Physics in Practice Investigation (40%)

Overview, timeline and authenticity

Understand the purpose of the investigation, the six-stage process and the requirement that submitted work is the student’s own.

• The Physics in Practice Investigation is worth 40% of the available marks.
• The SEC publishes a common brief in Term 2 of Year 1.
• The work develops through research, experimental design, primary data, analysis, conclusions, reflection and a final digital report.

Important: use this section to learn the skills. Do not copy model wording into assessed work. The investigation report must be the student’s own authentic account, and teacher feedback on assessed work must remain general and non-directive.

Research and evaluating sources

Turn the brief into focused research questions and judge whether secondary information is relevant, reliable and sufficiently detailed.

Practice: compare two sources making a claim about an energy technology. Identify the evidence each uses, one limitation in each source and which source is more useful for planning a measurement.

Question, hypothesis and variables

Develop a focused investigation question, a scientifically justified hypothesis and measurable variables.

Example for skill practice only: “How does the length of a pendulum affect its period for small oscillations?” A justified hypothesis predicts that period increases with length because T = 2π√(l/g), while release angle, bob, timing method and location are controlled.

Experimental design, risk and pilot work

Choose a valid method, suitable equipment, range, intervals, repeats and safety controls before collecting the main dataset.

• Draw and label the apparatus arrangement.
• Classify the method. If it is a controlled investigation, state how the independent variable is changed, the dependent variable measured and other important factors controlled; for a measurement, calibration or data study, identify the quantities and checks actually required.
• Choose a range broad enough to reveal a relationship and intervals that provide enough data points.
• Match instrument resolution and range to the expected measurements.
• Plan repeats and state how repeated readings will be processed.
• Identify specific hazards, assess risk and state proportionate controls.
• Run a pilot measurement and record what it caused you to refine.

Decision check: explain why your design will answer the question—not merely how to assemble the apparatus.

Collecting and recording primary data

Record raw measurements, units, observations and changes to the method in a form that preserves the evidence.

Analysis, graphs and uncertainty

Transform raw data into evidence using justified calculations, graphs, uncertainty and comparison with a model.

• Show one sample calculation before presenting processed values.
• Choose a graph that tests the predicted relationship.
• Use a best-fit line or curve and interpret its slope, intercept or area physically.
• Include units throughout and use significant figures consistent with the measurements.
• Describe the pattern using numerical evidence.
• Distinguish scatter from a systematic offset and treat anomalous data transparently.
• Where appropriate, compare the measured result with an accepted or model value using percentage difference or uncertainty.

Evidence sentence frame: “As … increased from … to …, … changed from … to …. The approximately … relationship is supported by …; however, … limits the strength of this conclusion.”

Conclusion, evaluation and reflection

Answer the investigation question from the evidence, evaluate limitations and explain how reflection changed the work.

Avoid “the experiment was successful” as a conclusion and avoid “human error” as an evaluation. Name the evidence, limitation, effect and improvement.

Report, referencing and final review

Communicate the investigation clearly, acknowledge sources and check that the report is authentic, evidence-based and complete.

• Make the investigation question, physics context and evidence easy to locate.
• Use tables, graphs, photographs and diagrams only when they communicate relevant evidence.
• Refer to figures and tables in the discussion rather than leaving them unexplained.
• Cite sources in the text and provide enough detail in the reference list for each source to be found.
• Reference non-original ideas, data, images, diagrams, videos and AI-assisted material in accordance with the current SEC brief.
• Check that claims match the recorded data and that the report honestly describes refinements and unexpected outcomes.
• Follow the current SEC brief for format, submission, authentication, dates and any word or media limits.

Final reminder: the annual SEC brief and current official guidance take precedence over any general advice on this site.