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Main Events
Main Events
The Physics Olympics will feature four unique events, each designed to challenge your understanding of physics and test your creative problem-solving skills. Rules and specific details for each event will be provided at the start of each challenge. Here’s what you can expect:
Event Duration: Each event will last 30 minutes.
Scoring: Scores from each event will be added together, and the team with the highest overall score will be awarded the title of Physics Olympics Champion!
Preparation: To get ready, teams are encouraged to dive into core physics concepts and sharpen their problem-solving abilities—flexibility and creativity may be your greatest assets.
Prepare for a mix of engaging challenges that could test both your knowledge and your hands-on skills!
Schedule
Schedule
8:20 - 8:45 am: Registration at the white tents in the Great Lawn.
8:45 - 8:55 am: Opening remarks
9:00 - 11:15 am: Events 1 through 4. Teams rotate through events on 30 minute intervals.
11:20 - 11:45 am: Bonus Event (not required).
11:45 - 12:00 pm: Bridge Competition Testing Video Screening
12:00 - 12:30 pm: Lunch & Award Ceremony
Bonus Event: Cart Joust
Bonus Event: Cart Joust
Developed by the Society of Physics Students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
The objective of the Joust competition is to design a cart. Before the event, each team will design and build a cart that can outmaneuver an opponent’s cart on a track with specific dimensions (see Figure 1). The winner of each joust is determined by two factors: first, the cart that successfully penetrates the opponent's territory, and second, the cart with the lighter mass.
The width of the track is approximately 25 cm, with a 2-inch rail guide as a preliminary guide. In preparation for the joust competition, each team will need to design and build a cart that meets the following specifications:
Maximum Mass: Each cart may have a maximum mass of 1 kg.
Size: Carts must be able to fit into a 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm box.
Propulsion: Carts can only be propelled by gravity; no mechanical, electrical, or nuclear forces are allowed.
Safety Certification: Each cart must be certified by the judges for safety. Carts that appear in danger of falling apart or causing injury to team members or the audience will be disqualified. Carts may not have sharp edges or points.
Carts must be constructed by students.
Repairs to carts may be made between rounds, but are not recommended. However, the competition will not be delayed to allow repairs, so teams should ensure that their cart is ready to go on time. If a cart is not ready by the start of the match, it may forfeit the round.
Track Dimensions:
Length: 12 feet
Height: 3 feet on one side, 5 feet on the other
Guides: 2-inch rail guides on both sides, except for a section with no guide rails near the center.
Figure 1 - Sketch of Track (not to scale)
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