Energy

article
High jumping

How high can a high jumper jump? How can a high jumper jump higher without jumping higher? Read on...
problem
Lunar leaper

Age

16 to 18

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?
problem
Whoosh

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

A ball whooshes down a slide and hits another ball which flies off the slide horizontally as a projectile. How far does it go?
problem
Go spaceship go

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Show that even a very powerful spaceship would eventually run out of overtaking power
problem
The ultra particle

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Explore the energy of this incredibly energetic particle which struck Earth on October 15th 1991
problem
Sweeping satellite

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Derive an equation which describes satellite dynamics.
problem
Lennard Jones potential

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Investigate why the Lennard-Jones potential gives a good approximate explanation for the behaviour of atoms at close ranges
problem
Pole vaulting

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Consider the mechanics of pole vaulting
problem
Escape from Planet Earth

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

How fast would you have to throw a ball upwards so that it would never land?