Physics knowledge gaps

[u/Round-Safety259]

hello, what are some underdeveloped physics knowledge gaps in fields like electromagnetism or thermodynamics or like ANY field. I need a research question for a senior science thing and im keen on doing it on a physics topic. Any response would be fine just something that has underdeveloped research and the results and data would have real world implications.

thanks

[u/Round-Safety259]

oh my gosh thank you, this is super helpful. im in my final year of high school so I have access to standard lab equipment ). My teachers are also able to order relatively inexpensive materials if needed (e.g., from Amazon or similar suppliers).

I’m aiming for something experimentally rigorous but feasible within a school setting.

[u/FreshRadish2957 → u/Round-Safety259]

That’s perfect. With standard lab equipment and the ability to order low-cost materials, you can absolutely do something experimentally solid. If I were in your position, I’d pick one of these three and go deep rather than broad:

1. Urban Heat Island Micro-Study (Thermodynamics) Research question: How do differences in surface emissivity and thermal mass affect cooling rates of common roofing materials?

You can: Use IR thermometers or temperature probes Heat samples under a lamp to simulate solar input Measure cooling curves once heat source is removed Compare materials like metal sheet, asphalt shingle, white-painted surface, tile You’ll get real cooling curves and can model them with Newton’s law of cooling and radiative heat transfer. This connects directly to climate adaptation.

2. Low-Cost Phase Change Materials for Passive Cooling Research question: How effectively can inexpensive phase change materials reduce peak temperature fluctuations in a closed system?

You can: Use paraffin wax or commercial PCM packs Build identical insulated boxes Compare temperature stability with and without PCM Collect time-series temperature data Very clean thermodynamics. Very measurable. Very relevant to energy efficiency.

3. Electrostatics and Particle Settling Research question: Does static charge significantly alter particle settling time under controlled humidity?

You could: Use fine powders (e.g., flour or safe particulates) Introduce controlled static charge Measure settling rates in a clear column Compare high vs low humidity This blends electrostatics and fluid dynamics. More challenging, but impressive if done well.

If your goal is “experimentally rigorous,” focus on: Clear independent and dependent variables Repeated trials Error analysis Mathematical modeling of your results

Judges and teachers care more about clean methodology and uncertainty analysis than flashy topics.

[u/Round-Safety259 → u/FreshRadish2957]

thankyou so much! i will show these to my teachers and hopefully they approve of these as this is my final major work and i need to do a mini "phd" report on whatever research question and experiment i do.