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Broad Topics > Mechanics > Forces

Building up Friction

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

A series of activities to build up intuition on the mathematics of friction.

Cannon Balls

Stage: 5 Short Challenge Level:

How high will a ball taking a million seconds to fall travel?

More Bridge Building

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

Which parts of these framework bridges are in tension and which parts are in compression?

Bridge Builder

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

In this short problem we investigate the tensions and compressions in a framework made from springs and ropes.

Whirlyball

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

Whirl a conker around in a horizontal circle on a piece of string. What is the smallest angular speed with which it can whirl?

Lunar Leaper

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

Gravity on the Moon is about 1/6th that on the Earth. A pole-vaulter 2 metres tall can clear a 5 metres pole on the Earth. How high a pole could he clear on the Moon?

Fundamental Particles Collection

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

A collection of problems related to the mathematics of fundamental physics.

Little Little G

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

See how little g and your weight varies around the world. Did this variation help Bob Beamon to long-jumping succes in 1968?

Uniformly Unstable

Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

Invent shapes with different numbers of stable and unstable equilibrium points

Coin Cogs

Stage: 2 Challenge Level:

Can you work out what is wrong with the cogs on a UK 2 pound coin?

Mechanics in the Primary Years

Stage: 1

This article for teachers sets out some ideas for introducing children to some of the concepts at the root of mechanics.

Baked Bean Cans

Stage: 1 Challenge Level:

Is there a best way to stack cans? What do different supermarkets do? How high can you safely stack the cans?