This week’s new questions

Could a rope be made long, light and strong enough for a tug-of-war over the 42 kilometres between Dover, UK, and Calais, France? And why do speakers at public events wave their hands around so much?

7 December 2022

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I am fascinated by the idea of a tug of war between Dover, UK, and Calais, France, with thousands of people on each side, 42 kilometres apart. Could a rope be made long, light and strong enough for this?

James Campbell,

Canterbury, Kent, UK

2J7J6G8 Berlin, Germany, May 09, 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a joint press conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, May 09, 2022. This is Macrons first official visit after his re-election. The two leaders will discuss bilateral matters and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.(Photo by Omer Messinger) — Omer Messinger/Alamy

Why do speakers at public events wave their hands around so much?

Jon Blake,

Gisborne, Victoria, Australia

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