Physics subject report · May 2009

May 2009 extended essay reports Page 1 © International Baccalaureate Organization 2009 PHYSICS Overall grade boundaries Grade: E D C B A Mark range: 0 - 7 8 - 15 16 - 22 23 - 28 29 - 36 The range and suitability of the work submitted There was clear evidence that students and supervisors took into account the new extended essay cri teria as well as the information given in the new guide. The enthusiasm and dedication of the majority of students was recognized. Many supervisors used observations (well appreciated) from the viva voce to illustrate their comments on the cover sheet. In general, the topics were well chosen, even for those candidates who did not manage to fully develop, throughout the essay, what they had initially planned. A wide range of essays varied in standard from excellent to very poor. Some students presented exper imental work more suited to an internal assessment investigation easily carried out in a single laboratory session. Highly unsuitable topics were rare. A wide range of topics were covered including aerodynamics (very complex), astrophysics, particle physics, sports (softball, golf, rugby, racing yacht, football..), acoustics, polarization, mechanics (hourglass, rolling friction, stability of a canoe, dinghy mast as a cantilever, bicycle gear ratio..) , solar panels, luminous efficacy of energy saving light bulbs, effect of temperature on different parameters ( thermal energy is, experimentally, difficult to control), magnetism, sound frequencies emitted by music instruments (Pan flute, French horn..). A number of students chose topic 8 type subjects e.g. hydr o power station, wind power (aerofoil, pitch angle), greenhouse effect in buildings, albedo of white gravel, photovoltaic cell… Some theoretical research included quantum entanglement, black holes, fusion confinement and gravitational waves (broad, comple x and problematic subjects). Among interesting and innovative topics were “optimal fender position on a mountain bike”, “investigation of sail characteristics during a race using GPS action replay”, “formation of Coca-cola foam during pouring” and “impact of neck length of an hourglass on time