MYP Physics · 07 · investigation
Design a fair insulation comparison
Thermal physics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- discriminating
- Marks
- 8
- Topics
- 2
- Answer
- Complete
A food-delivery team wants to compare felt, bubble wrap, and corrugated card as insulation around identical cups. Available equipment includes cups with lids, thermometers, measuring cylinders, a kettle, a stopwatch, elastic bands, and equal-thickness samples of each material.
- a
Formulate Write a focused research question and a testable hypothesis with scientific reasoning.
3 marks - b
Design Describe a safe method that makes the comparison valid and produces sufficient data.
3 marks - c
Process State how the data should be processed to decide which material is best.
2 marks
Ready to self-mark?Reveal the detailed answer guide
a
Formulate Write a focused research question and a testable hypothesis with scientific reasoning.
Turn the task into a measurable method: name the independent, dependent and controlled quantities; describe apparatus and repeats; then explain how the evidence will be processed and how uncertainty or safety will be managed.
- 1
Writes a question linking insulation material to a measured temperature change over a fixed time.
- 2
States a directional, testable hypothesis identifying one material or material feature.
- 3
Justifies the hypothesis using conduction, trapped air, convection, and/or radiation appropriately.
b
Design Describe a safe method that makes the comparison valid and produces sufficient data.
Turn the task into a measurable method: name the independent, dependent and controlled quantities; describe apparatus and repeats; then explain how the evidence will be processed and how uncertainty or safety will be managed.
- 1
Controls water volume, starting temperature, cup and lid, insulation area and thickness, room conditions, and measurement duration.
- 2
Measures temperature at regular times for every material and an uninsulated control, with repeats or simultaneous trials.
- 3
Includes safe handling of hot water and a consistent method for mixing or positioning the thermometer.
c
Process State how the data should be processed to decide which material is best.
Turn the task into a measurable method: name the independent, dependent and controlled quantities; describe apparatus and repeats; then explain how the evidence will be processed and how uncertainty or safety will be managed.
- 1
Calculates mean temperature change or cooling rate for each material from repeated trials.
- 2
Compares results on the same temperature–time graph and considers spread or uncertainty before concluding.
Private on this device