physics paper

PHY110 Term Paper Instructions

Fall 2014

As a part of individualizing your learning experiences, I’d like you to identify a physics related topic that interests you and write a paper based on independent research. This can be any topic that is covered in the course, but does not have to fully overlap with course material. The paper needs to formulate a question or problem and attempt to arrive at an answer or explanation. You are encouraged to use the textbook, lectures, news journals or the web as resources. Length should be 3-4 pages. You are strongly encouraged to work on this throughout the semester instead of writing it the day before it is due. I will check your progress throughout the semester, and the following are due at the beginning of class on Test days:

Test 1: Name of your topic

Test 2: At least two numerical facts, formulae or graphs that you will use

Test 3: Outline of your paper.

Introduction: Explain what your topic is, the question you’re trying to answer. What is its significance: social, economic, medical or technological? How does mankind benefit from knowing the answer? Does it satisfy human curiosity in some way? What are the long-term consequences of knowing the answer?

Body: Explain the answer to your question, starting from basic physical principles, describing any scientific terms in layman’s words. Include at least three pieces of numerical facts or equations and two images/graphs. Be sure to cite your sources. What is the underlying theory?Who pioneered the research into this topic? Has human perception changed on relevant “facts”? Is there existing controversy?

Conclusion: summarize your question and answer. Raise questions about what is still being

researched or is still under debate. If discussing a social issue, what is the future outlook?

Example topics:

Mechanics

The biomechanics of a runner: what happens at the starting block?

How does friction evolve in arthritic joints?

How do centrifuges work?

What happens when you break a bone?

Is time measurement different for astronauts?

Thermodynamics

What is the most efficient machine humans can make?

What is co-generation?

Waves, Electricity and Magnetism

The physics of music: how is sound generated and received?

How do earthquake vibrations travel?

How do electronic signals function in our brain?

Nuclear Physics

What are the mutagenic effects of radiation?

What is the best method to dispose of nuclear waste?

Is nuclear energy more efficient than solar or wind?

Energy

What is the limiting efficiency of a solar panel?

What are the energy conversion processes inside a human being?

Term Paper Grading Rubric

Checkpoints are met /10

The problem is well-explained /10

The problem is motivated through presentation of its relevance /10

The facts are correct /10

Numerical data or formulae are well-explained /10

Graphical data or images are well-explained /10

Material is detailed and thorough /10

Conclusions are appropriate /10

Presentation is polished /10

Grammar and spelling are correct /5

Citations are appropriate /5

Total: