Physics Extended Essay about Gauss' law and/or Lorentz force

  • #1
VeryNice
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Homework Statement
Writing a 4000 words research on any topic in physics
Relevant Equations
F = qE + qv × B
Hi. This is not exactly a homework problem, but I'm posting to ask for help for my extended essay.
I am doing the IB (international baccalaureate) program and we are required to write a 4000 words extended essay on any subject.
I decided to do mine on physics (through process of elimination :olduhh:), but I feel lost. The paper usually has to be experimental for science subjects.
I am interested in Gauss law and/or Lorentz force but I'm struggling to find real life applications that can be tested in a school lab.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! I'd also appreciate suggestions on any other topics as well.
Thanks!
 
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  • #2
You can use an Electroscope to demonstrate Gauss' Law (or more accurately the Coulomb Force), including doing some calculations for deflection versus charge voltage.

The full Lorentz Force is a little more involved to demonstrate, but you could use a CRT display to do it. Unfortunately that involves high voltages and moderate power, so you should only do that if you have a good in-person Mentor who is familiar with that type of setup.
 
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  • #3
VeryNice said:
I decided to do mine on physics (through process of elimination :olduhh:), but I feel lost. The paper usually has to be experimental for science subjects.
The process of elimination is OK, but it doesn't work well if it results in your being lost. You put the cart before the horse. If you want to do experimental physics, first you need to decide what experiments are within your realm of capabilities. If you are not good with your hands, you will not be able to go very far and you will end up with a half-a**ed piece of work. As an alternative to an experimental (or theoretical essay) related to physics, have you considered a historical kind of essay?

For example, since you are interested in E&M stuff, you could consider tracing the experimental origin of what we now know as Maxwell's equations, their original formulation(s), the synthesis that Maxwell brought about and their importance in the formulation of special relativity by Einstein.
 
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berkeman said:
You can use an Electroscope to demonstrate Gauss' Law (or more accurately the Coulomb Force), including doing some calculations for deflection versus charge voltage.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely include that as one of the ideas.
 
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FAQ: Physics Extended Essay about Gauss' law and/or Lorentz force

What is Gauss' Law and how is it applied in a physics extended essay?

Gauss' Law is one of Maxwell's four equations and relates the electric flux through a closed surface to the charge enclosed by that surface. It is mathematically expressed as ∮E·dA = Q/ε₀. In a physics extended essay, Gauss' Law can be applied to various scenarios, such as calculating the electric field of symmetric charge distributions (spherical, cylindrical, planar), and demonstrating its use in simplifying complex electrostatic problems.

What is the Lorentz force and how does it relate to charged particles?

The Lorentz force is the force experienced by a charged particle moving through an electric and magnetic field. It is given by the equation F = q(E + v × B), where F is the force, q is the charge of the particle, E is the electric field, v is the velocity of the particle, and B is the magnetic field. In a physics extended essay, you can explore how the Lorentz force influences the motion of charged particles in various fields, such as in cyclotrons or magnetic confinement in fusion reactors.

How can I experimentally verify Gauss' Law in my extended essay?

To experimentally verify Gauss' Law, you can set up experiments using conductive materials and charge distribution. One common method is to use a spherical conductor and measure the electric field at various points around it using an electrometer. By integrating the electric field over the surface, you can compare the results to the theoretical predictions of Gauss' Law. This comparison can form the basis of your experimental analysis in the extended essay.

What are some practical applications of the Lorentz force that I can explore in my essay?

There are numerous practical applications of the Lorentz force that you can explore in your extended essay. Some examples include the operation of electric motors and generators, the behavior of charged particles in magnetic confinement devices like tokamaks, the functioning of mass spectrometers, and the principles behind cyclotrons and synchrotrons. These applications can provide a rich context for discussing the theoretical and practical aspects of the Lorentz force.

What are the challenges of integrating Gauss' Law and the Lorentz force in a single extended essay?

Integrating Gauss' Law and the Lorentz force in a single extended essay can be challenging due to their different contexts and applications. Gauss' Law primarily deals with electrostatics and the distribution of electric fields, while the Lorentz force involves the dynamics of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields. Balancing the theoretical explanations, experimental verifications, and practical applications of both concepts requires careful planning and a clear structure to ensure coherence and depth in your analysis.

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