<p>What's the answer to the question about the prism made of a new kind of plastic (Flexiglass or something) that had an index of diffraction that was equal for every wavelength that passed through it?</p>
<p>Was it that a beam of white light would pass through it deflected?</p>
<p>are all you guys in AP and honors physics
can i get a good score coming from regents physics?</p>
<p>Well apparently you only need one year of physics class to take the test. I'm in my second year of it and I thought it was fairly difficult. There were definitely things on there that we did not cover until AP.</p>
<p>I think you guys are right Spooky and anonymous. This is my first year of physics (ap C), so I was not entirely ready. A general physics class probably would have been better preparation, but preparing for tests is not the point of physics. ;)</p>
<p>aren't we not supposed to discuss m.c.'s online because collegeboard could sue us for billions of dollars? (and make us pay an extra fee for implicating them in a lawsuit)</p>
<p>No, it's ok to discuss SAT II mc's. I'm guessing you haven't seen the uber long US History thread.</p>
<p>So is it a general consensus that the test was hard? I'm hoping for a really nice curve.</p>
<p>Actually I found the test easier than I expected. There were a couple of questions I didn't answer. I think I did pretty well.</p>
<p>But I am curious to know whether you can actually get an 800 while missing 12 points. I hope so. :-)</p>
<p>Hey perplexitudinous, which prep book did you use?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I used the CollegeBoard's "SAT Subject Test Preparation Booklet" that I got from my counselors. It's available on-line. It gave a nice list of concepts to review, and practice problems.</p></li>
<li><p>I used some of the introductory physics textbooks at my community college. (I took physics last year so I don't have a textbook.) I spent several hours a week for a couple weeks before the test.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Edit: If you want to learn physics, I definitely say the <em>BEST</em> way is to read graduate-level textbooks in physics-related areas that interest you (you can find these books in university libraries). There is no hand-holding. It forces you to think, sometimes for hours, just to interpret a single equation.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That's what our AP teacher says and probably why we all hate his guts right now with the coming examinations haha.</p>
<p>To be honest, I learn most of my physics and mathematics outside of class. There are so many resources available... online lecture notes... advanced textbooks... every resource you could possibly imagine at your local university or even community college... participation in science competitions... the list goes on.</p>
<p>However, as a high school student, isnt comprehending a an undergraduate level physics book let alone a graduate level physics book? so how?</p>
<p>Also, do you just read the chapter then do the problems and keep doing this for all chapters?</p>
<p>wazzup:</p>
<p>I read chapters until I get a headache, then I put down the book.</p>
<p>I hate textbook problems. They are almost always contrived and leave out key physical aspects to simplify the math. I only solve textbook problems when I have to for school. Outside school, I just work on whatever curious problem or question occurs to me as I read or think. I rarely actually SOLVE anything, but it is a great way to learn (but it uses up pens and notebooks pretty quickly).</p>
<p>Oh, and it is difficult to comprehend college books. In my experience, it generally takes time for a concept to materialize in my mind.</p>
<p>Blackboards/whiteboards & collaboration also help sometimes.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Outside school, I just work on whatever curious problem or question occurs to me as I read or think. I rarely actually SOLVE anything, but it is a great way to learn (but it uses up pens and notebooks pretty quickly).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Can you please elaborate? Are these questions which you ask yourself all conceptual in nature? I am currently in an AP physics B course at school and I suck! Everytime I'm confronted with a relatively complex world problem, I blank out and can't put the information into perspective or visualize the scenario in mind ( for example: electric fields,etc ) .. Not sure what im doing wrong... :(</p>
<p>I generally like to concentrate on mathematically-oriented problems as opposed to conceptual problems. At least for me, understanding the math helps with understanding the concepts.</p>
<p>One problem which always interested me was free-fall. You know the x=x0+v0t+1/2at^2 equation that you learn for distance traveled under constant acceleration? When something falls over large distances (say, a significant fraction of the distance between the Earth and the Moon), the variation in the force of gravity with distance becomes important. Last September, I was reading the section in Mary Boas' textbook "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" about infinite sums and realized that I could apply it to free-fall. I spent several months working on that, came up with an answer, and brought it to the science fair.</p>
<p>Also you should know that some textbooks are much better than others. I know I didn't have a particularly good book when I took physics. If your book isn't helping you to understand the concepts, there are three things you might do:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Talk to your teacher.</p></li>
<li><p>Search Google.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to a community college and find some introductory physics textbooks. Some may be better than the one you are using for class.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>
[quote]
One problem which always interested me was free-fall. You know the x=x0+v0t+1/2at^2 equation that you learn for distance traveled under constant acceleration? When something falls over large distances (say, a significant fraction of the distance between the Earth and the Moon), the variation in the force of gravity with distance becomes important. Last September, I was reading the section in Mary Boas' textbook "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" about infinite sums and realized that I could apply it to free-fall. I spent several months working on that, came up with an answer, and brought it to the science fa
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The problem I would have if I was in your place would be coming up with an answer.. Knowing what you knew at first, I would not know how to proceed. Am not sure if this is because I can't think to that level or because I dont have enough knowledge to help me do that. </p>
<p>I use the Giancoli book for my physics class.. Am probably going to try and use some other intro book.. I guess my problem is that reading the textbook and practicing problems just doesnt excite me. Its more like a chore than anythign else.. :(</p>
<p>There is no universal law stating that you must like physics. Some people do and some don't. I happen to like physics, but it is apparent that some have much more passion for chemistry or biology, or literature, etc., and there is nothing wrong with that. I personally have a hard time with much of chemistry.</p>
<p>Also, you've got to give your mind time, and time... and more time. The free-fall problem had been in my mind for perhaps eight to ten months before I started reading Mathematical Methods. During that time I worked on other things but kept the free-fall problem in mind.</p>
<p>is it possible to just self-study for the SATII physics exam if i took about an hour a day during my summer breaK to do so?</p>
<p>btw, the next SAT II subject test date is January right?</p>
<p>The next subject test date is June 3. After that you'll need to wait until after the summer break.</p>
<p>Re:self-study exam?</p>
<p>I'd say yes, at least if you've taken at least one course in physics already. An hour a day for the entire summer is more than adequate, I think, as long as you don't take too much time on any one concept. The test is broad, not deep.</p>
<p>bleh, i haven't taken the course yet</p>
<p>but seeing that 90% of the teachers at our school suck i wouldn't depend on our physics course to learn anything</p>
<p>i was leaning more towards borrowing the college-level introductory to physics books that our class (physics H, not AP, our crappy school doesn't allow us to take AP until senior year) will be using next year</p>
<p>edit: oh btw perplex, i meant what's the next testing date after the June one </p>
<p>thanks</p>