<p>Hi everyone (not sure if this is the right place to post this, but whatever), I passed the F=ma qualifying test and I'm going to take the semifinal test in about a week. I understand I have to practice with the previous years' tests but I don't know where to find the information they're testing people on. For example, my book explains gravity and Kepler's Laws but I can't do orbital motion problems like the A4 question in the 2012 semifinal test. Does anyone know a good textbook that will explain all the information you need to know for the exam? Like something that will cover mechanics, E&M, Thermo, Relativity, Optics, etc. with sufficient depth to be able to understand what's being asked on a semifinal test? Thanks!</p>
<p>Well I’m no expert but I’m also preparing (next year- how was this year?), and, while they say ‘intro physics’, it is above ap physics c level. My study plan is to finish Newtonian Mechanics by French as E & M by Purcell by summers end, then marion thornton although I may not need the lagrangian/hamiltonian stuff [experienced people- is it too much? thnx]. I’ve heard people recommend ‘An intro to mechanics’ by kleppner but there are no answers available so it would be hard to self-study. As for thermo/optics etc, my plan is to master them at the level of giancoli, serway, etc, ie ap phys c level; the 2 hard problems are always on mech and e & m.</p>
<p>I believe it certainly is possible for me to make it if I keep studying. They don’t however, tell what score is needed to get to make camp, but non of the problems seem out of reach.</p>