<p>This thread is for all things pertinent to the F=ma exam, physics, and the physics olympiad.</p>
<p>Sorry, I might be ignorant, but what exactly is the F=ma exam?</p>
<p>F=ma is one of the most important laws of Newtonian Mechanics, which makes up most of the AP Physics test in May.</p>
<p>The F=ma is the first round of the Physics Olympiad, and tests only on mechanics. 250 high scorers advance to the Semifinals; 20 from there advance to a training camp; 6 from there represent the USA at the IPhO (international physics olympiad).</p>
<p>You need to get about 16 questions right to advance to the semifinal test</p>
<p>Yes I happen to know that it’s Force = mass * acceleration</p>
<p>But, I was just wondering what test it was</p>
<p>Hmmm maybe I should try out this physics olympiad. Just… im only in physics B so don’t know much yet(only Newtonian Mechanics, no fluids, elec & mag, etc)</p>
<p>It only covers mechanics (maybe a fluids question).</p>
<p>And it’s usually 12-14 questions, but last year was a bit unusual in that regard. I need to start prepping…</p>
<p>I was told that you can take this test only once. Is this the true? I want to know if I should take it this year, or wait until next year when I will have sufficient knowledge for the test.</p>
<p>How do you guys suggest studying?</p>
<p>^^^that. I am going to try for next but when do results come out and I really want to know what to study.</p>
<p>Also is it worth it to take it your senior year?</p>
<p>-Metal: Take some old practice tests, make sure you know all the major concepts in Mechanics. My AP Physics C class will only cover half the curriculum when I take the exam, so I’m self-studying out of my school’s textbook :P. As long as you have the concepts down, I think you should be fine…? It’s definitely not as supermajorcrammy as USABO is, if you were to start studying now.</p>
<p>-000ooo: I have a handful of senior friends who are; why not :P? They said they’re going to last minute add the results (if they make semis) to their college apps by calling in or w/e… worth a shot XD?</p>
<p>Sounds good. I think I will just do that. It would also be a good boost if I got wait listed somewhere and could send that in as well. Also how many people make finals and any book suggestions?</p>
<p>5 days ahhhhhh so nervous lol</p>
<p>When are you guys taking it? I’m taking it on January 31.</p>
<p>I studied by going through a Physics C: Mechanics review book and I’m doing all the old exams on the AAPT website, where I’m averaging about a 18-20. A 16 is almost always the “safe” score so I’m really hoping I’ll move on to the next round. Are you guys noticing a “pattern” in each test? Like for the hard questions, if there are 2 clearly plausible answers, but 1 is found by using the obvious, simplest method, it’s almost always the other answer because it’s a hard question and requires a significant amount of work?</p>
<p>Hey guys, I’m in AP Physics C and we’re just finishing up Mechanics with gravitation right now. I’ve taken a few F=ma exams and they’ve been pretty manageable. Like I got a 15.75 on the 2007 one (idk if easier/harder than average), so I think I have a good chance at semis.</p>
<p>My question is, if I was to make semis, how would I go about studying for E/M, fluids, etc. that might appear. My school uses Tipler (I think 4th ed), and I was wondering if there’s any way I could ramp up my knowledge quickly.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Took it today… PM me to discuss i’ll provide proof…</p>
<p>actually it would be easier if you just emailed me</p>
<p>(email address deleted by moderator - not allowed on CC)</p>
<p>Kind of a late response to this thread, but tehal, how do you think it was? I actually don’t know how to private message, LOL… don’t see any sort of ‘send message’ thing.</p>
<p>Not asking you for answers, just how you think it was in comparison to previous years’ exams?</p>
<p>^^ i’m curious too! haha CC won’t let me PM you tehal</p>