IB Physics Project Ideas - Analytical or Experimental?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on selecting a topic for an extended essay in IB Physics, with a preference for theoretical physics over experimental. The user expresses interest in classical field theory but seeks specific project ideas. Suggestions include modeling the movement of charges in electromagnetic fields, analyzing the gravitational interaction of two masses, exploring voltage in circuits, and investigating Stefan's Law related to ice growth. The user acknowledges a lack of programming skills, which may limit their ability to model complex systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of IB Physics curriculum and extended essay requirements
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics and electromagnetic theory
  • Basic knowledge of calculus and relativity concepts
  • Awareness of experimental and theoretical physics methodologies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research classical field theory applications in physics
  • Learn about modeling electromagnetic fields and their effects
  • Investigate gravitational interactions in multi-body systems
  • Study Stefan's Law and its implications in thermodynamics
USEFUL FOR

High school students in the IB program, particularly those pursuing advanced physics topics, educators guiding students in project selection, and anyone interested in theoretical physics research methodologies.

guitarphysics
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Hello, I'd really appreciate some opinions on this- I'll get a chance to do an extended essay for the IB program and I'm choosing physics, obviously. I'm not quite sure what to work on. I can choose to research something relating to experimental physics (where I design an experiment to find a relation between different physical quantities) or relating to theoretical physics (where I create a model for something, or maybe give an analytical discussion of a topic).

It can't be something too broad, since the essay has a word limit of 4000. I get about 6 months to do this project, so once I start I'll have a long time to learn stuff if I need to. I'd rather do something more theoretical than experimental. Any thoughts on what could be good? I'm thinking classical field theory could be interesting to look into, but I have no idea what I could do related to that subject.
 
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It might help to explain what level of education you have and what 'IB' is.
 
Yeah, you're right, sorry. IB is international baccalaureate- it's *sort of* like A levels.
I'm pretty advanced for a high school student- I know calc, classical mechanics (only a bit of Lagrangian stuff, though), undegrad level EM, and some relativity (as well as garden variety first year physics stuff- fluids, waves, etc.).
 
Do you know any programming? Then you could try to model something you find interesting.

Movement of charges in weird electromagnetic fields, start with something straight forward.

Two masses orbiting each other due to gravity, add in more objects or forces for more fun.

Voltage in some circuit.

Stefans Law, regarding growth of fresh ice floating on water. Add in heat fluxes, meteorological data for more fun.

This thread had some good suggestions as well: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=766646
 
Last edited:
Some really cool ideas, thanks! Unfortunately I suck at programming so I won't be able to model anything :(. But we'll see..
 

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