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MYP Physics · 11 · extended response

Design a low-cost image projector

Light and optics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.

Demand
discriminating
Marks
7
Topics
2
Answer
Complete
extended response7 marks

A youth centre wants to project a phone screen onto a wall using a converging lens and a cardboard box. The design must be inexpensive, safe, and usable in a room that cannot become completely dark.

  1. a

    Explain Explain where the phone should be placed relative to the lens focal length to form a real enlarged image on the wall.

    2 marks
  2. b

    Propose Propose two practical design features that would make the projected image easier to use.

    2 marks
  3. c

    Evaluate Evaluate whether this projector is a suitable replacement for a commercial classroom projector in the stated room.

    3 marks
Ready to self-mark?Reveal the detailed answer guide
Answer overviewKey answer: Places the phone beyond one focal length from the converging lens so that a real image can form. Places it between one and two focal lengths for an enlarged real image, with the image inverted. Proposes a focusing adjustment by sliding the phone, lens, or box sections while keeping them aligned.
01

a

2 marks

Explain Explain where the phone should be placed relative to the lens focal length to form a real enlarged image on the wall.

How to approach it

Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.

  1. 1

    Places the phone beyond one focal length from the converging lens so that a real image can form.

  2. 2

    Places it between one and two focal lengths for an enlarged real image, with the image inverted.

02

b

2 marks

Propose Propose two practical design features that would make the projected image easier to use.

How to approach it

Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.

  1. 1

    Proposes a focusing adjustment by sliding the phone, lens, or box sections while keeping them aligned.

  2. 2

    Proposes another defensible feature such as rotating the phone display, shielding stray light, using a matte white screen, or ventilating the phone.

03

c

3 marks

Evaluate Evaluate whether this projector is a suitable replacement for a commercial classroom projector in the stated room.

How to approach it

Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.

  1. 1

    Uses a benefit such as low cost, repairability, or accessible construction.

  2. 2

    Uses a physics-based limitation such as low brightness, reduced contrast in ambient light, optical distortion, or limited focus.

  3. 3

    Gives a justified conclusion linked to the youth centre's conditions rather than a simple yes or no.

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