Physics 110:  Possible  Projects

These are only ideas.  Those that have a '*' have been done, in some form.
Note that the fact that a topic is here doesn't necessarily make it a good project for you, nor does
that absence of your idea make it a bad one:  these are merely possibilities that have occurred to
me or to someone else.

You can do an experiment and report on the results, do a calculation, do 'library' research, do a
demonstration, or do a project that involves class participation.  My preference would be that you
do a demonstration or an experiment (qualitative or quantitative), &/or that you apply the laws of
Physics to something that you know or that interests you.



TOPIC AREAS:


     Mechanics

Kinetic & Potential energy

Simple Machines

Friction

Elasticity  "How High Does the Ball Bounce?" *



     Sports

"Does a Bowling Ball Float?" *

Roller Skates vs. Roller Blades vs. Ice Skates vs. SkateBoards

Collisions in Sports *

Projectiles in Sports *



     Automotive

The Physics of Auto Safety

The Physics of Road Surfaces

"To Salt or to Sand the Road?"



     Architecture & Construction

"Why doesn't this   Collapse?"



     Gravity & Astronomy

Gravity

Visible Astronomical Phenomena

Comparison of Tidal Forces on Different Planets

Comparison of Forces Between Planets *



     Fluids

Fluid Flow

Pressure & Surface Area *

Density & Buoyancy *

     & Porosity

Effects of Air Pressure *



     Light & Sound & Waves

Analysis of Sound & Music

Mirrors & Lenses



     Electricity & Magnetism

Electric & Magnetic Fields

Simple Circuits

Electric Motors & Generators *

Superconductivity

"Sensors in Everyday Life:  What They Do & How They Work"



     Heat & Thermodynamics

"Miracle Thaw" vs. "Super Thaw" Trays

Heating/Cooling/Thermal Insulation *



     History & Measurement

Measurement of Basic Physical Constants

Historical Origins of Units

History of Science



     Other

Physics & Science Fiction *

Physics(?) of Cartoons  "What is the Acceleration of Wile E. Coyote?"

Weather

The Physics of Toys

Inventions from Physics