Physics IA Research Question Evaluator
Use the tabs below to generate a new Physics IA idea or evaluate your current research question.
IA
Compare High-Scoring vs. Flawed Physics RQs
Below are examples of evaluated RQs from recent Physics IAs. Review the strengths and weaknesses to understand the scoring criteria, and feel free to evaluate your own RQ using the form above.
How does the mass m (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 kg) attached to a 0.50 m simple pendulum affect the damping time constant τ (s), as determined from an exponential fit to the amplitude decay measured with a motion sensor in air?
Strengths:
Clear link between an independent variable (mass) and a dependent variable (damping time constant).
Weaknesses:
How does temperature T (20 °C–60 °C in 5 °C steps) of a glycerol sample affect its dynamic viscosity η (Pa·s), as determined from the terminal velocity of a 5.00 mm steel sphere using a falling‑sphere viscometer in a vertical cylindrical container?
Strengths:
Clear identification of the independent variable (temperature) and dependent variable (dynamic viscosity) with units.
Weaknesses:
Is Physics important?
Strengths:
The question is concise and clearly focuses on physics as the subject of inquiry.
Weaknesses:
Specify the independent variable with a measurable quantity and units (e.g., 'the amount of time spent studying physics (h)').
How does Physics affect things?
Strengths:
Uses a clear question form that invites quantitative inquiry.
Weaknesses:
Specify two named variables with units (e.g., force F in newtons and acceleration a in m/s^2). For example: "How does force F (N) affect acceleration a (m/s^2)…"
How to Evaluate Your Research Question
Simply choose your subject and enter your research question. Our evaluator will then analyze your question against the IB requirements and return a report with any issues or improvements you can make. Trained on thousands of IB RQs marked by official IB examiners, our evaluator is able to provide accurate and helpful feedback.
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