Speed and acceleration

There are 46 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Speed and acceleration
Illusion
problem

Illusion

Age
11 to 16
Challenge level
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A security camera, taking pictures each half a second, films a cyclist going by. In the film, the cyclist appears to go forward while the wheels appear to go backwards. Why?
Escalator
problem

Escalator

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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At Holborn underground station there is a very long escalator. Two people are in a hurry and so climb the escalator as it is moving upwards, thus adding their speed to that of the moving steps. ... How many steps are there on the escalator?
There and back
problem

There and back

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Brian swims at twice the speed that a river is flowing, downstream from one moored boat to another and back again, taking 12 minutes altogether. How long would it have taken him in still water?
Speedy Sidney
problem

Speedy Sidney

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
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Two trains set off at the same time from each end of a single straight railway line. A very fast bee starts off in front of the first train and flies continuously back and forth between the two trains. How far does Sidney fly before he is squashed between the two trains?
On the Road
problem

On the Road

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
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Four vehicles travelled on a road. What can you deduce from the times that they met?
Paradoxes
article

Paradoxes

A paradox is a statement that seems to be both untrue and true at the same time. This article looks at a few examples and challenges you to investigate them for yourself.