Sixth Form Physics Projects

Near the end of our First year Sixth, our Physics tutors decided that, since we had covered three fifths of our course, we should each do a project which was to last two or three weeks and was completely unconnected with A-level syllabus. We were allowed to choose our own project, though a long list was provided to choose from, if anyone was stuck for ideas.

Some of the projects were basically engineering work. Ian Hollows and Anthony Powell built an anemometer (for measuring wind velocity) and Rory Linden-Kelly and Michael O'Sullivan constructed a hysterisis coil for studying various magnetic effects. David Delemos and Gary Prazer constructed a stroboscope, the £10 worth of electronic components being paid for by the Friends. Charles Greensted and Malcolm McCormack constructed a polargraph for studying ionisation.

Some projects were of a much more theoretical nature. Robert Kelly and John Kwee investigated various property variations of sound waves and Richard Gerrish and Patrick Wherity repeated Millikan's famous oil-drop experiment to measure the charge on the electron. Brendan Gillespie and Michael Thom investigated the 'creep' of materials (i.e. the permanent deformation after subjection to a given load).

William Fraher and myself conducted an investigation into the phenomenon that warm water freezes more quickly than cold water when placed under similar conditions, (this also applies to some other substances). This experiment was inspired by an article in 'Physics Education' by a Tanzanian student, and no completely satisfactory explanation has yet been put forward.

Other projects included a combination of theoretical physics and electronic engineering. Patrick Barton, Andrew Charlton and Robert Sayer developed a system for taking photographs to show the paths of moving objects using a flash tube. Michael Casey and David Gallagher designed and built a circuit to convert a standard oscilloscope into a split-beam model, though the efficiency of this system has yet to be determined.

To sum it up, we found this a welcome break from our usual daily routine, though the time seemed to run a bit short for some of the projects.

Brian Taylor L.6

Editor's note:- (Original Magazine Editor!)
The Chemistry students also did project work involving the production of beer. For some strange reason, none of them was in a position to report on this at the time of going to press.


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