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Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad
Inter Assessment May 2024 Physics HL/SL
Stage-1: My motivation and Interest
Can you design a research question?
Which Physics topic can this area of interest
be connected in Physics?
Prior Knowledge on Topic + Base Research
How does the distance between a wave
source and an obstacle affect the amount of
diffraction that occurs after passing through a
slit?
Waves
Diffraction is the bending of waves around an
obstacle or through an opening(slit). It is a
general phenomenon that can be observed in
many different types of waves, including light,
sound, and water waves. The amount of
diffraction that occurs depends on a number
of factors, including the wavelength of the
wave, the size of the slit, and the distance
between the wave source and the slit.
Throughout my IA, I will be investigating the
effect of the distance between a wave source
and an obstacle(slit) on the amount of
diffraction that will take place. I will be using a
laser pointer as the wave source and a piece
of carboard with a small slit cut in it as the
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obstacle. - The distance between the laser
pointer and the slit will be varied to observe
the resulting diffraction pattern.
What variables can you manipulate?
1. Distance between the wave source and
obstacle 2. Amount of diffraction occurring 3.
Wavelength of the wave 4. Size of the
obstacle(slit) 5. Brightness of the wave
source 6. Brightness of the surrounding
Which Physical quantity will you keep
independent?
Distance between the wave source and
obstacle
Which Physical quantity will you keep
dependent?
Amount of diffraction occurring
Which Physical quantity will you keep
controlled?
Can you do investigation in local scenario (at
home)?
- Wavelength of the wave - Size of the
obstacle(slit) - Brightness of wave source Brightness of surrounding
I will be needing school lab equipment to
conduct my experiment.
Not necessarily, considering complete data
can be derived from physical experiments
and observations. However, use of software
Do you require any simulation for this?
for detailed recorded analysis is expected to
provide enhanced results; more accuracy.
Will try both methods to ensure maximum
accuracy with data.
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