'This instructive book will allow aspiring young scientists to test and expand their knowledge of physics and mathematics, and gain greater confidence in their abilities.' -- Professor Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith FRS, Director General of CERN (1994-98) 'A real tour de force of scientific problems. Thomas Povey is clearly a master at this kind of conundrum ... Fascinating.' -- John Farndon, author of Do You Think You're Clever? 'Entry to selective universities will often require students to demonstrate that they have engaged in super-curricular activities which develop their awareness and understanding of their subject. Tom Povey has provided in this book enough super-curricular content to keep an aspiring mathematician, physicist, engineer or material scientist (and their teachers) happy for months. For a parent or teacher who wants to pro-actively support a student in preparing for entry to a competitive science or maths course this is a no-brainer purchase.' -- Mike Nicholson, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach, University of Oxford (2006-14), Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions, University of Bath 'This book is about the excitement of mathematics and physics at the school/university boundary. It contains a remarkable collection of intriguing intellectual challenges, all with complete solutions. You can read it to increase your ability in maths and physics; you can read it to develop your problem-solving skills; but most of all you can read it for fun.' -- Professor Richard Prager, Head of the School of Technology, University of Cambridge 'By challenging students with unfamiliar but engaging problems, I hope Professor Povey inspires many more budding physicists and mathematicians to realise their potential.' -- Sir Peter Lampl, Founder and Chairman of the Sutton Trust

'This instructive book will allow aspiring young scientists to test and expand their knowledge of physics and mathematics, and gain greater confidence in their abilities.' -- Professor Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith FRS, Director General of CERN (1994-98) 'A real tour de force of scientific problems. Thomas Povey is clearly a master at this kind of conundrum - both at thinking up problems and providing the answers. The science students who manage to answer these questions in their interview are really well worth their place! Fascinating.' -- John Farndon, author of Do You Think You're Clever?

Thomas Povey is Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where he researches jet-engine and rocket technology. His science puzzles have appeared in the Guardian and been featured on BBC Radio 4.