NJAAPT - Physics Olympics 2024 Questions

29 Sep 2023 4:09 PM

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Message # 13261146

Anonymous

Some questions on the Physics Olympics 2024 Events

Air Powered Racer:

Does the vehicle have to remain in contact with the ground the entire time during the event, or can it start off on the ground and lift off from the ground after beginning?
Can any part of the vehicle remain at the starting line after the start is giving?

Marble Coaster:

Does the marble have to be in view during the entire run, or can the marble go through a tunnel during its descent?

Overall:

For all of the events that note materials like cardboard and cardstock are usable, what exactly constitutes as a cardboard-like material? For example, would fiberboard be allowed under this definition of a cardboard-like material?
Does non corrugated cardboard count as cardboard in this situation?

Thank you for any responses.

Last modified: 29 Sep 2023 4:23 PM | Anonymous

02 Oct 2023 8:15 AM

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Reply # 13261726 on 13261146

Anonymous

Great questions!

Regarding the Air Powered Racer questions:

Following amendment has been made to rule #4 of the Air Powered Racer.

4. The vehicle must travel a minimum distance of 10.0 meters from being released. The vehicle must remain in contact with the ground during the entire 10 meters of the track. No part of the vehicle should detach from the vehicle during the run or when being released.

Regarding the Marble Coaster question:

Following amendment has been made to rule #3 of the Marble Coaster event.

3. All glue must be dry at the time of competition. Wet glue on the track or on other parts of the coaster will result in disqualification. All parts of the track must be viewable for inspection by the judges.

So, a tunnel would NOT be allowed as part of the marble's track.

Additionally, both corrugated and non-corrugated cardboards will be fine as they're both made of paper.

Hope this helps clarify the rules. Let us know if there are any more questions. We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!

Last modified: 02 Oct 2023 8:16 AM | Anonymous

02 Oct 2023 2:42 PM

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Reply # 13261960 on 13261146

Anonymous

To clarify further, fiberboards made of engineered wood products are not permitted. Corrugated fiberboard made of paper is permitted.

Last modified: 02 Oct 2023 3:15 PM | Anonymous

14 Nov 2023 6:44 PM

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Reply # 13279502 on 13261146

Anonymous member

Please clarify what we are allowed to purchase or use for propellers for the Air Powered car.

21 Nov 2023 5:16 PM

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Reply # 13282343 on 13261146

Anonymous

Store bought propellers are fine to be used as part of the vehicle. Entire vehicles SHALL not be built using a kit.

28 Nov 2023 12:26 PM

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Reply # 13284491 on 13261146

Anonymous

1) Are 3D printed parts allowed (students would be printing these on their own) for the air powered racer?

2) Are "glue dots" or "glue tape" allowed for the marble roller coaster? You can search amazon for a variety of options.

29 Nov 2023 12:22 PM

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Reply # 13284926 on 13261146

Anonymous

1) Yes, students can 3D print individual parts, but the entire vehicle shall not be 3D printed as that's equivalent to using a kit to build the entire vehicle. Please see rules regarding 3D printing in "General Rules and Scoring, Rule #7" in "Physics Olympics 2024 Announcement".

2) No, double sided glue dots are NOT permitted. Rules ask that all glue must be dry. See Marble Coaster rule #3:

"3. All glue must be dry at the time of competition. Wet glue on the track or on other parts of the coaster will result in disqualification."

It's great to see your questions! However, there is a mid-November deadline for asking questions in the forum, as stated in the 2024 Announcement just above general rules. After that deadline it may be hard for the committee members to respond in a timely manner.

Last modified: 29 Nov 2023 12:37 PM | Anonymous