Other I need recommendations for an interesting Senior Project.

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A high school junior with a keen interest in physics, particularly particle physics and quantum mechanics, is seeking project ideas for a senior project that typically requires significant work and creativity. While many peers choose practical projects like restoring cars, this student aims to incorporate their passion for theoretical physics. Initial thoughts included building a small particle accelerator, but concerns about safety and lack of electrical experience prompted a search for alternatives. Suggestions from others included creating simulations, such as modeling a solar system or chaotic systems, which could also integrate elements of particle physics. The student has programming skills in Python and is learning Java, with plans to enhance their coding abilities through an upcoming AP Computer Science course.
AMuonParticle
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I'm currently a junior in high school, and I'm really interested in physics, especially particle physics and quantum mechanics. At my school, everybody needs to do a big senior project to graduate, involving multiple papers and about 30 hours of work, usually to build something or organize a community event. Most people end up restoring an old car or something similar, but I would really like to tie in my interest in theoretical physics. I still have another 6 months before I need to know exactly what I'm going to do. Does anyone have any recommendations for a long term project involving these areas of physics? My first thought was to build a small particle accelerator, but I don't have any experience working with electricity, so I'd probably accidentally fry myself from the high voltage. Other ideas?
 
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Are you good with programming?
 
micromass said:
Are you good with programming?
I'm no expert, I know python pretty well, and I'm starting to learn Java. I'll be taking AP Computer Science next year so I should be a lot more well-versed with Java by the time I'm actually working on the project.
 
AMuonParticle said:
I'm no expert, I know python pretty well, and I'm starting to learn Java. I'll be taking AP Computer Science next year so I should be a lot more well-versed with Java by the time I'm actually working on the project.

Well, you could write some kind of simulation. Like simulate a solar system, a chaotic double pendulum, etc.
 
micromass said:
Well, you could write some kind of simulation. Like simulate a solar system, a chaotic double pendulum, etc.
That's actually a pretty good idea. I might be able to tie that into particle physics by simulating some basic interactions. I'll definitely consider that as an option, thanks!
 
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