QCE Physics IA2 student experiment: the 2026 guide

What this guide is for

QCE Physics IA2 is a major Unit 3 assessment. The student-designed experiment, scientifically reported, is worth 20 percent of the subject result. This guide covers common contexts, report structure, and the moves that secure top band.

Common contexts

Projectile range. Verify $R = v^2 \sin(2\theta) / g$. IV: launch angle. DV: range. Use a marble launcher or spring-loaded cannon at fixed initial velocity.

Conical pendulum. Verify $F = m v^2 / r$ or $T = 2\pi \sqrt{L \cos\theta / g}$. IV: angle. DV: period or required force.

Simple pendulum. Verify $T = 2\pi \sqrt{L/g}$ and derive $g$. IV: length. DV: period. Linearise via $T^2$ vs $L$.

Faraday induction. EMF vs rate of flux change. IV: magnet drop speed or coil turns. DV: induced EMF.

Transformer. Turns ratio vs voltage ratio. IV: secondary turns. DV: secondary voltage at fixed primary AC input.

Scientific report structure

Title. Specific.

Abstract. ~150 words.

Introduction.

• Research question.
• Theoretical framework (relevant Unit 3 physics).
• Hypothesis with prediction.
• Aim.

Method.

• Variables (IV with range, DV with precision, controlled).
• Apparatus (labelled diagram).
• Procedure.
• Risk assessment.

Results.

• Raw data table.
• Processed data with uncertainty.
• Graphs (linearised).

Analysis.

• Best-fit line, gradient, intercept with uncertainty.
• Comparison to theory.

Discussion.

• Uncertainty sources.
• Limitations.
• Improvements.

Conclusion. Direct answer to research question.

References.

Research question

Specific, testable. Example: "How does the angle of release of a projectile fired from a horizontal surface affect its horizontal range, for launch angles between 15 and 75 degrees in 10-degree intervals, with initial velocity controlled at 5.0 plus/minus 0.2 m/s?"

The strong version specifies ranges, increments, and the controlled variable.

Hypothesis

With theoretical basis. "Range will be maximum at 45 degrees, with $R = v^2 \sin(2\theta) / g = (5.0)^2 \sin(2\theta) / 9.8 = 2.55 \sin(2\theta)$ m." Predicts the specific functional form.

Methodology

Detailed enough to replicate.

Labelled diagram. Step-by-step procedure. Risk assessment naming hazards and mitigation.

Justify design choices. Why these increments? Why this many trials per IV value?

Data and uncertainty

Raw data table. Each measured value with its uncertainty and units.

Processed data. Derived values with propagated uncertainties.

Graphs. Linearised where applicable. Uncertainty bars on both axes. Best-fit line plus min/max slope lines.

Analysis

Gradient and intercept with uncertainty.

Compare to theoretical prediction.

For pendulum: gradient of $T^2$ vs $L$ should be $4\pi^2/g$. Calculate $g$ from gradient; compare to 9.8 m/s$^2$.

Discussion

Name specific uncertainty sources tied to specific steps.

Distinguish random (varies trial to trial) from systematic (consistent bias).

Discuss whether results agree with theory within uncertainty.

Suggest improvements specific to the experimental procedure.

Conclusion

A direct answer to the research question. Include experimental value with uncertainty. Compare to theory or accepted value.

In one sentence

QCE Physics IA2 student experiment is a 2000-word scientific report on a student-designed Unit 3 investigation; top-band reports use a specific research question with explicit theoretical basis, detailed methodology with justified design choices, substantial data with uncertainty propagation through all calculations, linearised graphs with min/max slope gradient uncertainty, and a discussion naming specific uncertainty sources tied to specific experimental steps.