IPhO (International Physics Olympiad) and IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad) are annual international competitions for high school students who excel in physics and mathematics, respectively. The 2013 competitions were held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Students must be under the age of 20 and enrolled in a secondary school to participate in IPhO. For IMO, students must be under the age of 19 and not yet enrolled in a university. Participants are selected and sent by their respective countries to represent them in the competition.
The competitions consist of two rounds: a theoretical test and a practical test. The theoretical test is a written exam that covers a broad range of topics in physics or mathematics. The practical test involves solving problems in a laboratory setting for IPhO and in a classroom setting for IMO.
Participating in these competitions allows students to showcase their knowledge and problem-solving skills in their chosen subject. It also provides opportunities for international exchange and collaboration with other students who share a passion for physics or mathematics.
To prepare for these competitions, it is important to have a strong foundation in physics or mathematics and to practice solving challenging problems. Students can also benefit from studying previous years' exams and participating in training camps or workshops organized by their country's physics or mathematics association.