Physics EE Topic Ideas + Examples

Are you struggling to find a topic for your Physics Extended Essay? Don't worry Clastify is here to help. Below you can find a list of EE descriptions with linked exemplars. We hope that you will find an interesting subject for your investigation. 

Physics EE Research Question Generator

Try our RQ Generator for free. Enter a topic and we'll instantly generated research questions that perfectly align with IB criteria.

Generator

Describe your initial idea or enter keywords (optional)

Describe your initial idea or enter keywords (optional)

Generate

Fluid dynamics & flow

Forces & motion

Optics & light

Quantum & particle physics

Astrophysics

Physics EE ideas

1. Predicting and calculating the flow velocity of a siphon: The essay focuses on the effectiveness of drainage, particularly siphon drainage, in mitigating landslides, posing a research question about the relationship between siphon height and flow velocity. To address this, the essay aims to create a theoretical model based on fluid dynamics principles, modifying Bernoulli's equation to account for real fluid behavior. The investigation involves gathering experimental data, developing theoretical models for ideal and real fluids, and comparing experimental and theoretical results to validate the model's accuracy in predicting flow velocity. 
   
    

2. The G-forces on rollercoasters: The essay delves into the design intricacies of rollercoaster loops, noting that their shapes are not perfect circles but are engineered to control the forces experienced by passengers. The research question examines the impact of varying loop radii on the maximum change in g-force experienced by passengers, addressing safety and excitement concerns in rollercoaster design. Through practical experimentation and application of circular motion and Newton's laws, the essay aims to elucidate the methods and principles behind loop design.
   
    

3. Fluid's density effect on falling objects: The essay investigates the impact of fluid density on the falling time of objects, inspired by Commander David Scott's experiment on the moon's surface. Using an online simulator to maintain consistency and reduce errors, the experiment explores how different fluid densities affect the acceleration of falling objects. By analyzing data obtained from the simulator and applying it to physics theories, the essay aims to establish the relationship between fluid density and falling time.
   
    

4. Investigating the motion of a simple pendulum: The essay delves into the physics of simple pendulums, which have been pivotal in various mechanical systems since Galileo Galilei's experiments in the 17th century. Intrigued by the impact of larger initial angles on the time period, the author formulated the research question: How does increasing the angle of a simple pendulum affect its time period? Through simulation and research, the essay aims to determine the validity of the equation for larger angles and explore theoretical models for the pendulum's time period.
   
    

5. Mechanics of a U-Folded Chain: The interest in scientific experiments, led to an investigation into the fall time of the free end of a U-folded chain, a dynamic system of variable mass. While commonly discussed examples involve variable mass rockets and cable-tethered satellites, household metallic chains offer a practical yet complex scenario for analysis. Despite debates on its elastic or inelastic nature, this essay aims to apply Newtonian Laws of Motion to resolve the issue, offering theoretical richness within experimental accessibility. 
   
    

6. Evaluating factors affecting the Orbital Geometry of Planetary Orbits: The essay aims to explore the relationship between Angular Momentum, Orbital Velocity, and the Eccentricity of Planetary Orbits, applying principles from Celestial Mechanics and Kepler’s Laws. Kepler's laws laid the foundation for celestial dynamics and expanded beyond planetary movements to space flight applications, highlighting its ongoing significance in scientific exploration and technological advancement. Utilizing planetary data from the solar system, the research seeks to provide a quantitative dimension to the conclusion. 
   
    

7. Effect of the velocity of a bicycle on its stability: The author reflects on their childhood observation that a stationary bicycle is unstable, but becomes stable once in motion. This observation leads them to ponder the mechanics of why objects topple over and the relationship between the center of mass and stability. Formulating the research question "How does the velocity of a bicycle affect its stability?" the essay seeks to explore the connection between velocity and stability, defining stability as an object's ability to return to equilibrium when displaced.
    
    

   
    

8. Photoluminescence of quantum dots produced using ultrasonic cavitation: Samsung's introduction of QLED technology in 2017 revolutionized the industry, offering superior luminosity and color accuracy through the use of quantum dots. The Quantum Dot Colour Conversion layer in QLED screens replaces traditional color filters, offering greater efficiency and precise control over color and brightness. Fascinated by the control over quantum dot energy and its impact on photoluminescence intensity, the author investigates how energy supplied during ultrasonic cavitation affects graphene quantum dots, with potential applications in improving display luminosity and color accuracy.
   
    

9. Light intensity loss in optical fibre: The essay delves into optical communication, detailing the transmission process through fibre optics and its applications in telecommunications and medicine. It explains the phenomenon of total internal reflection, essential for keeping light rays inside fibre-optic cables, and the factors contributing to attenuation in such cables. The experiment proposed aims to investigate the relationship between bend radius and light intensity loss in fibre optic tubes, considering different wavelengths and materials for the core and cladding. Hypothesized outcomes suggest that increasing the bend radius will result in decreased light intensity exiting the tube, with bending loss increasing proportionally with wavelengths.
    
    

10. Cloud chambers: The essay focuses on particle physics and the construction of the Standard Model to categorize subatomic particles and fundamental forces. It highlights the incomplete nature of the established theory while acknowledging its success in explaining experimental results.  The research question posed aims to assess the effectiveness of cloud chambers in displaying subatomic particles and fundamental interactions in the surrounding environment, covering areas such as atomic, nuclear, and particle physics. 
    
     

11. Modeling and investigating the effect of bubble wand radius on ease of blowing: Fluid mechanics, a complex field encompassing the study of liquids and gases, extends beyond the scope of typical educational programs but holds significant relevance to everyday life phenomena. Bubbles, formed through various processes including chemical reactions and wave actions, intrigued the author, especially those created by bubble wands. The author, recalling childhood experiences, seeks to understand the relationship between the critical air speed needed to blow bubbles and the radius of the wand, intending to construct a theoretical model grounded in fluid mechanics principles and validate it through experimentation.
    
     

12. Comparison of the properties of Delta Cephei and The Sun: Due to the lengthy evolution of stars, we rely on observing different stages of their lives to gather information, despite the difficulty of estimating their dimensions. Variable stars, such as Cepheid variables, offer valuable insights into stellar behavior, allowing us to calculate vast distances. By investigating the properties of the Cepheid variable star Delta Cephei and comparing them to the Sun, the essay aims to understand why variable stars are instrumental in comprehending stellar activity.
    
     

13. The refractive index of water: Light's refraction, governed by medium indexes, is fundamental to understanding phenomena like changes in salinity affecting the refractive index of water, observable through the bending of light rays. By investigating the relationship between the salinity of pure water and changes in refractive index, Snell's law can be employed to determine the effect of salinity on light refraction.
    
     

14. Physics of toroidal banked turns: Banked turns facilitate the movement of objects, vehicles, and people around corners by reducing frictional forces and providing centripetal acceleration, commonly found on highways, racetracks, and velodromes. This investigation aims to explore the relationship between the maximum height reached by an object and its initial velocity on a toroidal surface through both experimental and theoretical analyses. The research addresses the importance of safe design in engineering by developing accurate models to predict and mitigate risks associated with cornering on toroidal surfaces, considering factors such as energy conservation and friction effects.
    
     

15. Molecular dynamics simulation of argon crystal: The research focuses on analyzing phase changes in argon crystal as it undergoes monotonic heating in a controlled, pressure-free environment through computer simulation. The student's familiarity with professional simulation software like LAMMPS drives their interest in simulating argon crystal behavior, aiming to predict changes in density, volume, length, and mean square displacement (MSD) as temperature increases from 50 to 150 kelvins. The research question centers on understanding how these properties evolve with temperature, providing insights into phase transitions in argon crystal.