Got a problem?

My last blog post was about a problem concerning a small ball rolling off a big one, rather contrived but interesting. After constructing a spreadsheet to model the motion I thought that maybe this would make a good topic for an investigation. The student could solve the original problem to find the angle then test this experimentally, build a computer model in Excel and test the results with Algodoo. Certainly enough depth there.

So, starting with a classic physics Olympiad sort of problem can lead to an investigation. This opens up a whole load of interesting prompts. Take any old A level problems text (I say old because I think they used to be more difficult) and you will find hundreds. I found this one on my book shelf so thought I'd see if there were any good investigation prompts.

Random selection:

Mass-spring system in a liquid. A cylinder of mass m and cross-sectional area A is floating in a liquid of density ρ. At equilibrium position a spring (of stiffness k) attaching the mass to the bottom of the container is at its natural length. If the cylinder is pushed and released will the subsequent motion be SHM?

I think this could be a good start. Solve the problem - test experimentally - construct model. From my quick flick through this text I can see there are many more. The more I look the more I find; motion in holes through the Earth, trolleys with pendulums hanging off them, interference in different shaped air films, resistance of an annular slab etc. etc. Pity it's out of print.