Physics

Determination of Mechanical Properties of Selected Engineering Materials

This study determined selected mechanical properties of engineering materials. Tensile, hardness, and density measurements were performed on metals and polymers, and properties were compared with reference values. The findings revealed that specimens exhibited characteristic strengths and hardness, with polymers showing lower stiffness and metals higher hardness, while processing defects reduced measured strengths. The study observed sample geometry effects. It recommends standardised specimen preparation and testing protocols for reliable property data.

2025 — Undergraduate

Effect of Temperature on the Electrical Resistance of Conductors

This study examined the effect of temperature on the electrical resistance of conductors. Resistance was measured over a range of temperatures for metallic and carbon samples, and temperature coefficients were computed. The findings revealed that metals exhibited positive temperature coefficients of resistance, while carbon showed negative behaviour, with linear fits agreeing with model expectations. The study observed contact effects at extreme temperatures. It recommends controlled thermal cycling and four-point measurements for accurate coefficients.

2025 — Undergraduate

Assessment of Radiation Shielding Effectiveness of Selected Materials

This study assessed the shielding effectiveness of selected materials against ionising radiation. Transmission through slabs of concrete, lead, and water was measured, and attenuation coefficients were estimated. The findings revealed that high-density materials attenuated more effectively per unit thickness, with attenuation following exponential transmission behaviour. The study observed dependence on source and geometry. It recommends material-specific shielding tables for design of radiation protection.

2025 — Undergraduate

Determination of Background Radiation Levels in Selected Environments

This study determined background radiation levels in selected environments. Radiation dose rates were measured indoors and outdoors at defined locations using a survey meter, and readings were compared with reference levels. The findings revealed that measured background levels were within typical ranges for the region, with modest variation between locations and higher readings indoors in some buildings. The study observed elevation and material effects on readings. It recommends periodic radiation mapping and reference to safety limits.

2025 — Undergraduate

Evaluation of the Energy Efficiency of Household Electrical Appliances

This study evaluated the energy efficiency of common household electrical appliances. Power consumption and useful output were measured for representative appliances, and efficiency and standby consumption were estimated. The findings revealed wide variation in efficiency across appliance types and ages, with older units and standby modes consuming disproportionately. The study observed labelling gaps in the market. It recommends energy labelling, consumer guidance, and standby power reduction measures.

2025 — Undergraduate

Assessment of Solar Radiation and Photovoltaic Panel Output Performance

This study assessed solar radiation availability and the output performance of photovoltaic panels under local conditions. Irradiance was recorded alongside panel voltage, current, and power across different times and load conditions. The findings revealed strong diurnal solar radiation patterns, with panel output following irradiance, while efficiency declined at high cell temperatures. The study observed orientation and tilt effects on energy capture. It recommends orientation optimisation and heat management in solar installations.

2025 — Undergraduate

Design and Performance Assessment of Basic Amplifier Circuits

This study designed and assessed the performance of basic amplifier circuits. Common-emitter style stages were built and tested for voltage gain, bandwidth, and distortion at audio frequencies. The findings revealed that measured gains and bandwidths matched design calculations reasonably, with distortion rising near clipping, while supply stability affected performance. The study observed coupling effects between stages. It recommends careful bias design and load matching in amplifier development.

2025 — Undergraduate

Characteristic Analysis of Semiconductor Diode and Transistor Configurations

This study analysed the characteristics of semiconductor diodes and transistor configurations. Current-voltage curves for diodes were recorded, and input-output characteristics of common transistor configurations were examined at selected bias points. The findings revealed typical forward and reverse diode behaviour with knee voltages, while transistor characteristics showed expected active-region behaviour with current gain consistent with data-sheet values. The study observed temperature drift in characteristics. It recommends controlled biasing and temperature stabilisation in device characterisation.

2025 — Undergraduate

Radioactive Decay Analysis and Determination of Half-Life of a Source

This study analysed radioactive decay data and determined the half-life of a selected source. Count rates were recorded over time, background was subtracted, and decay curves were fitted to exponential models. The findings revealed that decay followed exponential behaviour, with computed half-life values consistent with reference data for the source, while counting statistics governed uncertainty. The study observed background contribution effects at low count rates. It recommends extended counting periods and background correction for reliable half-life estimation.

2025 — Undergraduate

Determination of the Photoelectric Behaviour and Work Function of Metals

This study investigated the photoelectric behaviour of metal surfaces and determined their work functions. Illuminated surfaces were studied under varying light intensity and frequency, and stopping potentials were measured to extract threshold behaviour. The findings revealed that photocurrent increased with intensity while stopping potential depended on frequency, consistent with quantum theory, and computed work functions agreed with literature values. The study observed slow response near threshold frequencies. It recommends monochromatic sources and calibrated photodetection for precision.

2025 — Undergraduate

Measurement of Noise Levels and Sound Propagation in Public Spaces

This study measured noise levels and examined sound propagation in selected public spaces. Sound level readings were taken at distances and times in markets, roadsides, and campuses, and propagation decay with distance was analysed. The findings revealed that several locations exceeded recommended noise limits, with levels highest near major roads, while measured decays approximated inverse-square behaviour in open areas. The study observed temporal variation in readings. It recommends environmental noise monitoring and mitigation planning.

2025 — Undergraduate

Determination of the Speed of Sound and Acoustic Properties of Materials

This study determined the speed of sound in air and examined the acoustic properties of selected materials. Resonance tube methods and timing techniques were used to measure sound speed, and transmission characteristics of panels were assessed. The findings revealed measured sound speed values in close agreement with theoretical temperature-dependent values, while material properties influenced sound absorption and transmission. The study observed humidity effects on measured values. It recommends strict temperature recording and standardised acoustic test conditions.

2025 — Undergraduate

Determination of Magnetic Field Properties of Simple Current-Carrying Coils

This study determined the magnetic field properties of simple current-carrying coils. Fields along the axes of coils and solenoids were measured with a probe for varying currents and turns, and results were compared with theoretical relations. The findings revealed that field strength increased linearly with current and linearly with turns, while central fields matched Ampere-type predictions closely. The study observed edge effects outside the coil interior. It recommends probe calibration and consistent current control in such measurements.

2025 — Undergraduate

Assessment of Electrical Conductivity of Selected Materials

This study assessed the electrical conductivity of selected conductors and semiconductors. Sample resistances were measured under controlled dimensions and temperature, and conductivities were computed. The findings revealed that metals exhibited high conductivity that decreased with temperature, while semiconductor samples showed temperature-dependent increases consistent with activated conduction. The study observed contact resistance as a source of error. It recommends four-point measurement and controlled thermal conditions for reliable conductivity data.

2025 — Undergraduate

Evaluation of Heat Transfer and Insulation Properties of Building Materials

This study evaluated the heat transfer and insulation properties of selected building materials. Thermal gradients were created across material slabs and heat flow was measured to estimate thermal conductivity and insulation effectiveness. The findings revealed that composite and fibrous materials offered lower conductivity and better insulation than plain cementitious samples, while moisture increased heat flow. The study observed thickness effects consistent with Fourier conduction. It recommends material selection guidance based on measured insulation performance.

2025 — Undergraduate

Determination of Refractive Indices of Selected Optical Materials

This study determined the refractive indices of selected optical materials using refraction and minimum deviation methods. Prisms and transparent slabs were examined, and angles of deviation were used to compute refractive indices at visible wavelengths. The findings revealed values consistent with published data for glass and clear plastics, with dispersion observed across colours. The study observed that surface quality affected measurement precision. It recommends wavelength-resolved measurement and careful surface preparation for accuracy.

2025 — Undergraduate

Study of Diffraction and Interference Phenomena Using Simple Optical Setups

This study investigated diffraction and interference phenomena using simple optical setups. Single-slit and double-slit arrangements were used to observe intensity patterns, and fringe spacings were measured and compared with wave-theory predictions. The findings revealed that measured fringe positions agreed closely with predicted values, confirming the wave nature of light, while pattern visibility depended on source coherence. The study observed slight deviation at extreme angles. It recommends controlled slit geometry and monochromatic sources for quantitative studies.

2025 — Undergraduate

Measurement of Specific Heat Capacities of Solids and Liquids

This study measured the specific heat capacities of selected solids and liquids using calorimetric methods. Samples were heated to known temperatures and mixed with a calorimeter, and temperature changes were recorded to compute heat capacities. The findings revealed values that agreed with literature within experimental error for standard materials, while deviations were observed for impure samples. The study observed heat loss to surroundings as a principal source of error. It recommends careful calorimeter correction and insulation in such determinations.

2025 — Undergraduate

Determination of Coefficients of Friction for Common Surfaces

This study determined the coefficients of static and kinetic friction for common material pairs. Inclined-plane and horizontal traction methods were used to measure frictional behaviour, and coefficients were computed for each pair. The findings revealed that static coefficients generally exceeded kinetic ones, while values varied with surface finish and moisture. The study observed reproducibility within measurement uncertainty for dry surfaces. It recommends tabulated local data and standardised surface conditions for engineering applications.

2025 — Undergraduate

Assessment of Projectile Motion Parameters and Trajectory Characteristics

This study assessed projectile motion parameters and trajectory characteristics using controlled launching experiments. Launch angles and velocities were varied, and range, time of flight, and maximum height were measured and compared with theoretical predictions. The findings revealed close agreement between measured and predicted values, with range maximised near the theoretical optimum angle, while air resistance produced small deviations at high speeds. The study observed systematic measurement precision issues at steep angles. It recommends refined instrumentation and repeated trials for verification studies.

2025 — Undergraduate