Physics Olympiad Guidelines (Basic to Intermediate)
“What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning”
- Werner Heisenberg
Welcome to your roadmap for BdPhO success! This guide includes key advice, a creative physics problem. Let’s dive in!
Resources:
Books:
University Physics by Young & Freedman, Problems in General Physics by Irodov ,Physics Olympiad – Basic to Advanced Exercise” by The Committee of Japan Physics Olympiad. Competitive Physics: Mechanics and Waves, Competitive Physics: Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism and Relativity .Fundamental of physics by haliday resnick.
1 of the above book is enough
Online: Physics Olympiad past paper, PhET Simulations.
Key Advices for BdPhO success:
1.Master the Fundamentals:
Understand core concepts (newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, etc.).
Practice derivations of formulas instead of memorizing them.Understand how they relate to other derivation and theories.
2.Solve Past Papers:
BdPhO problems often test application, not just theory. Solve past papers to spot patterns.
3.Think Creatively:
Olympiad problems often involve unconventional twists. Ask: “What if gravity reversed?” or “How would friction affect this?”.This types of questions test your understanding about physics.
4.Time Management:
Allocate time based on difficulty. Skip tricky problems first, then return later.
Problem-Solving Strategy:
Use this 5-step approach for any physics problem:
1.Understand: Read the problem twice. Highlight key values (e.g. mass, velocity , important info).
2.Visualize: Sketch diagrams or graphs , simulate the process in your mind (e.g. free-body diagrams).
3.Apply Concepts: Link the problem to laws (e.g. Newton’s laws, energy conservation,momentum conservation).
4.Solve: Break equations into small steps. Check units.
5.Verify: Does the answer make sense? Test edge cases (e.g. zero friction).
Here is creative physics problem , let's solve it
The Loop-Challenge:
A roller coaster starts from rest at height h
It rolls down a hill and enters a vertical loop of radius r=8m.
What’s the minimum height h required so the roller coaster doesn’t fall off at the top of the loop?
Ignore friction and air resistance
Solution:
Step 1: Understand the Physics
At the top of the loop, the roller coaster must have enough speed to stay on the track.
If it’s too slow, gravity will pull it down. The critical condition: normal force = 0 at the top.
Step 2: Energy Conservation
Energy is something that remains constant in a system and it is defines the system in physics.It’s property of a physical system.
As no energy is getting lost in out system so the energy must be conserved.
Energy converts from potential to kinetic energy.
Total energy at height h (top of hill) = Total energy at the loop’s top.
Initial energy: mgh (all potential energy).
Final energy: mg(2r) (potential) + 1/2mv^2(kinetic).
Equation : mg(2r) + 1/2mv^2
Step 3: Centripetal Force at the Loop’s Top
At the top, gravity provides the centripetal force:
mv^2/r = mg
v^2/r = g
Step 4: Combine Equations
put the value of v^2 into the energy equation:
mg = mg(2r) + mgr/2
h = 2.5r
Step 5: Calculate Numerically
Given,
r = 8
h = 2.5*8 = 20 meters
Conclusion: The hill must be at least 20 meters high!
Final Tips:
Stay Curious: Explore YouTube physics channels like Zphysics , ScienceClic English ,Veritasium , The Science Asylum , Physics with Elliot ,Physics explained
Join Study Groups: Discuss problems with peers.
Sleep Well: A fresh mind solves problems faster!
Online: Physics Olympiad past paper, PhET Simulations.
Good luck! Remember: Physics isn’t about being perfect , it’s about asking “Why?” and enjoying the journey
