The following are sample abstracts from formal written reports of projects studied in previous semesters. The names listed are the names of the group members who performed the project study; the bolded names are the authors of the abstracts. You may use these sample abstracts to give you ideas about your own project topics, but you may not plagiarize a project topic directly from one of the abstracts listed below.
The Physics of Night Vision, by Seth Kovaskitz, Ginny Barton, and Susanne Stauffer
Night vision devices are one of the most fascinating technologies in use today. These devices have their origin in military research and development; however, it is the non-military applications that have led to the advancement of this technology. These intriguing devices allow the human eye to see in almost complete darkness. Night vision devices amplify existing light, such as star light or moonlight, instead of relying on a light source of their own. The primary basis of these devices is physics. It is important to understand that when using a night-vision device, one does not look through it, one looks at the amplified electronic image on a phosphor screen. The objective lens collects photons and focuses them on the image tube. The photocathode converts this light energy into electrons, which pass through the micro-channel plate. As the electrons pass through the channels, they are amplified thousands of times and then strike a phosphor screen, which converts them back into photons and provides the image one sees on the screen. The physics that night0vision devices rely on make them very fascinating. The future for night-vision devices is very exciting, and with the use of physics and the modern day applications available, it is sure to advance very quickly.
Temperature of Stars, by Ambra Wilson, Jessica Agee, Larry Haddox, and Cara Robeson
The purpose of our project was to use some of the techniques learned in class and apply those techniques to astronomy, commonly called astrophysics. Our group decided to study the various ways that the temperature of stars can be determined, specifically by using Wien’s Law and spectroscopy. We also decided to study the HR-diagram because it makes use of the temperature of stars by plotting luminosity versus temperature. In some astronomy journals the HR-diagram is called the beginning of modern astrophysics. Our group focused on the evolution of a star; however, it must be noted that this diagram has helped astronomers in many other ways. As a group, we found that understanding how the temperature of a star is found is fairly straightforward after studying modern physics in class this semester.
Electric-Shock Therapy, by Rhonda Neitzel, Jennnifer Carlile, Scott Noe, and James Taylor
The purpose of this research was designed to help understand the therapeutic effects that electrical stimulation has on body tissue. Specifically, the research explored AC and DC currents and how these currents move through the body to produce beneficial effects. The documented research proves that the body acts like a parallel and series circuit to effectively use electrical stimulation to help assist with decreasing swelling, controlling pain, facilitating muscle contractions as well as various other therapeutic benefits.
May the Spark be With You!, by Wanda Colbert, Melissa Johnson, and Joel Pinto
The purpose of our project is to study magneto ignition systems. The magneto is a system that generates an electric current without the use of an electrical power source. Operation of the magneto is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Studying how magnetos are made and operate enabled us to achieve a better understanding of the concepts behind magnetic fields, magnetic flux, induced current, and electrical circuits that were studied in class. The high-tension magneto studied in this report provided us with a practical application of these concepts.
Nuclear Reactors: The Energy and Wastes They Produce, by John Lemon, Joe Aquino, Lucas Frost, and Jill Moyers
The purpose of this project is to explain the amounts of energy and wastes that a nuclear reactor produces. The group poses the following question as a basis for the study: are the dangerous radioactive wastes produced by nuclear reactors worth the great amounts of energy the reactors produce? This topic has been under heavy debate since the creation of nuclear reactors. There was quite a bit of information to sort through, but our group was able to pick important points out about the hot topic. After explaining the basics of nuclear reactors, the basics of fission, the energy produced, and the wastes produced, one should feel slightly abreast of the subject. Our group wishes to conclude with our opinion that the overwhelming dangers caused by nuclear reactors are not worth the energy they produce.
Radioactive Decay: Carbon-14 Dating, by Eddie Lambert, Jr., Audra Judd, Greg Kirven, and Leah Bair
We did research on the subject of radiocarbon dating for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of how the method is performed, what role radioactive decay plays in the process, and both the positive and negative aspects it includes. We sectioned the information into four categories that we felt would be the most relevant and useful. The informative resources on the subject are numerous but at the same time monotonous and repetitive of the same material. After a rather slow start and some assistance from outside sources we gathered the necessary information to complete the project. In the end, there are some limiting factors to the science, but it was concluded that the method of carbon-14 dating is a very important and useful tool of science today.
Energy-Storage Systems: Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Capacitors, by Soo-Eun Chang, Zack Glouser, Jeanie Ledbetter, and Jason Stoneback
Through this project, our group investigated three different modes of energy storage: batteries, fuel cells, and capacitors. These systems differ in many ways but also share many characteristics in how they store and supply electric energy. This report summarizes findings on these systems in regards to their basic function, advantages and disadvantages, how they compare to each other, and future applications.
Seeing the Physics of Laser Vision-Corrective Surgery with 20/20 Sight, by Lucas Alan Ketner, Michelle Beck, Candace Jones, and Stephanie Swagler
The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the physics of laser vision-corrective surgery. The practice of laser vision-corrective surgery is growing in popularity and many people have no idea what this procedure actually does. Our group studied the optics of the human eye and the way that light is focused in healthy and unhealthy eyes. We learned the physical nature of the laser used for this surgery such as the wavelength of the energy produced by it, the way it breaks down tissues, and how much tissue it breaks down per unit energy. We studied how different lasers are used to correct different kinds of vision defects. Lastly, we learned the equation used to decide how much tissue to remove from the eye to correct vision.
Tesla: Not the Rock Band, by Scott Hovis, Chris Scott, Peter Prestwich, and Jessica Busey
After our lecture on magnetic fields and ac current, we became curious about who Tesla was. We used this research opportunity to explore the tesla coil and where it originated. After doing some research, we discovered that Tesla was an inventor who is today credited with many inventions such as the electric generator, tesla coils, and transformers. the main areas we decided to focus on were the advantages of AC over DC, the use of transformers, and tesla coils. It is our intent to show why AC is superior to DC for sending electricity long distances. We will also explain the use of a transformer and why it makes AC superior to DC. Finally, we will explain a little about the properties of a tesla coil.
MRI—Magnetic Resonance Imaging, by Chris Krueger, Vickie Bouttavong, Misty Sullivan, and Jona Smith
The purpose of this paper is to discuss and discover the differences between a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System (MRI) and a Computer Tomography (CT) Imaging System. I will discuss how an MRI and CT imaging system works. I will also show the benefits and disadvantages of each imaging system and will conclude that the MRI over-all gives clearer and more detailed images of the brain thus making it the superior imaging system.
Meet Big Brother, by Kris Rushing, Brad Goodwin, Rachel Novak, and Arnold Fuller
The purpose of this study is to investigate and explain the physics concepts that make remote sensing possible. Our investigation began by studying the various kinds of remote sensing, and found the subject to encompass a broad range of satellite-to-thermal infrared imagery. The team focused on infrared imagery, and applied fundamental concepts from modern physics such as blackbody radiation, emissivity, the Stefan-Boltzmann Law, and Wien’s Displacement law. We found that objects of a certain temperature and emissivity will have a corresponding wavelength and hence color that is reflected only in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing for the accurate identification of objects through remote sensing.
PET: Positron Emission Tomography, by Heather O’Brien, James Moore, and Kevin Redington
In this project the goal was to investigate the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. There are three major parts to a typical scan: the radioisotope production, annihilation in the body, and the detection and data analysis. Radioisotope production involves several steps before it is ready to inject into the body. Once injected, the radioisotope reacts and this reaction is a radioactive decay by positron emission, which is the basis of the PET scan. The last component is the detection and data analysis, which involves a lot of statistics and calculus performed by a personal computer.
Yes, We Landed on the Moon!!, by Kristal Taylor, Scott Feathers, and Cassie Rice
The purpose of this study is to determine if it is physically possible for a person to withstand the effects of radiation upon leaving the earth’s atmosphere. This study focuses on the radiation accumulated upon crossing the Van Allen belts. Proton and electron speeds in the Van Allen belts are calculated, as is the total radiation dose received by astronauts traveling to the moon on the Apollo missions. It is found that even without shielding, which only needs to be minimal for the stopping of effectively all particle penetration, it is possible and safe for a person to travel to the moon.
Physics and Rainbows, by Jordan Oliver, Christy Young, Trevor Taylor, and Ben Dawson
Our group’s agenda for this project was to clearly and definitively explain the phenomenon known as the rainbow. We not only wanted to explicate the occurrence of rainbows but also acknowledge the many physics concepts that intuitively compose rainbows. We study the shape, size, color scheme, composition, and elements that allow rainbows to form. The rainbow is a very interesting spectacle that many have misconceptions about. We concluded this research project discovering and correcting many false impressions that we had about rainbows.
Magnet Therapy: Physics Facts, by Ryan Hamilton, Lori Smith, Susan Richards, and Matt Simmons
The purpose of this study is to explore the therapeutic uses of static magnets and examine the physics of how they affect the body. This was achieved by first researching the various health benefit claims. Several health studies were then reviewed. Finally, the research was fused with known physical properties of magnets. In conclusion, it is physically plausible that magnets do posses therapeutic properties.
Nuclear Bombs and Fission, by Erin Cabana, Carlos Birdsong, Martin Bour, and Jason Smart
The purpose of this study is to learn more about and understand the process of fission and how it is used in nuclear bombs. At first, the subject seems complicated and complex. After organizing the vast amount of information, fission and nuclear bombs are pretty easy to understand. Knowing the history of the nucleus and the idea of fission, a person has the basic idea of how a nuclear bomb works. Because of all the energy released, the bomb, as anticipated, can cause mass destruction. In the midst of all the bad news, there are positive ways that fission can be used.
The Physics of Lightning, by Ed Drumm, Jason Frazier, and Matt Payne
In order to achieve a better understanding of lightning, the Delta team investigated the phenomenon from early worship, as a power of the Gods, to our current understanding. The team explored what exactly lightning is, what causes it to accumulate, where lightning charges build up, what causes lightning to discharge, and what happens during the discharge. In addition, the team investigated several of the unusual variations of lightning, such as Ball Lightning, Sprites and Jets. During their research, the team learned a great deal about lightning. However, they also discovered that despite all of the past and ongoing scientific study, many unanswered questions remain. Even though several accepted theories exist, the exact cause of lightning is still not known.
Stellar Spectroscopy, by Katie Ham, Mac Barnett, Jeff McDaniel, and Josh Boutwell
The purpose of this research project is to investigate how stars are studies by using spectroscopy. We wish to find out how scientists have come to know all they do about the properties of the stars. In this short summary, we study how spectroscopy can tell us about several stellar properties. Some of the properties we will look at are: composition, temperature, velocity, magnetic field, spectral lines, and in general a bit about spectroscopy and the instruments used to study these stars.