Grade 12 Kinematics Test Study tips?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around study strategies for a Grade 12 Kinematics Test. The original poster expresses a desire to improve their performance from a previous test score of 69% to at least 75%. They seek tips on interpreting questions effectively, as they feel confident in their mathematical skills.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share various formulas and strategies for solving kinematics problems, emphasizing the importance of understanding key equations. Some suggest minimizing reliance on the formula sheet and focusing on memorizing essential equations. Others mention the value of practice problems and conceptual understanding.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided several tips and resources, including specific equations to remember and recommendations for practice problems. There is a general exchange of advice, but no explicit consensus on a single approach has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is preparing for a test with a formula sheet provided, and there is an emphasis on improving from a previous performance. Some participants reference external resources, such as lectures, to enhance understanding.

ryan8642
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1. The problem statement,
Last year in physics i did good on every test but the kinematics test.
i got a 69% on it...

Now i am in Grade 12 physics and my Kinematics Test is tuesday.
We are given a formula sheet.
I don't want to get another 69% on a kinematics test, i want to do good, like 75 and up.

Im just wondering if anyone has any study tips on how i will succeed with my goal.
I guess the main question I am asking is for tips on how to interpret the question quick and correctly, because my math is fine.
Practice test links would be great also.

Any tips are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks Ryan
 
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ryan8642 said:
1. The problem statement,
Last year in physics i did good on every test but the kinematics test.
i got a 69% on it...

Now i am in Grade 12 physics and my Kinematics Test is tuesday.
We are given a formula sheet.
I don't want to get another 69% on a kinematics test, i want to do good, like 75 and up.

Im just wondering if anyone has any study tips on how i will succeed with my goal.
I guess the main question I am asking is for tips on how to interpret the question quick and correctly, because my math is fine.
Practice test links would be great also.

Any tips are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks Ryan

My best advice would be not to use the formula sheet at all. Just remember these two equations:

velocity final = velocity intial + acceleration * time

displacement = velocity_initial * time + (1/2)acceleration * time ^ 2

You can use them simultaneously to solve any kinematic problem.
 
The_Journey said:
My best advice would be not to use the formula sheet at all. Just remember these two equations:

velocity final = velocity intial + acceleration * time

displacement = velocity_initial * time + (1/2)acceleration * time ^ 2

You can use them simultaneously to solve any kinematic problem.

That is a great tip thank you!
ill try to use just those 2 formulas when i am doing practice questions tonight.
 
There's really only one formula you need to remember, and it itself is a consequence of integrating constant acceleration (i.e. gravitational acceleration). Using this equation you can re-derive via algebra all the others in a matter of seconds, but yeah the two mentioned here are the ones I remember and use (the other one being very useful for the Kinetic Energy derivation).

x = x₀ + v₀t + ½at² (as was already mentioned).

And the second (in snazzy notation :rolleyes:)
v² = v₀² + 2a(x - x₀)


http://oyc.yale.edu/physics/fundamentals-of-physics

If you'd like an amazing lecture on why this equation works so well & how all of the other eq's are conceptually derived you should watch the first lecture in the above link, it's only 45 mins (well, you should at least watch the start of the second lecture too for the review).

Once you've got the equations down I advise you to do a lot of practice problems, especially on concepts like range and trajectory, as they did seem to trip me up a few times. The separation into x & y coordinates is really a blessing when you figure out that it's not just a means of torturing you :-p
 
sponsoredwalk said:
There's really only one formula you need to remember, and it itself is a consequence of integrating constant acceleration (i.e. gravitational acceleration). Using this equation you can re-derive via algebra all the others in a matter of seconds, but yeah the two mentioned here are the ones I remember and use (the other one being very useful for the Kinetic Energy derivation).

x = x₀ + v₀t + ½at² (as was already mentioned).

And the second (in snazzy notation :rolleyes:)
v² = v₀² + 2a(x - x₀)


http://oyc.yale.edu/physics/fundamentals-of-physics

If you'd like an amazing lecture on why this equation works so well & how all of the other eq's are conceptually derived you should watch the first lecture in the above link, it's only 45 mins (well, you should at least watch the start of the second lecture too for the review).

Once you've got the equations down I advise you to do a lot of practice problems, especially on concepts like range and trajectory, as they did seem to trip me up a few times. The separation into x & y coordinates is really a blessing when you figure out that it's not just a means of torturing you :-p

thanks a million =)
i will definitely watch the video
 
test was a piece of cake =D
 

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