So you're an amateur physicist

[Aeneas]

Here are 78 challenges for Duke University undergraduates. Can you solve at least one?
http://www.phy.duke.edu/~hsg/physics-cha...enges.html

[M.Helen]

That was very difficult for me, I couldn't solve even one. I've always hated physics and everything related to it. I think it is interesting though... Can anybody solve at least one of these exercises?

[Aeneas]

The solutions are amazing (and sometimes counterintuitive). So take the problem of the paineter:

A painter is high up on a ladder, painting a house, when unfortunately the ladder starts to fall over from the vertical. Determine which is the less harmful action for the painter: to let go of the ladder right away and fall to the ground, or to hang on to the ladder all the way to the ground.

Entertain yourself by reading the proposed mathematical solutions (differential calculus and all) and all the arguments against it at: http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=160729

[Benn]

I think the answer is the first - to fall off the ladder. That is due to maintaining the situation under control and fall far from the ladder, so you could have enough place.