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Extended Essay Physics
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Source Extended Essay New Guide: Pgs 140 – 147 More material in K:\kis depts\science\Physics\Physics ee
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Overview An extended essay in physics must take the form of a research paper involving a hypothesis or a model, or a critical analysis, that demonstrates argumentation, comparison, or the extraction of relevant information or data.
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Overview The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question and arrives at a particular, and preferably personal, conclusion.
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Choice of topic clear emphasis on physics and is not more closely related to another subject.
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What a Physics EE is Not not principally to inform the reader about a specific topic, A summary of the latest discoveries in physics.
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What the topic should be well-focused, well-defined and realistic topic that allows for an in-depth treatment. To avoid broad or complex survey topics, for example, investigations into black holes, gravity, time machines,
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Example of well worded topics “Orbital determination of a minor planet” is better than “Gravitation” “The variation in resistance of a wire subjected to different strains” is better than “Measuring the resistivity of different materials”.
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Defining the topic further defines the topic chosen for study in the form of a research question, followed by a statement of intent.
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Example of defining the topic Title Black hole at the centre of the Milky Way Research question Is it possible to determine the presence of a black hole at the centre of the Milky Way? Approach: A data-based approach is taken. From the astronomical observations of a star following a Keplerian orbit around a compact radio source, the mass of a supermassive black hole is determined. The level of uncertainty is appreciated.
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Example of defining the topic Title The wine bottle as a Helmholtz resonator Research question Do wine bottles of different shapes behave as Helmholtz resonators? Approach: An experimental approach is taken. The theoretical model is reviewed with specific emphasis on the physical and geometrical parameters determining the resonant frequency. By blowing across the opening of the bottle, a resonant frequency is produced, picked up and measured. The accuracy of the model is determined.
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Example of defining the topic Title The deflection of starlight by the Sun’s gravitational field Research question What will be the angular deflection of starlight by the Sun if Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation is applied? Approach: A theoretical (numerical) approach is taken. Assuming a corpuscular model of light, the motion of these corpuscles moving at the speed of light in a gravitational field is followed by iteration. The results are compared to the one derived from general relativity.
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Various approaches Experimental: design and implementation of an experiment, then personal collection and analysis of the data. Data-based: location and extraction of raw or processed data, not collected directly by the student, which is then further refined and analysed. Theoretical: development of a quantitative or semi- quantitative description of some physical phenomenon, exercise of the model, predictions about its behaviour and limitations. Survey: formulation of a cohesive, ordered, analytical and supported (qualitative and quantitative) discussion of the topic. Combination: some combination of the approaches listed above.
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Another way of presenting topic the aim of the essay may also be presented as a statement or as a hypothesis rather than an actual question.
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Another way of presenting topic Example: The objective is to establish an acoustic model of the concert flute.
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Practicality In first-hand experimental essays, students should choose sensible and feasible experiments that do not require extensive lengths of time for the construction of apparatus. Highly sophisticated instruments are not required
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Where’s the Physics? A purely empirical investigation relating two or three variables in the absence of any theoretical foundation is not satisfactory— for example, an investigation involving only a mathematical analysis of the gathered data relating the index of refraction of an Epsom salt solution to the salt concentration. In such an essay, the student would be expected to investigate the theoretical physics relating the index of refraction to the concentration.
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Literature sources In theoretical, data-based or survey essays, an evaluation of the quality and reliability of the literature sources used must be part of the essay. Students must have read enough about the topic to make a value judgment about the reliability of the sources.
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Criteria for assessment
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Old criteria General criteria A – H 24 Physics specific criteria J – M 12 TOTAL36 Look at the old criteria
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New criteria General criteria A – K 36 TOTAL36 The general criteria is interpreted in ways appropriate to Physics Look at the new criteria
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To do now Assess one ee in terms of old criteria Compare with examiner’s marks Fix time to meet this week with supervisor
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To do at home before 11 th May Read Pgs 140 – 147 of new EE guide Assess the EE in your spiral bound copy using old criteria and compare with Examiner’s marks Mark the soft copy of the EE on Hydro energy in the EE folder using new criteria. Come up with Topic, Research qn and timeline as to how you will finish EE Next meeting: Mon 11 th May 4:45 PM
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