can be tailored to fit the requirements of an IB Physics extended essay, with the research question guiding the experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

If you are interested, we also have a list of potential  Physics IA topic ideas  for you. Make sure to check them out as well.

Once you’ve got a handle on waves, you’re ready to see how they relate to electricity and magnetism. It’s like connecting the dots between the vibrations in the air and the current in the wires of your headphones.

Electricity and Magnetism Topics and Research Questions

Circuit Analysis

Topic:  The resistance of series and parallel circuits.

Research Question:  How does the total resistance in a circuit vary with the arrangement of resistors in series and parallel configurations?

Topic:  Verification of Kirchhoff’s laws in complex circuits.

Research Question:  How accurately do Kirchhoff’s laws predict the current and voltage distribution in a multi-loop circuit?

Topic:  The temperature dependence of resistivity in conductors.

Research Question:  How does the resistivity of a metallic conductor change with temperature, and what does this imply about electron scattering?

Electromagnetism

Topic:  Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.

Research Question:  How does the rate of change of magnetic flux influence the induced EMF in a coil?

Topic:  The magnetic field patterns around different conductor configurations.

Research Question:  How do the configurations of conductors affect the shape and strength of the magnetic fields they produce?

Topic:  The efficiency of electromagnets.

Research Question:  What factors determine the lifting power of an electromagnet, and how can its efficiency be maximized?

Capacitance and Inductance

Topic:  Time constants in RC circuits.

Research Question:  How does the capacitance and resistance in an RC circuit affect its charging and discharging time constants?

Topic:  Resonance in LC circuits.

Research Question:  At what conditions does resonance occur in an LC circuit, and how does this affect the circuit’s impedance?

Topic:  Energy storage in capacitors and inductors.

Research Question:  How do capacitors and inductors store energy, and what factors affect their energy storage capacity?

Electricity and magnetism are pretty easy to see in action, but modern physics? That’s where things get wild. You’re not just looking at what’s in front of you anymore; you’re considering what’s happening on a scale so small or so huge that it bends your mind a bit.

Modern Physics Topics and Research Questions

Quantum Phenomena

Topic:  The photoelectric effect and Planck’s constant.

Research Question:  How can the photoelectric effect be used to determine Planck’s constant, and what does this reveal about the nature of light?

Topic:  Electron diffraction and crystal structure.

Research Question:  How does electron diffraction provide evidence for the wave nature of electrons and the structure of crystals?

Topic:  Energy levels in hydrogen atoms.

Research Question:  How do the observed spectral lines of hydrogen correspond to the theoretical energy levels predicted by quantum mechanics?

Nuclear Physics

Topic:  Radioactive decay series.

Research Question:  How does the decay series of a radioactive isotope correspond to theoretical predictions of half-life and decay pathways?

Topic:  The effect of shielding on radiation intensity.

Research Question:  How effective are different materials at shielding against various types of radioactive emissions?

Topic:  Nuclear reaction energy calculations.

Research Question:  How does the measured energy released in a nuclear reaction compare to the values predicted by the mass-energy equivalence principle?

Special Relativity

Topic:  Time dilation observed in cosmic muons.

Research Question:  How does the observed decay rate of cosmic muons provide evidence for time dilation effects predicted by special relativity?

Topic:  Length contraction and high-speed particles.

Research Question:  How can length contraction be demonstrated or inferred from high-speed particle interactions?

Topic:  Mass-energy equivalence in particle physics.

Research Question:  How does the increase in mass of particles at high velocities provide evidence for the mass-energy equivalence principle?

But even with all that mind-bending stuff, physics isn’t just about theory. It’s also about practical stuff, like how we use energy. From solar panels on your roof to the battery in your phone, it’s all about getting the power we need to do what we want.

Energy and Power Topics and Research Questions

Renewable Energy Sources

Topic:  The efficiency of photovoltaic cells under different conditions.

Research Question:  How do factors such as light intensity, wavelength, and temperature affect the efficiency of solar panels?

Topic:  Performance analysis of wind turbines.

Research Question:  How does blade design affect the efficiency and power output of a wind turbine?

Topic:  The viability of biofuels compared to fossil fuels.

Research Question:  How do the energy outputs and carbon footprints of biofuels compare to those of traditional fossil fuels?

Energy Conversion

Topic:  The efficiency of internal combustion engines.

Research Question:  How do variables such as fuel type and engine temperature affect the efficiency of an internal combustion engine?

Topic:  Thermal efficiency of power plants.

Research Question:  What are the main factors that limit the thermal efficiency of modern thermal power plants?

Topic:  The effectiveness of regenerative braking systems.

Research Question:  How much energy can regenerative braking systems realistically recover during vehicle deceleration?

Power Transmission

Topic:  Electrical grid efficiency and power loss.

Research Question:  How does the distance and cross-sectional area of transmission lines affect power loss in an electrical grid?

Topic:  The potential of superconductors in power transmission.

Research Question:  What are the challenges and potential benefits of using superconductors for power transmission?

Topic:  The impact of load balancing on power grid stability.

Research Question:  How does load balancing affect the stability and efficiency of a power grid?

These topics and research questions are designed to inspire a range of investigations for the Physics Extended Essay, allowing students to delve into both experimental and theoretical aspects of physics.

And speaking of practical, fluid dynamics is all about understanding how liquids and gases move. It’s like figuring out why blowing over a hot soup cools it down or how an airplane stays up in the sky.

Fluid Dynamics Topics and Research Questions

Aerodynamics

Topic:  The effect of airfoil shape on lift generation.

Research Question:  How does altering the curvature and angle of an airfoil affect its lift and drag forces?

Topic:  Application of Bernoulli’s principle to various wing designs.

Research Question:  How do different wing designs in aircraft utilize Bernoulli’s principle to achieve lift?

Topic:  Drag force comparison on streamlined vs. bluff bodies.

Research Question:  How does the shape of an object affect the drag force experienced at different flow velocities?

Hydrodynamics

Topic:  The relationship between flow rate and pipe diameter in fluid dynamics.

Research Question:  How does changing the diameter of a pipe affect the flow rate of a fluid within it, given a constant pressure difference?

Topic:  Viscosity effects on fluid flow in channels.

Research Question:  How does the viscosity of a fluid influence its flow characteristics in narrow channels?

Topic:  Analysis of Reynolds number in predicting fluid flow regimes.

Research Question:  How does the Reynolds number determine the transition from laminar to turbulent flow in a pipe?

Buoyancy and Density

Topic:  Investigating Archimedes’ principle for irregularly shaped objects.

Research Question:  How accurately does Archimedes’ principle predict the buoyant force on objects with complex shapes?

Topic:  The stability of floating bodies and the concept of metacentric height.

Research Question:  How does the distribution of mass affect the stability of a floating vessel?

Topic:  Density stratification in fluids and its impact on layered flow.

Research Question:  How does density stratification affect the movement and mixing of different fluid layers?

From there, it’s a big leap to astrophysics and cosmology—literally. You go from studying the flow of air around a plane to the flow of galaxies in space. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and our place in it.

If you need Physics paper writing help , we have a separate team of experts who can handle almost any tasks.

Astrophysics and Cosmology Topics and Research Questions

Stellar Physics

Topic:  Analyzing the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for star clusters.

Research Question:  What can the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram reveal about the age and composition of a star cluster?

Topic:  Classification and analysis of star spectra.

Research Question:  How does the classification of stellar spectra correlate with a star’s temperature, luminosity, and lifecycle stage?

Topic:  Investigating blackbody radiation in stars.

Research Question:  How well does the blackbody radiation model fit the observed spectral energy distribution of stars?

Cosmological Models

Topic:  Evidence for the Big Bang theory from cosmic microwave background radiation.

Research Question:  What does the cosmic microwave background radiation tell us about the origins and evolution of the universe?

Topic:  The role of dark matter in galaxy formation and rotation.

Research Question:  How does the presence of dark matter influence the rotational speeds of galaxies?

Topic:  Verifying Kepler’s laws through observation of planetary motion.

Research Question:  How accurately do Kepler’s laws describe the motion of bodies in the solar system?

Orbital Mechanics

Topic:  The energy requirements for satellite launch and achieving escape velocity.

Research Question:  What are the energy considerations and optimal conditions for a satellite to achieve escape velocity from Earth?

Topic:  The effects of orbital perturbations on satellite stability.

Research Question:  How do factors such as atmospheric drag and gravitational influences affect the stability of satellite orbits?

Topic:  Analysis of gravitational slingshot maneuvers in space missions.

Research Question:  How can gravitational assist maneuvers be optimized to increase spacecraft velocity?

But even with our heads in the stars, we can’t forget about light. Optics brings it back down to earth, showing us how light works, whether it’s bending through a lens or bouncing off a mirror.

Optics and Light Topics and Research Questions

Reflection and Refraction

Topic:  The efficiency of optical fibers in transmitting light.

Research Question:  How do imperfections in optical fibers affect the total internal reflection and efficiency of light transmission?

Topic:  Investigating Snell’s law at various interfaces.

Research Question:  How accurately does Snell’s law predict the angle of refraction for different transparent materials?

Topic:  The critical angle for total internal reflection in various media.

Research Question:  How does the critical angle for total internal reflection change with the refractive index of different materials?

Lens and Mirror Optics

Topic:  The formation of images by converging lenses under various conditions.

Research Question:  How does the focal length of a lens affect the properties of the image it forms?

Topic:  The magnification power of compound microscope systems.

Research Question:  How do the focal lengths of the objective and eyepiece lenses in a microscope affect its overall magnification?

Topic:  The aberrations in images formed by lenses and mirrors.

Research Question:  What types of optical aberrations are most prevalent in simple lens systems, and how can they be minimized?

Interference and Diffraction

Topic:  The double-slit experiment and wave-particle duality.

Research Question:  How does the double-slit experiment provide evidence for the wave-particle duality of light?

Topic:  Measuring the wavelength of light using diffraction gratings.

Research Question:  How can diffraction gratings be used to accurately measure the wavelength of light?

Topic:  The application of holography in image storage and retrieval.

Research Question:  How does holography utilize the principles of interference and diffraction to store and reconstruct images?

And light’s just one piece of the whole world of Physics. Electromagnetic waves are everywhere, from the microwave that heats your lunch to the X-rays at the dentist. It’s all part of the same big family that keeps our world connected and our lives running.

Electromagnetic Waves Topics and Research Questions

Radio and Microwave Radiation

Topic:  The design and optimization of antennas for radio communication.

Research Question:  How does the geometry of an antenna affect its radiation pattern and signal reception?

Topic:  Signal propagation in different atmospheric conditions.

Research Question:  How do atmospheric conditions affect the propagation of radio and microwave signals?

Topic:  The effectiveness of microwave radiation in communication systems.

Research Question:  What are the advantages and limitations of using microwave radiation in satellite communications?

Infrared and Ultraviolet Light

Topic:  Thermal imaging and the emissivity of different materials.

Research Question:  How does the emissivity of a material affect its detection in thermal imaging?

Topic:  The effects of UV radiation on various substances.

Research Question:  How does exposure to ultraviolet light affect the chemical structure and properties of different materials?

Topic:  Spectroscopy and the identification of chemical compounds.

Research Question:  How can infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy be used to identify and analyze different chemical compounds?

X-rays and Gamma Rays

Topic:  The application of X-ray imaging in medical diagnostics.

Research Question:  How do different tissues and materials affect the absorption and transmission of X-rays in medical imaging?

Topic:  Radiation therapy and the optimization of gamma ray dosage.

Research Question:  How can the dosage and targeting of gamma rays in radiation therapy be optimized for cancer treatment?

Topic:  Nuclear gamma spectroscopy and nuclear structure.

Research Question:  What can gamma-ray spectra reveal about the structure and energy states of atomic nuclei?

These topics and research questions are designed to guide students in their exploration of advanced concepts in physics, providing a foundation for a thorough and insightful Extended Essay.

Creating an engaging and contemporary Physics Extended Essay can be particularly rewarding when the topic is relevant to modern situations and challenges. 

Fresh Breath Ideas for Physics IB EE in 2023/2024

Here are 12 topics that connect to current events or recent advancements in technology, along with a brief explanation of their relevance:

The Physics of Electric Vehicles

Investigate the efficiency of regenerative braking systems in electric cars and how they contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle.

Renewable Energy Harvesting

Analyze the potential of piezoelectric materials in converting mechanical stress from human activities into electrical energy, contributing to sustainable power generation.

Smartphone Sensors

Explore the use of gyroscopes and accelerometers in smartphones for navigation and gaming, and how these sensors rely on principles of mechanics and material science.

Wireless Charging Technologies

Examine the electromagnetic principles behind wireless charging pads and the efficiency of energy transfer at various distances and alignments.

Solar Panel Coatings

Research the effectiveness of anti-reflective coatings on solar panels and their role in enhancing the absorption of light and overall energy conversion efficiency.

Aerodynamics of Drones

Study the impact of drone design on flight stability and energy consumption, which is critical for extending their use in delivery systems and aerial photography.

Physics in Sports Equipment

Investigate the materials and design features that contribute to the performance and safety of modern sports helmets, from bicycles to football.

Thermal Imaging and Disease Detection

Explore the use of thermal imaging in detecting fevers and its potential application in managing pandemics by early identification of symptomatic individuals.

Nanomaterials in Electronics

Analyze the electrical conductivity and properties of graphene and other nanomaterials that are revolutionizing the electronics industry.

Physics of Modern Building Design

Investigate how principles of thermodynamics are applied in the design of eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings.

Quantum Computing

Study the basic principles of quantum computing and the challenges in maintaining quantum coherence in qubits, which are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers.

SpaceX and Reusable Rockets

Research the physics behind the reusability of rockets, focusing on the landing mechanisms employed by companies like SpaceX and how they conserve momentum and energy.

Each of these topics is not only grounded in physics principles but also has a wealth of information available due to their current relevance and the ongoing research in these areas. 

They offer a chance to combine theoretical physics with practical application in the modern world, which can be particularly engaging for an Extended Essay.

Need a Hand with Your Physics IB EE?

Hey there, IB students! If you’re stuck on coming up with a topic or diving into writing your Physics IB Extended Essay, don’t sweat it. Our team of IB experts at Writing Metier is here to help you write a custom IB EE on this exciting subject . 

Whether you need a spark of inspiration for your topic or you want a custom-written EE following the word count , rubric and criteria that hits all the right notes, we’ve got your back. 

Reach out to us at Writing Metier extended essay writing service and have a rest while experts are working on your task.

So, that’s the rundown. Physics isn’t just about equations and lab coats; it’s the stuff all around us, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. It’s about getting to the heart of how things work, from the every day to the extraordinary. 

And the more you learn, the more you see how everything’s linked together in one big, amazing picture.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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IB Extended Essay Topics: Physics

Stepping into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program is a significant milestone, and choosing the right Extended Essay topic in Physics can be exciting and daunting. From my years of experience as an IB educator and essay advisor, I’ve seen firsthand how the choice of topic can affect a student’s research. Therefore, in this article, I aim to share insights and ideas on topics for the IB DP Physics Extended Essay.

Understanding the IB Physics Extended Essay

The IB Physics Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research that culminates in a 4,000-word paper required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

According to the IB criteria, this significant academic task involves students independently researching a topic that sparks their interest in IB DP Physics. It’s an excellent opportunity to investigate a question that captivates you and apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.

The primary aim is not merely to produce an essay but to engage in an exhaustive study showcasing your grasp of physics and enthusiasm for the subject. Now, let’s consider the following aspects of the IB Physics Extended Essay:

• Scope of Research . It’s essential to select a topic that allows for an in-depth investigation within the constraints of the available resources and the word limit.
• Application of Theory . The essay should demonstrate how physics theories and concepts can be applied to analyze a specific problem or question.
• Methodology . A clear and systematic approach to conducting your research is critical. It involves choosing appropriate methods for data collection and analysis.
• Critical Thinking . Throughout your essay, you should critically evaluate the information, data, and methodologies used.
• Creativity and Originality . Finding innovative ways to approach your topic can set your essay apart. It’s about posing new questions, exploring novel perspectives, or applying theories in unique contexts.
• Structured Argument . Your essay should present a coherent argument supported by evidence, leading the reader through your findings to a logical conclusion.
• Reflection . Reflecting on what you have learned from the research process and how it has affected your understanding of the subject area is a valuable component of the essay.

Remember, the goal is not just to write an essay but to engage in a thorough investigation demonstrating your understanding and passion for the Physics course.

Topics to Read:

• How IB Prepares Students for University?
• Can You Retake the IB Exams? Guide for IB Students
• Stress Management and Well-Being for IB Students
• How to Manage Time Effectively as an IB Student
• The Benefits of Pursuing the IB Diploma Programme
• IB vs. National Curriculum. The Benefits of an International Perspective
• What Are the Average IB Acceptance Rates? Insights from an IB Expert
• What Are the IB Internal Assessment Deadlines for 2024?
• Does an IB Diploma Help with College Admissions?
• How to Make Awesome IB Notes?
• How to Get Into the IB Program? IB Preparation
• What to Wear for IB Exams? IB Dress Code

Physics Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Let’s talk about some potential extended essay topics in Зhysics. Quantum mechanics, with its paradoxes and mysteries, offers a rich vein of questions to explore. Additionally, investigating the principles of relativity in everyday phenomena can provide a relatable yet profound topic. Renewable energy projects are increasingly relevant and offer a plethora of research opportunities. Lastly, the vastness of astrophysics allows for endless curiosity and exploration, from black holes to the cosmic microwave background.

The best topics for an IB Physics Extended Essay allow you to explore areas where you can apply physical principles, theories, and experimental investigations to answer complex questions. Here are some ideas:

• The Effect of Winglet Angles on Aircraft Efficiency . How do variations in winglet angles on a model aircraft wing affect its lift-to-drag ratio during flight?
• Investigating Solar Panel Orientation for Optimal Power Generation . How do different solar panel orientations and angles impact power output in a specific geographic location?
• Analyzing the Efficiency of Magnetic Levitation in Reducing Friction . How does the use of magnetic levitation affect the frictional forces on a miniaturized model of a maglev train?
• The Physics of Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change . How do different carbon dioxide concentrations affect infrared radiation absorption in a controlled environment?
• Exploring the Properties of Non-Newtonian Fluids under Stress . How does the application of varying stress levels affect the viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid, such as a cornstarch and water mixture?
• The Role of Antenna Design in Enhancing Wireless Communication . How does the design of a DIY antenna affect the strength and range of wireless signals it receives?
• The Impact of Crater Size on Meteorite Impact Simulations . What relationship exists between the size of a projectile and the crater it creates in sand, simulating meteorite impacts?
• Studying the Effects of Temperature on the Elasticity of Rubber Bands . How does changing the temperature affect rubber bands’ elasticity and tensile strength?
• Investigation into the Optimal Conditions for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Efficiency . Under what conditions does a homemade hydrogen fuel cell operate most efficiently in terms of voltage output?
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Different Types of Insulators in Minimizing Heat Loss . How do various household materials compare to thermal insulators in preventing heat loss from a container?
• The Physics Behind Efficient Bicycle Gear Ratios . How do different gear ratios affect cyclists’ efficiency and energy expenditure under various conditions?
• Exploring the Influence of Mirror Shape on the Focal Point of Solar Collectors . How does altering the shape of reflective mirrors affect the concentration and temperature at the focal point of a solar collector?
• Investigating the Relationship Between Electric Motor Speed and Load . What is the relationship between the load applied to an electric motor and its rotation speed?
• The Effect of Blade Design on Wind Turbine Efficiency . How does the blade design of a model wind turbine affect its power output under controlled wind conditions?
• Studying the Propagation of Sound Waves in Different Mediums . How do sound waves propagate in various mediums, and how does the medium affect the speed and attenuation of sound?
• The Dynamics of Pendulum Motion in Non-Uniform Gravitational Fields . How does the length of a pendulum affect its period in regions with varying gravitational strengths?
• Investigating the Effects of Surface Roughness on Solar Panel Efficiency . How does the surface roughness of photovoltaic solar panels impact their efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity?
• The Physics of Ice Skating: Friction and Temperature . What is the relationship between the ice’s temperature and the friction coefficient encountered by an ice skate?
• Evaluating the Impact of Air Resistance on Projectile Range . How do the shape and size of projectiles affect their range in the presence of air resistance?
• The Efficiency of Piezoelectric Materials in Energy Harvesting . How effective are different piezoelectric materials in generating electricity from mechanical stress?
• Thermal Conductivity and Building Materials: A Comparative Study . How do different building materials compare in terms of thermal conductivity and energy efficiency in a model house?
• The Effect of Altitude on the Boiling Point of Water . How does changing altitude affect the boiling point of water, and what implications does this have for cooking at high elevations?
• Optimizing the Design of a Parabolic Solar Heater . What is the most efficient design for a parabolic solar heater when considering the focal point and surface area?
• The Role of Resonance in Bridge Oscillations: A Historical Analysis . How have instances of resonance-induced oscillations in bridges influenced modern bridge design?
• Investigating the Photoelectric Effect in Different Metals . How does the photoelectric effect vary across different metals, and what does this reveal about their electronic structure?
• The Physics of Musical Instruments: String Tension and Pitch . How does the tension of strings on different musical instruments affect the pitch and quality of the sound produced?
• Exploring the Efficiency of Vertical vs. Horizontal Wind Turbines . Which vertical or horizontal orientation is more efficient for wind turbines in urban settings?
• The Impact of Battery Temperature on Electric Vehicle Performance . How does the operating temperature of batteries affect the performance and range of electric vehicles?
• Studying the Refractive Index of Various Liquids Under Temperature Changes . How does changing the temperature of different liquids affect their refractive index?
• The Physics of Archery: Arrow Dynamics and Material Science . How do an arrow’s material properties and design affect its flight dynamics and accuracy?
• Analyzing the Radiation Shielding Properties of Martian Regolith . Could Martian regolith be effectively used to shield habitats on Mars from radiation?
• The Influence of Magnetic Fields on Plant Growth . How do varying magnetic field strengths affect certain plants’ growth rate and health?
• The Acoustic Properties of Concert Halls . What architectural features contribute most significantly to the acoustic quality of concert halls?
• The Effectiveness of Heat Sinks in Electronic Devices . How do different materials and designs of heat sinks affect the thermal management of electronic devices?
• The Correlation Between Solar Flare Activity and Earth’s Climate . Is there a significant correlation between periods of increased solar flare activity and changes in Earth’s climate patterns?
• The Impact of Wind Turbine Design on Bird Populations . How does the design of wind turbines affect bird mortality rates, and what design modifications can reduce these impacts?
• The Physics of Long-Distance Space Travel: Propulsion Systems . What are the most promising propulsion systems for long-distance space travel, and how do they compare in terms of efficiency and feasibility?

These topics and questions provide a starting point for an in-depth exploration of physical concepts, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of real-world applications.

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Writing an IB Physics extended essay is both challenging and enjoyable. Choosing a good topic, completing comprehensive research, and writing a well-structured paper may greatly influence your IB Diploma experience. Remember, this is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge of Physics.

By the way, our dedicated team of IB experts can guide students who need help with Extended Essay writing. Contact us for personalized essay assistance.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete ib extended essay guide: examples, topics, and ideas.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

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Physics Extended Essay: The Complete Guide for IB Students

by  Antony W

September 3, 2022

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Physics Extended Essay in IB. We’ll look at:

• What Physics EE is all about
• How to choose a topic
• The right approach to handling your topic and
• Physics EE assessment criteria

What’s Physics EE in IB?  

A physics extended essay is an individual assignment that requires you to utilize a variety of abilities while exploring a topic of personal interest in the discipline of physics.

It focuses on physics within a broader set of scientific standards, and it takes the form of a research that incorporates a hypothesis or model, or a critical analysis that displays argumentation, comparison, or the extraction of pertinent information or data.

How to Choose a Physics Extended Essay Topic 

The first rule when it comes to topic selection is that you must put emphasis on a subject within physics.

In other words, IB students have to ground their extended essays in physical theory and underline the subject's essence.

To write a more comprehensive, extended essay in the subject, you should select a focused, practical, and well-defined topic that allows you to conduct an in-depth analysis.

Avoid broad or complicated subjects, because they will not allow you to explore contradictory views and hypotheses.

Also, a broad topic will not allow you to conduct an in-depth, personal interpretation within the word limit recommended for EE .

Additionally, you should avoid investigating issues that extend outside the bounds of mainstream science, such as metaphysics or pseudoscience. Examples include of investigative issues include:

• Extrasensory experience
• The relationship between physics and the existence of God
• The mysterious forces of pyramids

The IB board considers it helpful if you can specify the subject further in the form of a research question, followed by a statement of purpose that indicates the approach you will employ to answer the question.

If you’re going to focus on an experimental essay, you will need to select a more practical experiment that does not need substantial amounts of time for equipment building.

In some instances, more advanced equipment might create constraints and inhibit the comprehension of a phenomenon. Successful trials will generate the data required for a sound analysis reasonably quickly.

Some Physics Extended Essay topics may not be acceptable for examination due to safety concerns.

For example, you need to avoid topics that requires experiments using hazardous or carcinogenic chemicals, radioactive materials, lasers, microwaves, ultraviolet light, noise, or heavy equipment. 

Physics Extended Essay Writing Help

Do you need help with your Physics Extended Essay but have no idea where to get it online? You can contact Help for Assessment right now.

The  EE writers at Help for Assessment   are ready to offer you the kind of writing necessary to complete your Physics Extended Essay homework on time and score good marks. Whether you need help with topic selection and writing or you already have a topic to work on, you can hire one of our top writers to help you get the work done.

Our Physics Extended Essay writing service involves topic selection, development of a research issue, in-depth research, and writing.

We pay close attention to the Extended Essay requirements to ensure the paper we deliver to you meets the assignment’s scope.

Given that Physics is a technical subject, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to start working on it. Get started early with our writing help.

How to Write a Physics Extended Essay

The primary goal of this type of assignment is to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic you’ve selected to work on. So to ensure you write the best EE in the subject:

1. Choose the Right Angle to Direct Your Assignment

It’s important to note that your Physic extended essay will need to express an in-depth study into the history or theory of the particular topic. However, it’s different for long assignments I the subject.

For long subjects, you may focus on:

• Experimental physics: This area focuses on the design and execution of an experiment, followed by personal data collecting and analysis.
• Data based physics: It focuses on location and extraction of non-student-collected raw or processed data, which is subsequently refined and analyzed.
• Theoretical physic: The focus is on the formulation of a quantitative or semi-quantitative description of a physical phenomenon, the application of the model, and the prediction of its behavior and limitations.
• Survey: It involves the construction of a coherent, organized, analytic, and supported (qualitative and quantitative) discussion of the issue

All long physics essays should include an overview of the work's scope and limits.

This should always include a study of any experimental design, data uncertainties and accuracy, mathematical approaches, links to theoretical models, and the dependability and quality of sources.

2. Give a Direct Analysis of Your Research Topic

The essay's body and progression should directly analyze the research topic. 

Experimental essays can help students to demonstrate their critical thinking more clearly, but experimental activity aren’t necessary for the assignment.

However, you must provide a clear theoretical component for each empirical inquiry.

If you include any experimental effort in your Physics extended essay, ensure to document it thoroughly so that other researchers can produce it with identical findings and conclusions.

If you’ve opted to collect data from secondary sources, use it with extreme caution.

Ensure you provide a comprehensive evaluation of the location and credibility of the sources required for databased essays at the outset of the planning process.

You should apply the same scrutiny to this data and the experimental design as if you had gathered the data yourself.

3. Examine Your Research Techniques Thoroughly

A thorough examination of research techniques is necessary in a Physics extended essay.

That’s because it might reveal severe problems in experimental design or data collection that invalidate or at least limit the interpretation of the results completely or in part.

A purely empirical inquiry linking two or three variables without a theoretical basis is unsatisfactory.

For example, if you utilize a computer simulation of a theoretical model, you should extensively analyze the methods devised or implemented and you should compare simulated results to actual events to determine their validity.

If you’re going to write an essay that contains a theoretical model that describes a physical occurrence, your planning should include the beginning postulates, the important stages for running the model, and the simulation results collected.

4. Explain Your Literary Sources Thoroughly

In theoretical, data based, or survey extended essay in Physics, you must include an assessment of the quality and dependability of the literary sources.

You have to have sufficient knowledge of the issue to evaluate the credibility of the sources.

You can accomplish this by researching secondary sources or calculating independently.

Also, you should not be hesitant to discuss opposing viewpoints and share your own thoughts with supporting evidence.

In survey or theoretical essays, appropriate preparation requires examining source material in light of the research topic so that you utilize the opinions of other scientists to support your own thesis, rather than as a replacement for it.

5. Make Your Analysis Clear and Concise

An analysis must supplement data or information rather than merely duplicate it. And you need to make sure you derive interpretations logically from facts or information. 

Your essay needs to include the avoidance of unfounded, far-fetched extrapolation and the acknowledgement of flaws.

The commentary should not simply a restatement of the data. It should produce a strong interpretation of the results, which ones can compare to previously published research on the subject.

Related Readings 

• Your Only Guide to EE in Computer Science
• Learn About IB Math EE Here
• About IB Chemistry EE

Physics Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

The following is the assessment criteria used to gauge the depth and comprehensiveness of your Physics Extended Essay:

Criterion A: Research Question

The criterion requires that your research topic must be relevant to physics as a science, centered on physics and not on ancillary problems, and clearly recognized and prominently presented in the introduction.

Criterion B: Introduction

The introduction should tie the research question to the existing body of knowledge on the topic.

You should not include your personal experience or viewpoint here, as it’s highly unlikely to be helpful at this point.

You should place the pertinent physics concepts within the context of the issue. You need to view the introduction as a chance to be more precise rather than appearing bloaty.

Criterion C: Investigation

The strategy you use for investigation should show a clear pertinent theory as well as an understanding of the inherent uncertainties and limits of procedures and equipment used in the Physics Extended Essay.

Criterion D: Knowledge and Understanding of the Research Issue

The knowledge and comprehension exhibited in a physics essay should go beyond the course or laboratory.

You have to demonstrate that you can use the essential information obtained in the classroom in a new physical environment that necessitates its interpretation.

Criterion E: Reasoned Argument

Students should be aware of the necessity to provide a developing argument in the body of their writings.

In order to persuade the reader of the correctness of one's opinions, you have to include logical and helpful arguments in your work.

Criterion F: Use of Analytical and Evaluative Skills

You must demonstrate a comprehension of the mathematical and statistical correlations automatically generated by systems.

It is necessary to have a thorough and firm awareness of the inherent constraints of an inquiry and their consequences for the results obtained.

Criterion G: Use of Language and Terminologies Relevant to the Subject

The usage of scientific terminology is required throughout your Physics Extended Essay.

To understand the right format, structure, and presentation of a scientific paper, you should study articles from reputable scientific journals and periodicals.

The essential quality of the language is exactness and common expressions such as "function of" and "proportional to" must have specific meanings. You should specify any symbols used in context.

Criterion H: Conclusion

Make sure that the conclusion of your Physics EE develops from the argument and not introduce new or irrelevant material.

It should not duplicate the information presented in the introduction, but rather give a new synthesis in light of the conversation.

The conclusion should indicate how uncertainties in experimental data, the constraints of a model or experimental design, or the reliability of sources affected the outcomes of your work.

Criterion I: Formal Presentation

This criterion addresses the extent to which the essay complies with academic norms about the format of research papers.  

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

IBDP Physics

Website by Chris Hamper & Emma Mitchell

Updated 23 March 2024

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• Extended Essay

The Extended Essay guide is the ultimate place to go for all official IB information on this aspect of the Diploma. This gives information about what your responsibilities are as an advisor, the assessment criteria and their clarifications for physics essays. On this site we summarise the requirements and reflect on some physics-specific requirements.

As a quick rule of thumb, remember 4 4 4:

• 40 hours of work
• 4 hours of meeting time

The basic requirements of a physics essay make sense:

• Develop an area of interest
• Research a framework on which to conduct an investigation (e.g. an equation or law)
• Data analysis

However, it is important to familiarise yourself and your student with other key aspects of the Extended Essay before kicking off.

Introduction

Towards the end of the first year of their Diploma Programme, all IB students at your school will start to choose their Extended Essay (EE) subject. Some of them might choose physics, which is where you come in! Your supervisee should already be familiar to you as a student of physics already (probably at Higher Level). Regardless of the subject chosen, the essay has a 4000 word limit and should conduct approximately 40 hours of research. This is the time when students get the chance to go deeper into a subject giving you the supervisor the chance to work on a more individual level with the keenest students (in theory!).

Having supervised about 100 essays in 20 years' of teaching the IB, Chris took up the challenge to have a go at doing one himself!  Here are his thoughts...

Although I didn't use the whole 40 hours the experience has given me a new insight into the process that I hope will be useful. Maybe my first piece of advice should be "go write one", its the best way to learn what it's about. My students thought it was pretty cool but wanted to know why I'd waited until they had submitted theirs. Anyway I submitted it to an experienced marker and got an A , now I feel ready to give advice to both supervisors and students. The essay used the same research question that an ex-student of mine had used, I remembered it to be a neat idea so thought I'd have a go at doing the experiments myself. Recently I met the student and he sent me his original essay and gave me permission to post it ( Dusan's essay ). Unfortunately a couple of the images are missing but it still makes sense. He also got an A and I have to admit that his analysis was more thorough than mine.

This will take the form of 3 formal interviews:

• The first will be early in the process, perhaps during the first hours of data collection and with a sample of writing. This is also to point to check that your supervisee has all the necessary skills for their project (ICT, data collection, research, referencing, writing).
• The second is an interim meeting, in which you should be intellectually critical of the students' decisions to date and to advise them on the final steps to making a valid conclusion. However, it will probably be too late at this stage to amend the methodological approach.
• The last is a viva voce, when the student has submitted a final draft of their work.

A written report must be completed by the student after each interview. These reports are signed by the supervisor with brief comments and are submitted to the IB along with the essay. They will be assessed and evidence of a good process with growth in sophistication can get the student 6 out of 34 marks.

Between meetings 2 and 3, you will formatively mark a near-complete draft of the student's work, but without being too prescriptive - there is exemplar guidance in the Guide on the sort of feedback permitted.

Ensure that you liaise regularly with your school's Diploma Coordinator for their in-house supervisor training or to agree to your local procedures (e.g. timing, deadlines).

There are five separate aims that are listed in the IB guide; these are what the student will gain by doing an EE. Essentially an Extended Essay provides the student with the opportunity to:

• engage in independent research with intellectual initiative and rigour
• develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills
• reflect on what has been learned throughout the research and writing process.

Tthe extended essay should be an opportunity to develop certain skills and experience what it is like to take part in research. It's an introduction to the sort of work that they will be involved in at university. The rest of the IB physics programme is focussed around passing the exam and learning how to fulfil assessment criteria, so this is a brilliant opportunity to go a bit beyond the constraints of the course (but not beyond the constraints of the EE criteria).

Many students will comment on how writing an EE has given them an advantage at university. They already know how to structure an essay, make references, insert diagrams, etc. The process of writing an EE enables the student to develop along the lines of the official aims although not all get to "experience the thrill and excitement".

Interestingly enough there is no mention in the aims of "giving the brilliant student the chance to excel" or "enabling the student to go way beyond the realms of the syllabus" but this is how the EE is sometimes portrayed and that misconception may even have found its way into the minds of some markers. Why would we expect students to be able to write an essay on topics not even touched on in class? The point is they are supposed to use the knowledge they possess to investigate something new. Of course there is nothing wrong with the brilliant student being able to extend their knowledge but this shouldn't be the norm.

There are 10 objectives required in order to meet the aims:

• To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topic chosen and the research question posed.
• To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject specific terminology and/or concepts.
• To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant and/or appropriate research sources and/or methods used to gather information.
• To select and apply research that is relevant and appropriate to the research question.
• To analyse the research effectively and focus on the research question.
• To be able to discuss the research in terms of a clear and coherent reasoned argument in relation to the research question.
• To be able to critically evaluate the arguments presented in the essay.
• To be able to reflect on and evaluate the research process.
• To be able to present information in an appropriate academic format.
• To understand and demonstrate academic integrity.

One thing to note about the aims and objectives is that they are very much about what skills the student is going to develop and what they are expected to do. The job of the supervisor is to give advice and encouragement when needed. The supervisor may meet with the student for 4 of the 40 hours, but most of the time the student is alone. This is deliberate: the student should show initiative and experience what it is like to work independently on a big project. If the supervisor gets too involved then the aims will not be met.

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Tips on writing an EE in Physics

To help get you started with your Physics EE, here are tips on how I structured mine. Psst..this is quite a long post so bear with me 🙂

While some would advise staying away from science subjects for your Extended Essay (EE), I feel that if you are interested in pursuing science-related majors in university, it is a rewarding experience. As long as you have a solid plan of what you are going to do and coherently analyze your results, it is definitely NOT impossible to get an A. In fact, to make it seem less daunting, just think of it as an extended IA!

Introduction: Set-Up and Background Information

-Background Information on Problem:  Start with a concise explanation of what inspired you to do this Physics EE. My tip is to relate your experiment to existing problems in your home country. For instance, my EE had the research question “How does the turbine radius affect the efficiency of a horizontal axis wind turbine?” and I linked it to Indonesia’s newly inaugurated wind farm, which at the moment, has limited efficiency. My EE could, in theory, be a stepping stone in helping Indonesia have increased turbine efficiency and spend less money on blade material.

I would also recommend writing about your problem’s financial or social factors to show more depth behind your “personal motivation”. Afterwards, slowly build up to your research question. This should take up from ½ to 1 page.

-Background information on Idea:  Write about the background information you have found regarding your topic and experiment, including its advantages and drawbacks. Add pictures, if possible, to give examiners a better understanding of what you are doing. Then, relate to how your research can add to the current knowledge of the topic.

-Define and clarify the terms and formulas you are using throughout your EE: Specify what each symbol in the formula means and have their units written.

-Hypothesis: Add necessary scientific information to back up your claims, and don’t forget to cite your sources!

-Set-Up: The set-up can be divided into two sections: Construction & Operation. The “Construction” section is about how you will create your set-up for the experiment, whereas the “Operation” section should be about how you will collect your data. Make sure to be specific and add diagram/ reference photos for more clarity. 

The Experiment

-Technical Data:  Write down all the lengths and measurements of the setup and any other additional information that you think is essential for your report. 

-Experiment Variables:  • Independent Variable (IV): You would typically have more IV increments than in your average IA. I had a total of 9 increments. However, you can have more or fewer increments, depending on your experiment’s difficulty and the aim of your analysis.  *Tip: Explain why you chose the specific interval between your increments for more in-depth analysis • Dependent Variable (DV): Write what your DV is and how you would measure them • Controlled Variables (CV): Write your controlled variables, possible impact on results if not controlled, and plan to control them. Four variables would generally be appropriate since they will be complete enough but not waste too many words.

-Data Collection: Talk about the specifications and details of how you collected data. This is when you will be doing the actual experiment for your EE. Make sure to compile your results into your raw and processed data table (Add sample calculation to your appendix so you won’t waste words). 

Analysing the Data

-Graphs:  I highly recommend more than one graph. However, try not to exceed four graphs to make sure that you have enough words to explain each graph in detail.

– Analysis: While the analysis portion would differ from person to person, some ideas on how to analyze would be to write about:

– What is the general trend + Possible explanation (Scientific reason)

– Outliers + Error bars + Possible factors that contributed to outlier/ error 

– R 2 value 

– Agree/ Disagree with the hypothesis (To what extent)

To wrap up your Physics EE, summarise your findings: trends, possible reasons for the trend and deviations from the trend. Relate it back to the problem you mentioned in the background information section and what suggestions you have for that problem based on your results.

Have at least five systematic and random errors (combined). Write about what the error was, how it affected your data and suggestions to improve.

Lastly, what experiments can be done to further support or test your data results in the future?

Whew… That was quite a lot of information to take in. Have fun with your extended essay, and though it takes up a lot of your time, you will undoubtedly learn new things from it. Good luck!!

You might also like…

• More IBlieve insights into the EE are available here
• R ead Nikki’s overview of Physics HL here .
• Find samples of Physics EEs with scores & annotations here .

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How many pages should the EE be?

Hello Aariz! The EE is a 4000-word essay, so word count is more of a priority compared to page number!

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Example essays

The International Baccalaureate® (IB)  programme resource centre,  a key resource for educators at IB World Schools, includes several examples of  extended essay titles .

These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays.

Some examples are:

• “An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character”
• “A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition.”
• “Doing  versus  being: language and reality in the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy.” 
• “The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of saliva in the mouth after a meal.”
• “To what extent has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar affected the tourist industry in Carmel, California?”
•  “What level of data compression in music files is acceptable to the human ear?”

Also available in the programma resource centre , the Diploma Programme Assessment Procedures has guidance on choosing a subject for the extended essay.

The PRC is only available to existing IB World Schools.

You can also purchase examples of essays in the IB Store . These essays fulfil the requirements for an ‘A’ grade in the extended essay.

If your school is not one already, learn how to become an IB World School  in order to implement the DP.

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IB Extended Essay: Assessment Criteria

• Research Questions
• Past Essays
• Notes & Outlines
• Works Cited Page
• In-Text Citations
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflections
• Supervisor Info
• Net Valley Library This link opens in a new window

Score Descriptors for each Criterion:

• A - Focus and Method
• B - Knowledge and Understanding
• C - Critical Thinking
• D - Presentation
• E - Engagement

Printable: Full Rubric  for all subjects

To view details for your SUBJECT, open the correct page below.

• Choose "Interpreting the EE Assessment Criteria" on the sidebar to see how to score well in YOUR subject area

Language & literature (language A)

Language acquisition (language B)

Mathematics

Visual Arts

World Studies

Business Management

Grade Boundaries

What's Expected?

• A: Focus/Method
• B: Knowledge
• C: Critical Thinking
• D: Presentation
• E: Engagement
• A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
• B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
• C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
• D: Presentation (4 marks)
• E: Engagement (6 marks)
• Total marks possible: 34 (see grade boundaries below)
• Printable:  Full Rubric
• Printable: A3 size with details
• Printable:  Details for each criterion , via the Oxford guide

Criterion A:  Focus and Method (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Questions to ask:  

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it?
• Is your research question stated as a question?
• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?
• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task? Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?
• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)?
• Did you explain why you selected your methodology?
• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?
• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?
• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

(Source: Susan Trower, via West Sound Academy)

Criterion B:  Knowledge and Understanding (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question; or in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied; and additionally, the way in which this knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

• Have you explained how your research question relates to a specific subject you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you used relevant terminology and concepts throughout your essay as they relate to your particular area of research?
• Is it clear that the sources you are using are relevant and appropriate to your research question?
• Do you have a range of sources, or have you only relied on one particular type, for example internet sources?
• Is there a reason why you might not have a range? Is this justified?

(Source: Oxford EE manual, p. 110)

Criterion C:  Critical Thinking (12 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which critical thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

• Have you made links between your results and data collected and your research question?
• If you included data or information that is not directly related to your research question have you explained its importance?
• Are your conclusions supported by your data?
• If you found unexpected information or data have you discussed its importance?
• Have you provided a critical evaluation of the methods you selected?
• Have you considered the reliability of your sources (peer-reviewed journals, internet, and so on)?
• Have you mentioned and evaluated the significance of possible errors that may have occurred in your research?
• Are all your suggestions of errors or improvements relevant?
• Have you evaluated your research question?
• Have you compared your results or findings with any other sources?
• Is there an argument that is clear and easy to follow and directly linked to answering your research question, and which is supported by evidence? Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p. 111)

Handy Links:

• Presentation One Pager  via Catalina Bordoy
• Presentation Checklist
• Sample Title page   (see below - top half of the page)

Criterion D:  Presentation ( 4 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

• Have you read and understood the presentation requirements of the extended essay?
• Have you chosen a font that will be easy for examiners to read on-screen?
• Is your essay double-spaced and size 12 font?
• Are the title and research question mentioned on the cover page?
• Are all pages numbered?
• Have you prepared a correct table of contents?
• Do the page numbers in the table of contents match the page numbers in the text?
• Is your essay subdivided into correct sub-sections, if this is applicable to the subject?
• Are all figures and tables properly numbered and labelled?
• Does your bibliography contain only the sources cited in the text?
• Did you use the same reference system throughout the essay?
• Does the essay have less than 4,000 words?
• Is all the material presented in the appendices relevant and necessary?
• Have you proofread the text for spelling or grammar errors?

Criterion E: Engagement

• Three reflections (best after meeting with your supervisor)
• 500 words TOTAL (100 + 150 + 250?)
• Reflections are done in Managebac on your Reflection space
• See the "Reflections" tab above for prompts to write about

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p.135)

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p.133)

• Sample Reflections
• Full chapter on Reflections from the Oxford Guide

Criterion E:  Engagement (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s RPPF (Reflections on planning and progress form).

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?
• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?
• For prompts to deepen your reflections, go  here  and then to the bottom of the page
• Presentation Quick Guide
• << Previous: In-Text Citations
• Next: Reflections >>
• Last Updated: Dec 15, 2023 10:08 AM
• URL: https://sis-cn.libguides.com/ExtendedEssay

Extended Essay Writers

Physics Extended Essay Topics

Luke MacQuoid

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 abilities, and the ability to effectively communicate their findings through writing.

The Physics Extended Essay is a requirement for students who are aiming to complete the IB Diploma and should be a scientific investigation of approximately 4,000 words that explores a specific topic related to 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.

Need help with your IB Physics extended essay?

You can also use our extended essay writers team’s services if you need assistance selecting a topic . Furthermore, we can also help you write your IB extended essay from scratch or edit your draft following the IB criteria.

Throughout the process, the student will be supervised by a teacher who is familiar with the subject matter and 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 range widely depending on the interests of the student, the research resources available, 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 gravity 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 it is important for the EE topic to be researchable, and the research question should be in line with the IB subject guide, this is to ensure that the research is to the level that is expected of the 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 is of interest to the student, and that can be researched within the scope and guidelines of the IB Diploma Programme.

Once a topic has been selected, students can start by researching the topic using various 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, method, and list of equipment or materials required for the experimentation. The student should also make sure that their research plan is ethical and considerate of any potential risks.

The student can then conduct the research , taking careful and accurate measurements and recording their 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 and concise manner, following the guidelines and format established by the International Baccalaureate organization. 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 that the research is on track and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

In conclusion

The Extended Essay is an important aspect of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It provides students 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 is of interest to the student and that can be researched within the guidelines and scope of the IB program. Students should also consult with their supervisor to ensure that their research question is SMART, ethical, and in line 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 and concise extended essay that adheres to the guidelines and format established by the IB organization. They should also include a bibliography and list all the sources used in the research process.

Writing an 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.

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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