You'll need to demonstrate some of the skills used by real-world physicists. Think variables, measurements, data and analysis!
Ensure you can form a question linked to physics theory. Otherwise, how will you know if you're right?
What things influence your day-to-day life? This could provide inspiration.
Want to do a physics-related subject at university? What topics would you like to explore further?
Have a go with Algodoo. It's possible to construct lenses, motion carts and gas particles for comparison with real-world data.
Consider using existing Citizen Science project data with your own hypothesis.
Ever notice intriguing equipment at school? We list ways to use it below.
Try a quick preliminary experiment to set your control variables. Not seeing a change? Do something else!
Keep researching the theory until you have a plan of attack for the experiment and analysis.
Got a great idea that you really love? This doesn't happen too often! Might be worth saving this for your Extended Essay.
Ideas
The investigation is yours to plan, so StudyIB won't tell you what to do. But we do have over 100 suggestions, which might just spark your imagination!
Equipment
Dynamics track
Conservation of momentum in collisions using video, motion sensors or light gates
Newton’s second law, masses and pulleys
Impulse using force meter to measure force and time for different collisions
Work and energy (Applying force to trolley and measuring increase in KE)
Energy conservation of a trolley rolling down an incline
Graphical analysis of motion using a motion sensor
Investigation of SHM of trolley and two springs
Rolling balls - many possible variables
Rotational motion system
Conservation of angular momentum
Rotational inertia
Measuring centripetal force
Rotational inertia of a disc and rings
Rotational inertia of disc off axis
Rotational inertia of plasticine models
Optics bench
Snell’s law
Image formation in lenses
Image formation in curved mirrors
Diffraction grating
Single slit diffraction
Multiple slit interference
Diffraction by circular opening
The telescope
The microscope
Malus’ law
Aperture size and depth of focus
Inverse square law
Spectrometer
Measurement of emission spectra
Refractive index
Multiple slit interference
Teltron tubes
Fine beam tube
Electron diffraction
Critical potentials tube
Electrometer
Investigating parallel plate capacitor
Potential close to a sphere
Charge distribution
Van de graaf generator
Action of points
Optimum operating conditions
Spark length
Effect of humidity
Electric force
Radial field
Basic coil set
Self inductance
Flux density
Falling magnet
Mutual inductance
Energy losses
Magnet on a spring
Turns ratio
Coupled magnets on springs
B field sensor
Flux density due to solenoids and coils
Flux density around magnets
Use with slinky
Oscilloscope
How it works
AC experiments LCR circuits
Measuring sound
Lissajou figures and phase
Stefan Boltzman apparatus
Sonometer
Driving the wire and resonance
Changing wire
Position of detector and driver
Projectile launcher
Range and velocity
Range and angle
Effect of air resistance
Ball size and range
Time of flight
Trajectory (with camera)
Maximum height and velocity
Maximum height and angle
Conservation of momentum in 2D
Ripple tank
Refraction due to change in depth
Diffraction through slits and around obstacles
Interference between two point sources
Standing waves
Doppler effect
Physical systems
*indicates greater difficulty
Play doh
Mechanics type experiments related to deformation.
Inelastic collisions
Depth of hole when pointed object dropped (*)
Impulse when dropped from different heights or different temperatures
Flattening when dropped from different heights (*)
Rolling of different sized balls and cylinders
Freefall acceleration of different sized balls
Resistance of different pieces of play doh
Temperature dependence of resistance
Balloons
Volume and pressure
Force between two charged balloons
Frequency of note when tapped
Loudness of sound when burst (*)
Height of bounce and size (*)
Acceleration of different sizes
Resonance of different sizes (*)
Use know to project balloon, distance knot pulled back and range
Filled with different gases
A wooden rod hanging from two strings
Speed at which it unwinds when twisted (*)
Frequency and distance between strings
Frequency of angular oscillation and separation of strings
Tension in strings and angle of rod
Angular acceleration of rod and angular displacement
Used as a battering ram
Vary mass of rod and time period of various modes of oscillation
Strip of material
Twanged like a ruler on the bench
Balanced as a bridge
Balanced as a seesaw
Balanced like a ladder
As a cantilever
Used to project a mass
As a torsional spring
Can vary lengths and angles or properties of the strip
Slinky
Transverse waves
Longitudinal waves
As a solenoid
As an oscillating spring
Rotated in circular motion
Walking down the stairs (*)
As a suspension bridge (*)
Jelly
Modes of vibration of different sized cubes (*)
Refractive index of jelly made with different amounts of water, gelatine and sugar
Cut into lens shapes and used to verify the lens makers equation
Deflection and refracting angle of different jelly prisms
Used like ballistics jelly
Electrical properties
Absorption of light
Elasticity of jelly made with different amounts of water and gelatine
Coils and magnets
Electromagnetic induction
Strength of electromagnet
Coils used as springs
Transformers
Falling magnet
Vibrating magnet
Battery drill
Power in and power used to lift object
Back EMF
Motor speed and voltage
Battery life and work done
Heating when drilling
Flying pig Many variations on the conical pendulum theme
Musical instruments Take your pick!
Conductivity paper
Electric field for different electrode configuration
can simulate pretty much all of the mechanics experiments
vary gravity and air resistance, measure quantities and draw graphs
build machines
change properties of materials
join objects with ropes and chains
turn objects into water
simulate fluid flow
make objects transparent and shine lasers through them
make lenses
simulate gases with large numbers of particles
Geogebra Used for plotting graphs from equations. If time is one of the variables then the graph can be animated. Quite easy to set up simulations once the basic idea is grasped. Easier to use than excel since you don’t have to calculate values. One nice feature about Geogebra is that the simulations can be saved as Java applets and embedded into websites where they can be controlled on line.
Paul Falstad’s ripple tank Paul Falstad has made a range of applets but the ripple tank is probably the most useful as it is much easier to use than the real thing. Can be used to demonstrate refraction, reflection, diffraction, interference, waves in closed pipes, Doppler effect. Particularly nice in 3D view.
PhET Loads of excellent simulations BUT showing that a simulation obeys the laws that it is programmed to obey is not particularly enlightening. Can be used to compare a model to a real experiment.
Excel Excel can be used to plot graphs from equations by using formula to generate columns of data. The graphs can be animated by making time a variable linked to a slider. Changing the value of t with the slider will change the graph. Can be used for exponential decay, waves, motion, charging and discharging of capacitors.
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Equipment
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