Scribd
Upload
492 views

EE Initial Proposal Form-Physics

This student proposes an extended essay on how different table tennis paddle properties affect countering spin shots. Specifically, the student aims to compare paddles of varying thickness and materials by collecting high-speed video and analyzing spin and velocity data using Logger Pro software. Key sources cited include previous research on ping pong physics and the effects of anti-spin rubber. The proposed methodology outlines collecting data through video analysis and calculations to compare linear/angular velocity and spin-countering ability across different paddles.

Uploaded by

ishaan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
492 views

EE Initial Proposal Form-Physics

This student proposes an extended essay on how different table tennis paddle properties affect countering spin shots. Specifically, the student aims to compare paddles of varying thickness and materials by collecting high-speed video and analyzing spin and velocity data using Logger Pro software. Key sources cited include previous research on ping pong physics and the effects of anti-spin rubber. The proposed methodology outlines collecting data through video analysis and calculations to compare linear/angular velocity and spin-countering ability across different paddles.

Uploaded by

ishaan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Extended Essay Proposal Form

Student: Ishaan Pan Subject: Physics- Second Option

Topic: Ping pong physics

Question (preliminary question; this can change as research progresses. This


needs to be worded as a question- i.e. ending in ?)

How do different paddles (of different thickness and material) affect countering spin
shots in table tennis?

Methodology – include details of sources you intend to use.


Research plan (continue on the back if more space is needed)
o why is this important to research?

For EEs involving primary research: (science, History, economics, mathematics...)


o what data do you want to collect?
o how will you go about collecting it?
o when will you do this?
o what questions will you need to address?
o how will your questions help you answer your EE research question?
Sources:
- Widenhorn, R. (2016). The physics of juggling a spinning ping-pong ball. American
Journal of Physics, 84(12), 936-942: This is a paper published by a Portland State
University professor in which he details how can the physics behind a spinning ball be
explored.
- Zenón, Ricard Alert. “The Physics of Table Tennis.” High School Research Project, 2007:
This is another source with a lot of theoretical information behind the physics on table
tennis, and it also includes clear and detailed diagrams and formulae with correct
notations.

Background Research
- I will be needing different paddles with different thickness of rubber on them, varying
between 1.2mm and 2 mm.
- Some paddles are made out of a material known as “anti-spin rubber,” which aids in
countering the rotation of the ball and resulting in dead shots. This type of rubber is
what I have on my paddle, which would make it easier for me to compare with other
materials.

Conducting the experiment


I will be needing a camera with the capability of multiple burst and high frame rate shooting
such that I will be able to receive pictures like the one
shown on the left (the picture is form the first source).
After that, I can use Logger Pro to extract information
such as position-time and velocity-time graphs. This can
be repeated for multiple paddles of different varieties,
such as thickness and material.

Logger Pro would be use to find linear velocity and


angular velocity whereas the angle of attack and
coefficient of friction could be calculated using equations
11 and 12 shown below (how to derive them is also
shown below). These values can be found and compared
for the different paddles which will be used.
Extended Essay Proposal Form
Theory

(from source 1)
Extended Essay Proposal Form
Feedback:
 question accepted
 revise the question/ amendments needed
 not a suitable topic area for an EE in this subject
Department comments:

Signature: Date

You might also like