Forces

There are 11 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Forces
\Little little g
problem

\Little little g

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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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
problem

Uniformly unstable

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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Invent shapes with different numbers of stable and unstable equilibrium points
Building up friction
problem

Building up friction

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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A series of activities to build up intuition on the mathematics of friction.
Cannon Balls
problem

Cannon Balls

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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How high will a ball taking a million seconds to fall travel?
More bridge building
problem

More bridge building

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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Which parts of these framework bridges are in tension and which parts are in compression?
Bridge builder
problem

Bridge builder

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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In this short problem we investigate the tensions and compressions in a framework made from springs and ropes.
Whirlyball
problem

Whirlyball

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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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
problem

Lunar Leaper

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
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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?
Baked Bean Cans
problem

Baked Bean Cans

Age
5 to 7
Challenge level
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Is there a best way to stack cans? What do different supermarkets do? How high can you safely stack the cans?