Need Ideas for a Physics Extended Essay for IB

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on potential topics for an International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics Extended Essay. Two primary topics are proposed: the role of mirrors in space telescopes, specifically examining how their shape and coating influence focal properties and light reflection efficiency, and the efficiency of optical fibers in light transmission, analyzing the impact of imperfections on total internal reflection. The participant expresses uncertainty about conducting experiments in a high school lab and seeks further ideas, particularly comparing the mirror designs of the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optics, specifically mirror design and light reflection principles.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of total internal reflection in optical fibers.
  • Knowledge of the Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope specifications.
  • Basic experimental design skills suitable for high school laboratory settings.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the optical properties of different mirror coatings used in telescopes.
  • Investigate the design differences between the Hubble Space Telescope and JWST mirrors.
  • Explore methods for conducting experiments on light transmission in optical fibers.
  • Learn about image processing techniques for combining multiple images from mirrors.
USEFUL FOR

IB Physics students, educators guiding extended essays, and anyone interested in advanced optics and experimental physics.

wjwhs010101
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I have researched some topics, but I am not sure what to do.

The topics that I found are:
Topic: The Role of Mirrors in Space Telescopes
Research Question: How do the shape and coating of mirrors affect their focal properties and light reflection efficiency?

Topic: The efficiency of optical fibers in transmitting light.
Research Question: How do imperfections in optical fibers affect the total internal reflection and efficiency of light transmission?

I was thinking about doing the first one, but I'm not sure if I will be able to conduct the experiment in a highschool lab environment. Please give me ideas, and I will genuinely appreciate it!
 
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wjwhs010101 said:
Topic: The Role of Mirrors in Space Telescopes
Research Question: How do the shape and coating of mirrors affect their focal properties and light reflection efficiency?
Compare and Contrast the designs of the Hubble and JWST. What is different about their mirrors? Why are they like that? For your lab exercise, you could try combining multiple images from multiple mirrors into one and explore the issues with doing that. :smile:
 

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