Help finding a research question

[Melancholy]

Homework Statement

For my IB course i have to write an Extended Essay, i will most likely be writing mine in physics (I take physics higher level). I have been having trouble coming up with some ideas on what i could write about, the essay should be 4,000 words max so i need a fairly beefy subject. It would be helpful if the research question is structured in the form of "How is Y dependent on X?" i have also been told that it would be beneficial if the research question is relevant to modern day problems.

Homework Equations

Not really that relevant here :p

The Attempt at a Solution

My first idea was in chemistry, i had the idea to create an alternative form of battery that uses electrolysis to charge, water would be separated whilst charging into H2 and O2, then converted back to water through a hydrogen fuel cell creating a charge. My second idea was in math, the idea was to investigate using different algorithms to create realistic looking terrain, i have experience programming as a hobby so this seemed like the obvious solution, but i am very unlikely to get a good mark on this subject. My third idea was to investigate the properties of water filtering through a pinhole.

 

[flatmaster]

You could take your battery idea and extend it into the area of alternative fuels. Compare and contrast the pros and cons of all the alternative fuels that are on the horizon. Hydrogen, ethanol, Lithium ion batteries...

This keeps you relevant to modern day problems.

 

[physicist93]

Some ideas for modern day problems in physics:

-Computing progress and Quantum computing
-Extrasolar planets and and habitability
- Applications of super materials like graphene
- The nature of Dark matter and/or Dark energy

 

[physicist93]

Or something very topical is space elevators and carbon nano-fibres and similar materials.
A feasability study could be a possible essay

 

[asteriatic]

It sounds like you have some interesting ideas already, but here are a few suggestions for potential research questions in physics that may be relevant to modern day problems:

1. How is the efficiency of solar panels dependent on the angle of incidence of sunlight?
2. How does the viscosity of a fluid affect the motion of a falling object through it?
3. How does the presence of microplastics affect the thermal conductivity of water?
4. How does the strength of an electromagnet depend on the number of coils in the wire?
5. How does the temperature of a fluid affect the rate of convection in a convection cell?
6. How does the wavelength of light affect the efficiency of photosynthesis in plants?
7. How is the strength of an earthquake dependent on the type of fault it occurs on?
8. How does the shape of a parachute affect its terminal velocity?
9. How does the mass of a pendulum affect its period of oscillation?
10. How does the concentration of a solute affect the rate of diffusion through a membrane?

Remember to choose a research question that you are truly interested in and that has enough available information and resources for you to conduct a thorough investigation. Good luck with your Extended Essay!