'F=ma' Physics competition preparation help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparation strategies for the F=ma physics competition, focusing on study methods, resources, and the differences between competition physics and traditional school physics. Participants share their experiences and suggestions for newcomers to the competition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests downloading actual F=ma exams to understand the format and difficulty, recommending a self-test approach to identify weaknesses.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of mastering AP Physics C, noting that while calculus is not expected, understanding the relationship between parabolas and their rates of change is beneficial.
  • Memorization of basic equations is highlighted as crucial, with an estimate of needing to memorize around 20-30 key equations for effective problem-solving.
  • Some participants express gratitude for the advice shared, indicating that practice tests could help in identifying areas for improvement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of familiarizing oneself with the competition format and the necessity of mastering certain physics concepts and equations. However, there is no consensus on the best overall approach to studying, as different strategies are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the varying levels of prior knowledge among participants and the potential differences in how competition physics is taught compared to traditional academic settings. Specific study techniques and resources are mentioned but not universally endorsed.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for the F=ma physics competition, educators looking for insights into competition preparation, and individuals interested in competitive physics study strategies.

mathisrad
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TL;DR Summary: How should I study for the F=ma competition as a total newby to competition physics?

Hi, next year I'm hoping to do the F=ma physics competition. I wanted to start preparing beforehand so Im not too panicked a day before the competition. Does anybody with experience in this competition know any good places to start? Should I just learn AP Physics C well? Or should I look at the competition differently than the school system's way of teaching physics? I know most of Calculus 1 and some Physics but not many of the formulas memorized, I'm also experienced in competition math and science olympiad.
 
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I think that the best preparation is to know what to expect. Go to the F=ma competition site and download one of their actual exams. This one from 2025 has 25 problems to be completed in 75 minutes. Use it as a self-test and see how many you can do within the allotted time. Solutions are provided, but I wouldn't peek if I were you. The idea is to expose your weaknesses under field conditions and see where you need to concentrate your efforts towards improving your performance.

I think that mastery of AP Physics C will be very useful. It seems that calculus is not expected but you should know that rate of change of a parabola is a straight line and conversely when the rate of change of a function is a straight line, the function itself is a parabola.

Also you need to memorize the basic equations that should serve as starting points for constructing your solutions. My guess about their number is 20-30. If you have to look up an equation when you do the self-test, then that is an equation that you need to memorize.
 
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kuruman said:
I think that the best preparation is to know what to expect. Go to the F=ma competition site and download one of their actual exams. This one from 2025 has 25 problems to be completed in 75 minutes. Use it as a self-test and see how many you can do within the allotted time. Solutions are provided, but I wouldn't peek if I were you. The idea is to expose your weaknesses under field conditions and see where you need to concentrate your efforts towards improving your performance.

I think that mastery of AP Physics C will be very useful. It seems that calculus is not expected but you should know that rate of change of a parabola is a straight line and conversely when the rate of change of a function is a straight line, the function itself is a parabola.

Also you need to memorize the basic equations that should serve as starting points for constructing your solutions. My guess about their number is 20-30. If you have to look up an equation when you do the self-test, then that is an equation that you need to memorize.
Thanks so much, I'll definitely try doing a practice test or two to see what I need to work on
 

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