Speed and acceleration

problem
Illusion

Age

11 to 16

Challenge level

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?
problem
Escalator

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

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?
problem
There and back

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

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?
problem
Speedy Sidney

Age

11 to 14

Challenge level

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?
problem
On the road

Age

14 to 16

Challenge level

Four vehicles travelled on a road. What can you deduce from the times that they met?
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.