The Physics Olympiads were some of my most enjoyable experiences in high school and I hope to share the elegance of problem-solving, prevalent in such competitions, with more people. Writing this book has really been a fulfilling journey that has evoked many moments of nostalgia, ranging from the thrill of solving a problem to my past struggles when learning about physics. I am extremely grateful to the following people who have supported me in the course of writing — during my hardest times in national service — in one way or another.
My co-author, Bernard Ricardo. I can safely say that he is one of the best physics educators in Singapore. His enthusiasm and illuminating pedagogy during his lessons for the Physics Olympiad national training team inspired me to pursue and teach physics. It has been a joy working with him and his many insights have added a novel perspective to this book.
My teachers, Tan Jing Long, Mr Kwek Wei Hong and Mrs Ng Siew Hoon. I still remember the quirky jokes that the class makes during your lessons. Thank you for introducing me to physics and infecting me with your love for the subject.
My students, Cui Zizai, Mao Ziming, Chang Hexiang, Guo Yulong, Andrew Ke Yanzhe, Ryan Wong Jun Hui and many more. It was a pleasure to teach you and your inquisitiveness in our lessons together was a great source of motivation during my conscription. I am also grateful to you for proofreading chapters of this book and providing constructive feedback.
My friends, Jiang Yue and Ma Weijia. Thank you for taking time out from your busy university schedules to draw numerous diagrams for this book as I was preoccupied with National Service. This milestone would literally not have been possible without you.
My parents. Thank you for everything that you have done for me, from cooking meals at home to discussing life decisions with me. I would not be who I am today without you.
Finally, it is with the greatest joy that I present Competitive Physics and I hope that you enjoy the book!
— Wang Jinhui
It is a pleasure for me to present our book, Competitive Physics. The process of this book’s production, that has been thrilling and satisfying, could not be completed without these special people in my life whom I would like to extend my deepest, most heartfelt thanks.
My co-author, Wang Jinhui. This book was birthed out of his vision. He is one of the brightest young men that I know and it was extremely enjoyable to put our thoughts together. I hope this would be the start of many more collaborations and substantial discussions.
My mentor, Professor Yohanes Surya Ph.D. I was first introduced to the world of Physics Olympiads by him. Full of passion, he dedicated himself to impart his knowledge and love for physics to so many people. His slogan, Physics is Fun, has encouraged and inspired me to impact the world of Physics Education.
My wife, Yoanna Ricardo, daughter, Evangeline Ricardo, and son, Reinard Ricardo. Thank you so much for always supporting and praying for the completion of this book. The times at home and on the road with you were the times when I was most fruitful in writing and I am truly grateful for those memories.
For all our readers, I hope you will find this book enjoyable and have fun reading it as we have had fun writing it!
— Bernard Ricardo