PHYS1110
Report As part of PHYS1110 you need to produce a report about the physics behind an everyday phenomenon of interest to you. As part of this report you will need to construct an investigation that demonstrates the physics behind the phenomenon. In order to help you produce the best possible report there are four parts to this task. Before 11:59 PM on 25/10/20 you need to make a post on your group discussion forum about the topic you plan on doing for your final report. The post needs to include your Aim, a brief method and identify the dependent and independent variable(s) in your experiment as well as any variables you intend to keep constant. Your tutor will give you feedback to help you improve your plan. This post will contribute 1% of your mark for the subject. You will need to submit this report to your peers for marking on 11/11/201 at 11:59 PM. Your peers will provide you with feedback that you can use to improve your report before submitting the final version. You will be required to give feedback to five of your peers (9% of your final mark for this subject will come from the quality of the feedback you give your peers and the completeness of the report you submit). Your feedback is due at 11:59 PM on 08/11/20. You will then submit the final version of your report through Turnitin by 22/11/20 (at 11:59 PM), to be marked by your tutor. This mark will form 20% of your final mark for the subject. Some phenomena that you may be interested in investigating are listed below. It is best if you choose something you find interesting, you are encouraged to choose something which is not on this list. Remember that you will need to be able to come up with equations and a practical investigation in order to investigate some aspects of your chosen phenomenon:
• The melting of the north pole (what is the latent heat of water?)
• Oscillating masses on springs or rubber bands (what is the spring constant?)
• Different objects rolling down slopes (what effect does rotational motion have?) This should not be a repeat of the friction experiment.
• How do boats sail into the wind?
• How does your favourite musical instrument work?
• Are you able to predict the range of a projectile? There is some free software available, Tracker, https://physlets.org/tracker/ which allows you to analyse the motion of an object from video footage. A video of how to use this software is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La3H7JywgX0 . This can be very helpful for any experiment involving motion such as with projectiles or measuring masses oscillating on rubber bands. 1 Note: due to the way the peer review tool works it is not possible to get an extension on this deadline. Please be very careful not to miss it as if your report is not uploaded at this time you will not be able to take part in the peer review exercise and so will not get 9% of the marks for this course.
There are a few topic you may not choose:
• Any of the topics covered in the investigations ie:
o The specific heat of water
o Measuring coefficients of static friction (kinetic friction is fine)
o Measuring the speed of sound with resonance in tubes (other methods are fine)
o Measuring the refractive index of water
• The three topics covered in the sample reports:
o Measuring acceleration due to gravity with a pendulum
o Measuring the pressure when brewing by using the height a liquid rises up a tube
o Modelling Fohn winds with thermometers in the bathroom Some things to keep in mind when you are choosing your topic:
• You should come up with something very specific. Some of the topics above are very general, such as the greenhouse effect. If you are interested in this you need to research it a little and decide on one aspect to investigate in relation to this issue. A possibility for this topic is to look at how the melting of ice caps would effect the heating effect of reflected light. The sea is dark in colour while ice looks white. Does water heat at different rates on a dark background to on a white background?
• Choose a topic for which you can actually perform the investigation. You need to personally have access to the required equipment to complete your investigation. You can only borrow the equipment used in the other investigations from the physics office (scales, measuring jug, kettle etc.) so do not design an experiment that needs specialised equipment.
• Read over the rubric before you pick your topic to ensure that you can address all the points on the rubric by studying that topic.
• You may choose something not on the list but you must first check with your tutor on your group discussion forum to ensure that it is a suitable topic. It is a good idea to start communicating with your tutor early about the topic you want to do.
• Make sure that your investigation covers the physical principles behind your chosen topic rather than chemistry, biology or another science. The final report will be marked by your tutor using the rubric below. You must
include a selfie of yourself with the equipment and a close up of your student
card or your report will not be marked. Your face must be clearly visible. If you have plagiarized any of the information the minimum penalty you will receive is zero marks for the report. Plagiarism will be investigated and an appropriate record made of the details. You can read about plagiarism here: https://student.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism. The report should be about your own, independent (ie. not done with another student, the method needs to be your own as well as the collected data and everything else in the report) investigation written in your own words. If you have performed the earlier investigations with a partner you must ensure that you and your partner select different topics for the final report
Rubric: If your report does not contain a selfie clearly showing your face and the equipment you used you will receive zero marks for the final report.
4 marks 3 marks 2 mark 1 marks 0 marks Suitable historical context given. Suitable historic context given in own words with footnotes/end notes referencing the source.
Some historic context given. No historical context given
Aim and statement of relevance of chosen topic Aim clearly stated. Identifies why this topic is of interest to the investigator and how it is related to everyday life, and describes a few phenomena that the physics could be applied to.
EITHER Aim clearly stated OR Clearly identifies how it is related to everyday life and why it was chosen
Inappropriate aim and justification for choice of topic
Describes physical theories with appropriate equations that are to be examined
Description includes equation(s), all terms in the equation clearly defined, and an appropriate accompanying description of the relevant physical laws/theories, clearly states aim
Description includes equation(s), some terms in the equation are clearly defined, and an appropriate accompanying description of the relevant physical laws/theories, clearly states aim
Description includes equation, there is some accompanying description of the relevant physical laws/theories.
Equations are not included in the description. Does not describe relevant physical theories.
4 marks 3 marks 2 mark 1 marks 0 marks Risk assessment Covers all reasonable risks. Consequence and likelihood of risks estimated appropriately and used to calculate risk. High risk activities avoided.
Covers some risks. Consequence and likelihood of risk used to calculate risk. High risk activities avoided.
Not done OR Major risks neglected OR Risk assessment does not reflect reality The investigation is related to the topic and tests what it sets out to test
It is very clear how the investigation is related to the chosen topic, and the investigation tests what it sets out to test.
The investigation tests what it sets out to test but the link to the chosen topic is tenuous.
The investigation does not test what it sets out to test.
Sufficient data has been collected for the investigation Enough data is collected that uncertainties can be estimated (measurements repeated) and graphs drawn.
Enough data collected for a graph but measurements not repeated.
Insufficient data collected for conclusions to be drawn.
Suitable details of the investigation are given, the reader could easily repeat the experiment
Methods easy to follow, all steps included, appropriate diagrams included if needed
Method well stated and easy to follow. One or two small steps missing or unclear.
A suitable method is given but not easy to reproduce due to lack of detail.
Method stated but not easy to follow, some important steps may be missing.
Details of method are not clear
4 marks 3 marks 2 mark 1 marks 0 marks Photos included Included enough photos with clear captions showing your experimental set up. You need to be clearly visible in the photo. A close up of your student card included.
A few photos included. Some required details missing.
No photos included
Analysis of data Sophisticated data analysis, data correctly analysed, appropriate calculations performed with data allowing it to be used to address the aim, all units included
Data correctly analysed, appropriate calculations performed with data allowing it to be used to address the aim, all units included
Rudimentary analysis of the data, some attempt made at using collected data to answer aim
One or two calculations performed with collected data, not enough analysis to address aim sufficiently
No analysis of the data
Graphs Data analysed to produce a linear graph. Uncertainties correctly analysed to for this fit. At least 5 data points on the graph. Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
Data analysed to produce a linear graph. At least 5 data points on the graph. Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
Data analysed to produce a linear fit OR At least 5 data points on the graph, AND Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
At least 5 data points on the graph OR Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
Graph not appropriate or no graph
4 marks 3 marks 2 marks 1 mark 0 marks Uncertainties Enough measurements taken to allow uncertainties to be calculated, uncertainties correctly calculated
Uncertainties calculated but either one or two small mistakes or some uncertainties not properly treated
Inadequate calculation of uncertainties
Discussion Astute and detailed discussion of how experiment could be improved and how well results match with expectations
Some discussion of improvements to experiment and whether results match theory
Discussion of results not adequate
Conclusions are drawn relate to aim Appropriate and clearly and concisely stated, clearly related to Aim
Appropriate conclusions drawn but not clearly stated.
No or incorrect conclusion
Clarity Report is easy to read and arguments easy to follow. Arguments and logic could be improved to make the report easier to follow.
Difficult to follow logic in report.
4 marks 3 marks 2 marks 1 mark 0 marks Word limit (as shown on Turnitin report)2 1500-3000 words 1000-1500 words OR 3000-5000 words Less than 1000 words OR more than 5000 words References At least three references used, given in correct format3 and cited through the text
At least three references used. References either not given in correct format or not cited through the text at appropriate points.
Less than three references used and/or not appropriately cited in text and given in incorrect format
2 Note: Turnitin does not count the number of words the same way as Microsoft word does. Turnitin counts everything (references, appendices, tables etc.). You can upload your report to Turnitin early and replace it if you want to see the Turnitin word count (click on the information button in the bottom left to see the number of words). This mark is to reward concise reports, it is much harder to cover all the other points with less words. 3 Information about how to cite sources can be found here: https://student.unsw.edu.au/referencing any referencing style is fine.
• The melting of the north pole (what is the latent heat of water?)
• Oscillating masses on springs or rubber bands (what is the spring constant?)
• Different objects rolling down slopes (what effect does rotational motion have?) This should not be a repeat of the friction experiment.
• How do boats sail into the wind?
• How does your favourite musical instrument work?
• Are you able to predict the range of a projectile? There is some free software available, Tracker, https://physlets.org/tracker/ which allows you to analyse the motion of an object from video footage. A video of how to use this software is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La3H7JywgX0 . This can be very helpful for any experiment involving motion such as with projectiles or measuring masses oscillating on rubber bands. 1 Note: due to the way the peer review tool works it is not possible to get an extension on this deadline. Please be very careful not to miss it as if your report is not uploaded at this time you will not be able to take part in the peer review exercise and so will not get 9% of the marks for this course.
There are a few topic you may not choose:
• Any of the topics covered in the investigations ie:
o The specific heat of water
o Measuring coefficients of static friction (kinetic friction is fine)
o Measuring the speed of sound with resonance in tubes (other methods are fine)
o Measuring the refractive index of water
• The three topics covered in the sample reports:
o Measuring acceleration due to gravity with a pendulum
o Measuring the pressure when brewing by using the height a liquid rises up a tube
o Modelling Fohn winds with thermometers in the bathroom Some things to keep in mind when you are choosing your topic:
• You should come up with something very specific. Some of the topics above are very general, such as the greenhouse effect. If you are interested in this you need to research it a little and decide on one aspect to investigate in relation to this issue. A possibility for this topic is to look at how the melting of ice caps would effect the heating effect of reflected light. The sea is dark in colour while ice looks white. Does water heat at different rates on a dark background to on a white background?
• Choose a topic for which you can actually perform the investigation. You need to personally have access to the required equipment to complete your investigation. You can only borrow the equipment used in the other investigations from the physics office (scales, measuring jug, kettle etc.) so do not design an experiment that needs specialised equipment.
• Read over the rubric before you pick your topic to ensure that you can address all the points on the rubric by studying that topic.
• You may choose something not on the list but you must first check with your tutor on your group discussion forum to ensure that it is a suitable topic. It is a good idea to start communicating with your tutor early about the topic you want to do.
• Make sure that your investigation covers the physical principles behind your chosen topic rather than chemistry, biology or another science. The final report will be marked by your tutor using the rubric below. You must
include a selfie of yourself with the equipment and a close up of your student
card or your report will not be marked. Your face must be clearly visible. If you have plagiarized any of the information the minimum penalty you will receive is zero marks for the report. Plagiarism will be investigated and an appropriate record made of the details. You can read about plagiarism here: https://student.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism. The report should be about your own, independent (ie. not done with another student, the method needs to be your own as well as the collected data and everything else in the report) investigation written in your own words. If you have performed the earlier investigations with a partner you must ensure that you and your partner select different topics for the final report
Rubric: If your report does not contain a selfie clearly showing your face and the equipment you used you will receive zero marks for the final report.
4 marks 3 marks 2 mark 1 marks 0 marks Suitable historical context given. Suitable historic context given in own words with footnotes/end notes referencing the source.
Some historic context given. No historical context given
Aim and statement of relevance of chosen topic Aim clearly stated. Identifies why this topic is of interest to the investigator and how it is related to everyday life, and describes a few phenomena that the physics could be applied to.
EITHER Aim clearly stated OR Clearly identifies how it is related to everyday life and why it was chosen
Inappropriate aim and justification for choice of topic
Describes physical theories with appropriate equations that are to be examined
Description includes equation(s), all terms in the equation clearly defined, and an appropriate accompanying description of the relevant physical laws/theories, clearly states aim
Description includes equation(s), some terms in the equation are clearly defined, and an appropriate accompanying description of the relevant physical laws/theories, clearly states aim
Description includes equation, there is some accompanying description of the relevant physical laws/theories.
Equations are not included in the description. Does not describe relevant physical theories.
4 marks 3 marks 2 mark 1 marks 0 marks Risk assessment Covers all reasonable risks. Consequence and likelihood of risks estimated appropriately and used to calculate risk. High risk activities avoided.
Covers some risks. Consequence and likelihood of risk used to calculate risk. High risk activities avoided.
Not done OR Major risks neglected OR Risk assessment does not reflect reality The investigation is related to the topic and tests what it sets out to test
It is very clear how the investigation is related to the chosen topic, and the investigation tests what it sets out to test.
The investigation tests what it sets out to test but the link to the chosen topic is tenuous.
The investigation does not test what it sets out to test.
Sufficient data has been collected for the investigation Enough data is collected that uncertainties can be estimated (measurements repeated) and graphs drawn.
Enough data collected for a graph but measurements not repeated.
Insufficient data collected for conclusions to be drawn.
Suitable details of the investigation are given, the reader could easily repeat the experiment
Methods easy to follow, all steps included, appropriate diagrams included if needed
Method well stated and easy to follow. One or two small steps missing or unclear.
A suitable method is given but not easy to reproduce due to lack of detail.
Method stated but not easy to follow, some important steps may be missing.
Details of method are not clear
4 marks 3 marks 2 mark 1 marks 0 marks Photos included Included enough photos with clear captions showing your experimental set up. You need to be clearly visible in the photo. A close up of your student card included.
A few photos included. Some required details missing.
No photos included
Analysis of data Sophisticated data analysis, data correctly analysed, appropriate calculations performed with data allowing it to be used to address the aim, all units included
Data correctly analysed, appropriate calculations performed with data allowing it to be used to address the aim, all units included
Rudimentary analysis of the data, some attempt made at using collected data to answer aim
One or two calculations performed with collected data, not enough analysis to address aim sufficiently
No analysis of the data
Graphs Data analysed to produce a linear graph. Uncertainties correctly analysed to for this fit. At least 5 data points on the graph. Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
Data analysed to produce a linear graph. At least 5 data points on the graph. Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
Data analysed to produce a linear fit OR At least 5 data points on the graph, AND Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
At least 5 data points on the graph OR Graph appropriately drawn includes, axes properly labelled, units, data correctly plotted.
Graph not appropriate or no graph
4 marks 3 marks 2 marks 1 mark 0 marks Uncertainties Enough measurements taken to allow uncertainties to be calculated, uncertainties correctly calculated
Uncertainties calculated but either one or two small mistakes or some uncertainties not properly treated
Inadequate calculation of uncertainties
Discussion Astute and detailed discussion of how experiment could be improved and how well results match with expectations
Some discussion of improvements to experiment and whether results match theory
Discussion of results not adequate
Conclusions are drawn relate to aim Appropriate and clearly and concisely stated, clearly related to Aim
Appropriate conclusions drawn but not clearly stated.
No or incorrect conclusion
Clarity Report is easy to read and arguments easy to follow. Arguments and logic could be improved to make the report easier to follow.
Difficult to follow logic in report.
4 marks 3 marks 2 marks 1 mark 0 marks Word limit (as shown on Turnitin report)2 1500-3000 words 1000-1500 words OR 3000-5000 words Less than 1000 words OR more than 5000 words References At least three references used, given in correct format3 and cited through the text
At least three references used. References either not given in correct format or not cited through the text at appropriate points.
Less than three references used and/or not appropriately cited in text and given in incorrect format
2 Note: Turnitin does not count the number of words the same way as Microsoft word does. Turnitin counts everything (references, appendices, tables etc.). You can upload your report to Turnitin early and replace it if you want to see the Turnitin word count (click on the information button in the bottom left to see the number of words). This mark is to reward concise reports, it is much harder to cover all the other points with less words. 3 Information about how to cite sources can be found here: https://student.unsw.edu.au/referencing any referencing style is fine.