Essay Topic Ideas on Physics: Limited Resources

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a topic for a 4000-word physics essay, with a focus on experimental investigations in aerodynamics. The original poster expresses interest in the Magnus effect but seeks guidance on specific variables that can yield clear, quantitative data, considering limited resources available at their high school.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest various topics related to aerodynamics, such as the aerodynamics of wind-dispersed seeds. Questions arise regarding the complexity of mathematics involved with irregularly shaped objects and the need for specific quantitative variables to investigate.

Discussion Status

Some participants offer alternative ideas, such as investigating paper spinners to explore aerodynamic principles. The conversation reflects a mix of suggestions and concerns about the feasibility of the proposed topics, with no explicit consensus reached on a final direction.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes constraints related to limited resources and the requirement for the essay to be experimental in nature, which influences the topic selection process.

pandemic
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hello physics forums!
it is my first time here so please excuse me for any mistakes :)

i have to write a 4000 word physics essay
and i wanted to write an experimental one, something preferably related to aerodynamics (since it is my topic of interest)
does anyone have any ideas of specific topics to investigate?
i thought of investigating the magnus effect but my teacher wants specific variables that can create clear, quantitative data and i am unsure what variables to investigate
my resources here at my high school are quite limited so i would prefer ideas that do not require too much equipment, and yet something that i can investigate deeply enough to write a 4000 word essay

thank you in advance!
 
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How about the aerodynamics of wind dispersed seeds such as the sycamore?
 
but wouldn't the math behind such an irregularly shaped object be very difficult?
and can you be more specific by providing quantitative variables i can investigate?

thanks
 
pandemic said:
but wouldn't the math behind such an irregularly shaped object be very difficult?
and can you be more specific by providing quantitative variables i can investigate?

thanks

I think the math will be extremely difficult but for a high school project they cannot expect too much.How about mimicking a sycamore seed action by making and investigating paper spinners.I know these are toys but there is some heavy duty physics behind them.I think if you made a few spinners and played around with them you would see for yourself that there are many variables you could investigate.Whatever you choose to do good luck with it and enjoy it.
 
ok i'll give it shot
thanks!
 

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