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Physics Olympics 2026: Coffee Can Racer Rules Updated Nov 16

  • 21 Nov 2025 3:52 PM
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    Message # 13565754
    Anonymous

    Please see the updated rules for the coffee can racer event. Several clarifications were added to the rules.

    Feel free to ask questions regarding any of the events in the forum here!
  • 10 Dec 2025 8:32 AM
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    Reply # 13571524 on 13565754
    Anonymous

    A few questions:

    1) For the coffee can I can see no fluids allowed.  I had a student ask about using "Silly Putty".  I would still consider this a fluid as it would form to the shape of its container.  I feel like there can be a blurry line between fluid/solid for some materials.  What are your thoughts on Silly Putty?

    2) For the barge event, it says the "bottom surface of barge must fit inside 15 cm x 15 cm".  I had a student build a barge with these dimensions on the bottom, and then the walls beveled outward towards the top of the barge. So that once underwater the barge is more than 15 x 15.  I would like to confirm if this design is OK or not?

    Thanks!
  • 13 Dec 2025 3:43 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 13572722 on 13565754
    Anonymous

    Great questions! Please see updated rules for the coffee can racer and the penny barge events.

    Fluids are not permitted. Additionally, spreadable materials such as peanut butter, spreadable putty, spreadable kinetic sand, etc. are not permitted. By spreadable materials we mean materials that might hold their shape but can be spread using a knife.

    In the penny barge event rules, rule g was added today. The barge should fit inside a box of dimensions 20 cm x 20 cm x 7 cm (H). Based on these requirements, your student's barge should be acceptable as long as it follows rule g that was just added.

    Let us know if you have any more questions!
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