Grades 7–12
Physics & Astronomy Olympiad
Physics and Astronomy are the cornerstones of our understanding of the universe. The Copernicus Physics & Astronomy Olympiad invites students to think not just as scientists, but as global citizens of the cosmos — exploring matter, energy, and the celestial mechanics that govern our place in space.
Syllabus
Three categories — Grades 7 through 12.
Category 1 — Grades 7 & 8
Physics
- Newton's laws of motion
- Types of forces
- Speed, velocity, acceleration
- Simple machines
- Forms and transformation of energy
- Sound waves and the Doppler effect
- Properties of light and lenses
- Electric circuits
- Heat transfer
- Fluid dynamics, buoyancy
Astronomy
- Solar system, the Sun
- Moon, planets, asteroids
- Asteroid and Kuiper belts
- Celestial motions, day/night, seasons, eclipses
- Stars, constellations, life cycle of stars
- Galaxies, Big Bang theory
- Meteor showers and auroras
Category 2 — Grades 9 & 10
Physics
- Kinematics in 1D and 2D
- Circular motion and gravitation
- Work, power, energy
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
- Electric circuits, Ohm's law
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Wave properties, Doppler effect
- Coulomb's and Gauss's laws
- Quantum mechanics fundamentals
- Photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality
- Nuclear physics
- Gas laws and kinetic theory
Astronomy
- Detailed study of the Sun
- Star life cycles and classification
- Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
- Types of galaxies and the Milky Way
- Expanding universe, Big Bang theory
- Dark matter, dark energy
- Cosmic microwave background
- Exoplanets and habitability
- Drake equation, Fermi paradox
- Supernovae, black holes, gamma-ray bursts
Category 3 — Grades 11 & 12
Physics
- Conservation laws (momentum, angular momentum)
- Impulse and collisions
- Rotational motion and torque
- Advanced gravitation
- Kinetic theory of gases
- Thermodynamic processes and entropy
- Electromagnetic induction, Faraday's and Lenz's laws
- AC circuits
- Interference, diffraction, polarisation
- Modern optics and quantum mechanics
- Special theory of relativity
- Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
Astronomy
- Stellar formation, evolution, nucleosynthesis
- Supernovae and neutron stars
- Galactic structure and dynamics
- Active galactic nuclei, quasars, blazars
- Large-scale structure of the universe
- Hubble's law
- Dark matter, dark energy, fate of the universe
- Inflationary theory
Format · Marking · Dates · Fees
The essentials.
Exam format
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Questions: 20 total
- Preliminary: 20 multiple-choice questions
- Global: 15 multiple-choice + 5 open-ended questions
- Qualifying: 40% in the Preliminary Round qualifies for the Global Round
- Languages: English, Spanish, Russian, French
Marking scheme
Preliminary
- 5 easy questions — 4 marks each (−1 for incorrect)
- 10 average questions — 5 marks each (−2 for incorrect)
- 5 hard questions — 6 marks each (−3 for incorrect)
- Total: 100 marks
Global
- 5 easy questions — 3 marks each (−1 for incorrect)
- 5 medium questions — 4 marks each (−2 for incorrect)
- 5 hard questions — 6 marks each (−3 for incorrect)
- 5 open-ended — 7 marks each (no negative marking)
- Total: 100 marks
Dates
- Round 1 (Preliminary): Sunday, 28 September 2025
- Round 2 (Preliminary): Sunday, 2 November 2025
Fees
- Preliminary: $20 USD
- Some countries may charge up to $30 to cover local awards, certificate printing and medal shipping.
- Global: Varies by venue — confirmed after Preliminary Round results.
- $200 USD non-refundable processing fee per Global Round registrant.
- Absolute Winners (youngest top scorers) of each category receive a fee waiver for the Global Round.
Recognition
Medals & certificates.
G
91–100%
Gold
Gold Medal + 10% discount on Global Round registration.
S
75–90%
Silver
Silver Medal + 5% discount on Global Round registration.
B
50–74%
Bronze
Bronze Medal for strong international performance.