What do you guys think of my Mechanics final?

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The discussion revolves around the perceived difficulty of a physics exam featuring four main questions, each with multiple parts. Participants express varying opinions on the exam's complexity, with many considering it relatively easy, especially for a junior-level course. The consensus suggests that the questions require straightforward applications of concepts without demanding extensive critical thinking or synthesis of new ideas. Some participants note that the exam's length and the number of questions do not necessarily correlate with difficulty, as the questions seem to be more about applying known principles rather than solving complex problems. There is also a debate about the course level, with some confusion regarding what constitutes a junior-level course in the context of physics education. Overall, while some find the exam manageable, others express concerns about the adequacy of preparation for more challenging assessments in advanced mechanics.
  • #31
Easier than the one I took on Thursday.
 
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  • #32
mxbob468 said:
problem 5 is an extremely easy pdes problem but i imagine it becomes increasingly difficult when you're not in/haven't taken a pdes class. i don't see the point of this. if mechanics requires knowledge of pdes then require the students to take pdes prior to mechanics but don't hastily try to squeeze it in.

PDEs is covered in one of the prereqs for the course, Math 54 ( Linear algebra/Differential Equations).
 
  • #33
Math 54 isn't a pre-req for H7A.
 
  • #34
Physics for Scientists and Engineers -- Physics (PHYSICS) H7A [4 units]
Course Format: Three hours of lecture, one hour of discussion, and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: High school physics; Math 1A or 1AS; Math 1B or 1BS (may be taken concurrently); Math 53; Math 54.
Credit option: Students will received no credit for H7A after taking 7A.
Description: Honors sequence corresponding to 7A-7B-7C, but with a greater emphasis on theory as opposed to problem solving. Recommended for those students who have had advanced Physics on the high school level and who are intending to declare a major in physics. Entrance into H7A is decided on the basis of performance on an examination given during the first week of class or the consent of the instructor, and into H7B-H7C on performance in previous courses in a standard sequence.
(F,SP) Staff


Doesn't it say 54 in the prereqs list?
 
  • #35
edit:oops double post
 
Last edited:
  • #36
That's strange, but the first day of lecture the professor said that the pre-reqs for the class were just to take Math 53 concurrently. Most of the freshman in the class (that I know of) are in 53 or 54 this semester. For the final this year, I wouldn't expect a question similar to #6. #5 is okay without 54 though.

Most of the LA stuff we need are learned in class and you aren't expected to know it beforehand (although it's very simple), such as taking eigenvalues to find angular frequency.
 

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