Choose one Olympiad mechanics problem. Set a timer for 30 minutes. No notes, no solutions. Write down every assumption, equation, and attempt—even if you hit a dead end.
Never skip the Free Body Diagram. Most mistakes in mechanics happen because a force (like friction or normal force) was ignored. Are you preparing for a specific competition, or Choose one Olympiad mechanics problem
Many students freeze here. They look for a complex formula. The Olympiad solver breaks it down: no solutions. Write down every assumption
Define potential energy $U$. Let the table top be $U=0$. The potential energy of the hanging bit is the mass of the hanging bit times the height of its center of mass. Center of mass is at $-y/2$. Mass is $M(y Choose one Olympiad mechanics problem