Research Topic for Science High School Freshman in Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around generating ideas for a physics research paper focused on renewable energy generators. Participants explore various types of renewable energy sources and their associated technologies, particularly in the context of a high school project. The conversation includes suggestions for topics and considerations for novice researchers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding a suitable research topic related to renewable energy generators and seeks advice.
  • Another participant lists several categories of renewable energy, including hydropower, solar energy, wind power, and geothermal energy, and questions whether the focus is specifically on generators.
  • A participant proposes studying "Dynamic Tidal Power" and inquires about its suitability for someone with limited background knowledge.
  • There is a discussion about the basic operation of generators, with an emphasis on the differences between traditional dams and dynamic tidal power systems.
  • One participant asserts that dynamic tidal power is safer and more efficient than traditional dams, suggesting this as a key point for the research project.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of explaining how energy is produced by dynamic tidal power and its uniqueness compared to other methods.
  • A link is shared to an article about wave energy production in Hawaii, highlighting the potential of ocean energy and the technical challenges that remain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interest in renewable energy generators, but there are multiple competing views regarding specific topics and approaches, particularly concerning dynamic tidal power versus other renewable sources.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the technical aspects of renewable energy technologies, which may affect their ability to engage with certain topics. There are also indications of uncertainty regarding the complexity of the proposed research topics.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students interested in physics and renewable energy, educators seeking project ideas for students, and individuals exploring beginner-level research topics in renewable energy technologies.

Rod Alexei
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I am having trouble creating new ideas for a physics research paper. My group has three members and we are all interested in generators that run on renewable energy. Unfortunately, we haven't found a topic yet, and the deadline is looming. We don't have a research adviser as well because to get one, we must present a proposal. Any advice or suggestions would really help. Thank you very much!
We are just a bunch of 15 year olds who aren't experts. I tried to read some journals but they all seem too advanced.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Rod Alexei said:
we are all interested in generators that run on renewable energy.

Well, there are several areas to choose from. Hydropower (dams), solar cells and other forms of solar energy, wind power, and geothermal are the main categories, but there are a few more. Other than solar cells, all the others here typically use a generator to create electricity. Were you specifically interested in generators?
 
Drakkith said:
Well, there are several areas to choose from. Hydropower (dams), solar cells and other forms of solar energy, wind power, and geothermal are the main categories, but there are a few more. Other than solar cells, all the others here typically use a generator to create electricity. Were you specifically interested in generators?
I was thinking of studying "Dynamic Tidal Power". I am currently reading papers about it right now. I don't really have a strong background in how these sorts of machines work but I am willing to try. Do you think this is a good topic for a novice?
 
You should be able to understand the basics without too much difficulty, but it's hard to say since I have no idea what this project will be like. The basic idea for anything involving a generator is that you have an electrical generator hooked up to something which turns it. A diesel generator uses a diesel engine to turn the generator which provides electricity. A generator at a hydropower plant is hooked up to turbines which are turned by flowing water. Dynamic tidal power uses the tides to power the generators in a similar manner to a normal dam. Do you understand the difference between a normal dam and one used in dynamic tidal power?
 
It is much safer than a normal barrage or dam and is more efficient.
Also the way they produce energy.
 
Rod Alexei said:
Also the way they produce energy.

That's the meat of your project, I'd guess. Explain how they produce energy and how this is unique.
 
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/0688...ve-produced-electricity-us-goes-online-hawaii
America's first wave-produced power goes online in Hawaii
"By some estimates, the ocean's endless motion packs enough power to meet a quarter of America's energy needs and dramatically reduce the nation's reliance on oil, gas and coal. But wave energy technology lags well behind wind and solar power, with important technical hurdles still to be overcome." Tackle some of those hurdles.
 

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