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IB Extended Essay: Research Questions

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IB Command Terms

Command terms are the key terms and phrases used in examination questions. 

See the lists below for the terms and definitions for each IB subject

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Sample research questions

Source: IBO.org

Question Starters

Source: Oxford Course Companion, p.17

Research Questions: Class of 2020

Visual Arts: To what extent are the developments in American military aircraft nose designs from World War 2, Vietnam War and Gulf War more connected to individual crew preference than to the visual culture of America, 1940 - 1990?

English A: To what extent does William Shakespeare employ Elizabethan elements in Romeo and Juliet to build towards the eventual tragedy?

English A: To what extent did news media outlets, specifically CNN and Fox News, use different reporting methods to portray the candidates in the 2016 United States presidential election?

English A: How do aspects of real-life societies inform and shape A Clockwork Orange and The Handmaid’s Tale?

English A: How were African Americans portrayed in American sitcoms from 1980 to 2000?

English B: To what extent does 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green reflect 'The Hero's Journey'?

English B: To what extent does social media influence or have an effect on the english language usage?

English B: To what extent does the usage of AAVE affect an individual’s social status and mobility?

English B: To what extent does the development of the Super Bowl mirror specific aspects of American cultural, social, and economic trends?

Psychology: To what extent is the phenomenon of Karoshi, the overworking of office workers in Southeast Asia, interconnected with symptoms of depression?

Psychology: To What Extent is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as an addition to traditional pharmacotherapy necessary for the successful treatment of Schizophrenia?

Psychology: To what extent is Δ9-THC an effective antidepressant that can be used to treat patients with depression?

Chinese B: 论新时代网络语言对现代汉语有何种影响？

Chinese B: 中国嘻哈歌手如何运用歌词传播中华文化？How do Chinese Hip-hop Artists Promote Chinese Culture through Lyrics?

Economics: To what extent have increases in rental prices (2017-2018) shrunken the market for Korean restaurants in Chegongmiao, Shenzhen?

Economics: How does President Moon's minimum wage policy affect convenience store market in Seocho 1-dong, South Korea?

Business: To What Extent Does the WeChat Application in Tencent's Business Model Play a Role in its Success?

Business: To what extent has Samsung's acquisition of Harman Kardon helped in increasing revenue and access to new markets?

Research Questions: Class of 2019

World Studies (Biology & Economics): How does mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) ecotourism support and strengthen local economies while ensuring the mountain gorillas’ health and survival?

English A, Category 3: How are skincare companies like: Neutrogena, Nivea, and Dove promoting white supremacy?

English B, Category 2B: To what extent do the changes in Cersei’s and Daenerys’s character development in the HBO series Game of Thrones show they are ultimately both motivated for and by power?

Visual Arts: To what extent did visual qualities in Coco Chanel’s Little Black Dress 1913, influence black dresses created by Chinese fashion designer Vivienne Tam and haute couture designer Yiqing Yin in regards to development in visual elements and societal acceptances in the 21st century?

Business Management: “To what extent was Apple Inc.’s acquisition of Beats Electronics, LLC an effective growth strategy?”

Math, Group 5: Investigating the Korean MERS outbreak using the SEIR model: How would hypothetical diseases be simulated if variables of the SEIR model were to be altered?

Business Management : To what extent has the benefits offered by Shekou International School helped them retain staff?

Economics: To what extent has the subsidy that was introduced in 2016 for hybrid electric vehicles led to a rise in demand for domestic car producers in Baden Württemberg?

Chemistry: How does the addition of salt (NaCl) which modifies the salinity affects the interfacial tension and stability of oil-in-water emulsion?

World Studies (History & Literature): What aspects of the anti-vaccination movement, and “The Crucible” relate to mass hysteria during the Salem Witch Trials?

Psychology: To What Extent Do Behavioural Addictions Fit The Criteria for ‘The Disease Model of Addiction’?

World Studies (Economics & Politics): To what extent has the political decision to host the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro affected Brazils’ economy and the financial welfare of its citizens?

Physics: To what extent does the volume of water affect the altitude gained by adding a constant pressure?

Psychology: To what extent are sociocultural and biological factors major causes of elderly people’s depressive behavior?

World Studies (History & Economics): To what extent did the LGBTQ community contribute to making attractive neighborhoods in the US and why are they pushed to leave them now?

Economics: To what extent is the cafe market in Shekou, Shenzhen, monopolistically competitive?

Economics: “Which is the most important factor that changes the real estate price rate in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Korea?”

Business Management: To what extent has McDonald’s marketing strategies played a major role in becoming a prominent fast-food company in Korea?

World Studies (Physics & Geography): To What Extent is the Design of the Standard Houses that Gawak Kalinga Builds Able to Withstand the Seismic Hazards Present in Manila?

World Studies (Economics & Music): To what extent is electronic music’s economy expanding?

Visual Arts: To what extent did artistic influences and material sources impact the chair designs of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Zig-Zag (1934), Verner Panton Panton S (1956), and Tom Dixon, Capellini, S Chair (1991)?

Business Management: To what extent has Apple Inc.’s prioritization of product innovation and advertising led to sales of iPhone X?

World Studies (Psychology & Geography): How do the combined effects of Socioeconomic Status and Diabetes increase prevalences of Alzheimer’s Disease in different regions within China (PRC)?

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IB Physics EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent does the tension being applied on a wire affect the resonance frequency, to what extent does electromagnetic interference affect the performance of computer devices and what are the mitigation strategies that can be applied, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, how does varying the magnetic field strength and the power input of a dc motor affect its rotational speed, to what extent does the angle of attack of the fins (0°, 3°, 6°, 9°, 12°) of a moving projectile affect its lateral distance (range) and apogee (maximal height), if initial velocity (2.7 m/s), shape, angle (60°), and launch environment are kept constant, how does the total energy supplied during ultrasonic cavitation of benzene affect the integrated photoluminescence intensity and quantum yield of graphene quantum dots (gqds), fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how is the lift at various angles of attack affected by flap deflection angles, fluid’s density effect on falling objects, what is the relationship between the height of the siphon and the flow velocity out of the siphon, what effect does the difference in radius at the top and bottom of the roller coaster loop have on the maximum change in g-force that a passenger experiences, how does altering the curvature of an aircraft wing function to reduce aerodynamic drag and thus aircraft greenhouse emissions, how does increasing the angle of a simple pendulum affect its time period, how do changes in viscosity of fluid affect the speed and amplitude of surface waves that are generated by an impact of spherical object, how do the angular momentum and orbital velocity affect the eccentricities of planetary orbits, an investigation into the physics of toroidal banked turns, to what extent do the properties of delta cephei compare to those of the sun, how does the velocity of a bicycle on a flat horizontal surface affect its stability, what is the effect of initial angular velocity and the number of cuts on an aluminium disc, towards the time for an electromagnetic brake to completely stop, and its experienced braking force due to formation of eddy currents, how does angular velocity of a bicycle wheel affect its stability‬ ‭, to what extent do various mathematical models effectively predict the trajectory of a projectile, accounting for factors such as air resistance and drag, to what extent does the relationship between the velocity of a spacecraft in orbit and its propulsion efficiency attribute to the oberth effect in the context of space exploration, what is the effect of modifying parameters (span and sag) of a hanging chain on the tension it experiences at its ends, how does the downforce generated by an inverted naca 6412 aerofoil compare to an upright naca 6412 aerofoil at varying angle of attack and wind speed, to what extent does the temperature affect the magnetic field, hence the pole strength of a permanent magnet by applying tangent’s law, is there an optimal ratio between the length l1 (the length from the projectile to the fulcrum) and the length l2 (the length from the fulcrum to the right end of the central arm) of a seesaw trebuchet that yields the highest initial velocity of its projectile, to what extent does drag affect the angle of elevation which produces the maximum range (horizontal displacement) for a projectile, ¿cómo afecta la temperatura del medio en la velocidad de propagación del sonido en el aire, what effect do mass, radius and length have on the moment of inertia of a cylinder being rotated about its central diameter, what is the critical reynolds number for water flow through a pipe, how does the angle of attack and flap angle of a naca2412 airfoil affect the coefficient of lift generated, investigación sobre el movimiento giroscópico de una peonza y su estabilidad dependiendo de la velocidad de rotación., to what extent do cloud chambers effectively display subatomic particles and the fundamental interactions in the surrounding environment, what is the relationship between the critical air speed required to blow a bubble and the radius of the wand forming it, what is the effect of manipulating the coefficient ’a’ of the parabolic function ax2 on the intensity of the light reflecting off a parabolic object, emitted from set different angles (0°, 15°, and 30°), how does strain rate affect the true stress and true strain of aluminium, steel and polystyrene subject to uniaxial tension, can the relationship between drag and velocity, r=bv^2, be proved experimentally by finding the constant of proportionality (25/34), can the technology currently under development for wireless power transfer provide a viable and efficient method for delivering electrical power to a wide range of home and industrial applications, “how does the length of a u folded metallic chain with one end fixed affect the time taken for it to unfold under the influence of gravity”, quel est l'effet de la masse et de la pression initiale sur la portée d'une fusée à eau, can we validate the conclusions from the 1919 dyson & eddington total solar eclipse expedition through data analysis of succeeding total eclipse expeditions, how does the phase of argon crystal (density, volume, length and msd) change as the crystal is monotonically heated in the temperature range from 50 to 150 kelvins.

IB Physics IA: 60 Examples and Guidance

Charles Whitehouse

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program offers a variety of assessments for students, including Internal Assessments (IAs), which are pieces of coursework marked by students’ teachers. The Physics IA is an assessment designed to test students' understanding of the material they have learned in their Physics course and their ability to conduct independent research.

What is the IA?

The IA consists of a laboratory report that students must complete during their IB Physics course. It is an individual, self-directed project that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method and their ability to design, conduct, and report on an experiment.

For assessments before May 2025, the report should be 6 to 12 pages in length, no longer than 2,500 words, and should include a research question, a methodology section, data analysis, and a conclusion. From May 2025 , the report should be a maximum of 3,000 words.

📈Boost your grades with our revision platform, used by 100,000+ students! 📝Access thousands of practice questions, study notes, and past papers for every subject. 📚 View IB Resources 📚 View A-Level Resources 📚 View GCSE Resources 📚 View IGCSE Resources

What should the IA be about?

Expert IB Physics tutors agree that when choosing a topic for their IA, students should keep in mind that the investigation should be related to the content of the IB Physics course. It should also be practical, feasible, and of sufficient complexity to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter.

Have a look at our comprehensive set IB Physics resources developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

- IB Physics 2024 Study Notes

- IB Physics 2025 Study Notes

- IB Physics 2024 Questions

- IB Physics 2025 Questions

What are some example research questions?

Here are a few examples of potential research questions compiled by professional IB Physics tutors which could inspire your Physics IA:

1 - How does the angle of incidence affect the angle of reflection in a mirror?

Set up a mirror at a fixed distance from a light source and a protractor to measure angles. Vary the angle of incidence of the light beam and measure the angle of reflection. Repeat this process for different types of mirrors with varying surface properties. Analyze the data to determine the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection for each type of mirror. This could be presented in a graph or table to demonstrate the effect of the angle of incidence on the angle of reflection.

2 - Can the speed of sound in a gas be determined using a resonance tube?

Set up a resonance tube with a speaker and a microphone at opposite ends. A gas sample would be introduced into the tube and the frequency of the sound produced by the speaker would be gradually increased until a resonance frequency is reached. The distance between the speaker and the microphone would be measured and the speed of sound in the gas can be calculated using the formula v = fλ, where v is the speed of sound, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength. This process would need to be repeated for different gases to compare their speeds of sound.

3 - Investigating the effect of the length of a pendulum on its period of oscillation.

Set up a pendulum with a variable length and measure its period of oscillation using a stopwatch. Repeat this process for different lengths of the pendulum, recording the period of oscillation each time. Plot the data on a graph and analyze the relationship between the length of the pendulum and its period of oscillation. This would determine the effect of the length of the pendulum on its period of oscillation

4 - How does the distance of a lens from an object affect the size of the image produced?

Set up an experiment in which a lens is placed at varying distances from an object of known size. The resulting image size would be measured and recorded for each distance. The data could then be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between distance and image size. This would allow for the determination of the optimal distance for obtaining a desired image size. Control variables such as the type of lens and lighting conditions would need to be kept constant throughout the experiment.

5 - Can the refractive index of a liquid be determined using a prism and a spectrometer?

Use a prism to refract a beam of light through the liquid being tested. The spectrometer would then measure the angle of refraction and the wavelength of the light. By comparing these values to a known standard, the refractive index of the liquid can be calculated. This process would need to be repeated for each liquid being tested.

6 - Investigating the effect of the number of turns on the strength of an electromagnet.

Set up an experiment in which an electromagnet is constructed with a varying number of turns in the coil. The strength of the magnet could be measured by its ability to attract a known weight or by using a gaussmeter to measure the magnetic field strength. The number of turns could be adjusted and the strength of the magnet measured each time to determine the effect of the number of turns on the strength of the electromagnet. Control variables such as the voltage and wire diameter would need to be kept constant.

7 - How does the coefficient of kinetic friction between two surfaces vary with different types of materials?

Conduct experiments using different materials and surfaces to measure the coefficient of kinetic friction. A standard weight could be placed on the surface and pulled by a string or other mechanism to create movement. The force required to move the weight could be measured and used to calculate the coefficient of kinetic friction. This process would need to be repeated for each material being tested to determine how the coefficient of kinetic friction varies with different types of materials.

8 - Can the resistance of a wire be determined by measuring the potential difference across it?

Set up a circuit with the wire in question, a power source, and a voltmeter to measure the potential difference across the wire. Vary the power source and measure the potential difference at each setting. Plot a graph of potential difference against current, and the resistance of the wire can be calculated as the gradient of the graph. This process would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency.

9 - Investigating the relationship between the current and voltage in a simple electrical circuit.

Set up a simple electrical circuit with a power source, a resistor, and a voltmeter and ammeter to measure the voltage and current, respectively. Vary the voltage supplied to the circuit and measure the resulting current. Plot the data on a graph and analyze the relationship between voltage and current. This could involve calculating the resistance of the circuit, determining if the relationship is linear or nonlinear, and exploring any potential sources of error in the experiment.

10 - How does the mass of an object affect the gravitational force acting on it?

Conduct an experiment in which objects of different masses are placed on a scale and the gravitational force acting on each object is measured. The scale would need to be calibrated to ensure accurate measurements. The results would show that the gravitational force acting on an object increases as its mass increases, demonstrating the relationship between mass and gravitational force. This experiment could be repeated multiple times to ensure the results are consistent and reliable.

11 - Can the period of oscillation of a spring-mass system be determined using its length and mass?

Measure the length and mass of the spring-mass system. Displace the mass from its equilibrium position and release it, allowing it to oscillate. Record the time it takes for the mass to complete one full oscillation. Repeat this process multiple times and calculate the average period of oscillation. The period can then be used to determine the spring constant of the system using the equation T = 2π√(m/k), where T is the period, m is the mass, and k is the spring constant.

12 - Investigating the relationship between the angle of projection and the range of a projectile.

Conduct a series of experiments in which a projectile is launched at different angles and the distance it travels is measured. The angle of projection would be varied systematically, and the range of the projectile would be measured using a measuring tape or other appropriate tool. The results would be plotted on a graph, and the relationship between the angle of projection and the range of the projectile could be analyzed. This would allow for the determination of the optimal angle of projection for achieving the maximum range.

13 - How does the density of a solid vary with different types of materials?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the density of different materials is measured using a variety of methods, such as weighing, displacement, or buoyancy. The materials could include metals, plastics, and natural substances like wood or stone. The data collected could then be analyzed to identify any patterns or trends in the relationship between density and material type. This could lead to a better understanding of the physical properties of different materials and their potential applications in various industries.

14 - Can the work done on an object by a constant force be determined using a simple pulley system?

Set up a simple pulley system with a known mass attached to one end of the rope and the object being lifted attached to the other end. The force required to lift the object can be measured using a force sensor, and the distance the object is lifted can be measured using a ruler or tape measure. The work done on the object can then be calculated by multiplying the force by the distance. This process would need to be repeated for different masses to determine if the work done is proportional to the force applied.

15 - Investigating the relationship between the mass and velocity of an object in a collision.

Conduct a series of collisions between objects of varying masses and velocities, using a consistent method for measuring the velocity and mass of each object before and after the collision. The data collected can be used to calculate the momentum of each object before and after the collision, and to determine the conservation of momentum. The relationship between mass and velocity can be analyzed by comparing the changes in momentum for different combinations of mass and velocity. A graph of the data can be used to visually represent the relationship between mass and velocity in a collision.

16 - Can the specific heat capacity of a metal be determined using a calorimeter?

Use a calorimeter to measure the heat capacity of the metal. The metal would be heated to a known temperature and then placed in a container of water at a known temperature. The change in temperature of the water would be measured, and the heat capacity of the metal can be calculated based on the mass of the metal and the change in temperature of the water. This process would need to be repeated for each metal being tested.

17 - Investigating the effect of the length of a wire on its resistance.

Set up a circuit with a power source, a wire of varying lengths, and a resistor. Measure the voltage across the resistor and the current flowing through the circuit for each wire length. Use Ohm's law to calculate the resistance of the wire at each length. Plot a graph of wire length against resistance and analyze the relationship between the two variables. This would determine the effect of the length of the wire on its resistance.

18 - Can the power output of a solar panel be determined at different light intensities?

Set up a solar panel in a controlled environment and measure its power output using a multimeter at different light intensities. The light intensity can be varied by adjusting the distance between the light source and the solar panel. The power output can be plotted against the light intensity to determine the relationship between the two variables. This experiment would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.

19 - Investigating the relationship between the angle of attack and the lift generated by a wing.

Conduct wind tunnel experiments with a model wing at different angles of attack. The lift generated by the wing can be measured using a force sensor, and the angle of attack can be adjusted using a mechanism. The data collected can be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between the angle of attack and the lift generated. This experiment could also be repeated with different wing shapes to investigate the impact of wing design on lift generation.

20 - How does the acceleration due to gravity vary with different lengths of a simple pendulum?

Conduct a series of experiments using pendulums of different lengths. The pendulum could be set in motion and timed for a set number of swings, with the time recorded for each swing. The length of the pendulum and the time for each swing could then be used to calculate the acceleration due to gravity for each pendulum length. The results could be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between pendulum length and acceleration due to gravity. This experiment would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.

21 - Can the Young's modulus of a metal wire be determined using a simple tensile testing apparatus?

A metal wire of known length and diameter would be attached to a tensile testing apparatus. The wire would be slowly pulled until it breaks, and the force required to break the wire would be recorded. The Young's modulus of the wire can then be calculated using the formula E = (F/A)/(ΔL/L), where E is the Young's modulus, F is the force applied, A is the cross-sectional area of the wire, ΔL is the change in length of the wire, and L is the original length of the wire. This process would need to be repeated for multiple wires of the same material to ensure the accuracy of the results.

22 - Investigating the effect of the number of turns on the frequency of an LC circuit.

Construct an LC circuit with a variable capacitor and a fixed inductor. Record the frequency of the circuit for a range of capacitor settings, and plot the results on a graph. Repeat the experiment with different values of inductance, and compare the results to determine the effect of the number of turns on the frequency of the circuit. The experiment could be repeated with different types of inductors to investigate the effect of their properties on the frequency of the circuit.

23 - How does the height of a ramp affect the speed of a rolling ball?

Set up a ramp with varying heights and release a rolling ball from the top of each ramp. Use a stopwatch to measure the time it takes for the ball to reach the bottom of the ramp. Repeat the experiment multiple times for each height and calculate the average speed for each height. Plot the data on a graph to determine the relationship between ramp height and ball speed. Control variables such as the mass and size of the ball, the surface of the ramp, and the angle of the ramp should be kept constant throughout the experiment.

24 - Can the efficiency of a motor be determined using a dynamometer?

Conduct a series of tests on the motor using a dynamometer to measure its power output and efficiency. The motor would be run at different speeds and loads, and the power output and efficiency would be recorded for each test. The data collected would be used to determine the motor's efficiency and to compare it to other motors of similar size and power. This information could be used to optimize the motor's performance or to select a more efficient motor for a particular application.

25 - Investigating the effect of the diameter of a tube on the rate of flow of a fluid.

Set up a series of tubes with varying diameters and measure the rate of flow of a fluid through each tube. The fluid could be water or another liquid with a known viscosity. The flow rate could be measured by timing how long it takes for a certain volume of fluid to pass through each tube. The results could then be analyzed to determine if there is a correlation between tube diameter and flow rate. Control variables such as temperature and pressure would need to be kept constant throughout the experiment.

26 - How does the temperature of a liquid affect its viscosity?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the temperature of a liquid is gradually increased while its viscosity is measured. The viscosity could be measured using a viscometer or by timing how long it takes for a ball bearing to fall through the liquid. The results could be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between temperature and viscosity. Control variables such as the type of liquid and the rate of temperature increase would need to be kept constant throughout the experiments.

27 - Can the distance between two charges affect the electrostatic force between them?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the distance between two charges is varied while keeping the magnitude of the charges constant. The electrostatic force between the charges can be measured using a Coulomb balance or other appropriate equipment. The results can be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between distance and electrostatic force. This can help determine if there is a correlation between the two variables and if so, what kind of relationship exists (e.g. inverse square law).

28 - Investigating the relationship between the radius of a wheel and the torque required to turn it.

Design a series of experiments in which the radius of the wheel is varied while measuring the torque required to turn it. A suitable apparatus, such as a dynamometer, would need to be used to measure the torque. The experiments would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and to account for any variability in the results. The data collected could then be analyzed to determine the relationship between the radius of the wheel and the torque required to turn it, such as by plotting the data on a graph and calculating the slope of the line of best fit.

29 - Can the speed of light be determined using a Michelson interferometer?

Set up a Michelson interferometer with a laser as the light source. The laser beam is split into two paths, with one path reflecting off a stationary mirror and the other reflecting off a movable mirror. The two beams are then recombined and interference patterns are observed. By measuring the distance the movable mirror travels and the resulting changes in the interference patterns, the speed of light can be calculated. This process would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and to account for any sources of error.

30 - How does the distance between a light source and a photodiode affect the amount of current generated?

Conduct a series of experiments with the photodiode placed at different distances from the light source. Measure the amount of current generated by the photodiode at each distance and record the results. Plot the data on a graph to visualize the relationship between distance and current. Analyze the data to determine if there is a correlation between distance and current and draw conclusions about how the distance affects the amount of current generated.

31 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the strength and stiffness of structures.

Design and build structures using different materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic. The strength and stiffness of each structure could be tested by applying a force or load to it and measuring how much it deforms or breaks. The results could be compared to determine which material provides the greatest strength and stiffness for a given application. Control variables such as the size and shape of the structures, as well as the type and amount of force applied, would need to be standardized to ensure accurate and consistent results.

32 - How does the angle of incidence affect the angle of refraction in a prism?

Set up a prism and a light source. Vary the angle of incidence of the light beam and measure the angle of refraction using a protractor. Repeat this process for different angles of incidence and record the corresponding angles of refraction. Plot the data on a graph and analyze the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction. This would help determine the impact of the angle of incidence on the angle of refraction in a prism.

33 - Investigating the effects of different types of lenses on the focal length and magnification of an optical system.

Construct an optical system using a light source, lenses of different types, and a screen to capture the image produced by the system. The focal length and magnification of each lens can be measured by adjusting the distance between the lens and the screen and recording the resulting image size and distance. The data collected can then be used to compare the effects of different types of lenses on the focal length and magnification of the optical system.

34 - How does the wavelength of light affect the diffraction pattern in a double-slit experiment?

Set up a double-slit experiment with a monochromatic light source and a screen to observe the diffraction pattern. Vary the wavelength of the light source and observe the changes in the diffraction pattern. Record the distance between the slits, the distance between the slits and the screen, and the position of the bright and dark fringes. Analyze the data to determine the relationship between the wavelength of light and the diffraction pattern. A graph could be plotted to visualize the results.

35 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the elasticity and deformation of solids.

Conduct experiments using different materials, such as rubber, plastic, and metal, to determine their elasticity and deformation properties. This could involve applying a force to each material and measuring the resulting deformation, or measuring the stress and strain of each material under different conditions. The data collected could be used to create graphs or charts comparing the properties of each material, allowing for analysis and conclusions to be drawn about their relative strengths and weaknesses.

36 - How does the mass of an object affect its period of oscillation in a pendulum?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the mass of the pendulum is varied while keeping other variables such as length and angle of release constant. The period of oscillation can be measured by timing the number of swings the pendulum makes in a set amount of time. The data collected can then be analyzed to determine the relationship between mass and period of oscillation. A graph can be plotted to visually represent the data and show any trends or patterns.

37 - Investigating the effects of different types of forces on the motion and acceleration of objects.

Conduct experiments using different types of forces such as gravity, friction, and air resistance on objects of different masses and shapes. Measure the acceleration and motion of the objects using tools such as motion sensors and stopwatches. Record the data and analyze the results to determine the effects of each force on the objects. This could involve creating graphs or tables to compare the data and draw conclusions about the relationships between the different variables.

38 - How does the length of a string affect the frequency and wavelength of standing waves?

Conduct a series of experiments in which a string of varying lengths is attached to a fixed point and set into vibration. The frequency and wavelength of the standing waves can be measured using a frequency meter and a ruler, respectively. The length of the string can then be adjusted and the measurements repeated. Plotting the data on a graph would allow for the relationship between string length and frequency/wavelength to be analyzed.

39 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the thermal conductivity and heat transfer of substances.

Conduct experiments using different materials, such as metals, plastics, and ceramics, as well as different thicknesses and shapes of the materials. A heat source would be applied to one side of the material, and the temperature on the other side would be measured using a thermometer. The rate of heat transfer through the material can then be calculated based on the temperature difference and the properties of the material. Comparing the rates of heat transfer for the different materials would determine their thermal conductivity and their effectiveness at transferring heat.

40 - How does the angle of incidence affect the polarization of light in a polarizing filter?

Set up a polarizing filter and a light source. Vary the angle of incidence of the light on the polarizing filter and measure the intensity of the light that passes through the filter using a light meter. Plot the intensity of the light against the angle of incidence and observe the changes in polarization. Repeat the experiment with different types of polarizing filters to compare their effects on the polarization of light.

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41 - Investigating the effects of different types of fluids on the buoyant force and Archimedes' principle.

Set up a container of water and measure the weight of an object that is fully submerged in the water. Record the weight as the buoyant force. Repeat this process with different types of fluids, such as oil or syrup, and compare the buoyant forces. To apply Archimedes' principle, measure the weight of the object in air and then in the fluid. The difference between the two weights is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. By comparing the weight of the fluid displaced by objects of different sizes and shapes, the principle can be demonstrated.

42 - How does the angle of incidence affect the reflection and transmission of light in a thin film interference experiment?

Conduct a thin film interference experiment using a light source, a thin film sample, and a detector. Vary the angle of incidence of the light and measure the intensity of the reflected and transmitted light at each angle. Plot the results and analyze the interference pattern to determine the effect of the angle of incidence on the reflection and transmission of light in the thin film. This could be repeated with different types of thin films to compare their interference patterns.

43 - Investigating the effects of different types of springs on the elastic potential energy and work done in a system.

Set up a system consisting of a spring, a mass, and a ruler to measure the displacement of the mass when the spring is compressed or stretched. The spring constant of each type of spring would need to be determined by measuring the force required to compress or stretch it a certain distance. The elastic potential energy stored in the spring can be calculated using the formula 1/2*k*x^2, where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement of the mass. The work done in the system can be calculated using the formula W = F*d, where F is the force applied to the mass and d is the distance it moves. Comparing the results for each type of spring would determine the effect of the spring's properties on the elastic potential energy and work done.

44 - How does the voltage affect the current and resistance in a circuit with a fixed resistance?

Set up a circuit with a fixed resistance and a variable voltage source. Measure the current flowing through the circuit at different voltage levels. Plot the data on a graph to observe the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. Use Ohm's law to calculate the resistance of the circuit at each voltage level. Analyze the data to determine how changes in voltage affect the current and resistance in the circuit.

45 - Investigating the effects of different types of magnets on the magnetic field and induction of a system.

Set up a system with a magnet and a coil of wire to measure the magnetic field and induction. Test the system with different types of magnets, such as neodymium, ferrite, and alnico, and record the measurements for each. Analyze the data to determine the effect of the different magnets on the magnetic field and induction of the system. Control variables such as the distance between the magnet and coil, the orientation of the magnet, and the current in the coil should be kept constant throughout the experiment.

46 - How does the radius of curvature affect the focal length and magnification of a concave mirror?

Conduct an experiment in which concave mirrors with different radii of curvature are used to focus light from a distant object onto a screen. The distance between the mirror and the screen would need to be measured, along with the distance between the object and the mirror. The size and orientation of the image produced by each mirror would also need to be recorded. By analyzing the data, the relationship between the radius of curvature, focal length, and magnification of the mirror can be determined.

47 - Investigating the effects of different types of gases on the speed of sound and acoustic properties of a medium.

Set up a series of experiments in which different gases are introduced into a medium, such as air or water, and the speed of sound and acoustic properties are measured using specialized equipment. The experiments would need to be conducted under controlled conditions, such as temperature and pressure, to ensure accurate results. The data collected would then be analyzed to determine the impact of each gas on the speed of sound and acoustic properties of the medium. This could involve comparing the data to established models or conducting statistical analysis to identify significant differences.

48 - How does the angle of incidence affect the diffraction of light in a grating experiment?

Conduct a grating experiment with a fixed wavelength of light and varying angles of incidence. Measure the diffraction pattern produced by the grating at each angle of incidence using a detector such as a screen or photodiode. The intensity and position of the diffraction peaks can then be analyzed to determine the effect of the angle of incidence on the diffraction of light. This experiment could be repeated with different wavelengths of light to investigate the relationship between wavelength and diffraction.

49 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the electrical conductivity and resistivity of substances.

Conduct a series of experiments in which different materials are tested for their electrical conductivity and resistivity. A circuit could be set up with the material in question as the conductor, and the resistance and current could be measured using a multimeter. The conductivity and resistivity of the material could then be calculated using Ohm's law. The results could be compared to determine which materials have the highest and lowest conductivity and resistivity.

50 - How does the length of a wire affect the resistance and current in a circuit with a fixed voltage?

Set up a circuit with a fixed voltage source, a variable length of wire, and a resistor. Measure the current flowing through the circuit using an ammeter and the voltage across the resistor using a voltmeter. Record these values for different lengths of wire and plot a graph of resistance versus wire length. The slope of the graph would give the resistance per unit length of wire, and the current could be calculated using Ohm's law. This would allow the relationship between wire length, resistance, and current to be determined.

51 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the refractive index and critical angle of substances.

Conduct experiments using different materials, such as glass, plastic, and water, to measure their refractive index and critical angle. This could be done by shining a light at different angles through the material and measuring the angle at which the light is refracted or reflected. The results can be compared to determine the impact of the material on the refractive index and critical angle of substances. Additional experiments could be conducted using different types of materials or substances to further explore the relationship between refractive index and critical angle.

52 - How does the length of a resistor affect the current and voltage in a circuit with a fixed resistance?

Set up a circuit with a fixed resistance and a variable resistor (potentiometer) in series with a power source and a voltmeter and ammeter to measure voltage and current, respectively. Record the voltage and current readings for different lengths of the resistor, and plot the data on a graph. The relationship between the length of the resistor and the current and voltage can be analyzed to determine the effect of resistor length on the circuit.

53 - Investigating the effects of different types of forces on the torque and rotational motion of objects.

Conduct experiments using different types of forces such as friction, gravity, and tension on objects with different shapes and masses. Measure the torque and rotational motion of the objects using appropriate equipment such as a torque sensor and a rotary motion sensor. Analyze the data to determine the effects of each type of force on the torque and rotational motion of the objects. This could involve plotting graphs of the data and calculating relevant mathematical relationships such as the moment of inertia and angular acceleration.

54 - How does the radius of curvature affect the focal length and magnification of a convex lens?

Conduct a series of experiments using convex lenses with different radii of curvature. The focal length and magnification of each lens could be measured using a light source and a screen or ruler to determine the distance between the lens and the image. The data collected could then be analyzed to determine the relationship between the radius of curvature, focal length, and magnification of the lens. A graph could be created to visualize this relationship and draw conclusions about the impact of the radius of curvature on the lens's properties.

55 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the thermal expansion and contraction of substances.

Set up an experiment in which different materials are exposed to varying temperatures and their expansion and contraction is measured using a ruler or other measuring device. The materials could include metals, plastics, and ceramics. The temperature range and rate of change would need to be controlled, as well as the initial dimensions of the materials. The results could be graphed to compare the expansion and contraction of the different materials over the temperature range tested.

56 - How does the angle of incidence affect the diffraction of sound in a single-slit experiment?

Set up a single-slit experiment with a sound source and a detector on the other side of the slit. Vary the angle of incidence of the sound waves and measure the intensity of the diffraction pattern at different angles. Plot the results on a graph and analyze how the angle of incidence affects the diffraction of sound. This could involve calculating the wavelength of the sound waves and the size of the slit to determine the theoretical diffraction pattern, and comparing it to the experimental results.

57 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the magnetic susceptibility and hysteresis of substances.

Conduct experiments using different materials, such as iron, copper, and aluminum, and measure their magnetic susceptibility and hysteresis using a magnetometer. The materials could be tested in various forms, such as solid blocks or powders, to determine if their physical state affects their magnetic properties. The results could be compared to determine which materials have the highest and lowest magnetic susceptibility and hysteresis, and if there is a correlation between the two properties.

58 - How does the length of a tube affect the resonance frequency and wavelength of a standing wave?

Set up a series of tubes of varying lengths and fill them with a fluid, such as water or air. Use a tuning fork or other sound source to create a standing wave in each tube and measure the resonance frequency and wavelength of the wave in each tube. Plot the data and analyze the relationship between tube length and resonance frequency and wavelength. This would help determine how the length of a tube affects the properties of a standing wave.

59 - Investigating the effects of different types of materials on the capacitance and charge of a system.

Set up a circuit with a capacitor and a resistor, and measure the capacitance and charge of the system using a multimeter. Then, replace the capacitor with different types of materials, such as metal plates or dielectric materials, and repeat the measurements. Comparing the capacitance and charge of the system with different materials would determine the effect of the materials on the electrical properties of the circuit.

60 - How does the angle of incidence affect the interference pattern in a Michelson interferometer experiment?

Conduct a Michelson interferometer experiment with a fixed wavelength of light and varying angles of incidence. Record the interference pattern produced by the experiment at each angle of incidence. Analyze the interference patterns to determine how the angle of incidence affects the pattern. This could involve measuring the distance between the interference fringes or calculating the wavelength of the light based on the fringe spacing. The results could be graphed to show the relationship between angle of incidence and interference pattern.

Remember to come up with your own original IA topic and check it with your teacher. It should be practical to conduct and relevant to the syllabus. This is a great opportunity to develop your personal interests, while advancing your knowledge of the Physics curriculum.

TutorChase's IB Physics Study Notes , including our comprehensive IB Physics Q&A Revision Notes , are the perfect resource for students who want to get a 7 in their IB Physics exams and also prepare for the internal assessment. They are completely free, cover all topics in depth, and are structured by topic so you can easily keep track of your progress. TutorChase can also connect you with a great online tutor that can guide you along every step of your IB.

What should the IA contain?

The IA must be an experimental investigation that is related to the IB Physics syllabus. The investigation must be conducted by the student, with minimal assistance from the teacher. The investigation must be based on a research question or hypothesis that is testable and relevant to the physics syllabus. The IA should be written in clear and concise language and follow a logical structure.

Title page: This should include the title of the investigation, the student's name, and the date of submission.

Research question or hypothesis: This should be a clear and focused statement that describes the goal of the investigation.

Background information: This should provide relevant context and theoretical background for the investigation. It should include a discussion of the relevant physics concepts and any previous research that is related to the investigation.

Methodology: This should describe the procedures used to conduct the investigation, including the materials and equipment used, the experimental design, and any safety precautions taken.

Data collection and processing: This should include a detailed account of the data collected during the investigation, including raw data and processed data. The data should be presented in clear and organized tables and/or graphs.

Analysis and evaluation: This should include a thorough analysis of the data, including the identification of patterns and trends. The student should also draw conclusions based on the data and evaluate the results in relation to the research question or hypothesis.

Conclusion and evaluation: This should include a summary of the main findings of the investigation and an evaluation of the experiment's limitations and uncertainties. The student should also suggest ways in which the investigation could be improved or extended.

References: This should include a list of any sources cited in the report, including any primary and secondary sources used in the background information section.

Appendices: This should include any additional information or data that is not included in the main report but is relevant to the investigation.

How can I do well in the IA?

To prepare for the IA, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their Physics course and should practice writing lab reports. They should also seek feedback from their teachers and from expert IB tutors on their writing skills and their understanding of the research process. They should also utilise the best IB Physics resources available.

Before starting the IA, students should also familiarize themselves with the assessment criteria and the guidelines provided by the IB. This will allow them to show their full potential and achieve the highest mark possible. It's important for students to be familiar with the assessment criteria for the Physics internal assessment. Students should make sure that their report is well-written and properly formatted, and that it includes all the required sections.

The assessment criteria for the IB Physics Internal Assessment (IA) include the following:

Personal engagement : This criterion focuses on the student's level of personal engagement with the exploration. Students should demonstrate independent thinking and creativity, and show that the research question or topic is linked to something of personal significance or interest. They should also show initiative in implementing the investigation. (2 marks)

Exploration : This criterion assesses the student's ability to identify a relevant and fully-focused research question, and to explore it with appropriate background information and methodology. Students should also consider the safety, ethical, or environmental issues that are relevant to the methodology. (6 marks)

Analysis : This criterion assesses the student's ability to analyze data and draw conclusions. Students should demonstrate that they have used appropriate techniques to process and present data, and that they have identified patterns and trends in the data. The report should include both quantitative and qualitative data that supports a detailed and valid conclusion, following appropriate data processing. (6 marks)

Evaluation : This criterion assesses the student's understanding of the limitations and uncertainties of their investigation. Students should critically evaluate their methodology and results, and suggest ways in which the investigation could be improved or extended. (6 marks)

Communication : This criterion focuses on the student's ability to present the investigation clearly, with an effective structure, concise writing, and appropriate use of subject-specific terminology. (4 marks)

How is the IA graded?

The IA is worth 20% of the final grade for the IB Physics course, whether you are studying at Higher or at Standard Level. This applies for assessments both before and after May 2025. It is graded by the student’s teacher, who is trained and certified by the International Baccalaureate organization. The report is then sent to a moderator, who will check that the report adheres to the IB guidelines and that the grade awarded is appropriate.

Source: IB Physics Subject Brief, pre-May 2025

In summary, the IA in the IB is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Physics curriculum, as well as their ability to conduct independent research. It consists of a laboratory report and a reflective statement, and is worth 20% of the final grade for the course. To prepare for the assessment, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their IB Physics course , practice writing lab reports, and seek feedback from their teachers.

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Written by: Charles Whitehouse

Charles scored 45/45 on the International Baccalaureate and has six years' experience tutoring IB and IGCSE students and advising them with their university applications. He studied a double integrated Masters at Magdalen College Oxford and has worked as a research scientist and strategy consultant.

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IB Physics Extended Essay Topics for IB

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

What’s up, IB scholars? You’re about to start writing your IB Physics Extended Essay, and I know you’re searching for that killer topic that’s going to stand out. Well, guess what? I’ve got over 100 extended essay topics and research questions ready for you. 

You do not need to thank me; you better say thank you to our IB writers at Writing Metier , who have invented and forwarded this awesome list to me for submission.

This isn’t just about getting it done; it’s about crushing it with something you’re passionate about.  So let’s get straight to the point and find you Physics EE ideas that will make some noise and show what you’ve got!

100+ Physics Extended Essay Topics

I’m breaking the list into ten categories for IB Physics extended essay topics, each with three subcategories for easier navigation:

• Projectile Motion (e.g., trajectory analysis, range equations, effects of air resistance)
• Circular Motion (e.g., centripetal force in different systems, banking angles, conical pendulums)
• Dynamics of Rigid Bodies (e.g., rotational inertia, torque, angular momentum conservation)
• Thermodynamics
• Heat Transfer (e.g., efficiency of different materials as insulators, rate of cooling, Newton’s law of cooling)
• Gas Laws (e.g., pressure-volume relationship, temperature effects, real vs. ideal gases)
• Phase Changes (e.g., specific heat capacities, latent heat, cooling curves)
• Waves and Oscillations
• Harmonic Motion (e.g., pendulums, mass-spring systems, resonance)
• Wave Properties (e.g., speed of sound in various media, diffraction patterns, polarization)
• Sound and Acoustics (e.g., Doppler effect, sound intensity, acoustic properties of materials)
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Circuit Analysis (e.g., Ohm’s law, series vs. parallel circuits, Kirchhoff’s laws)
• Electromagnetism (e.g., Faraday’s law, magnetic fields around conductors, applications of electromagnets)
• Capacitance and Inductance (e.g., time constants, LC circuits, energy storage)
• Modern Physics
• Quantum Phenomena (e.g., photoelectric effect, electron diffraction, energy levels in atoms)
• Nuclear Physics (e.g., radioactive decay, half-life, nuclear reactions)
• Special Relativity (e.g., time dilation, length contraction, mass-energy equivalence)
• Energy and Power
• Renewable Energy Sources (e.g., efficiency of solar panels, wind turbine performance, biofuels)
• Energy Conversion (e.g., internal combustion engines, thermal power plants, regenerative braking)
• Power Transmission (e.g., electrical grid efficiency, power loss, superconductors)
• Fluid Dynamics
• Aerodynamics (e.g., lift and drag forces, Bernoulli’s principle, airfoil shapes)
• Hydrodynamics (e.g., flow rate, viscosity effects, Reynolds number)
• Buoyancy and Density (e.g., Archimedes’ principle, floating and sinking, density stratification)
• Astrophysics and Cosmology
• Stellar Physics (e.g., Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, star classifications, blackbody radiation)
• Cosmological Models (e.g., Big Bang theory, cosmic microwave background, dark matter)
• Orbital Mechanics (e.g., Kepler’s laws, satellite motion, escape velocity)
• Optics and Light
• Reflection and Refraction (e.g., Snell’s law, critical angle, optical fibers)
• Lens and Mirror Optics (e.g., image formation, focal length, magnification)
• Interference and Diffraction (e.g., double-slit experiment, diffraction gratings, holography)
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Radio and Microwave Radiation (e.g., antenna design, signal propagation, communication systems)
• Infrared and Ultraviolet Light (e.g., thermal imaging, UV radiation effects, spectroscopy)
• X-rays and Gamma Rays (e.g., medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear gamma spectroscopy)

Each of these categories and subcategories can be explored through experiments, data analysis, or theoretical investigation, offering a wide range of possibilities for IB students to develop their IB Physics EE topics.

Mechanics Topics and Research Questions

Projectile Motion

Topic:  The effect of launch angle on the range of a projectile.

Research Question:  How does changing the launch angle affect the horizontal distance traveled by a projectile?

Topic:  The impact of air resistance on the trajectory of a projectile.

Research Question:  To what extent does air resistance alter the trajectory of a projectile compared to the idealized motion?

Topic:  The accuracy of range equations in predicting projectile motion.

Research Question:  How accurately do standard range equations predict the motion of a projectile in a controlled environment?

Circular Motion

Topic:  Measuring centripetal force in a rotating system.

Research Question:  How does the centripetal force required for circular motion change with the radius and speed of the rotating object?

Topic:  The physics of banking angles in road design.

Research Question:  What is the optimal banking angle for a curve on a road to maximize friction and safety at a given speed?

Topic:  Investigating the period of a conical pendulum.

Research Question:  How does the length of the string affect the period of oscillation of a conical pendulum?

Dynamics of Rigid Bodies

Topic:  The relationship between rotational inertia and angular acceleration.

Research Question:  How does changing the distribution of mass affect the rotational inertia and angular acceleration of a rigid body?

Topic:  The conservation of angular momentum in a closed system.

Research Question:  How does the angular momentum of a system change when the moment of inertia is altered?

Topic:  The effect of torque on rotational motion.

Research Question:  How does the application of torque affect the rotational motion of a rigid body with a fixed axis?

Mechanics shows us how things move and what affects them, but when we start talking about thermodynamics, we’re dealing with heat and energy. 

It’s like going from watching a ball roll down a hill to understanding why it feels warm to the touch on a sunny day.

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Thermodynamics Topics and Research Questions

Heat Transfer

Topic:  Comparing the thermal insulation properties of various materials.

Research Question:  Which material provides the best thermal insulation for a given application, and why?

Topic:  The rate of cooling of a liquid in different environments.

Research Question:  How does the rate of cooling of a hot liquid differ between various environmental conditions?

Topic:  Investigating Newton’s law of cooling.

Research Question:  How closely does the cooling of a warm object follow Newton’s law of cooling in a real-world setting?

Topic:  The pressure-volume relationship of a gas at constant temperature.

Research Question:  How does the volume of a gas change with pressure at a constant temperature, and does it align with Boyle’s law?

Topic:  Temperature effects on the pressure of an enclosed gas.

Research Question:  How does the pressure of a fixed amount of gas change with temperature in a sealed container?

Topic:  Real vs. ideal gases under different conditions.

Research Question:  How do the behaviors of real gases deviate from the predictions of the ideal gas law under high-pressure conditions?

Phase Changes

Topic:  Measuring specific heat capacities of different substances.

Research Question:  How do the specific heat capacities of different substances compare, and what implications does this have for their use in heat storage?

Topic:  The energy involved in the phase change of materials.

Research Question:  How much energy is absorbed or released during the phase change of a substance, and how does this relate to its latent heat?

Topic:  Analyzing cooling curves of substances.

Research Question:  What can the cooling curve of a substance tell us about its phase change properties and purity?

After getting a grip on how heat works, it’s pretty cool to see how that energy gets around. Waves are all about energy transfer, whether it’s the sound from your speakers or the ripples on a pond when you toss a stone.

Waves and Oscillations Topics and Research Questions

Harmonic Motion

Topic:  The period of a simple pendulum.

Research Question:  How does the length of a pendulum affect its period, and does this confirm the theoretical model?

Topic:  The behavior of mass-spring systems.

Research Question:  How do different spring constants affect the oscillation of a mass-spring system?

Topic:  Resonance frequencies in mechanical systems.

Research Question:  At what frequencies do various mechanical systems resonate, and what factors influence this?

Wave Properties

Topic:  Measuring the speed of sound in different media.

Research Question:  How does the speed of sound compare in various gases, and what does this tell us about the properties of those gases?

Topic:  Investigating diffraction patterns through different apertures.

Research Question:  How do diffraction patterns change with the shape and size of apertures?

Topic:  Polarization of light by various materials.

Research Question:  How effectively can different materials polarize light, and what does this indicate about their structure?

Sound and Acoustics

Topic:  The Doppler effect and moving sources.

Research Question:  How does the frequency of a sound wave change as the source moves relative to an observer?

Topic:  Sound intensity levels at different distances.

Research Question:  How does the intensity of sound change with distance from the source, and is it consistent with the inverse square law?

Topic:  Acoustic properties of materials in soundproofing.

Research Question:  Which materials are most effective at soundproofing a room, and how do their acoustic properties contribute to this effectiveness?

Each of these topics can be tailored to fit the requirements of an IB Physics extended essay, with the research question guiding the experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

If you are interested, we also have a list of potential  Physics IA topic ideas  for you. Make sure to check them out as well.

Once you’ve got a handle on waves, you’re ready to see how they relate to electricity and magnetism. It’s like connecting the dots between the vibrations in the air and the current in the wires of your headphones.

Electricity and Magnetism Topics and Research Questions

Circuit Analysis

Topic:  The resistance of series and parallel circuits.

Research Question:  How does the total resistance in a circuit vary with the arrangement of resistors in series and parallel configurations?

Topic:  Verification of Kirchhoff’s laws in complex circuits.

Research Question:  How accurately do Kirchhoff’s laws predict the current and voltage distribution in a multi-loop circuit?

Topic:  The temperature dependence of resistivity in conductors.

Research Question:  How does the resistivity of a metallic conductor change with temperature, and what does this imply about electron scattering?

Electromagnetism

Topic:  Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.

Research Question:  How does the rate of change of magnetic flux influence the induced EMF in a coil?

Topic:  The magnetic field patterns around different conductor configurations.

Research Question:  How do the configurations of conductors affect the shape and strength of the magnetic fields they produce?

Topic:  The efficiency of electromagnets.

Research Question:  What factors determine the lifting power of an electromagnet, and how can its efficiency be maximized?

Capacitance and Inductance

Topic:  Time constants in RC circuits.

Research Question:  How does the capacitance and resistance in an RC circuit affect its charging and discharging time constants?

Topic:  Resonance in LC circuits.

Research Question:  At what conditions does resonance occur in an LC circuit, and how does this affect the circuit’s impedance?

Topic:  Energy storage in capacitors and inductors.

Research Question:  How do capacitors and inductors store energy, and what factors affect their energy storage capacity?

Electricity and magnetism are pretty easy to see in action, but modern physics? That’s where things get wild. You’re not just looking at what’s in front of you anymore; you’re considering what’s happening on a scale so small or so huge that it bends your mind a bit.

Modern Physics Topics and Research Questions

Quantum Phenomena

Topic:  The photoelectric effect and Planck’s constant.

Research Question:  How can the photoelectric effect be used to determine Planck’s constant, and what does this reveal about the nature of light?

Topic:  Electron diffraction and crystal structure.

Research Question:  How does electron diffraction provide evidence for the wave nature of electrons and the structure of crystals?

Topic:  Energy levels in hydrogen atoms.

Research Question:  How do the observed spectral lines of hydrogen correspond to the theoretical energy levels predicted by quantum mechanics?

Nuclear Physics

Topic:  Radioactive decay series.

Research Question:  How does the decay series of a radioactive isotope correspond to theoretical predictions of half-life and decay pathways?

Topic:  The effect of shielding on radiation intensity.

Research Question:  How effective are different materials at shielding against various types of radioactive emissions?

Topic:  Nuclear reaction energy calculations.

Research Question:  How does the measured energy released in a nuclear reaction compare to the values predicted by the mass-energy equivalence principle?

Special Relativity

Topic:  Time dilation observed in cosmic muons.

Research Question:  How does the observed decay rate of cosmic muons provide evidence for time dilation effects predicted by special relativity?

Topic:  Length contraction and high-speed particles.

Research Question:  How can length contraction be demonstrated or inferred from high-speed particle interactions?

Topic:  Mass-energy equivalence in particle physics.

Research Question:  How does the increase in mass of particles at high velocities provide evidence for the mass-energy equivalence principle?

But even with all that mind-bending stuff, physics isn’t just about theory. It’s also about practical stuff, like how we use energy. From solar panels on your roof to the battery in your phone, it’s all about getting the power we need to do what we want.

Energy and Power Topics and Research Questions

Renewable Energy Sources

Topic:  The efficiency of photovoltaic cells under different conditions.

Research Question:  How do factors such as light intensity, wavelength, and temperature affect the efficiency of solar panels?

Topic:  Performance analysis of wind turbines.

Research Question:  How does blade design affect the efficiency and power output of a wind turbine?

Topic:  The viability of biofuels compared to fossil fuels.

Research Question:  How do the energy outputs and carbon footprints of biofuels compare to those of traditional fossil fuels?

Energy Conversion

Topic:  The efficiency of internal combustion engines.

Research Question:  How do variables such as fuel type and engine temperature affect the efficiency of an internal combustion engine?

Topic:  Thermal efficiency of power plants.

Research Question:  What are the main factors that limit the thermal efficiency of modern thermal power plants?

Topic:  The effectiveness of regenerative braking systems.

Research Question:  How much energy can regenerative braking systems realistically recover during vehicle deceleration?

Power Transmission

Topic:  Electrical grid efficiency and power loss.

Research Question:  How does the distance and cross-sectional area of transmission lines affect power loss in an electrical grid?

Topic:  The potential of superconductors in power transmission.

Research Question:  What are the challenges and potential benefits of using superconductors for power transmission?

Topic:  The impact of load balancing on power grid stability.

Research Question:  How does load balancing affect the stability and efficiency of a power grid?

These topics and research questions are designed to inspire a range of investigations for the Physics Extended Essay, allowing students to delve into both experimental and theoretical aspects of physics.

And speaking of practical, fluid dynamics is all about understanding how liquids and gases move. It’s like figuring out why blowing over a hot soup cools it down or how an airplane stays up in the sky.

Fluid Dynamics Topics and Research Questions

Aerodynamics

Topic:  The effect of airfoil shape on lift generation.

Research Question:  How does altering the curvature and angle of an airfoil affect its lift and drag forces?

Topic:  Application of Bernoulli’s principle to various wing designs.

Research Question:  How do different wing designs in aircraft utilize Bernoulli’s principle to achieve lift?

Topic:  Drag force comparison on streamlined vs. bluff bodies.

Research Question:  How does the shape of an object affect the drag force experienced at different flow velocities?

Hydrodynamics

Topic:  The relationship between flow rate and pipe diameter in fluid dynamics.

Research Question:  How does changing the diameter of a pipe affect the flow rate of a fluid within it, given a constant pressure difference?

Topic:  Viscosity effects on fluid flow in channels.

Research Question:  How does the viscosity of a fluid influence its flow characteristics in narrow channels?

Topic:  Analysis of Reynolds number in predicting fluid flow regimes.

Research Question:  How does the Reynolds number determine the transition from laminar to turbulent flow in a pipe?

Buoyancy and Density

Topic:  Investigating Archimedes’ principle for irregularly shaped objects.

Research Question:  How accurately does Archimedes’ principle predict the buoyant force on objects with complex shapes?

Topic:  The stability of floating bodies and the concept of metacentric height.

Research Question:  How does the distribution of mass affect the stability of a floating vessel?

Topic:  Density stratification in fluids and its impact on layered flow.

Research Question:  How does density stratification affect the movement and mixing of different fluid layers?

From there, it’s a big leap to astrophysics and cosmology—literally. You go from studying the flow of air around a plane to the flow of galaxies in space. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and our place in it.

If you need Physics paper writing help , we have a separate team of experts who can handle almost any tasks.

Astrophysics and Cosmology Topics and Research Questions

Stellar Physics

Topic:  Analyzing the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for star clusters.

Research Question:  What can the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram reveal about the age and composition of a star cluster?

Topic:  Classification and analysis of star spectra.

Research Question:  How does the classification of stellar spectra correlate with a star’s temperature, luminosity, and lifecycle stage?

Topic:  Investigating blackbody radiation in stars.

Research Question:  How well does the blackbody radiation model fit the observed spectral energy distribution of stars?

Cosmological Models

Topic:  Evidence for the Big Bang theory from cosmic microwave background radiation.

Research Question:  What does the cosmic microwave background radiation tell us about the origins and evolution of the universe?

Topic:  The role of dark matter in galaxy formation and rotation.

Research Question:  How does the presence of dark matter influence the rotational speeds of galaxies?

Topic:  Verifying Kepler’s laws through observation of planetary motion.

Research Question:  How accurately do Kepler’s laws describe the motion of bodies in the solar system?

Orbital Mechanics

Topic:  The energy requirements for satellite launch and achieving escape velocity.

Research Question:  What are the energy considerations and optimal conditions for a satellite to achieve escape velocity from Earth?

Topic:  The effects of orbital perturbations on satellite stability.

Research Question:  How do factors such as atmospheric drag and gravitational influences affect the stability of satellite orbits?

Topic:  Analysis of gravitational slingshot maneuvers in space missions.

Research Question:  How can gravitational assist maneuvers be optimized to increase spacecraft velocity?

But even with our heads in the stars, we can’t forget about light. Optics brings it back down to earth, showing us how light works, whether it’s bending through a lens or bouncing off a mirror.

Optics and Light Topics and Research Questions

Reflection and Refraction

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?

Topic:  Investigating Snell’s law at various interfaces.

Research Question:  How accurately does Snell’s law predict the angle of refraction for different transparent materials?

Topic:  The critical angle for total internal reflection in various media.

Research Question:  How does the critical angle for total internal reflection change with the refractive index of different materials?

Lens and Mirror Optics

Topic:  The formation of images by converging lenses under various conditions.

Research Question:  How does the focal length of a lens affect the properties of the image it forms?

Topic:  The magnification power of compound microscope systems.

Research Question:  How do the focal lengths of the objective and eyepiece lenses in a microscope affect its overall magnification?

Topic:  The aberrations in images formed by lenses and mirrors.

Research Question:  What types of optical aberrations are most prevalent in simple lens systems, and how can they be minimized?

Interference and Diffraction

Topic:  The double-slit experiment and wave-particle duality.

Research Question:  How does the double-slit experiment provide evidence for the wave-particle duality of light?

Topic:  Measuring the wavelength of light using diffraction gratings.

Research Question:  How can diffraction gratings be used to accurately measure the wavelength of light?

Topic:  The application of holography in image storage and retrieval.

Research Question:  How does holography utilize the principles of interference and diffraction to store and reconstruct images?

And light’s just one piece of the whole world of Physics. Electromagnetic waves are everywhere, from the microwave that heats your lunch to the X-rays at the dentist. It’s all part of the same big family that keeps our world connected and our lives running.

Electromagnetic Waves Topics and Research Questions

Radio and Microwave Radiation

Topic:  The design and optimization of antennas for radio communication.

Research Question:  How does the geometry of an antenna affect its radiation pattern and signal reception?

Topic:  Signal propagation in different atmospheric conditions.

Research Question:  How do atmospheric conditions affect the propagation of radio and microwave signals?

Topic:  The effectiveness of microwave radiation in communication systems.

Research Question:  What are the advantages and limitations of using microwave radiation in satellite communications?

Infrared and Ultraviolet Light

Topic:  Thermal imaging and the emissivity of different materials.

Research Question:  How does the emissivity of a material affect its detection in thermal imaging?

Topic:  The effects of UV radiation on various substances.

Research Question:  How does exposure to ultraviolet light affect the chemical structure and properties of different materials?

Topic:  Spectroscopy and the identification of chemical compounds.

Research Question:  How can infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy be used to identify and analyze different chemical compounds?

X-rays and Gamma Rays

Topic:  The application of X-ray imaging in medical diagnostics.

Research Question:  How do different tissues and materials affect the absorption and transmission of X-rays in medical imaging?

Topic:  Radiation therapy and the optimization of gamma ray dosage.

Research Question:  How can the dosage and targeting of gamma rays in radiation therapy be optimized for cancer treatment?

Topic:  Nuclear gamma spectroscopy and nuclear structure.

Research Question:  What can gamma-ray spectra reveal about the structure and energy states of atomic nuclei?

These topics and research questions are designed to guide students in their exploration of advanced concepts in physics, providing a foundation for a thorough and insightful Extended Essay.

Creating an engaging and contemporary Physics Extended Essay can be particularly rewarding when the topic is relevant to modern situations and challenges. 

Fresh Breath Ideas for Physics IB EE

Here are 12 topics that connect to current events or recent advancements in technology, along with a brief explanation of their relevance:

The Physics of Electric Vehicles

Investigate the efficiency of regenerative braking systems in electric cars and how they contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle.

Renewable Energy Harvesting

Analyze the potential of piezoelectric materials in converting mechanical stress from human activities into electrical energy, contributing to sustainable power generation.

Smartphone Sensors

Explore the use of gyroscopes and accelerometers in smartphones for navigation and gaming, and how these sensors rely on principles of mechanics and material science.

Wireless Charging Technologies

Examine the electromagnetic principles behind wireless charging pads and the efficiency of energy transfer at various distances and alignments.

Solar Panel Coatings

Research the effectiveness of anti-reflective coatings on solar panels and their role in enhancing the absorption of light and overall energy conversion efficiency.

Aerodynamics of Drones

Study the impact of drone design on flight stability and energy consumption, which is critical for extending their use in delivery systems and aerial photography.

Physics in Sports Equipment

Investigate the materials and design features that contribute to the performance and safety of modern sports helmets, from bicycles to football.

Thermal Imaging and Disease Detection

Explore the use of thermal imaging in detecting fevers and its potential application in managing pandemics by early identification of symptomatic individuals.

Nanomaterials in Electronics

Analyze the electrical conductivity and properties of graphene and other nanomaterials that are revolutionizing the electronics industry.

Physics of Modern Building Design

Investigate how principles of thermodynamics are applied in the design of eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings.

Quantum Computing

Study the basic principles of quantum computing and the challenges in maintaining quantum coherence in qubits, which are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers.

SpaceX and Reusable Rockets

Research the physics behind the reusability of rockets, focusing on the landing mechanisms employed by companies like SpaceX and how they conserve momentum and energy.

Each of these topics is not only grounded in physics principles but also has a wealth of information available due to their current relevance and the ongoing research in these areas. 

They offer a chance to combine theoretical physics with practical application in the modern world, which can be particularly engaging for an Extended Essay.

Need a Hand with Your Physics IB EE?

Hey there, IB students! If you’re stuck on coming up with a topic or diving into writing your Physics IB Extended Essay, don’t sweat it. Our team of IB experts at Writing Metier is here to help you write a custom IB EE on this exciting subject . 

Need a Dope Paper Written? We've Got Your Back!

Whether you need a spark of inspiration for your topic or you want a custom-written EE following the word count , rubric and criteria that hits all the right notes, we’ve got your back. 

Reach out to us at Writing Metier extended essay writing service and have a rest while experts are working on your task.

So, that’s the rundown. Physics isn’t just about equations and lab coats; it’s the stuff all around us, from the smallest particles to the vastness of space. It’s about getting to the heart of how things work, from the every day to the extraordinary. 

And the more you learn, the more you see how everything’s linked together in one big, amazing picture.

Free topic suggestions

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Physics Extended Essay: The Complete Guide for IB Students

by  Antony W

September 3, 2022

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Physics Extended Essay in IB. We’ll look at:

• What Physics EE is all about
• How to choose a topic
• The right approach to handling your topic and
• Physics EE assessment criteria

What’s Physics EE in IB?  

A physics extended essay is an individual assignment that requires you to utilize a variety of abilities while exploring a topic of personal interest in the discipline of physics.

It focuses on physics within a broader set of scientific standards, and it takes the form of a research that incorporates a hypothesis or model, or a critical analysis that displays argumentation, comparison, or the extraction of pertinent information or data.

How to Choose a Physics Extended Essay Topic 

The first rule when it comes to topic selection is that you must put emphasis on a subject within physics.

In other words, IB students have to ground their extended essays in physical theory and underline the subject's essence.

To write a more comprehensive, extended essay in the subject, you should select a focused, practical, and well-defined topic that allows you to conduct an in-depth analysis.

Avoid broad or complicated subjects, because they will not allow you to explore contradictory views and hypotheses.

Also, a broad topic will not allow you to conduct an in-depth, personal interpretation within the word limit recommended for EE .

Additionally, you should avoid investigating issues that extend outside the bounds of mainstream science, such as metaphysics or pseudoscience. Examples include of investigative issues include:

• Extrasensory experience
• The relationship between physics and the existence of God
• The mysterious forces of pyramids

The IB board considers it helpful if you can specify the subject further in the form of a research question, followed by a statement of purpose that indicates the approach you will employ to answer the question.

If you’re going to focus on an experimental essay, you will need to select a more practical experiment that does not need substantial amounts of time for equipment building.

In some instances, more advanced equipment might create constraints and inhibit the comprehension of a phenomenon. Successful trials will generate the data required for a sound analysis reasonably quickly.

Some Physics Extended Essay topics may not be acceptable for examination due to safety concerns.

For example, you need to avoid topics that requires experiments using hazardous or carcinogenic chemicals, radioactive materials, lasers, microwaves, ultraviolet light, noise, or heavy equipment. 

Physics Extended Essay Writing Help

Do you need help with your Physics Extended Essay but have no idea where to get it online? You can contact Help for Assessment right now.

The  EE writers at Help for Assessment   are ready to offer you the kind of writing necessary to complete your Physics Extended Essay homework on time and score good marks. Whether you need help with topic selection and writing or you already have a topic to work on, you can hire one of our top writers to help you get the work done.

Our Physics Extended Essay writing service involves topic selection, development of a research issue, in-depth research, and writing.

We pay close attention to the Extended Essay requirements to ensure the paper we deliver to you meets the assignment’s scope.

Given that Physics is a technical subject, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to start working on it. Get started early with our writing help.

How to Write a Physics Extended Essay

The primary goal of this type of assignment is to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic you’ve selected to work on. So to ensure you write the best EE in the subject:

1. Choose the Right Angle to Direct Your Assignment

It’s important to note that your Physic extended essay will need to express an in-depth study into the history or theory of the particular topic. However, it’s different for long assignments I the subject.

For long subjects, you may focus on:

• Experimental physics: This area focuses on the design and execution of an experiment, followed by personal data collecting and analysis.
• Data based physics: It focuses on location and extraction of non-student-collected raw or processed data, which is subsequently refined and analyzed.
• Theoretical physic: The focus is on the formulation of a quantitative or semi-quantitative description of a physical phenomenon, the application of the model, and the prediction of its behavior and limitations.
• Survey: It involves the construction of a coherent, organized, analytic, and supported (qualitative and quantitative) discussion of the issue

All long physics essays should include an overview of the work's scope and limits.

This should always include a study of any experimental design, data uncertainties and accuracy, mathematical approaches, links to theoretical models, and the dependability and quality of sources.

2. Give a Direct Analysis of Your Research Topic

The essay's body and progression should directly analyze the research topic. 

Experimental essays can help students to demonstrate their critical thinking more clearly, but experimental activity aren’t necessary for the assignment.

However, you must provide a clear theoretical component for each empirical inquiry.

If you include any experimental effort in your Physics extended essay, ensure to document it thoroughly so that other researchers can produce it with identical findings and conclusions.

If you’ve opted to collect data from secondary sources, use it with extreme caution.

Ensure you provide a comprehensive evaluation of the location and credibility of the sources required for databased essays at the outset of the planning process.

You should apply the same scrutiny to this data and the experimental design as if you had gathered the data yourself.

3. Examine Your Research Techniques Thoroughly

A thorough examination of research techniques is necessary in a Physics extended essay.

That’s because it might reveal severe problems in experimental design or data collection that invalidate or at least limit the interpretation of the results completely or in part.

A purely empirical inquiry linking two or three variables without a theoretical basis is unsatisfactory.

For example, if you utilize a computer simulation of a theoretical model, you should extensively analyze the methods devised or implemented and you should compare simulated results to actual events to determine their validity.

If you’re going to write an essay that contains a theoretical model that describes a physical occurrence, your planning should include the beginning postulates, the important stages for running the model, and the simulation results collected.

4. Explain Your Literary Sources Thoroughly

In theoretical, data based, or survey extended essay in Physics, you must include an assessment of the quality and dependability of the literary sources.

You have to have sufficient knowledge of the issue to evaluate the credibility of the sources.

You can accomplish this by researching secondary sources or calculating independently.

Also, you should not be hesitant to discuss opposing viewpoints and share your own thoughts with supporting evidence.

In survey or theoretical essays, appropriate preparation requires examining source material in light of the research topic so that you utilize the opinions of other scientists to support your own thesis, rather than as a replacement for it.

5. Make Your Analysis Clear and Concise

An analysis must supplement data or information rather than merely duplicate it. And you need to make sure you derive interpretations logically from facts or information. 

Your essay needs to include the avoidance of unfounded, far-fetched extrapolation and the acknowledgement of flaws.

The commentary should not simply a restatement of the data. It should produce a strong interpretation of the results, which ones can compare to previously published research on the subject.

Related Readings 

• Your Only Guide to EE in Computer Science
• Learn About IB Math EE Here
• About IB Chemistry EE

Physics Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

The following is the assessment criteria used to gauge the depth and comprehensiveness of your Physics Extended Essay:

Criterion A: Research Question

The criterion requires that your research topic must be relevant to physics as a science, centered on physics and not on ancillary problems, and clearly recognized and prominently presented in the introduction.

Criterion B: Introduction

The introduction should tie the research question to the existing body of knowledge on the topic.

You should not include your personal experience or viewpoint here, as it’s highly unlikely to be helpful at this point.

You should place the pertinent physics concepts within the context of the issue. You need to view the introduction as a chance to be more precise rather than appearing bloaty.

Criterion C: Investigation

The strategy you use for investigation should show a clear pertinent theory as well as an understanding of the inherent uncertainties and limits of procedures and equipment used in the Physics Extended Essay.

Criterion D: Knowledge and Understanding of the Research Issue

The knowledge and comprehension exhibited in a physics essay should go beyond the course or laboratory.

You have to demonstrate that you can use the essential information obtained in the classroom in a new physical environment that necessitates its interpretation.

Criterion E: Reasoned Argument

Students should be aware of the necessity to provide a developing argument in the body of their writings.

In order to persuade the reader of the correctness of one's opinions, you have to include logical and helpful arguments in your work.

Criterion F: Use of Analytical and Evaluative Skills

You must demonstrate a comprehension of the mathematical and statistical correlations automatically generated by systems.

It is necessary to have a thorough and firm awareness of the inherent constraints of an inquiry and their consequences for the results obtained.

Criterion G: Use of Language and Terminologies Relevant to the Subject

The usage of scientific terminology is required throughout your Physics Extended Essay.

To understand the right format, structure, and presentation of a scientific paper, you should study articles from reputable scientific journals and periodicals.

The essential quality of the language is exactness and common expressions such as "function of" and "proportional to" must have specific meanings. You should specify any symbols used in context.

Criterion H: Conclusion

Make sure that the conclusion of your Physics EE develops from the argument and not introduce new or irrelevant material.

It should not duplicate the information presented in the introduction, but rather give a new synthesis in light of the conversation.

The conclusion should indicate how uncertainties in experimental data, the constraints of a model or experimental design, or the reliability of sources affected the outcomes of your work.

Criterion I: Formal Presentation

This criterion addresses the extent to which the essay complies with academic norms about the format of research papers.  

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Physics Higher Education Research

Research Questions

Research questions are critical and central to educational research. When investigating a particular issue, of whatever kind or nature, the research planning process begins with formulation of two or three research questions that clarify and specify the form of inquiry.

How to frame a research question

Research questions vary widely and from discipline to discipline, but in general they are:

• Focused and concrete – they home in on a specific area for investigation. So for example, ‘How can students improve their learning of physics?’ is not a focused question. However, ‘What can I change in my teaching practice to enhance student examination performance in my mechanics module?’ has a clear focus for investigation.
• Realistic – the question guiding your enquiry is something feasible for you to investigate. The question: ‘Do student attitudes towards physics become more positive or negative if they have had repeated instruction in physics topics using inquiry-based learning approaches, every three years from when they start school through to the end of their undergraduate degree?’ is a focused question, but not one that is easily answerable except by a large research team undertaking longitudinal study and with considerable grant funding.
• Measurable . There are many questions we can ask but that we cannot easily answer in an investigation. ‘Why don’t more students study physics?’; ‘What impact on physics students internationally has there been as a result of the move from chalkboards to powerpoint presentations?’. ‘If all babies are exposed to Newton’s Three Laws using flash cards, will we see more enthusiasm for physics careers?’. You need to be able to collect data to answer your research question.
• Informed by your literature review (often following an experience of some real-world situation) for example, a physics lecturer may notice that students consistently fail to perform well in their learning of a particular topic and want to investigate further how to support them in their learning. The literature review will identify gaps, strategies, potential solutions, that can be honed into initial research questions. You may have some ideas of your own, and discover from the literature that they have not worked for others, and get ideas for what to try instead.
• Iterative. Research questions are not set in stone, and as the investigation proceeds will be further refined. Quite often we cast the net widely to begin with, and then narrow down to something more specific and manageable. For example you might start out with ‘how should mathematics best be integrated into the teaching of physics in higher education?’, and end up with ‘does the use of guided mathematical modelling interventions support more positive student attitudes towards the use of unstructured problems to assess their understanding of thermal physics?’ In empirical research the research questions to be answered are primarily concerned with drawing answers from observable data, although theoretical research also informs the design of the research process and the intervention constructed.
• Ethical. You will need ethical approval for any investigation that involves human subjects. Particular care should be taken if delving into personal or sensitive data, such as student attitudes, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics, political views, backgrounds, grades, etc. The section on ‘Ethics and Data Collection’ explains more about this.

436 Physics Topics & Ideas to Research

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Physics topics may include the complex systems of the universe, from the smallest particles to colossal galaxies. This field of study examines fundamental concepts, such as force, energy, and matter, extrapolating them into areas like quantum or relative mechanics. It also explores thermodynamics, revealing the intriguing principles behind heat, work, and energy conversions. Some themes may vary from the mysteries of dark matter and energy in cosmology to the resonating string theories in theoretical physics. Moreover, the world of semiconductors in solid-state physics presents a spectrum of interconnected topics. In turn, the essential laws of physics provide the basis for almost all scientific research, offering profound insights into the natural world and shaping human understanding of how everything in the universe behaves and interacts.

What Is a Physics Topic and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a physics topic is a specific area of study within a vast field of physics, which is a natural science concerned with some properties and interactions of matter and energy. For example, the main purpose for selecting a physics topic is to foster a deeper understanding of fundamental principles, align studies with personal interests or career goals, and facilitate an entire application of theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and innovations (Hull et al., 2020). Basically, common ideas can range from classical mechanics, which examines a motion of objects under forces, to quantum mechanics, which explores a behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic levels. Further on, other areas, like thermodynamics, examine heat transfer and energy conversion, which are vital in fields ranging from engineering to environmental science (Brooker, 2021). In principle, subjects in electromagnetism explore complex relationships between electric and magnetic fields and contribute to technologies, such as electric motors and wireless communication. Moreover, by analyzing different physics themes, researchers and students not only build a foundational knowledge of physical principles but also cultivate essential skills in analytical thinking and problem-solving (Bao & Koenig, 2019). Thus, an entire study of diverse physics topics is essential for driving innovation, solving real-world problems, and fostering a deeper appreciation of universe’s intricate workings.

How to Choose

Choosing a good physics topic involves several critical considerations to ensure a meaningful and engaging study. Firstly, students should identify personal interests and passions within a field of physics, and this intrinsic motivation can significantly enhance a learning experience (Assem et al., 2023). Basically, exploring various branches of physics, such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, or quantum mechanics, can help to narrow down choices based on curiosity and relevance to current scientific advancements. Further on, assessing an availability of resources, including textbooks, research articles, and experimental tools, is vital for facilitating thorough exploration and understanding of a chosen physics topic (Chaichian et al., 2022). In principle, an entire scope of a subject should be neither too broad, making it unmanageable, nor too narrow, limiting a depth of investigation. Moreover, engaging with recent developments in physics, such as breakthroughs in materials science or astrophysics, can provide contemporary context and significance to a selected physics theme (Hewitt, 2021). As such, discussing potential ideas with educators or peers can yield valuable insights and feedback, guiding a final selection process. In turn, some steps for picking a good physics topic include:

• Identify Interests: Reflect on personal interests in physics to ensure motivation and engagement throughout a research process.
• Explore Different Branches: Investigate various areas of physics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and quantum physics, to discover ideas that resonate with your curiosity.
• Assess Available Resources: Check for accessible materials, including textbooks, research articles, and experimental tools, to support a thorough exploration of a chosen subject.
• Define a Scope: Determine an appropriate scope for a physics topic, ensuring it is neither too broad nor too narrow, which will facilitate manageable and in-depth research.
• Seek Feedback: Discuss potential physics topics with educators or peers to gain insights and refine ideas, helping to solidify a well-informed selection.

Cool Physics Topics

• Quantum Entanglement and Its Potential Applications
• Harnessing Solar Energy: Next-Generation Photovoltaic Cells
• Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Energy
• The Role of Physics in Climate Change Models
• Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Unveiling the Universe’s Mysteries
• Astrophysics: Formation and Evolution of Black Holes
• Implications of Superconductivity in Modern Technology
• Roles of Biophysics in Understanding Cellular Mechanisms
• Theoretical Physics: The Quest for Quantum Gravity
• Nanotechnology: Manipulating Matter at the Atomic Scale
• Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation and the Big Bang Theory
• The Uncertainty Principle and Its Philosophical Consequences
• Exploring Exoplanets: Physics Beyond Our Solar System
• Advances in Optics: From Microscopy to Telecommunications
• Gravitational Waves: Probing the Fabric of Spacetime
• Neutrino Physics: Studying the Universe’s Ghost Particles
• Entropy and Time’s Arrow: Understanding Thermodynamics
• Applications of Particle Physics in Medicine
• Physics of Semiconductors and the Evolution of Computing
• Exploring String Theory and Multidimensional Realities
• Relativity Theory: Spacetime Curvature and Gravitational Lenses
• Quantum Computing: Bridging Physics and Information Technology

Easy Physics Topics

• Antimatter: Understanding its Properties and Possible Uses
• Physics of Chaos and Nonlinear Dynamical Systems
• Condensed Matter Physics: Unveiling the Behavior of Phases of Matter
• Science of Acoustics: Understanding Sound Phenomena
• Roles of Physics in Developing Advanced Materials
• Synchrotron Radiation: Tools and Techniques in Research
• Particle Accelerators: Probing the Quantum World
• Theoretical Predictions and Experimental Tests in Quantum Mechanics
• Nuclear Fusion: The Physics of a Star’s Energy Production
• The Holographic Principle: A Revolution in Quantum Physics?
• Biomechanics: Understanding the Physics of Life Movements
• Exploring the Physics of Supermassive Black Holes
• Magnetism: From Quantum Spin to Industrial Applications
• Laser Physics: Principles and Cutting-Edge Applications
• Advances in Cryogenics and Low-Temperature Physics
• The Physics of Flight: From Birds to Airplanes
• Quantum Field Theory and the Nature of Reality
• Modern Cosmology: Inflation and the Cosmic Structure
• Probing Subatomic Particles in High-Energy Physics
• Physics of Fluid Dynamics: From Blood Flow to Weather Systems
• The Grand Unified Theory: Bridging Fundamental Forces
• Quantum Cryptography: Ensuring Information Security
• Photonic Crystals and Their Applications in Telecommunication

Interesting Physics Topics

• Understanding Time Dilation in the Theory of Relativity
• Exploring Quantum Entanglement and Its Implications
• Black Holes: Formation, Properties, and Hawking Radiation
• Standard Models of Particle Physics: A Fundamental Framework
• String Theory: Unifying Forces Through One-Dimensional Strings
• Investigating Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Universe
• Superconductors: Mechanisms and Technological Applications
• Chaos Theory: Sensitivity to Initial Conditions in Complex Systems
• The Photoelectric Effect: Evidence for the Particle Nature of Light
• Gravitational Waves: Detection Methods and Cosmic Significance
• The Higgs Boson: Role in Particle Mass and the Universe
• Understanding the Quantum Zeno Effect in Quantum Mechanics
• Effects of Time Dilation on Relativity and Time Travel
• The Importance of Symmetry in Physics and Conservation Laws
• Thermodynamics of Black Holes: Entropy and Temperature
• Electroweak Interaction: Unification of Electromagnetic and Weak Forces
• Plasma Physics: Basics and the Future of Fusion Energy
• The Doppler Effect: Understanding Frequency Changes in Waves
• The Physics of Sound: Wave Behavior and Acoustic Applications
• Biophysics: Applying Physics Principles to Biological Systems

Academic Level Difference

Academic level differences in physics topics are characterized by a complexity and depth of concepts introduced at various stages of education. At an undergraduate level, common physics ideas encompass foundational principles, such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics (Chaichian et al., 2022). In principle, these subjects provide students with essential knowledge and problem-solving skills, allowing them to be prepared for more advanced studies. As students progress to graduate studies, a central focus shifts toward specialized areas of research, including quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, or condensed matter physics, where theoretical frameworks and experimental techniques are explored in greater depth (Brooker, 2021). Basically, a standard rigor of graduate-level topics demands a strong understanding and knowledge of mathematical principles and an ability to engage with contemporary research literature. Moreover, Ph.D. studies in physics introduce themes that involve original research and contributions to a given field, requiring students to develop novel hypotheses, conduct experiments, and publish their findings (Hewitt, 2021). As such, this progression from basic principles to advanced research reflects not only an increasing complexity of a subject matter but also critical thinking, analytical, and independent research capabilities expected at higher academic levels. Therefore, understanding these differences is crucial for educators and students alike, while they navigate an evolving landscape of physics education and research.

Physics Research Paper Topics for High School

• Exploring the Mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
• Quantum Entanglement: Unraveling the Enigma
• Nanotechnology: The Physics of the Incredibly Small
• Black Holes: Understanding Gravity’s Ultimate Victory
• Time Travel: Exploring its Possibility in Physics
• Particle Physics: A Closer Look at the Higgs Boson
• Waves and Resonance: The Science Behind Vibrations
• Antimatter: The Mirror Image of Normal Matter
• Superconductivity: Exploring the Role of Temperature
• Effects of Nuclear Physics on Medical Imaging Technology
• The Theory of Everything: Unifying the Fundamental Forces
• Superstring Theory: The Quest for Unification
• Chaos Theory: A Journey Through Nonlinear Dynamics
• Radioactivity: The Science Behind Nuclear Decay
• Examining the Physical Properties of Non-Newtonian Fluids
• Magnetic Monopoles: A Missing Piece in Electromagnetism?
• Quantum Field Theory: The World of Subatomic Particles
• Physics of Climate Change: Understanding Global Warming
• Thermodynamics: The Science of Heat and Energy Transfers

Physics Research Paper Topics for College Students

• Unveiling the Mysteries of Quantum Entanglement
• Implications of Zero-Point Energy: A Look Into Vacuum Fluctuations
• Examining the Principles and Potential of Nuclear Fusion
• Harnessing Antimatter: Theoretical Approaches and Practical Limitations
• Tracing Cosmic Rays: Sources, Propagation, and Interaction with Matter
• Advanced Gravitational Waves: Detection and Significance
• Rethinking Dark Matter: Contemporary Views and Hypotheses
• Probing Planetary Physics: Dynamics in Our Solar System
• Exploring the Physics of Black Holes: Beyond the Event Horizon
• Thermodynamics in Nanoscale Systems: Deviations From Classical Rules
• Computational Physics: The Impact of Machine Learning on Physical Research
• Spintronics: Revolutionizing Information Technology
• Accelerators in Medicine: Using Particle Physics for Cancer Treatment
• The Influence of Physics on Climate Change Modeling
• Neutrino Oscillations: Exploring the Ghost Particles
• Quantum Computing: Bridging the Gap Between Physics and Information Technology
• Dark Energy and the Accelerating Universe: Current Understanding
• Gauge Theories in Particle Physics: A Deep Dive
• The Holographic Principle: The Universe as a Hologram
• The Role of Physics in Renewable Energy Technologies
• Time Travel Theories: Fact or Fiction?
• Implications of String Theory in Modern Physics

Physics Research Paper Topics for University

• Metamaterials: Creating the Impossible in Optics and Acoustics
• Fluid Dynamics in Astrophysics: Stars, Galaxies, and Beyond
• Tackling Turbulence: The Last Great Problem in Classical Physics
• The Casimir Effect: Unearthing Quantum Force in the Vacuum
• Superconductivity: New Frontiers and Applications
• Advances in Biophysics: Cellular Mechanisms to Organismal Systems
• The Physics of Spacecraft Propulsion: Ion Drives and Beyond
• Supersymmetry: The Unfulfilled Promise of the Universe
• Relativity and GPS: The Unseen Influence of Physics in Everyday Life
• Topological Insulators: Quantum Phenomena in Solid State Physics
• The Future of Photonics: Powering the Next Generation of Technology
• Atomic Clocks: The Intersection of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
• Quantum Field Theory: A Modern Understanding
• Electromagnetism in Biological Systems: Understanding Bioelectricity
• The Kardashev Scale: A Framework for Advanced Civilizations
• Harnessing the Sun: The Physics of Solar Energy
• M-Theory: The Unifying Theory of Everything
• Bell’s Theorem: Debunking Local Realism
• Quantum Cryptography: Security in the Age of Quantum Computers
• Geophysics: Understanding the Earth’s Core and Plate Tectonics

Physics Research Paper Topics for Master’s & Ph.D.

• Quantum Entanglement: Unraveling the Spooky Action at a Distance
• Harnessing Fusion Power: Prospects for Unlimited Clean Energy
• Gravitational Waves: Detecting Ripples in Spacetime
• The Nature of Black Holes and Singularities
• Time Dilation and Its Applications in Modern Physics
• Investigating the Particle-Wave Duality: A Deeper Look Into Quantum Mechanics
• The Physics of Superconductors: Transitioning From Theory to Practical Applications
• Hawking Radiation: From Theory to Possible Observations
• Evolution of the Universe: A Closer Look at the Big Bang Theory
• Exploring the Higgs Field: Implications for Particle Physics
• Nanotechnology in Physics: The Promising Path Toward the Future
• String Theory and the Quest for a Theory of Everything
• The Role of Physics in Climate Change Modelling
• Understanding Neutrinos: Ghost Particles of the Universe
• The Fundamentals of Chaos Theory: Applications in Modern Physics
• Quantum Computing: Breaking Down the Physics Behind the Future of Computation
• Exploring The Fourth Dimension: A Journey Beyond Time
• Astrophysics and the Study of Exoplanets: Seeking Alien Life
• Quantum Field Theory: Bridging Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
• Understanding Quantum Tunneling: Applications and Implications
• Study of Quarks: Subatomic Particles and the Strong Force
• Biophysics and the Mechanics of Cellular Structures
• Magnetic Monopoles: Hunting for the Missing Entities in Quantum Theory

Physics Research Topics on Classical Mechanics

• Understanding Kepler’s Laws and Their Practical Applications
• The Role of Energy Conservation in Mechanical Systems
• Implications of Newton’s Third Law on Engineering Designs
• Exploring Oscillatory Motion: Springs and Pendulums
• Effects of Friction Forces on Everyday Objects
• Stability of Rotational Systems in Aerospace Engineering
• Interpreting Physical Phenomena Using Vector Mechanics
• Influence of Classical Mechanics on Modern Architecture
• Application of Momentum Conservation in Collision Analysis
• Kinematics of Complex Systems: An In-Depth Study
• Elasticity and Its Impact on Material Science
• Newtonian Physics in Contemporary Game Design
• The Art of Fluid Dynamics: Concepts and Applications
• Gyroscopes and Their Applications in Modern Technologies
• Applications of Torque in Mechanical Engineering
• Relevance of Angular Momentum in Astrophysics
• The Science Behind Musical Instruments: A Mechanical Perspective
• Diving Into the Parallels Between Classical and Quantum Mechanics
• Exploring Parabolic Trajectories in Projectile Motion
• Dynamics of Multi-Body Systems in Space Exploration

Research Topics for Physics of Materials

• Analysis of Quantum Behavior in Superconductors
• Predictive Modelling of Phase Transitions in Crystalline Structures
• Examination of Electron Mobility in Semi-Conductive Materials
• Study of High-Temperature Superconductivity Phenomena
• Mechanical Properties of Novel Metallic Alloys
• Graphene: Exploring its Remarkable Electronic Properties
• Optimization of Energy Storage in Advanced Battery Materials
• Ferroelectric Materials: Unraveling their Unique Electrical Properties
• Assessing Durability of Construction Materials Under Environmental Stressors
• Properties and Potential Applications of Topological Insulators
• Investigation into Multiferroic Materials: Challenges and Opportunities
• Dynamic Response of Materials under High-Strain Rates
• Nanomaterials: Understanding Size-Dependent Physical Properties
• Harnessing Thermoelectric Materials for Energy Conversion
• Photonic Crystals: Manipulation of Light Propagation
• Exploring Amorphous Solids: From Metallic Glasses to Plastics
• Investigations into Magnetocaloric Materials for Eco-Friendly Refrigeration
• Neutron Scattering in the Study of Magnetic Materials
• Probing the Anisotropic Nature of Composite Materials
• Characterization of Disordered Materials Using Spectroscopic Techniques
• Roles of Surface Physics in Material Science

Physics Research Topics on Electrical Engineering

• Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Power Systems
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Advancements and Challenges
• Improving Transmission Efficiency Through Smart Grids
• Developments in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
• Optical Fiber Technology: The Future of Communication
• Interplay between Solar Power Engineering and Material Science
• Harnessing the Potential of Superconductors in Electrical Engineering
• Li-Fi Technology: Lighting the Way for Data Communication
• Innovations in Energy Storage: Beyond Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Designing Efficient Power Electronics for Aerospace Applications
• Exploring the Boundaries of Microelectronics With Quantum Dots
• Robotic Automation: Electrical Engineering Perspectives
• Power System Stability in the Era of Distributed Generation
• Photovoltaic Cells: Advances in Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
• Investigating the Feasibility of Wireless Power Transfer
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Power Management and Energy Efficiency
• Quantum Entanglement: Implications for Information Transmission
• Fuel Cells: Exploring New Frontiers in Electrical Power Generation
• Machine Learning Applications in Predictive Maintenance of Electrical Systems
• Neural Networks and their Role in Electrical Circuit Analysis

Optical Physics Research Topics

• Exploring Quantum Optics: Unveiling the Peculiarities of Light-Particle Interactions
• Harnessing the Power of Nonlinear Optics: Potential Applications and Challenges
• Fiber Optic Technology: Influencing Data Transmission and Telecommunication
• The Role of Optics in Modern Telescopic Innovations: An Analytical Study
• Polarization of Light: Understanding the Physical and Biological Applications
• Unfolding the Mystery of Optical Tweezers: Manipulation and Measurement at the Microscale
• Lasing Mechanisms: Insights Into the Evolution and Operation of Lasers
• Waveguides and Their Crucial Role in Integrated Optics: A Comprehensive Study
• Optical Illusions: Revealing the Underlying Physics and Perception Aspects
• Biophotonics: The Intersection of Optics and Biomedicine
• Exploiting Optical Metamaterials: The Pathway to Invisible Cloaking Devices
• Optical Holography: Unearthing the Potential for 3D Visualization and Display Systems
• Investigation of Optical Solitons: Nonlinear Pulses in Fiber Optic Communications
• Plasmonics: Harnessing Light With Nanostructures for Enhanced Optical Phenomena
• Advances in Spectroscopy: Optical Techniques for Material Analysis
• The Physics behind Optical Coherence Tomography in Medical Imaging
• Optical Vortices and Their Role in High-Capacity Data Transmission
• Ultrafast Optics: Time-Resolved Studies and Femtosecond Laser Applications
• In-Depth Review of Optical Trapping and Its Potential in Nanotechnology
• Optical Parametric Oscillators: Applications in Spectroscopy and Laser Technology
• Theoretical Perspectives on Photonic Crystals and Band Gap Engineering

Physics Research Topics on Acoustics

• Exploration of Ultrasonic Waves in Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
• Propagation of Sound in Various Atmospheric Conditions
• Impacts of Acoustics on Architectural Design Principles
• Innovative Approaches to Noise Cancellation Technologies
• The Role of Acoustics in Underwater Communication Systems
• Sonic Boom Phenomena: Causes and Effects
• Effects of Acoustic Resonance in Musical Instruments
• Influence of Material Properties on Sound Absorption
• Harnessing the Power of Sound: Acoustic Levitation Research
• Relationship Between Acoustic Ecology and Urban Development
• Evaluating the Principles of Acoustic Metamaterials
• Acoustic Thermometry: Precision in Temperature Measurement
• Potential Applications of Phononic Crystals in Acoustics
• Deciphering Dolphin Communication: Bioacoustics in Marine Life
• Development and Improvement of Acoustic Emission Techniques
• Thermoacoustic Engines and Refrigeration: An Emerging Technology
• Investigating the Psychoacoustic Properties of Sound
• Impacts of Acoustic Treatment in Home Theatres and Studios
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Sonar Systems in Submarine Detection
• Ultrasound Applications in Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation

Physics Research Topics on Thermodynamics

• Investigating the Role of Thermodynamics in Nanotechnology Development
• Entropy Production: A Deep Dive into Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
• Impacts of Thermodynamics on Energy Conservation Practices
• Quantum Thermodynamics: Bridging Quantum Mechanics and Traditional Thermodynamics
• Advanced Materials in Heat Engines: A Thermodynamic Perspective
• Applications of Thermodynamics in Renewable Energy Technology
• Exploring Thermodynamic Limits of Computation: Theoretical and Practical Aspects
• Unveiling the Mysteries of Black Hole Thermodynamics
• Influence of Thermodynamics in Climate Change Modelling
• Exploiting Thermodynamics for Efficient Spacecraft Heat Management
• Understanding Biological Systems Through the Lens of Thermodynamics
• Applying Thermodynamics to Predict Geophysical Phenomena
• Thermodynamics in Food Processing: Effects on Nutrient Preservation
• Biogeochemical Cycles: An Insight From Thermodynamics
• Roles of Thermodynamics in Understanding Supernova Explosions
• Thermodynamics in Modern Architecture: Energy-Efficient Building Designs
• Thermoelectric Materials: Harnessing Thermodynamics for Power Generation
• Roles of Thermodynamics in Efficient Resource Recovery From Waste
• Thermodynamics and Its Implications in the Formation of Stars
• Exploring Thermodynamics in Quantum Information Theory

Particle Physics Research Topics

• Unraveling the Mysteries of Quark Structures in Baryonic Matter
• The Enigma of Neutrino Oscillations: New Discoveries
• String Theory Applications in Particle Physics: A New Horizon
• Dark Matter Particles: Unseen Influences on Cosmic Structures
• The Higgs Field and Its Implications for the Standard Model
• Lepton Family: A Comprehensive Study of Their Unique Properties
• Quantum Chromodynamics: Decoding the Strong Force
• The Role of W and Z Bosons in Electroweak Interactions
• Antiparticle Behavior and Its Ramifications for Symmetry
• Detecting Supersymmetry: A Paradigm Shift in Particle Physics?
• Insights Into Graviton: Hunting the Quantum of Gravity
• Probing the Exotic: Search for Hypothetical Particles
• Flavor Changing Processes in the Quark Sector: An Analytical Approach
• Precision Measurements of the Top Quark: A Key to New Physics
• Pentaquark Particles: A Fresh Perspective on Hadronic Matter
• Examining the Asymmetry Between Matter and Antimatter
• Gluons and Confinement: Probing the Fabric of Quantum Chromodynamics
• Proton Decay: GUTs, Supersymmetry, and Beyond
• Unveiling the Secrets of Cosmic Ray Particles
• Meson Spectroscopy: Understanding Hadrons Better
• Scalar Fields and Inflation: A Quantum Field Theory Perspective

Statistical Physics Research Topics

• Exploring the Second Law of Thermodynamics in Cosmic Evolution
• Investigating the Role of Entropy in the Black Hole Information Paradox
• Understanding Statistical Mechanics in Biophysical Systems
• Analyzing Temperature’s Impact on Quantum Spin Chains
• Diving Into Phase Transitions in Quantum Fields
• Quantum Fluctuations and Their Statistical Significance
• Applications of Statistical Physics in Neural Networks
• Investigating the Universality Classes in Critical Phenomena
• Revealing the Role of Statistical Physics in Ecosystem Dynamics
• Fluctuation Theorems: A Study of Non-Equilibrium Systems
• Statistical Physics’ Approach to Understanding Traffic Flow Dynamics
• Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics in Living Systems
• Deciphering the Puzzle of Quantum Entanglement Using Statistical Methods
• Research on Spin Glasses and Disorder in Statistical Physics
• Thermodynamics in Small Systems: A Statistical Physics Approach
• Fractal Analysis: Its Impact on Statistical Physics
• Harnessing the Power of Statistical Physics for Climate Modeling
• Introducing Quantum Field Theory to Statistical Physics Studies
• Investigating Energy Landscapes in Protein Folding
• Simulating Turbulence Using Concepts of Statistical Physics

Atomic Physics Research Topics

• Quantum Entanglement and Its Impact on Information Transfer
• Exploring the Properties of Exotic Atoms
• Manipulating Matter: The Potential of Cold Atoms
• Unveiling the Secrets of Quantum Decoherence
• Probing Quantum Tunneling: From Theory to Practical Applications
• Atomic Collisions and Their Consequences in Astrophysics
• Advancements in Atomic Clock Technology and Precision Timekeeping
• Harnessing the Power of Quantum Computing With Atomic Physics
• Advancements in Atom Interferometry and Precision Measurements
• Evaluating the Influence of Atomic Physics on Biological Systems
• Atomic Physics Applications in Emerging Technologies
• Unlocking the Mysteries of Atomic Spectroscopy
• Delving into the World of Ultracold Atoms and Bose-Einstein Condensates
• The Role of Atomic Physics in Climate Change Studies
• Shedding Light on Dark Matter: Atomic Physics Approaches
• Innovations in Controlled Nuclear Fusion Through Atomic Physics
• Electron Capture and Beta Decay: The Intricacies of Weak Force
• Quantum Magnetism and Its Influence on Atomic Structures
• Theoretical Frameworks for Describing Atomic Structure and Behavior
• The Future of Nanotechnology: Role of Atomic Physics
• Understanding Atomic Physics Role in Quantum Cryptography
• Fundamental Symmetries: Atomic Physics Perspectives and Tests

Physics Research Topics on Quantum Mechanics

• Investigating the Quantum Behavior of Superconducting Circuits
• Exploring the Applications of Quantum Entanglement in Communication Systems
• Analyzing the Role of Quantum Mechanics in Biological Systems
• Developing Quantum Algorithms for Solving Complex Optimization Problems
• Understanding Quantum Tunneling in Nanostructures
• Investigating Quantum Coherence in Macroscopic Systems
• Exploring the Role of Quantum Mechanics in Quantum Computing
• Analyzing the Quantum Properties of Photons in Quantum Information Processing
• Developing Quantum Sensors for High-Precision Measurements
• Investigating the Quantum Mechanics of Quantum Dots in Optoelectronic Devices
• Analyzing the Quantum Mechanics of Spintronics for Information Storage and Processing
• Exploring the Role of Quantum Mechanics in Quantum Cryptography
• Investigating the Quantum Properties of Bose-Einstein Condensates
• Developing Quantum Simulators for Studying Complex Quantum Systems
• Analyzing the Quantum Mechanics of Topological Insulators
• Exploring Quantum Chaos and its Applications in Quantum Mechanics
• Investigating the Quantum Mechanics of the Quantum Hall Effect
• Analyzing the Quantum Properties of Quantum Gravity
• Exploring the Role of Quantum Mechanics in Quantum Sensing and Metrology
• Investigating the Quantum Mechanics of Quantum Optics

Nuclear Physics Research Topics

• Quantum Tunneling in Nuclear Reactions
• Neutron Stars: Structure and Properties
• Nuclear Fusion as a Clean Energy Source
• Investigating the Role of Mesons in Nuclear Forces
• Nuclear Shell Model: Understanding Nucleus Stability
• Proton-Proton Collisions in High-Energy Physics
• Nuclear Fission: Mechanisms and Applications
• Theoretical Analysis of Nuclear Decay Processes
• Particle Accelerators for Nuclear Physics Research
• The Quark-Gluon Plasma: Experimental Studies
• Superheavy Elements and Their Synthesis
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Materials Science
• Neutrino Oscillations and Mass Hierarchy
• Isotope Separation Techniques for Medical and Industrial Applications
• Exotic Nuclear Shapes: Triaxial and Hyperdeformed Nuclei
• Nuclear Data Evaluation and Uncertainty Analysis
• Studying Nuclear Reactions in Supernovae
• Exploring Nuclear Isomerism for Quantum Computing
• Nuclear Waste Management and Disposal Strategies
• Giant Resonances in Nuclear Physics

Physical Geography Topics to Write About

• Solar Radiation’s Impact on Geographical Landform Evolution
• Oceanic Currents and Their Role in Coastal Erosion
• Atmospheric Pressure Interactions and Mountain Formation
• Tectonic Plate Movements’ Influence on Geographical Features
• Gravity’s Contribution to Geographical Landscape Formation
• Climate Change Effects on Glacial Retreat and Polar Geography
• Wind Patterns and Dune Formation in Deserts
• River Networks’ Dynamics and Fluvial Geomorphology
• Volcanic Activity and Island Formation
• Magnetic Fields and Geomagnetic Reversals in Paleomagnetism
• Earthquakes’ Impact on Geographical Landforms and Seismic Hazards
• Rainfall Patterns and Soil Erosion in Agricultural Landscapes
• Geothermal Energy’s Role in Hydrothermal Features
• Tsunamis’ Effects on Coastal Landforms and Human Settlements
• Earth’s Magnetic Field and the Auroras
• Eolian Processes and Desertification in Arid Landscapes
• Gravity Waves’ Influence on Atmospheric Circulation and Climate Patterns
• River Diversions and Delta Formation
• Climate Change and Coral Reef Degradation
• Ice Sheets’ Dynamics and Sea Level Rise
• Karst Processes and Cave Formation

Astrophysics Topics for a Research Paper

• Quantum Effects in Stellar Evolution
• Gravitational Waves From Binary Neutron Star Mergers
• Cosmic Microwave Background Anisotropy Analysis
• Supernova Nucleosynthesis and Element Formation
• Dark Matter Distribution in Galaxy Clusters
• Magnetic Fields in Protostellar Disks
• Exoplanet Atmospheres and Habitability
• Black Hole Dynamics in Galactic Centers
• High-Energy Particle Acceleration in Active Galactic Nuclei
• Gamma-Ray Burst Progenitor Identification
• Interstellar Medium Turbulence and Star Formation
• Neutrino Oscillations in Supernova Explosions
• Cosmic Ray Propagation in the Galactic Magnetic Field
• Stellar Populations and Galactic Archaeology
• Stellar Pulsations and Variable Stars in Globular Clusters
• Dusty Torus Structure in Active Galactic Nuclei
• Planetary Formation in Binary Star Systems
• Primordial Magnetic Fields and Early Universe Magnetogenesis
• Neutron Star Equation of State Constraints from Pulsar Timing
• Galactic Chemical Evolution and Metal Enrichment

Theoretical Physics Topics to Research

• Quantum Entanglement in Multi-Particle Systems
• Gravitational Waves and Black Hole Mergers
• Emergent Phenomena in Condensed Matter Physics
• Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos in Physical Systems
• Symmetry Breaking and Phase Transitions
• Topological Insulators and Their Applications
• Quantum Computing and Information Theory
• Cosmological Inflation and the Early Universe
• Quantum Field Theory and Particle Interactions
• Time Reversal Symmetry in Quantum Mechanics
• Black Hole Thermodynamics and Hawking Radiation
• Quantum Simulation and Quantum Many-Body Systems
• Dark Matter and Its Detectability
• Superconductivity and Superfluidity
• Information-Theoretic Approaches to Quantum Gravity
• Magnetic Monopoles and Their Role in Particle Physics
• High-Energy Physics and Collider Experiments
• Quantum Hall Effect and Topological Order
• Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Processing
• Neutrino Physics and Neutrino Oscillations
• Fractals and Self-Similarity in Physical Systems

Assem, H. D., Nartey, L., Appiah, E., & Aidoo, J. K. (2023). A review of students’ academic performance in physics: Attitude, instructional methods, misconceptions and teachers qualification. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy , 4 (1), 84–92. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2023.4.1.551

Bao, L., & Koenig, K. (2019). Physics education research for 21st century learning. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research , 1 (2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-019-0007-8

Brooker, G. (2021). Essays in physics: Thirty-two thoughtful essays on topics in undergraduate-level physics . Oxford University Press.

Chaichian, M., Rojas, H. P., & Tureanu, A. (2022). Basic concepts in physics: From the cosmos to quarks . Springer.

Hewitt, P. G. (2021). Practice book for conceptual physics . Pearson.

Hull, M. M., Jansky, A., & Hopf, M. (2020). Probability-related naïve ideas across physics topics. Studies in Science Education , 57 (1), 45–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2020.1757244

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Research Question

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A research question serves as the foundation of any academic study, driving the investigation and framing the scope of inquiry. It focuses the research efforts, ensuring that the study addresses pertinent issues systematically. Crafting a strong research question is essential as it directs the methodology, data collection, and analysis, ultimately shaping the study’s conclusions and contributions to the field.

What is a Research Question?

A research question is the central query that guides a study, focusing on a specific problem or issue. It defines the purpose and direction of the research, influencing the methodology and analysis. A well-crafted research question ensures the study remains relevant, systematic, and contributes valuable insights to the field.

Types of Research Questions

Research questions are a crucial part of any research project. They guide the direction and focus of the study. Here are the main types of research questions:

1. Descriptive Research Questions

These questions aim to describe the characteristics or functions of a specific phenomenon or group. They often begin with “what,” “who,” “where,” “when,” or “how.”

• What are the common symptoms of depression in teenagers?

2. Comparative Research Questions

These questions compare two or more groups or variables to identify differences or similarities.

• How do the academic performances of students in private schools compare to those in public schools?

3. Correlational Research Questions

These questions seek to identify the relationships between two or more variables. They often use terms like “relationship,” “association,” or “correlation.”

• Is there a relationship between social media usage and self-esteem among adolescents?

4. Causal Research Questions

These questions aim to determine whether one variable causes or influences another. They are often used in experimental research.

• Does a new teaching method improve student engagement in the classroom?

5. Exploratory Research Questions

These questions are used when the researcher is exploring a new area or seeking to understand a complex phenomenon. They are often open-ended.

• What factors contribute to the success of start-up companies in the tech industry?

6. Predictive Research Questions

These questions aim to predict future occurrences based on current or past data. They often use terms like “predict,” “forecast,” or “expect.”

• Can high school GPA predict college success?

7. Evaluative Research Questions

These questions assess the effectiveness or impact of a program, intervention, or policy .

• How effective is the new community outreach program in reducing homelessness?

8. Ethnographic Research Questions

These questions are used in qualitative research to understand cultural phenomena from the perspective of the participants.

• How do cultural beliefs influence healthcare practices in rural communities?

9. Case Study Research Questions

These questions focus on an in-depth analysis of a specific case, event, or instance.

• What were the critical factors that led to the failure of Company X?

10. Phenomenological Research Questions

These questions explore the lived experiences of individuals to understand a particular phenomenon.

• What is the experience of living with chronic pain?

Research Question Format

A well-formulated research question is essential for guiding your study effectively. Follow this format to ensure clarity and precision:

• Begin with a broad subject area.
• Example: “Education technology”
• Define a specific aspect or variable.
• Example: “Impact of digital tools”
• Decide if you are describing, comparing, or investigating relationships.
• Example: “Effectiveness”
• Identify who or what is being studied.
• Example: “High school students”
• Formulate the complete question.
• Example: “How effective are digital tools in enhancing the learning experience of high school students?”

Sample Format: “How [specific aspect] affects [target population] in [context]?” Example: “How does the use of digital tools affect the academic performance of high school students in urban areas?”

Research Question Examples

Research questions in business.

• “What are the primary factors influencing customer loyalty in the retail industry?”
• “How does employee satisfaction differ between remote work and in-office work environments in tech companies?”
• “What is the relationship between social media marketing and brand awareness among small businesses?”
• “How does implementing a four-day workweek impact productivity in consulting firms?”
• “What are the emerging trends in consumer behavior post-COVID-19 in the e-commerce sector?”
• “Why do some startups succeed in attracting venture capital while others do not?”
• “How effective is corporate social responsibility in enhancing brand reputation for multinational companies?”
• “How do decision-making processes in family-owned businesses differ from those in publicly traded companies?”
• “What strategies do successful entrepreneurs use to scale their businesses in competitive markets?”
• “How does supply chain management affect the operational efficiency of manufacturing firms?”

Research Questions in Education

• “What are the most common challenges faced by first-year teachers in urban schools?”
• “How do student achievement levels differ between traditional classrooms and blended learning environments?”
• “What is the relationship between parental involvement and student academic performance in elementary schools?”
• “How does the implementation of project-based learning affect critical thinking skills in middle school students?”
• “What are the emerging trends in the use of artificial intelligence in education?”
• “Why do some students perform better in standardized tests than others despite similar instructional methods?”
• “How effective is the flipped classroom model in improving student engagement and learning outcomes in high school science classes?”
• “How do teachers’ professional development programs impact teaching practices and student outcomes in rural schools?”
• “What strategies can be employed to reduce the dropout rate among high school students in low-income areas?”
• “How does classroom size affect the quality of teaching and learning in elementary schools?”

Research Questions in Health Care

• “What are the most common barriers to accessing mental health services in rural areas?”
• “How does patient satisfaction differ between telemedicine and in-person consultations in primary care?”
• “What is the relationship between diet and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in adults?”
• “How does regular physical activity influence the recovery rate of patients with cardiovascular diseases?”
• “What are the emerging trends in the use of wearable technology for health monitoring?”
• “Why do some patients adhere to their medication regimen while others do not despite similar health conditions?”
• “How effective are community-based health interventions in reducing obesity rates among children?”
• “How do interdisciplinary team meetings impact patient care in hospitals?”
• “What strategies can be implemented to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings?”
• “How does nurse staffing level affect patient outcomes in intensive care units?”

Research Questions in Computer Science

• “What are the key features of successful machine learning algorithms used in natural language processing?”
• “How does the performance of quantum computing compare to classical computing in solving complex optimization problems?”
• “What is the relationship between software development methodologies and project success rates in large enterprises?”
• “How does the implementation of cybersecurity protocols impact the frequency of data breaches in financial institutions?”
• “What are the emerging trends in blockchain technology applications beyond cryptocurrency?”
• “Why do certain neural network architectures outperform others in image recognition tasks?”
• “How effective are different code review practices in reducing bugs in open-source software projects?”
• “How do agile development practices influence team productivity and product quality in software startups?”
• “What strategies can improve the scalability of distributed systems in cloud computing environments?”
• “How does the choice of programming language affect the performance and maintainability of enterprise-level software applications?”

Research Questions in Psychology

• “What are the most common symptoms of anxiety disorders among adolescents?”
• “How does the level of job satisfaction differ between remote workers and in-office workers?”
• “What is the relationship between social media use and self-esteem in teenagers?”
• “How does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) affect the severity of depression symptoms in adults?”
• “What are the emerging trends in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?”
• “Why do some individuals develop resilience in the face of adversity while others do not?”
• “How effective are mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress levels among college students?”
• “How does group therapy influence the social skills development of children with autism spectrum disorder?”
• “What strategies can improve the early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in young adults?”
• “How do sleep patterns affect cognitive functioning and academic performance in high school students?”

More Research Question Examples

Research question examples for students.

• “What are the primary study habits of high-achieving college students?”
• “How do academic performances differ between students who participate in extracurricular activities and those who do not?”
• “What is the relationship between time management skills and academic success in high school students?”
• “How does the use of technology in the classroom affect students’ engagement and learning outcomes?”
• “What are the emerging trends in online learning platforms for high school students?”
• “Why do some students excel in standardized tests while others struggle despite similar study efforts?”
• “How effective are peer tutoring programs in improving students’ understanding of complex subjects?”
• “How do different teaching methods impact the learning process of students with learning disabilities?”
• “What strategies can help reduce test anxiety among middle school students?”
• “How does participation in group projects affect the development of collaboration skills in university students?”

Research Question Examples for College Students

• “What are the most common stressors faced by college students during final exams?”
• “How does academic performance differ between students who live on campus and those who commute?”
• “What is the relationship between part-time employment and GPA among college students?”
• “How does participation in study abroad programs impact cultural awareness and academic performance?”
• “What are the emerging trends in college students’ use of social media for academic purposes?”
• “Why do some college students engage in academic dishonesty despite awareness of the consequences?”
• “How effective are university mental health services in addressing students’ mental health issues?”
• “How do different learning styles affect the academic success of college students in online courses?”
• “What strategies can be employed to improve retention rates among first-year college students?”
• “How does participation in extracurricular activities influence leadership skills development in college students?”

Research Question Examples in Statistics

• “What are the most common statistical methods used in medical research?”
• “How does the accuracy of machine learning models compare to traditional statistical methods in predicting housing prices?”
• “What is the relationship between sample size and the power of a statistical test in clinical trials?”
• “How does the use of random sampling affect the validity of survey results in social science research?”
• “What are the emerging trends in the application of Bayesian statistics in data science?”
• “Why do some datasets require transformation before applying linear regression models?”
• “How effective are bootstrapping techniques in estimating the confidence intervals of small sample data?”
• “How do different imputation methods impact the results of analyses with missing data?”
• “What strategies can improve the interpretation of interaction effects in multiple regression analysis?”
• “How does the choice of statistical software affect the efficiency of data analysis in academic research?”

Research Question Examples in Socialogy

• “What are the primary social factors contributing to urban poverty in major cities?”
• “How does the level of social integration differ between immigrants and native-born citizens in urban areas?”
• “What is the relationship between educational attainment and social mobility in different socioeconomic classes?”
• “How does exposure to social media influence political participation among young adults?”
• “What are the emerging trends in family structures and their impact on child development?”
• “Why do certain communities exhibit higher levels of civic engagement than others?”
• “How effective are community policing strategies in reducing crime rates in diverse neighborhoods?”
• “How do socialization processes differ in single-parent households compared to two-parent households?”
• “What strategies can be implemented to reduce racial disparities in higher education enrollment?”
• “How does the implementation of public housing policies affect the quality of life for low-income families?”

Research Question Examples in Biology

• “What are the primary characteristics of the various stages of mitosis in eukaryotic cells?”
• “How do the reproductive strategies of amphibians compare to those of reptiles?”
• “What is the relationship between genetic diversity and the resilience of plant species to climate change?”
• “How does the presence of pollutants in freshwater ecosystems impact the growth and development of aquatic organisms?”
• “What are the emerging trends in the use of CRISPR technology for gene editing in agricultural crops?”
• “Why do certain bacteria develop antibiotic resistance more rapidly than others?”
• “How effective are different conservation strategies in protecting endangered species?”
• “How do various environmental factors influence the process of photosynthesis in marine algae?”
• “What strategies can enhance the effectiveness of reforestation programs in tropical rainforests?”
• “How does the method of seed dispersal affect the spatial distribution and genetic diversity of plant populations?”

Research Question Examples in History

• “What were the key social and economic factors that led to the Industrial Revolution in Britain?”
• “How did the political systems of ancient Athens and ancient Sparta differ in terms of governance and citizen participation?”
• “What is the relationship between the Renaissance and the subsequent scientific revolution in Europe?”
• “How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the onset of World War II?”
• “What are the emerging perspectives on the causes and impacts of the American Civil Rights Movement?”
• “Why did the Roman Empire decline and eventually fall despite its extensive power and reach?”
• “How effective were the New Deal programs in alleviating the effects of the Great Depression in the United States?”
• “How did the processes of colonization and decolonization affect the political landscape of Africa in the 20th century?”
• “What strategies did the suffragette movement use to secure voting rights for women in the early 20th century?”
• “How did the logistics and strategies of the D-Day invasion contribute to the Allied victory in World War II?”

Importance of Research Questions

Research questions are fundamental to the success and integrity of any study. Their importance can be highlighted through several key aspects:

• Research questions provide a clear focus and direction for the study, ensuring that the researcher remains on track.
• Example: “How does online learning impact student engagement in higher education?”
• They establish the boundaries of the research, determining what will be included or excluded.
• Example: “What are the effects of air pollution on respiratory health in urban areas?”
• Research questions dictate the choice of research design, methodology, and data collection techniques.
• Example: “What is the relationship between physical activity and mental health in adolescents?”
• They make the objectives of the research explicit, providing clarity and precision to the study’s goals.
• Example: “Why do some startups succeed in securing venture capital while others fail?”
• Well-crafted research questions emphasize the significance and relevance of the study, justifying its importance.
• Example: “How effective are public health campaigns in increasing vaccination rates among young adults?”
• They enable a systematic approach to inquiry, ensuring that the study is coherent and logically structured.
• Example: “What are the social and economic impacts of remote work on urban communities?”
• Research questions offer a framework for analyzing and interpreting data, guiding the researcher in making sense of the findings.
• Example: “How does social media usage affect self-esteem among teenagers?”
• By addressing specific gaps or exploring new areas, research questions ensure that the study contributes meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge.
• Example: “What are the emerging trends in the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare?”
• Clear and precise research questions increase the credibility and reliability of the research by providing a focused approach.
• Example: “How do educational interventions impact literacy rates in low-income communities?”
• They help in clearly communicating the purpose and findings of the research to others, including stakeholders, peers, and the broader academic community.
• Example: “What strategies are most effective in reducing youth unemployment in developing countries?”

Research Question vs. Hypothesis

Chracteristics of research questions.

Research questions are fundamental to the research process as they guide the direction and focus of a study. Here are the key characteristics of effective research questions:

1. Clear and Specific

• The question should be clearly articulated and specific enough to be understood without ambiguity.
• Example: “What are the effects of social media on teenagers’ mental health?” rather than “How does social media affect people?”

2. Focused and Researchable

• The question should be narrow enough to be answerable through research and data collection.
• Example: “How does participation in extracurricular activities impact academic performance in high school students?” rather than “How do activities affect school performance?”

3. Complex and Analytical

• The question should require more than a simple yes or no answer and should invite analysis and discussion.
• Example: “What factors contribute to the success of renewable energy initiatives in urban areas?” rather than “Is renewable energy successful?”

4. Relevant and Significant

• The question should address an important issue or problem in the field of study and contribute to knowledge or practice.
• Example: “How does climate change affect agricultural productivity in developing countries?” rather than “What is climate change?”

5. Feasible and Practical

• The question should be feasible to answer within the constraints of time, resources, and access to information.
• Example: “What are the challenges faced by remote workers in the tech industry during the COVID-19 pandemic?” rather than “What are the challenges of remote work?”

6. Original and Novel

• The question should offer a new perspective or explore an area that has not been extensively studied.
• Example: “How do virtual reality technologies influence empathy in healthcare training?” rather than “What is virtual reality?”
• The question should be framed in a way that ensures the research can be conducted ethically.
• Example: “What are the impacts of privacy laws on consumer data protection in the digital age?” rather than “How can we collect personal data more effectively?”

8. Open-Ended

• The question should encourage detailed responses and exploration, rather than limiting answers to a simple yes or no.
• Example: “In what ways do cultural differences affect communication styles in multinational companies?” rather than “Do cultural differences affect communication?”

9. Aligned with Research Goals

• The question should align with the overall objectives of the research project or study.
• Example: “How do early childhood education programs influence long-term academic achievement?” if the goal is to understand educational impacts.

10. Based on Prior Research

• The question should build on existing literature and research, identifying gaps or new angles to explore.
• Example: “What strategies have proven effective in reducing urban air pollution in European cities?” after reviewing current studies on air pollution strategies.

Benefits of Research Question

Research questions are fundamental to the research process and offer numerous benefits, which include the following:

1. Guides the Research Process

A well-defined research question provides a clear focus and direction for your study. It helps in determining what data to collect, how to collect it, and how to analyze it.

Benefit: Ensures that the research stays on track and addresses the specific issue at hand.

2. Clarifies the Purpose of the Study

Research questions help to articulate the purpose and objectives of the study. They make it clear what the researcher intends to explore, describe, compare, or test.

Benefit: Helps in communicating the goals and significance of the research to others, including stakeholders and funding bodies.

3. Determines the Research Design

The type of research question informs the research design, including the choice of methodology, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.

Benefit: Ensures that the chosen research design is appropriate for answering the specific research question, enhancing the validity and reliability of the results.

4. Enhances Literature Review

A well-crafted research question provides a framework for conducting a thorough literature review. It helps in identifying relevant studies, theories, and gaps in existing knowledge.

Benefit: Facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and ensures that the research is grounded in existing literature.

5. Focuses Data Collection

Research questions help in identifying the specific data needed to answer them. This focus prevents the collection of unnecessary data and ensures that all collected data is relevant to the study.

Benefit: Increases the efficiency of data collection and analysis, saving time and resources.

6. Improves Data Analysis

Having a clear research question aids in the selection of appropriate data analysis methods. It helps in determining how the data will be analyzed to draw meaningful conclusions.

Benefit: Enhances the accuracy and relevance of the findings, making them more impactful.

7. Facilitates Hypothesis Formation

In quantitative research, research questions often lead to the development of hypotheses that can be tested statistically.

Benefit: Provides a basis for hypothesis testing, which is essential for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

8. Supports Result Interpretation

Research questions provide a lens through which the results of the study can be interpreted. They help in understanding what the findings mean in the context of the research objectives.

Benefit: Ensures that the conclusions drawn from the research are aligned with the original aims and objectives.

9. Enhances Reporting and Presentation

A clear research question makes it easier to organize and present the research findings. It helps in structuring the research report or presentation logically.

Benefit: Improves the clarity and coherence of the research report, making it more accessible and understandable to the audience.

10. Encourages Critical Thinking

Formulating research questions requires critical thinking and a deep understanding of the subject matter. It encourages researchers to think deeply about what they want to investigate and why.

Benefit: Promotes a more thoughtful and analytical approach to research, leading to more robust and meaningful findings.

How to Write a Research Question

Crafting a strong research question is crucial for guiding your study effectively. Follow these steps to write a clear and focused research question:

Identify a Broad Topic:

Start with a general area of interest that you are passionate about or that is relevant to your field. Example: “Climate change”

Conduct Preliminary Research:

Explore existing literature and studies to understand the current state of knowledge and identify gaps. Example: “Impact of climate change on agriculture”

Narrow Down the Topic:

Focus on a specific aspect or issue within the broad topic to make the research question more manageable. Example: “Effect of climate change on crop yields”

Consider the Scope:

Ensure the question is neither too broad nor too narrow. It should be specific enough to be answerable but broad enough to allow for thorough exploration. Example: “How does climate change affect corn crop yields in the Midwest United States?”

Determine the Research Type:

Decide whether your research will be descriptive, comparative, relational, or causal, as this will shape your question. Example: “How does climate change affect corn crop yields in the Midwest United States over the past decade?”

Formulate the Question:

Write a clear, concise question that specifies the variables, population, and context. Example: “What is the impact of increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns on corn crop yields in the Midwest United States from 2010 to 2020?”

Ensure Feasibility:

Make sure the question can be answered within the constraints of your resources, time, and data availability. Example: “How have corn crop yields in the Midwest United States been affected by climate change-related temperature increases and precipitation changes between 2010 and 2020?”

Review and Refine:

Evaluate the question for clarity, focus, and relevance. Revise as necessary to ensure it is well-defined and researchable. Example: “What are the specific impacts of temperature increases and changes in precipitation patterns on corn crop yields in the Midwest United States from 2010 to 2020?”

What is a research question?

A research question is a specific query guiding a study’s focus and objectives, shaping its methodology and analysis.

Why is a research question important?

It provides direction, defines scope, ensures relevance, and guides the methodology of the research.

How do you formulate a research question?

Identify a topic, narrow it down, conduct preliminary research, and ensure it is clear, focused, and researchable.

What makes a good research question?

Clarity, specificity, feasibility, relevance, and the ability to guide the research effectively.

Can a research question change?

Yes, it can evolve based on initial findings, further literature review, and the research process.

What is the difference between a research question and a hypothesis?

A research question guides the study; a hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

How specific should a research question be?

It should be specific enough to provide clear direction but broad enough to allow for comprehensive investigation.

What are examples of good research questions?

Examples include: “How does social media affect academic performance?” and “What are the impacts of climate change on agriculture?”

Can a research question be too broad?

Yes, a too broad question can make the research unfocused and challenging to address comprehensively.

What role does a research question play in literature reviews?

It helps identify relevant studies, guides the search for literature, and frames the review’s focus.

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415 Research Question Examples Across 15 Disciplines

A research question is a clearly formulated query that delineates the scope and direction of an investigation. It serves as the guiding light for scholars, helping them to dissect, analyze, and comprehend complex phenomena. Beyond merely seeking answers, a well-crafted research question ensures that the exploration remains focused and goal-oriented.

The significance of framing a clear, concise, and researchable question cannot be overstated. A well-defined question not only clarifies the objective of the research but also determines the methodologies and tools a researcher will employ. A concise question ensures precision, eliminating the potential for ambiguity or misinterpretation. Furthermore, the question must be researchable—posing a question that is too broad, too subjective, or unanswerable can lead to inconclusive results or an endless loop of investigation. In essence, the foundation of any meaningful academic endeavor rests on the articulation of a compelling and achievable research question.

Research questions can be categorized based on their intent and the nature of the information they seek. Recognizing the different types is essential for crafting an effective inquiry and guiding the research process. Let's delve into the various categories:

• Descriptive Research Questions: These types of questions aim to outline and characterize specific phenomena or attributes. They seek to provide a clear picture of a situation or context without necessarily diving into causal relationships. For instance, a question like "What are the main symptoms of the flu?" is descriptive as it seeks to list the symptoms.
• Explanatory (or Causal) Research Questions: Explanatory questions delve deeper, trying to uncover the reasons or causes behind certain phenomena. They are particularly common in experimental research where researchers are attempting to establish cause-and-effect relationships. An example might be, "Does smoking increase the risk of lung cancer?"
• Exploratory Research Questions: As the name suggests, these questions are used when researchers are entering uncharted territories. They are designed to gather preliminary information on topics that haven't been studied extensively. A question like "How do emerging technologies impact remote tribal communities?" can be seen as exploratory if there's limited existing research on the topic.
• Comparative Research Questions: These questions are formulated when the objective is to compare two or more groups, conditions, or variables. Comparative questions might look like "How do test scores differ between students who study regularly and those who cram?"
• Predictive Research Questions: The goal here is to forecast or predict potential outcomes based on certain variables or conditions. Predictive research might pose questions such as "Based on current climate trends, how will average global temperatures change by 2050?"

Here are examples of research questions across various disciplines, shedding light on queries that stimulate intellectual curiosity and advancement. In this post, we will delve into disciplines ranging from the Natural Sciences, such as Physics and Biology, to the Social Sciences, including Sociology and Anthropology, as well as the Humanities, like Literature and Philosophy. We'll also explore questions from fields as varied as Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Education, Law, Agriculture, Arts, Computer Science, Architecture, and Languages. This comprehensive overview aims to illustrate the breadth and depth of inquiries that shape our world of knowledge.

Agriculture and forestry examples

Architecture and planning examples, arts and design examples, business and finance examples, computer science and informatics examples, education examples, engineering and technology examples, environmental sciences examples, health sciences examples, humanities examples, languages and linguistics examples, law examples, mathematics and statistics examples, natural sciences examples, social sciences examples.

• Descriptive: What are the primary factors that influence crop yield in temperate climates?
• Explanatory: Why do certain soil types yield higher grain production than others?
• Exploratory: How might new organic farming techniques influence soil health over a decade?
• Comparative: How do the growth rates differ between genetically modified and traditional corn crops?
• Predictive: Based on current climate models, how will changing rain patterns impact wheat production in the next 20 years?

Animal science

• Descriptive: What are the common behavioral traits of domesticated cattle in grass-fed conditions?
• Explanatory: Why do certain breeds of chickens have a higher egg production rate?
• Exploratory: What potential benefits could arise from integrating tech wearables in livestock management?
• Comparative: How does the milk yield differ between Holstein and Jersey cows when given the same diet?
• Predictive: How might increasing global temperatures influence the reproductive cycles of swine?

Aquaculture

• Descriptive: What are the most commonly farmed fish species in Southeast Asia?
• Explanatory: Why do shrimp farms have a higher disease outbreak rate compared to fish farms?
• Exploratory: How might innovative recirculating aquaculture systems revolutionize the industry's environmental impact?
• Comparative: How do growth rates of salmon differ between open-net pens and land-based tanks?
• Predictive: What will be the impact of ocean acidification on mollusk farming over the next three decades?
• Descriptive: What tree species dominate the temperate rainforests of North America?
• Explanatory: Why are certain tree species more resistant to pest infestations?
• Exploratory: What are the potential benefits of integrating drone technology in forest health monitoring?
• Comparative: How do deforestation rates compare between legally protected and unprotected areas in the Amazon?
• Predictive: Given increasing global demand for timber, how might tree populations in Siberia change in the next half-century?

Horticulture

• Descriptive: What are the common characteristics of plants suitable for urban vertical farming?
• Explanatory: Why do roses require specific pH levels in the soil for optimal growth?
• Exploratory: What potential methods might promote year-round vegetable farming in colder regions?
• Comparative: How does fruit yield differ between traditionally planted orchards and high-density planting systems?
• Predictive: How might changing global temperatures affect wine grape production in traditional regions?

Soil science

• Descriptive: What are the main components of loamy soil?
• Explanatory: Why does clay-rich soil retain more water compared to sandy soil?
• Exploratory: How might biochar applications transform nutrient availability in degraded soils?
• Comparative: How do nutrient levels vary between soils managed with organic versus inorganic fertilizers?
• Predictive: Based on current farming practices, how will soil quality in the Midwest U.S. evolve over the next 30 years?

Architectural design

• Descriptive: What are the dominant architectural styles of public buildings constructed in the 21st century?
• Explanatory: Why do certain architectural elements from classical periods continue to influence modern designs?
• Exploratory: How might sustainable materials revolutionize the future of architectural design?
• Comparative: How do energy consumption levels differ between buildings with passive design elements and those without?
• Predictive: Based on urbanization trends, how will the design of residential buildings evolve in the next two decades?

Landscape architecture

• Descriptive: What are the primary components of a successful urban park design?
• Explanatory: Why do certain types of vegetation promote greater biodiversity in urban settings?
• Exploratory: What innovative techniques can be employed to restore and integrate wetlands into urban landscapes?
• Comparative: How does visitor satisfaction vary between nature-inspired landscapes and more structured, geometric designs?
• Predictive: With the effects of climate change, how might coastal landscape architecture adapt to rising sea levels over the coming century?

Urban planning

• Descriptive: What are the main components of a pedestrian-friendly city center?
• Explanatory: Why do certain urban layouts promote more efficient traffic flow than others?
• Exploratory: How might the integration of vertical farming impact urban food security and cityscape aesthetics?
• Comparative: How do the air quality levels differ between cities with green belts and those without?
• Predictive: Based on increasing telecommuting trends, how will urban planning strategies adjust to potentially reduced daily commutes in the future?

Graphic design

• Descriptive: What are the prevailing typography trends in modern branding?
• Explanatory: Why do certain color schemes evoke specific emotions or perceptions in consumers?
• Exploratory: How is augmented reality reshaping the landscape of interactive graphic design?
• Comparative: How do print and digital designs differ in terms of elements and principles when targeting a young adult audience?
• Predictive: Based on evolving digital platforms, what are potential future trends in web design aesthetics?

Industrial design

• Descriptive: What characterizes the ergonomic features of leading office chairs in the market?
• Explanatory: Why have minimalist designs become more prevalent in consumer electronics over the past decade?
• Exploratory: How might bio-inspired design influence the future of transportation vehicles?
• Comparative: How does user satisfaction differ between traditional versus modular product designs?
• Predictive: Given the push towards sustainability, how will material selection evolve in the next decade of product design?

Multimedia arts

• Descriptive: What techniques define the most popular virtual reality (VR) experiences currently available?
• Explanatory: Why do certain sound designs enhance immersion in video games more effectively than others?
• Exploratory: How might holographic technologies revolutionize stage performances or public installations in the future?
• Comparative: How do user engagement levels differ between 2D animations and 3D animations in educational platforms?
• Predictive: With the rise of augmented reality (AR) wearables, what might be the next frontier in multimedia art installations?

Performing arts

• Descriptive: What styles of dance are currently predominant in global theater productions?
• Explanatory: Why do certain rhythms or beats universally resonate with audiences across cultures?
• Exploratory: How might digital avatars or AI entities play roles in future theatrical performances?
• Comparative: How does audience reception differ between traditional plays and experimental, interactive performances?
• Predictive: Considering global digitalization, how might virtual theaters redefine the experience of live performances in the future?

Visual arts

• Descriptive: What themes are prevalent in contemporary art exhibitions worldwide?
• Explanatory: Why have mixed media installations gained prominence in the 21st-century art scene?
• Exploratory: How is the intersection of technology and art opening new mediums or platforms for artists?
• Comparative: How do traditional painting techniques, such as oil and watercolor, contrast in terms of texture and luminosity?
• Predictive: With the evolution of digital art platforms, how might the definition and appreciation of "original" artworks change in the coming years?

Entrepreneurship

• Descriptive: What are the main challenges faced by startups in the tech industry?
• Explanatory: Why do some entrepreneurial ventures succeed while others fail within their first five years?
• Exploratory: How are emerging digital platforms reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape?
• Comparative: How do funding opportunities for entrepreneurs differ between North America and Europe?
• Predictive: What sectors are predicted to see the most startup growth in the next decade?
• Descriptive: What are the primary sources of external funding for large corporations?
• Explanatory: Why did the stock market experience a significant drop in Q4 2022?
• Exploratory: How might blockchain technology revolutionize the future of banking?
• Comparative: How do the financial markets in developing countries compare to those in developed countries?
• Predictive: Based on current economic indicators, what is the forecasted health of the global economy for the next five years?

Human resources

• Descriptive: What are the most sought-after employee benefits in the tech industry?
• Explanatory: Why is there a high turnover rate in the retail sector?
• Exploratory: How might the rise of remote work affect HR practices in the next decade?
• Comparative: How do HR practices in multinational corporations differ from those in local companies?
• Predictive: What skills will be in highest demand in the workforce by 2030?
• Descriptive: What are the core responsibilities of middle management in large manufacturing firms?
• Explanatory: Why do some management strategies fail in diverse cultural environments?
• Exploratory: How are companies adapting their management structures in response to the gig economy?
• Comparative: How does management style in Eastern companies compare with Western businesses?
• Predictive: How might artificial intelligence reshape management practices in the next decade?
• Descriptive: What are the most effective digital marketing channels for e-commerce businesses?
• Explanatory: Why did a particular viral marketing campaign succeed in reaching a global audience?
• Exploratory: How might virtual reality change the landscape of product advertising?
• Comparative: How do marketing strategies differ between B2B and B2C sectors?
• Predictive: What consumer behaviors are forecasted to dominate online shopping trends in the next five years?

Operations research

• Descriptive: What are the primary optimization techniques used in supply chain management?
• Explanatory: Why do certain optimization algorithms perform better in specific industries?
• Exploratory: How can quantum computing impact the future of operations research?
• Comparative: How does operations strategy differ between service and manufacturing industries?
• Predictive: Based on current technological advancements, how might automation reshape supply chain strategies by 2035?

Artificial intelligence

• Descriptive: What are the primary algorithms used in deep learning?
• Explanatory: Why do certain neural network architectures outperform others in image recognition tasks?
• Exploratory: How might quantum computing influence the development of AI models?
• Comparative: How do reinforcement learning methods compare to supervised learning in game playing scenarios?
• Predictive: Based on current trends, how will AI impact the job market over the next decade?

Cybersecurity

• Descriptive: What are the most common types of cyberattacks reported in 2022?
• Explanatory: Why are certain industries more vulnerable to ransomware attacks?
• Exploratory: How might advances in quantum computing challenge existing encryption methods?
• Comparative: How do open-source software vulnerabilities compare to those in proprietary systems?
• Predictive: Given emerging technologies, what types of cyber threats will likely dominate in the next five years?

Data science

• Descriptive: What are the main tools used by data scientists in large-scale data analysis?
• Explanatory: Why does algorithm X yield more accurate predictions than algorithm Y for certain datasets?
• Exploratory: How can machine learning models improve real-time data processing in IoT devices?
• Comparative: How does the performance of traditional statistical models compare to machine learning models in predicting stock prices?
• Predictive: Based on current data trends, what industries will likely benefit the most from data analytics advancements in the coming decade?

Information systems

• Descriptive: What are the core components of a modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) system?
• Explanatory: Why have cloud-based information systems seen a rapid adoption rate in recent years?
• Exploratory: How might the integration of blockchain technology revolutionize supply chain information systems?
• Comparative: How do information system strategies differ between e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retailers?
• Predictive: Given the rise of remote work, how will information systems evolve to support decentralized teams in the future?

Software engineering

• Descriptive: What are the standard practices in agile software development?
• Explanatory: Why do some software projects face significant delays despite rigorous planning?
• Exploratory: How are emerging programming languages shaping the future of software development?
• Comparative: How does the software development lifecycle in startup environments compare to that in large corporations?
• Predictive: Based on current development trends, which software platforms are forecasted to dominate market share by 2030?

Adult education

• Descriptive: What are the primary motivations behind adults seeking further education later in life?
• Explanatory: Why do some adult education programs have a higher success rate compared to others?
• Exploratory: How might online learning platforms revolutionize adult education in the next decade?
• Comparative: How do adult education methodologies differ from traditional collegiate teaching techniques?
• Predictive: Given current trends, how will the demand for adult education courses change in the upcoming years?

Curriculum studies

• Descriptive: What are the core components of a modern high school curriculum in the United States?
• Explanatory: Why have certain subjects, like financial literacy, become more emphasized in recent curriculum updates?
• Exploratory: How can interdisciplinary studies be better incorporated into traditional curricula?
• Comparative: How does the math curriculum in the US compare to that in other developed countries?
• Predictive: Based on pedagogical research, what subjects are forecasted to gain prominence in curricula over the next decade?

Educational administration

• Descriptive: What are the main responsibilities of a school principal in large urban schools?
• Explanatory: Why do some schools consistently perform better in standardized testing than others, despite similar resources?
• Exploratory: How might emerging technologies shape the administrative tasks of educational institutions in the future?
• Comparative: How does school administration differ between private and public educational institutions?
• Predictive: Given the rise of online education, how will the role of educational administrators evolve in the coming years?

Educational psychology

• Descriptive: What cognitive strategies are commonly used by students to enhance memory retention during studies?
• Explanatory: Why do certain teaching methodologies resonate better with students having specific learning styles?
• Exploratory: How can insights from behavioral psychology improve student engagement in virtual classrooms?
• Comparative: How does the motivation level of students differ between self-paced versus instructor-led courses?
• Predictive: With the increasing integration of technology in education, how will student learning behaviors change in the next decade?

Special education

• Descriptive: What interventions are commonly used to support students with autism spectrum disorders in inclusive classrooms?
• Explanatory: Why do some special education programs yield better academic outcomes for students with specific learning disabilities?
• Exploratory: How can augmented reality technologies be utilized to enhance learning for students with visual impairments?
• Comparative: How does special education support differ between urban and rural school districts?
• Predictive: Based on advancements in assistive technologies, how will the landscape of special education transform in the near future?

Aerospace engineering

• Descriptive: What are the key materials and technologies utilized in modern spacecraft design?
• Explanatory: Why are certain alloys preferred in high-temperature aerospace applications?
• Exploratory: How might advances in propulsion technologies revolutionize space travel in the next decade?
• Comparative: How do commercial aircraft designs differ from military aircraft designs in terms of aerodynamics?
• Predictive: Given current research trends, how will the efficiency of jet engines change in the upcoming years?

Biomedical engineering

• Descriptive: What are the foundational principles behind the design of modern prosthetic limbs?
• Explanatory: Why have bio-compatible materials like titanium become crucial in implantable medical devices?
• Exploratory: How can nanotechnology be leveraged to improve drug delivery systems in the future?
• Comparative: How do MRI machines differ from CT scanners in terms of their underlying technology and application?
• Predictive: Based on emerging trends, how will wearable health monitors evolve in the next decade?

Chemical engineering

• Descriptive: What processes are involved in the large-scale production of ethylene?
• Explanatory: Why is distillation the most common separation method in the petroleum industry?
• Exploratory: How might green chemistry principles transform traditional chemical manufacturing processes?
• Comparative: How does the production of biofuels compare to traditional fossil fuels in terms of yield and environmental impact?
• Predictive: Given global sustainability goals, how will the chemical industry's reliance on fossil resources shift in the future?

Civil engineering

• Descriptive: What are the primary considerations in the structural design of skyscrapers in earthquake-prone regions?
• Explanatory: Why are steel-reinforced concrete beams commonly used in bridge construction?
• Exploratory: How can smart city concepts influence the infrastructure planning of urban centers in the future?
• Comparative: How do tunneling methods differ between soft soil and hard rock terrains?
• Predictive: With the increasing threat of climate change, how will coastal infrastructure design criteria change to account for rising sea levels?

Computer engineering

• Descriptive: What are the main components of a modern central processing unit (CPU) and their functions?
• Explanatory: Why is silicon predominantly used in semiconductor manufacturing?
• Exploratory: How might quantum computing redefine the landscape of traditional computing architectures?
• Comparative: How do solid-state drives (SSDs) compare to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in terms of performance and longevity?
• Predictive: Given advancements in chip miniaturization, how will the form factor of consumer electronics evolve in the coming years?

Electrical engineering

• Descriptive: What are the standard stages involved in the transmission and distribution of electrical power?
• Explanatory: Why are transformers essential in the power distribution network?
• Exploratory: How can emerging smart grid technologies improve the efficiency and reliability of electrical distribution systems?
• Comparative: How do AC and DC transmission methods differ in terms of efficiency and infrastructure requirements?
• Predictive: With the rise of renewable energy sources, how will power grid management complexities change in the next decade?

Mechanical engineering

• Descriptive: What are the fundamental principles behind the operation of a four-stroke internal combustion engine?
• Explanatory: Why are certain polymers used as vibration dampeners in machinery?
• Exploratory: How might advancements in materials science impact the design of future automotive systems?
• Comparative: How do hydraulic systems compare to pneumatic systems in terms of energy efficiency and application?
• Predictive: With the push towards sustainability, how will traditional manufacturing methods evolve to reduce their carbon footprint?

Climatology

• Descriptive: What are the primary factors that influence the El Niño and La Niña phenomena?
• Explanatory: Why have certain regions experienced more intense and frequent heatwaves in the past decade?
• Exploratory: How might changing atmospheric CO2 concentrations impact global wind patterns in the future?
• Comparative: How do urban areas differ from rural areas in terms of microclimate conditions?
• Predictive: Given current greenhouse gas emission trends, what will be the average global temperature increase by the end of the century?

Conservation science

• Descriptive: What are the primary threats faced by tropical rainforests around the world?
• Explanatory: Why are certain species more vulnerable to habitat fragmentation than others?
• Exploratory: How can community involvement enhance conservation efforts in protected areas?
• Comparative: How does the effectiveness of in-situ conservation compare to ex-situ conservation for endangered species?
• Predictive: If current deforestation rates continue, how many species are predicted to go extinct in the next 50 years?
• Descriptive: What are the dominant flora and fauna in a temperate deciduous forest biome?
• Explanatory: Why do certain ecosystems, like wetlands, have higher biodiversity than others?
• Exploratory: How might the spread of invasive species alter nutrient cycling in freshwater lakes?
• Comparative: How do the trophic dynamics of grassland ecosystems differ from those of desert ecosystems?
• Predictive: How will global ecosystems change if bee populations continue to decline at current rates?

Environmental health

• Descriptive: What are the major pollutants found in urban air?
• Explanatory: Why do certain pollutants cause respiratory diseases in humans?
• Exploratory: How might green building designs reduce the health risks associated with indoor air pollutants?
• Comparative: How do the health impacts of living near coal-fired power plants compare to living near nuclear power plants?
• Predictive: Given increasing urbanization trends, how will air quality in major cities change over the next two decades?

Marine biology

• Descriptive: What are the primary species that comprise a coral reef ecosystem?
• Explanatory: Why are coral reefs particularly sensitive to changes in sea temperature?
• Exploratory: How might deep-sea exploration reveal unknown marine species and their adaptations?
• Comparative: How do the feeding strategies of pelagic fish differ from benthic fish in oceanic ecosystems?
• Predictive: If ocean acidification trends continue, what will be the impact on shell-forming marine organisms in the next 30 years?
• Descriptive: What are the most common oral health issues faced by elderly individuals?
• Explanatory: Why do sugary foods lead to a higher prevalence of cavities?
• Exploratory: How might emerging technologies revolutionize dental procedures in the coming decade?
• Comparative: How do the effects of electric toothbrushes compare to manual ones in reducing plaque?
• Predictive: Given current trends, how might the prevalence of gum diseases change in populations with increased sugar consumption over the next decade?

Kinesiology

• Descriptive: What are the primary physiological changes that occur during aerobic exercise?
• Explanatory: Why do some athletes experience muscle cramps during extensive physical activity?
• Exploratory: How might different stretching routines impact athletic performance?
• Comparative: How do the biomechanics of running on a treadmill differ from running outdoors?
• Predictive: If sedentary lifestyles continue to rise, what could be the potential impact on musculoskeletal health in the next 20 years?
• Descriptive: What are the main symptoms associated with the early stages of Parkinson's disease?
• Explanatory: Why are some viruses, like the flu, more prevalent in colder months?
• Exploratory: How might genetic editing technologies, like CRISPR, be utilized to treat hereditary diseases in the future?
• Comparative: How does the efficacy of traditional chemotherapy compare to targeted therapy in treating certain cancers?
• Predictive: Given advances in telemedicine, how might patient-doctor interactions evolve over the next decade?
• Descriptive: What are the primary responsibilities of nurses in intensive care units?
• Explanatory: Why is there a higher burnout rate among nurses compared to other healthcare professionals?
• Exploratory: How can training programs be improved to better equip nurses for challenges in emergency situations?
• Comparative: How does the patient recovery rate differ when cared for by specialized nurses versus general ward nurses?
• Predictive: How will the role of nurses change with the integration of more AI-based diagnostic tools in hospitals?
• Descriptive: What are the main nutritional components of a Mediterranean diet?
• Explanatory: Why does a diet high in processed sugars lead to increased risks of type 2 diabetes?
• Exploratory: How might gut microbiota be influenced by various diets and what are the potential health implications?
• Comparative: How does the nutritional profile of plant-based proteins compare to animal-based proteins?
• Predictive: If global meat consumption trends continue, what could be the implications for population-wide nutritional health in 30 years?
• Descriptive: What are the primary active ingredients in over-the-counter pain relievers?
• Explanatory: Why do certain medications cause drowsiness as a side effect?
• Exploratory: How might nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems enhance the efficacy of certain treatments?
• Comparative: How do the effects of generic drugs compare to their brand-name counterparts?
• Predictive: Given the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, how might pharmaceutical approaches to bacterial infections change in the future?

Public health

• Descriptive: What are the main factors contributing to public health disparities in urban vs rural areas?
• Explanatory: Why did certain regions have higher transmission rates during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Exploratory: How can community engagement strategies be optimized for more effective health campaigns?
• Comparative: How do vaccination rates and outcomes differ between countries with public vs private healthcare systems?
• Predictive: Based on current trends, how will global public health challenges evolve over the next 50 years?

Art history

• Descriptive: What are the primary artistic styles observed in the Renaissance era?
• Explanatory: Why did the Baroque art movement emerge after the Renaissance?
• Exploratory: How might newly discovered ancient art pieces reshape our understanding of prehistoric artistic practices?
• Comparative: How does European Romantic art differ from Asian Romantic art of the same period?
• Predictive: Given current trends, how might digital art impact traditional art gallery setups in the next decade?
• Descriptive: What are the primary themes in Homer's "Odyssey"?
• Explanatory: Why did Greek tragedies place a strong emphasis on the concept of fate?
• Exploratory: Are there undiscovered works that might provide more insight into daily life in ancient Rome?
• Comparative: How do Roman epics compare to their Greek counterparts in terms of character development?
• Predictive: How will emerging technologies like virtual reality affect the study of ancient ruins?

Cultural studies

• Descriptive: How is the concept of family portrayed in contemporary American media?
• Explanatory: Why has the influence of Western culture grown in certain Eastern countries over the last century?
• Exploratory: What are the emerging subcultures in the digital age and how do they communicate?
• Comparative: How does the representation of masculinity vary between Eastern and Western films?
• Predictive: In what ways might globalization affect cultural identities in the next two decades?
• Descriptive: What events led to the fall of the Berlin Wall?
• Explanatory: Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in Britain?
• Exploratory: Are there undocumented civilizational interactions in ancient times that new archaeological findings might reveal?
• Comparative: How did the responses to the Black Plague differ between European and Asian nations?
• Predictive: Given historical patterns, how might major global powers react to dwindling natural resources in the future?
• Descriptive: What are the main narrative techniques used in James Joyce's "Ulysses"?
• Explanatory: Why did the Gothic novel become popular in 19th-century England?
• Exploratory: How might translations of ancient texts reveal different interpretations based on the translator's cultural background?
• Comparative: How does the portrayal of war differ between post-WWII American and French literature?
• Predictive: How might the rise of AI-authored literature change the publishing industry?
• Descriptive: What are the core principles of existentialism as described by Jean-Paul Sartre?
• Explanatory: Why did the philosophy of existentialism gain prominence post-WWII?
• Exploratory: How might ancient Eastern philosophies provide insights into modern ethical dilemmas surrounding technology?
• Comparative: How does Nietzsche's concept of the "Ubermensch" compare to Aristotle's "virtuous person"?
• Predictive: As AI becomes more prevalent, how might philosophical discussions around consciousness evolve?

Religious studies

• Descriptive: What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
• Explanatory: Why did Protestantism emerge within Christianity during the 16th century?
• Exploratory: Are there common motifs in creation myths across various religions?
• Comparative: How do concepts of the afterlife compare between Christianity, Buddhism, and Ancient Egyptian beliefs?
• Predictive: How might interfaith dialogue shape religious practices in multi-faith societies over the next decade?

Classic languages

• Descriptive: What are the primary grammatical structures in Ancient Greek?
• Explanatory: Why did Latin play a foundational role in the development of many modern European languages?
• Exploratory: Are there yet-to-be-deciphered scripts from ancient civilizations that might provide insight into lost languages?
• Comparative: How do the verb conjugation patterns in Latin compare to those in Sanskrit?
• Predictive: Given the ongoing research in classical studies, how might our understanding of certain ancient texts change in the next decade?

Comparative literature

• Descriptive: What are the main themes in Japanese Haiku and English Sonnets?
• Explanatory: Why do certain folklore tales appear with variations across different cultures?
• Exploratory: How might newly translated works from lesser-known languages reshape the world literature canon?
• Comparative: How does the role of the tragic hero in French literature differ from its portrayal in Russian literature?
• Predictive: As global communication becomes more interconnected, how might the study of world literature evolve in universities?

Modern languages

• Descriptive: What are the primary tonal patterns observed in Mandarin Chinese?
• Explanatory: Why has English become a dominant lingua franca in international business and diplomacy?
• Exploratory: Which lesser-studied languages might become more prominent due to socio-political changes in their regions?
• Comparative: How do the grammatical complexities of Russian compare to those of German?
• Predictive: Given current global trends, which languages are predicted to become more widely spoken in the next two decades?
• Descriptive: What are the primary articulatory features of plosive sounds?
• Explanatory: Why do certain accents develop specific pitch fluctuations and intonations?
• Exploratory: How do various environmental factors affect vocal cord vibrations and sound production?
• Comparative: How does the pronunciation of fricatives differ between Spanish and Portuguese speakers?
• Predictive: How might advancements in voice recognition technology influence phonetics research in the next decade?
• Descriptive: What are the primary signs and symbols used in American road signage?
• Explanatory: Why do red roses universally symbolize love or passion in many cultures?
• Exploratory: Are there emerging symbols in digital communication that could become universally recognized signs in the future?
• Comparative: How do the semiotic structures in print advertisements differ between Western and Eastern cultures?
• Predictive: As emoji usage becomes more widespread, how might they impact written language semantics in the coming years?
• Descriptive: What are the key statutes governing tenant rights in residential leases?
• Explanatory: Why do personal injury claims vary significantly in settlement amounts even under similar circumstances?
• Exploratory: How might alternative dispute resolution mechanisms evolve in civil law contexts over the next decade?
• Comparative: How do defamation laws differ between jurisdictions that adopt the British common law system versus the Napoleonic code?
• Predictive: How might the rise of online transactions affect the volume and nature of civil law cases related to contract disputes?

Constitutional law

• Descriptive: What are the main principles enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?
• Explanatory: Why have some constitutional rights been subject to varying interpretations over time?
• Exploratory: Are there emerging debates around digital rights and freedoms that might reshape constitutional interpretations in the future?
• Comparative: How does the protection of freedom of speech differ between the U.S. Constitution and the German Basic Law?
• Predictive: Given global socio-political trends, how might constitutional democracies adjust their foundational texts in the next two decades?

Corporate law

• Descriptive: What are the primary duties and liabilities of a board of directors in a publicly traded company?
• Explanatory: Why do mergers and acquisitions often involve extensive due diligence processes?
• Exploratory: How might the rise of digital currencies impact the regulatory landscape for corporations in the finance sector?
• Comparative: How does the legal framework for shareholder rights in the U.S. compare to that of Japan?
• Predictive: How might changing global trade dynamics influence corporate structuring and international partnerships?

Criminal law

• Descriptive: What constitutes first-degree murder in the majority of jurisdictions?
• Explanatory: Why are certain offenses classified as misdemeanors while others are felonies?
• Exploratory: Are there emerging patterns in cybercrime that suggest new areas of legal vulnerability?
• Comparative: How does the treatment of juvenile offenders differ between Scandinavian countries and the U.S.?
• Predictive: Given advancements in technology, how might criminal law evolve to address potential misuses of artificial intelligence?

International law

• Descriptive: What are the foundational principles of the Geneva Conventions?
• Explanatory: Why have some nations refused to recognize or be bound by certain international treaties?
• Exploratory: How might global climate change reshape international agreements and treaties in the coming years?
• Comparative: How do regional trade agreements in Africa compare to those in Southeast Asia in terms of provisions and enforcement mechanisms?
• Predictive: How might geopolitical shifts influence the role and effectiveness of international courts in resolving state disputes?

Applied mathematics

• Descriptive: What are the primary mathematical models used to predict the spread of infectious diseases?
• Explanatory: Why does the Navier–Stokes equation play a pivotal role in fluid dynamics?
• Exploratory: How might new computational methods enhance the efficiency of existing algorithms in applied mathematics?
• Comparative: How do optimization techniques in operations research differ from those in machine learning applications?
• Predictive: Given the rapid growth of quantum computing, how might it reshape the landscape of applied mathematical problems in the next decade?

Applied statistics

• Descriptive: What are the standard procedures for handling missing data in a large-scale survey?
• Explanatory: Why do statisticians use bootstrapping techniques in hypothesis testing?
• Exploratory: How might emerging data sources, like wearables and IoT devices, introduce new challenges and opportunities in applied statistics?
• Comparative: How does the performance of Bayesian methods compare to frequentist methods in complex hierarchical models?
• Predictive: With the increasing availability of big data, how might the role of applied statisticians evolve in the next five years?

Pure mathematics

• Descriptive: What are the axioms underpinning Euclidean geometry?
• Explanatory: Why is Gödel's incompleteness theorem considered a foundational result in the philosophy of mathematics?
• Exploratory: Are there newly emerging areas of study within number theory due to advancements in computational mathematics?
• Comparative: How do algebraic structures differ between rings and fields?
• Predictive: Considering current research trends, what areas of pure mathematics are poised for significant breakthroughs in the next decade?

Theoretical statistics

• Descriptive: What foundational principles underlie the Central Limit Theorem?
• Explanatory: Why is the concept of sufficiency crucial in the design of statistical tests?
• Exploratory: How might advances in artificial intelligence influence theoretical developments in statistical inference?
• Comparative: How do likelihood-based inference methods compare to Bayesian methods in terms of theoretical underpinnings?
• Predictive: As data generation mechanisms evolve, how might the theoretical foundations of statistics need to adapt in the future?
• Descriptive: What are the key features and behaviors of black holes?
• Explanatory: Why does the expansion of the universe appear to be accelerating?
• Exploratory: What potential insights might the study of exoplanets provide about the conditions necessary for life?
• Comparative: How do the properties of spiral galaxies differ from those of elliptical galaxies?
• Predictive: Based on current data, what are the projected future behaviors of our sun as it ages?
• Descriptive: What are the primary functions and structures of ribosomes in a cell?
• Explanatory: Why does DNA replication occur semi-conservatively?
• Exploratory: How might emerging technologies like CRISPR redefine our understanding of genetic engineering?
• Comparative: How do the metabolic processes of prokaryotic cells differ from those of eukaryotic cells?
• Predictive: Given the current trajectory of climate change, how might the biodiversity in tropical rainforests be affected over the next century?
• Descriptive: What are the key properties and uses of the noble gases?
• Explanatory: Why do exothermic reactions release heat?
• Exploratory: How might advances in nanochemistry influence drug delivery systems?
• Comparative: How do ionic bonds differ in strength and characteristics from covalent bonds?
• Predictive: Considering the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, how might the field of medicinal chemistry adapt to produce effective treatments in the future?

Earth science

• Descriptive: What are the primary layers of Earth's atmosphere and their respective characteristics?
• Explanatory: Why do certain regions experience more seismic activity than others?
• Exploratory: How might the study of ancient ice cores provide insights into past climate conditions?
• Comparative: How do the processes of weathering differ between arid and humid climates?
• Predictive: Given current data on deforestation, what could be its impact on global soil quality and erosion patterns over the next 50 years?
• Descriptive: What are the fundamental principles underlying quantum mechanics?
• Explanatory: Why does the speed of light in a vacuum remain constant regardless of the observer's frame of reference?
• Exploratory: How might studies in string theory reshape our understanding of the universe at the smallest scales?
• Comparative: How do the effects of general relativity contrast with predictions from Newtonian physics under extreme gravitational conditions?
• Predictive: With advancements in particle physics, what potential new particles or phenomena might be discovered in the next decade?

Anthropology

• Descriptive: What are the primary rituals and customs of the indigenous tribes of the Amazon?
• Explanatory: Why did the ancient Mayan civilization collapse?
• Exploratory: How might modern urbanization impact the preservation of ancient burial sites?
• Comparative: How do hunter-gatherer societies differ from agricultural societies in terms of social structures?
• Predictive: Given global trends, how might indigenous cultures evolve over the next century?

Communication

• Descriptive: What are the main modes of communication used by millennials compared to baby boomers?
• Explanatory: Why has the usage of social media platforms surged in the last two decades?
• Exploratory: How might advancements in virtual reality reshape interpersonal communication in the future?
• Comparative: How do written communication skills differ between those educated in traditional schools versus online schools?
• Predictive: How might the nature of journalism change with the rise of automated content generation?
• Descriptive: What are the primary components of a nation's gross domestic product (GDP)?
• Explanatory: Why did the economic recession of 2008 occur?
• Exploratory: How might the concept of universal basic income impact labor market dynamics?
• Comparative: How do free market economies differ from command economies in terms of resource allocation?
• Predictive: Based on current global economic trends, which industries are predicted to boom in the next decade?
• Descriptive: What are the geographical features of the Himalayan mountain range?
• Explanatory: Why do desert regions exist on the western coasts of continents, such as the Atacama in South America?
• Exploratory: How might rising sea levels reshape the world's coastlines over the next century?
• Comparative: How does urban planning in European cities differ from that in American cities?
• Predictive: Given current urbanization rates, which cities are poised to become megacities by 2050?

Political science

• Descriptive: What are the foundational principles of a parliamentary democracy?
• Explanatory: Why do certain nations adopt federal systems while others prefer unitary systems?
• Exploratory: How might the rise of populism influence global diplomatic relations in the 21st century?
• Comparative: How do the rights of citizens in liberal democracies differ from those in authoritarian regimes?
• Predictive: Based on current political trends, which nations might see significant shifts in governance models over the next two decades?
• Descriptive: What are the primary stages of cognitive development in children according to Piaget?
• Explanatory: Why do certain individuals develop phobias?
• Exploratory: How might emerging neuroscientific tools, like fMRI, alter our understanding of human emotions?
• Comparative: How do coping mechanisms differ between individuals with high resilience versus those with low resilience?
• Predictive: Given the rise in digital communication, how might human attention spans evolve in future generations?

Social work

• Descriptive: What are the core principles and practices in child protective services?
• Explanatory: Why do certain communities have higher rates of child neglect and abuse?
• Exploratory: How might the integration of artificial intelligence in social work affect decision-making in child welfare cases?
• Comparative: How do intervention strategies for substance abuse differ between urban and rural settings?
• Predictive: Based on current societal trends, what challenges might social workers face in the next decade?
• Descriptive: What are the defining characteristics of Generation Z as a social cohort?
• Explanatory: Why have nuclear families become less prevalent in Western societies?
• Exploratory: How might the widespread adoption of virtual realities impact social interactions and community structures in the future?
• Comparative: How do the roles and perceptions of elderly individuals differ between Eastern and Western societies?
• Predictive: Given the rise in remote work, how might urban and suburban living patterns change over the next three decades?

In synthesizing the vast range of research questions posed across diverse disciplines, it becomes clear that every academic field, from the humanities to the social sciences, offers unique perspectives and methodologies to uncover and understand various facets of our world. These questions, whether descriptive, explanatory, exploratory, comparative, or predictive, serve as guiding lights, driving scholarship and innovation. As academia continues to evolve and adapt, these inquiries not only define the boundaries of current knowledge but also pave the way for future discoveries and insights, emphasizing the invaluable role of continuous inquiry in the ever-evolving tapestry of human understanding.

Header image by Zetong Li .

Research Question Generator for Free

If you’re looking for the best research question generator, you’re in the right place. Get a list of ideas for your essay, research paper, or any other project with this online tool.

• 🎓 How to Use the Tool
• 🤔 What Is a Research Question?
• 😺 Research Question Examples
• 👣 Steps to Making a Research Question

📝 Research Question Maker: the Benefits

🔗 references, 🎓 research question generator: how to use it.

Research can’t be done without a clear purpose, an intention behind it.

This intention is usually reflected in a research question, which indicates how you approach your study topic.

If you’re unsure how to write a good research question or are new to this process, you’ll surely benefit from our free online tool. All you need is:

• Indicate your search term or title
• Stipulate the subject or academic area
• Press “Generate questions”
• Choose a suitable research question from the generated list.

As you can see, this is the best research question generator requiring minimal input for smart question formulation. Try it out to see how simple the process is.

🤔 Why Make an Inquiry Question?

A research question is a question that you formulate for your scientific inquiry . It is a question that sets the scope for your study and determines how you will approach the identified problem, gap, or issue.

Questions can be descriptive , meaning they aim to describe or measure a subject of the researcher's interest.

Otherwise, they can be exploratory , focusing on the under-researched areas and aiming to expand the existing research evidence on the topic.

If there's enough knowledge about the subject, and you want to dig deeper into the existing trends and relationships, you can also use an explanatory research question.

What Makes a Strong Research Question?

The strength of your formulated research question determines the quality of your research, whether it’s a short argumentative essay or an extensive research paper . So, you should review the quality of your question before conducting the full-scale study.

Its parameters of quality are as follows:

• Clarity . The question should be specific about the focus of your inquiry.
• Complexity . It should not be self-obvious or primitively answered with a “yes” or “no” variant.
• Focus . The question should match the size and type of your academic assignment.
• Conciseness . It should be brief and understandable.
• Debatability . There should be more than one potential answer to the question.

😺 Research Question Examples: Good & Not So Good

Here are some examples to illustrate what we mean by quality criteria and how you can ensure that your question meets them.

Lack of Clarity

The bad example is too general and does not clearly estimate what effect you want to analyze or what aspect of video gaming you're interested in. A much better variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are clear enough:

• Sex trafficking: why do we have to address it?
• Palliative care: what constitutes the best technique for technicians communication with patients and families?
• How do vacuum cleaners work?
• What does it mean to age well?

Lack of Focus

The bad example is not focused, as it doesn’t specify what benefits you want to identify and in what context the uniform is approached. A more effective variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are focused enough:

• How are biochemical conditions and brain activity linked to crime?
• World wars and national conflicts: what were the reasons?
• Why does crime exist in society?
• Decolonization in Canada: what does decolonization mean?

The bad example is too simplistic and doesn’t focus on the aspects of help that dogs can give to their owners. A more effective variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are complex enough:

• How is resource scarcity impacting the chocolate industry?
• What should the Brazilian government do about reducing Amazon’s deforestation?
• Why is a collaborative approach vital during a pandemic?
• What impact has COVID-19 had on the economy?
• How to teach handwriting effectively?

Lack of Debatability

The problem of diabetes is well-known and doesn’t cause any doubts. So, you should add debatability to the discussed issue.

Look at some other research question examples that are debatable enough:

• Online vs. print journalism: what is more beneficial?
• Why will artificial intelligence not replace human in near future?
• What are the differences between art and design?
• Crime TV: how is criminality represented on television?

The question in the left column is too long and ambiguous, making the readers lose focus. You can shorten it without losing the essence.

Look at some other research question examples that are concise enough:

• What is the best way to address obesity in the US?
• Doctoral degree in nursing: why is it important?
• What are the benefits of X-rays in medicine?
• To what extent do emotions influence moral judgment?
• Why did the Industrial Revolution happen in England?

👣 Steps to Generate Research Questions

Now, it’s time to get down from science to practice. Here is a tried-and-tested algorithm for killer research question generation.

• Pick a topic . Once you get a writing assignment, it’s time to find an appropriate topic first . You can’t formulate a thesis statement or research question if you know nothing about your subject, so it's time to narrow your scope and find out as much as possible about the upcoming task.
• Research the topic . After you’re brainstormed several topic options, you should do some research. This stage takes the guesswork out of the academic process, allowing you to discover what scholars and other respected people think about your subject.
• Clarify who your audience is . Think about who will read your piece. Will it be the professor, your classmates, or the general audience consisting of laypersons? Ensure the research question sounds competent enough for a professor and understandable enough for laypeople.
• Approach the subject critically . With a well-articulated topic at hand, you should start asking the "why's" and "how's" about it. Look at the subject as a kid; don't limit your curiosity. You're sure to arrive at some interesting topics to reveal the hidden sides of the chosen issue.
• Evaluate the questions . Now that you have a couple of questions about your topic, evaluate them in terms of research value. Are all of them clear and focused? Will answering all of them take time and research, or is the answer already on the surface? By assessing each option you’ve formulated, you’re sure to choose one leader and use it as your main research question for the scientific study.

Thank you for reading this article! If you need to quickly formulate a thesis statement, consider using our free thesis maker .

❓ Research Questions Generator FAQ

Updated: Jul 19th, 2024

• Developing research questions - Library - Monash University
• Formulation of Research Question – Stepwise Approach - PMC
• Examples of Good and Bad Research Questions
• How To Write a Research Question: Steps and Examples
• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question

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25 Research Ideas in Physics for High School Students in 2024-2025

Research can be a valued supplement to your college application. However, many high schoolers have yet to explore research , which is a delicate process that may include choosing a topic, reviewing literature, conducting experiments, and writing a paper.

If you are interested in physics, exploring physics research is a great way to not only navigate your passion but also learn about what research entails. Physics even branches out into other fields such as biology, chemistry, and math, so interest in physics is not a requirement for doing physics research!

Having research experience on your resume can be a great way to boost your college application and show independence, passion, ambition, and intellectual curiosity.

In this blog, we cover 25 amazing physics research ideas for high school students in 2024-2025 that you can use for a physics research project.

But first, let's get into the basics of research and what it means for high school students.

What is a good research topic for high school students?

Of course, you want to choose a topic that you are interested in. But beyond that, you should choose a topic that is relevant today; for example, research questions that have already been answered after extensive research does not address a current knowledge gap. Make sure to also be cautious that your topic is not too broad that you are trying to cover too much ground and end up losing the details, but not too specific that you are unable to gather enough information.

Remember that topics can span across fields. You do not need to restrict yourself to a physics research topic; you can conduct interdisciplinary research combining physics with other fields you may be interested in.

We have compiled a list of the 25 best physics research topics suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors that are excellent starting points for physics research projects. These physics research topics are bucketed into 8 broader categories, with 4-5 specific physics research topics within each of them.

Topic #1 : Using computational technologies and analyses

If you are interested in coding or technology in general , physics is also one place to look to explore these fields. You can explore anything from new technologies to datasets (even with coding) through a physics lens. Some computational or technological physics topics you can research are:

1.Development of computer programs to find and track positions of fast-moving nanoparticles and nanomachines

2. Features and limitations to augmented and virtual reality technologies, current industry standards of performance, and solutions that have been proposed to address challenges

3. Use of MATLAB or Python to work with existing code bases to design structures that trap light for interaction with qubits

4. Computational analysis of ATLAS open data using Python or C++

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at University of Cambridge, University of Rochester, and Harvard University.

Topic #2 : Exploration of astrophysical and cosmological phenomena

Interested in space? Then astrophysics and cosmology may be just for you. There are lots of unanswered questions about astrophysical and cosmological phenomena that you can begin to answer. Here are some possible physics topics in these particular subfields that you can look into:

5. Cosmological mysteries (like dark energy, inflation, dark matter) and their hypothesized explanations

6. Possible future locations of detectors for cosmology and astrophysics research

7. Physical processes that shape galaxies through cosmic time in the context of extragalactic astronomy and the current issues and frontiers in galaxy evolution

8. Interaction of beyond-standard-model particles with astrophysical structures (such as black holes and Bose stars)

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, and University of California, Irvine.

Topic #3 : Mathematical analyses of physical phenomena

Math is deeply embedded in physics. Even if you may not be interested solely in physics, there are lots of mathematical applications and questions that you may be curious about. Using basic physics laws, you can learn how to derive your own mathematical equations and solve them in hopes that they address a current knowledge gap in physics. Some examples of topics include:

9. Analytical approximation and numerical solving of equations that determine the evolution of different particles after the Big Bang

10. Mathematical derivation of the dynamics of particles from fundamental laws (such as special relativity, general relativity, quantum mechanics)

11. The basics of Riemannian geometry and how simple geometrical arguments can be used to construct the ingredients of Einstein’s equations of general relativity that relate the curvature of space-time with energy-mass

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Harvard University, University of Southampton, and Pennsylvania State University.

Topic #4 : Nuclear applications in physics

Nuclear science and its possible benefits and implications are important topics to explore and understand in today’s society, which often uses nuclear energy. One possible nuclear physics topic to look into is:

12. Radiation or radiation measurement in applications of nuclear physics (such as reactors, nuclear batteries, sensors/detectors)

Suggested by a Lumiere PhD mentor at University of Chicago.

Topic #5 : Analyzing biophysical data

Biology and even medicine are applicable fields in physics. Using physics to figure out how to improve biology research or understand biological systems is common. Some biophysics topics to research may include the following:

13. Simulation of biological systems using data science techniques to analyze biological data sets

14. Design and construction of DNA nanomachines that operate in liquid environments

15. Representation and decomposition of MEG/EEG brain signals using fundamental electricity and magnetism concepts

16. Use of novel methods to make better images in the context of biology and obtain high resolution images of biological samples

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Washington, and University of Rochester

Topic #6 : Identifying electrical and mechanical properties

Even engineering has great applications in the field of physics. There are different phenomena in physics from cells to Boson particles with interesting electrical and/or mechanical properties. If you are interested in electrical or mechanical engineering or even just the basics , these are some related physics topics:

17. Simulations of how cells react to electrical and mechanical stimuli

18. The best magneto-hydrodynamic drive for high electrical permittivity fluids

19. The electrical and thermodynamic properties of Boson particles, whose quantum nature is responsible for laser radiation

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, and Harvard University.

Topic #7 : Quantum properties and theories

Quantum physics studies science at the most fundamental level , and there are many questions yet to be answered. Although there have been recent breakthroughs in the quantum physics field, there are still many undiscovered sub areas that you can explore. These are possible quantum physics research topics:

20. The recent theoretical and experimental advances in the quantum computing field (such as Google’s recent breakthrough result) and explore current high impact research directions for quantum computing from a hardware or theoretical perspective

21. Discovery a new undiscovered composite particle called toponium and how to utilize data from detectors used to observe proton collisions for discoveries

22. Describing a black hole and its quantum properties geometrically as a curvature of space-time and how studying these properties can potentially solve the singularity problem

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Stanford University, Purdue University, University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Topic #8 : Renewable energy and climate change solutions

Climate change is an urgent issue , and you can use physics to research environmental topics ranging from renewable energies to global temperature increases . Some ideas of environmentally related physics research topics are:

23. New materials for the production of hydrogen fuel

24. Analysis of emissions involved in the production, use, and disposal of products

25. Nuclear fission or nuclear fusion energy as possible solutions to mitigate climate change

Suggested by Lumiere PhD mentors at Northwestern University and Princeton University.

If you are passionate or even curious about physics and would like to do physics research and learn more, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , which is a selective online high school program for students interested in researching with the help of mentors. You can find the application form here .

Rachel is a first year at Harvard University concentrating in neuroscience. She is passionate about health policy and educational equity, and she enjoys traveling and dancing.

Image source: Stock image

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