Good Puzzles/ Interview Questions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the need for physics-based brain teasers for an upcoming academic interview for an undergraduate Physics course. Participants emphasize the importance of puzzles that require elegant application of familiar physics concepts to unfamiliar problems, rather than advanced technical knowledge. Several links to specific brain teasers and enigmas from the Physics Forums are provided, showcasing a variety of puzzles that can aid in interview preparation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics concepts
  • Familiarity with problem-solving techniques in physics
  • Ability to apply mathematical reasoning
  • Knowledge of common physics puzzles and brain teasers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research classic physics brain teasers and their solutions
  • Explore problem-solving strategies in physics interviews
  • Practice with puzzles from resources like Physics Forums
  • Review common interview questions for undergraduate physics programs
USEFUL FOR

Prospective physics students, educators preparing students for interviews, and anyone interested in enhancing their problem-solving skills in physics.

bananabandana
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I'm applying to study an undergrad Physics course.

I have an (academic) interview coming up next week. Was wondering if anyone around here knew any physics based brain teasers that might come up? Would be much appreciated! :)

Ideally it would be less technical and more of a puzzle - they don't expect you to have learned 'extra' Physics, per se, but just to be very elegant in applying it to unfamiliar problems based on familiar material.

Thanks for all the help :)
 
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Some enigmas from my thread:
(some math and logic mixed in)
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4492426&postcount=24
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4493345&postcount=29
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4496631&postcount=55
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4497429&postcount=68
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4507529&postcount=136
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4507975&postcount=145
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4510260&postcount=219
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4514205&postcount=248
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4516208&postcount=278
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4516616&postcount=292
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4516938&postcount=305
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4517335&postcount=310
The best one probably: https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4518892&postcount=327
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4520883&postcount=401
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4521152&postcount=404
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4521260&postcount=409
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4523056&postcount=457
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4528108&postcount=513
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4531459&postcount=523
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4535354&postcount=609
till page 34
find the others yourself...
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=706554&page=34
P.S. If you know some please do ask in the thread :smile:

E- P.P.S. Yes, this is me begging for more puzzles.
 
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