Which problem book to do for Physics Olympiad?

[aspiringPhysics19]

Hi there,

I know this question has been asked a million times but I need some help.

Essentially, I am studying for F=MA/UsaPhO with the goal to make camp or IPhO(?) this year.

I have begun studying with University Physics with Modern Physics, and yesterday read the first chapter of the E&M section. I have also heard that Irodov's book is good, but when I am looking at like problem 3.3 for example, I am unsure where to get started with it. I am sure over some time with a hint or two I could figure it out, but what should I do here?

I am also fairly proficient with mechanics, but even have a tough time with the mechanics Irodov problems.

I am really unsure if I am just bad at problem solving/physics, or that these are just harder problems. (USAPhO+ level?) Do you have any advice for me? (how to begin tackling these sorts of problems/easier problems that can ease me into this mindset of problem solving using physics?) Ideas for other books maybe? I just really need some advice about how to begin.

Thank you so much for all of your help.

 

[ergospherical]

You could get some help on problems you're having trouble with in the homework sub-forum. Irodov 3.3. is the one about the two suspended, charged spheres, with charge leaking away, yes? If so, did you i) draw a picture and ii) try and write down the equilibrium conditions on the forces?

 

[Doc Al]

Have you checked out the two-volume set of books "Competitive Physics" by Jinhui Wang & Bernard Ricardo?

 

[Hamiltonian]

after you are done with the basics you could use Kalda's handouts:
https://www.ioc.ee/~kalda/ipho/
also Kevin Zhou has started to make his notes and handouts available for free, do check out his Advice for Introductory physics handout, as it will answer almost all of you questions related to physics Olympiads.
https://knzhou.github.io/

 

[paralleltransport]

Checkout Kevin Zhou he has very good outline of how to prepare for olympiads and even full problem sets available as mentioned. It's the best resource I know online.

Besides that, Irodov has well known solution manual you can download. When I was in high school I also had difficulties with irodov. At the beginning I reversed engineered the answers from the answers in the back and after enough problems I managed to solve them mostly but it took a lot of practice. Note however that to really do irodov, you need some calculus.

The rough order of progressive mastery would be:
1. Work on "exercise" type problems from typical textbook like University physics or halliday/krane.
2. Work on irodov.

Tackling irodov right away after learning new concept may be counterproductive. It assumes you already mastered the concept.