The Western Kentucky Physics Olympics: Frequently Asked Questions

Please send questions to olympics@physics.wku.edu if they are not already addressed below. Responses will be posted here for the benefit of all teams.

Graphene Model Delivery

1. Question:
   Can students use other materials (e.g., hot glue) for the graphene model or are they limited to only 2 materials?
   
   Answer:
   Bonding the two components is completely permissible, and is not part of the restrictions intended by the rules.


2. Question:
   Are we allowed to glue the model down to something so that it can maintain its structure better?
   
   Answer:
   No. The challenge of this challenge is to design, create, and deliver a free standing model of graphene using only one type of part for the atoms, one type of part for the bonds, and the bonding compound to attach one type of parts to the other.


3. Question:
   Can we have premade hexagons and just put the atoms on top of it?
   
   Answer:
   No. The challenge of this challenge is to design, create, and deliver a free standing model of graphene using only one type of part for the atoms, one type of part for the bonds, and the bonding compound to attach one type of parts to the other.

ElectroMagnetic Connection

1. Question:
   During ElectroMagnetic Connection challenge, after one measurement, can we just add additional paperclips to the existing chain?
   
   Answer:
   No. After each measurement all paperclips must go to a pile of paperclips. Each new attempt must start from scratch.