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Is it finally time to work on your Physics extended essay? Clastify is here to support you in the entire process! In this post you will find our recommendations for preparing a high-scoring essay, focusing on its format and structure. While we suggest this framework based on our track record of assisting students in achieving top-rated essays, feel free to adapt the guide below to your preferences.
Physics EE format and structure
The extended essay is a 4,000 words investigation that should consist of the following parts:
Title page and table of contents
On the title page, you will include the topic of your investigation, the research question, the subject, and the word count.
The next page should be the table of contents with all subsections of your essay along with the page numbering.
Introduction
Provide a concise overview of the topic, including details on the compounds under study, their characteristics, and the applicable physics concepts (such as the refractive index, resonant frequency, and resistance).
State the purpose of the investigation.
Explain the personal or global significance of the topic, discussing why it was chosen for investigation and its broader importance.
Also, briefly describe the main device used in the experiment and state why this is the most appropriate method to use for the experiment (for example, inclined plane, parachute, copper wire, etc).
As seen in this exemplar.
Research question
Clearly state the research question for your extended essay. For example: How does increasing the angle of a simple pendulum affect its time period?
Outline both the independent and dependent variables along with their respective units (if applicable).
Describe the method or instrument used to quantify and measure the dependent variable, and justify why this instrument or method is optimal for assessing the specific dependent variable.
Formulate a hypothesis.
The research must be focused on physics as a science (not its history or discoveries).
Background information
Define key terms, methods, or reactions essential for understanding the study.
Make references to relevant physics principles and explain them. You can use diagrams for visualization.
Discuss the physical properties that are involved in the process (for example: why does salt affect specific heat capacity, why does the diameter of a parachute affect terminal velocity, etc).
Use subject-specific terminology.
Justify the selection of reagents, emphasizing their suitability based on structural or reactive properties (if applicable).
Include relevant physics equations and rationalize the chosen analysis method's appropriateness for measuring the dependent variable.
For research based on secondary data, explain the database selection and sampling method, ensuring its alignment with the research question.
Ensure all background information directly addresses the research question, focusing on relevant concepts.
Incorporate diagrams as needed, accompanied by clear captions and proper source citations, and use in-text citations throughout the background information section.
See here to get a glimpse of the matter.
Variables
Include the independent variable and units. Describe why the range of independent variables was chosen. You should justify why you have chosen these specific values.
Include the dependent variable, units, instrument/method with which it will be measured, and the uncertainty.
List the controlled variables along with their impact on the experiment and the method of control.
Check out the variables section here.
Equipment
List all the apparatus and equipment needed to conduct the experiment.
You should provide the uncertainties of all relevant instruments (thermometer, voltmeter, weighing balances, etc)
Along with the quantities of the materials needed state their concentrations (if applicable).
Describe the environmental setup - you can add a photo or prepare a diagram.
Check out this section here.
Methodology
Provide a comprehensive description and rationale for your chosen approach to address the research question.
Outline detailed, step-by-step instructions for executing every step of the experiment.
Make enough trials to ensure the reliability of your findings.
Demonstrate awareness of safety, ethical, and environmental considerations in conducting the experiment.
You can use this EE for reference.
Results
Create a table displaying processed data obtained from the experiment, ensuring clarity and organization.
If applicable, incorporate a section for qualitative data, such as color changes or temperature fluctuations.
Verify that all data in tables adhere to the appropriate number of significant figures and decimal places.
Introduce a sample equation and calculation to exemplify data processing methods, covering each type of computation used (e.g., calculation of percentage error, voltage)
When conducting calculations, consider proper notation, uncertainties, significant figures, and SI symbols.
Arrange additional processed data into a separate table, accompanied by a numbered caption for clarity.
Include a sample calculation for uncertainty, placing remaining uncertainties for other values in a dedicated table with an appropriate caption. Subsequently, discuss the implications of these uncertainties on the data, considering their magnitude and impact on result validity and precision.
Incorporate a graph illustrating the processed data plotted against the independent variable, featuring a descriptive title, axis titles with units, and a caption for clarity.
Following the graph, provide a paragraph elucidating data trends, such as correlations (positive or negative) and the R^2 value, and interpret the findings accordingly.
You can use this essay for reference.
Conclusion
Re-state the aim of the essay to refresh the reader's memory.
Provide a statement about the extent to which the research topic has been analyzed.
Clearly state the answer to the research question based on the obtained findings.
- Use experimental values from the analysis section in the conclusion. For example, directly state how the pendulum's time period has increased.
Discuss the R^2 value of the graph (if the data is linear) and how it describes the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Take into account the uncertainties and to what extent they could have influenced the results.
Describe if there are any anomalies in the data, and give reasons as to why these may have occurred.
Compare your experimental values to the literature.
Remember not to introduce any new information in the conclusion. Restate the essay's aim to ensure clarity and remind the reader of the primary objective.
This EE is worth taking a look at.
Evaluation
Finally, you are expected to evaluate your approach to answering the research question.
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the entire investigation State the relevance of errors and their impact on the results (if they occurred).
Take into the factors that could have influenced the findings.
Suggest improvements and extensions to your essay. For instance, you could suggest repeating the study using other reagents or apparatus.
This is a good evaluation.
Bibliography and appendices
These parts are not included in the word count.
In the bibliography, you should make a detailed list of all sources used in your investigation in alphabetical order. Decide on one style of referencing.
The appendices will serve as a place for additional tables of data etc. however these can't be the crucial information for your EE.
We are hoping that you found this guide useful! For more inspiration head to the Clastify website where you will find even more Physics exemplars. For further guidance see our detailed breakdown of the Physics EE assessment criteria here.
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