Can an Oxford Mathematician Tackle a Physics Olympiad Problem? 🧠

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University of Oxford Mathematician Dr Tom Crawford is challenged by Zhelyo from @zhelyo_physics to try a question from the International Physics Olympiad (IPHO).

Part 2 where Zhelyo tries a question from the International Maths Olympiad (IMO) chosen by Tom is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crml7HsLfA0

This video includes a paid sponsorship with Alignerr.

The question featured in the video is taken from the 2010 IPHO. You can download a copy of the question to try it for yourself here: https://tomrocksmaths.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ipho_2010_q2.pdf

There are many more IPHO questions available here: https://ipho.olimpicos.net/

References for the Chimney Physics question given by the IPHO:

W.W. Christie, Chimney design and theory, D. Van Nostrand Company, New York, 1902.
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=kgk1AAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

Schlaich, J., Bergermann, R., Schiel, W. and Weinrebe, G. (2005) Design of Commercial Solar Updraft Tower Systems—Utilization of Solar Induced Convective Flows for Power Generation. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 127, 117-124.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1115/1.1823493

Produced by Dr Tom Crawford at the University of Oxford. Tom is Public Engagement Lead at Oxford University Lifelong Learning: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/profiles/tom-crawford

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With thanks to
Zhelyo @zhelyo_physics
St Edmund Hall
Oxford Lifelong Learning, University of Oxford
International Physics Olympiad
International Maths Olympiad

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