Corrections to the Australian Physics Olympiad Questions and Solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around corrections and critiques of the Australian Physics Olympiad questions and solutions, focusing on the classification of issues, potential errors in the marking scheme, and suggestions for clearer problem descriptions. It includes aspects of theoretical analysis and problem-solving related to physics education.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Participants classify issues with the Olympiad solutions into categories such as quibbles, suggestions for clearer descriptions, alternative solutions, and significant errors that could affect marking.
  • A tally matrix is presented to summarize the classification of issues across different years of the Olympiad.
  • One participant questions whether the criticisms have been communicated to the organizers of the Olympiad, suggesting that they should be given a chance to respond.
  • Another participant confirms they have contacted the organizers but has not yet received a response, indicating ongoing attempts to reach them.
  • There are requests for assistance with a specific homework problem related to a rocket, indicating a blend of discussion topics within the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the solutions and the classification of issues, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved regarding the accuracy of the Olympiad materials.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific questions and solutions from past Olympiad exams, which may depend on particular interpretations of physics concepts and problem statements.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for physics competitions, educators involved in physics curriculum development, and participants in physics forums may find the insights and critiques valuable.

haruspex
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ref: asi.edu.au/programs/past-exams/physics-olympiad-past-exams/
Classification of issues:
[1*] Quibble regarding the solution.
[2*] Clearer problem description suggested.
[3*] Alternative solution should be accepted
[4*] Significant error, likely leading to incorrect marking.
Tally matrix:

Year1*2*3*4*

20193000

20172202

20161120

20152213

20140101

20131001

20120000

20111010

20102011

20091010

Total13668

2019
https://www.asi.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ASOE_Physics_2019-answers.pdf
Q11 c) [1*]
“If Jackie moves more quickly, the force of Object 1 on Object 2 is larger and can exceed the maximum force due to...

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@haruspex : have you contacted the folks at asi.edu.au to make them aware of these criticisms, and give them the opportunity (possibly) to respond? If not, I'll do so.
 
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strangerep said:
@haruspex : have you contacted the folks at asi.edu.au to make them aware of these criticisms, and give them the opportunity (possibly) to respond? If not, I'll do so.
I emailed them last Saturday. No response yet.

Edit: As a result of your question I sent a second email. This time I got an out-office-response and an alternative email address, so I'm trying that.
 
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Can you help me on solving the post on hw, Hitting the rocket please?
 
MichaelTam said:
Can you help me on solving the post on hw, Hitting the rocket please?
If you want a particular contributor to post on a thread, just make a post there that includes "@username", e.g. @haruspex.