Hi all,
I’m planning on taking the F=ma exam (the open exam for USAPHO) next year in 2019 , and my goal is to make semis for now. What is the level of physics understanding that one would need to know to qualify to semifinals? How much practice and depth of knowledge does a semis qualifier need?
I am currently self-studying AP Phys 1 this school year and will take the AP Test in may. Beyond AP Phys 1, what studying should I be doing to prepare myself?
Thanks!
Also, if you could direct me to resources I should use, that would also be great!
Heyo!
I’m taking the exam this month, a week and a half from now, in fact.
Content on the F=ma exam includes that from both AP Physics 1 and 2, as well as a few basic chemistry-oriented things like ideal gas law.
If you actually think you’ll make it to the next round (it is ~really~ hard to get that far) then you’ll also need to have knowledge of E&M and waves/oscillations, as well as much of the math you need for the actual competition (Taylor Expansions, basic linear DiffEQs, basically the first three undergraduate physics classes).
I think that’s about it. Get yourself a study book and start with AP Physics 1 and 2 if you’re serious about it.
@owsophomoreyear I am almost through with AP Phys 1 rn. Do you think ap physics C knowledge would suffice or would you need to go even more in depth?
@kaaaaatrina I took the exam 2 days ago. We’re not allowed to discuss the questions but there’s stuff on the exam from AP 1, AP 2, and AP C.