<p>For the F=ma exam, do we need to know calculus? If so, to what extent? (Single variable, multivariable, etc.) Also, does the F=ma exam cover only mechanics or does it cover electricity and magnetism as well?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>It focuses on mechanics and the problems can be solved without calculus.</p>
<p>@skieurope: how would you recommend preparing for it? I have Halliday, Resnick, and Walker’s Fundamentals of Physics (forgot which edition) as well as Giancoli’s Physics. I would ideally like to have most (if not all) of mechanics down in seven months, since I’ll be taking the F=ma exam then. Would you recommend that I learn algebra/trig based mechanics first (for the F=ma exam) and, if I qualify for semis, focusing on calculus+electricity/magnetism? Or should I start focusing on calculus now? </p>
<p>I don’t know from what level you are starting, but definitely get mechanics under your belt before moving on to E&M. Calc you can do concurrently with mechanics, or wait; there’s not that much calc knowledge needed for the semis.</p>
<p>@skieurope : I’ve had no previous physics background; I’m taking Physics B this year, but I’ll be self studying whatever physics I can through Halliday/Resnick/Walker. So there’s no calc at all for the qualifying? For semis, what little calc knowledge do you need? Just basic differentiation/integration?
For the mechanics portion, how would you recommend studying? Are we allowed formula sheets on the F=ma, or do we have to have the formulas memorized? If the latter, any tips on how to do that efficiently? </p>
<p>I’d be fine with just making semis with physics olympiad, so I’m just looking for a good F=ma score at this point. I should dedicate my resources to learning mechanics thoroughly to accomplish this, yes? </p>