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F=ma Exam Preparation

Preparation Strategy

The F=ma exam serves as the essential gateway to the US Physics Team. We recommend that students attempt the exam in their 9th-grade year, ideally after mastering the AP Physics 1 curriculum and acquiring a foundational understanding of calculus. While the majority of F=ma problems are technically algebra-based, calculus remains a vital tool, offering a deeper conceptual framework and enabling more efficient, direct problem-solving techniques.

It is important to recognize the significant difficulty gap between the AP Physics 1 exam and the rigor of the F=ma competition. Our F=ma Training course is specifically engineered to bridge this divide, introducing advanced mechanics topics and sophisticated analytical strategies that go far beyond the standard high school classroom.

To build the confidence and speed necessary to excel on the F=ma exam, we recommend that students engage in rigorous practice using all available past exams. A strategic practice session should begin with a strictly timed attempt, followed by an untimed 'extension phase' to complete any remaining problems. Post-exam analysis is critical: students must achieve a total conceptual mastery of every question and its underlying principles. The ultimate objective is not just accuracy, but the ability to solve the entire set within the official time constraints. Given that the USAPhO is significantly more demanding than the F=ma, we advise students to aim for a comprehensive mastery of mechanics rather than simply aiming for the qualifying threshold. This higher standard of excellence ensures they are prepared for the advanced challenges of the semifinal round.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grade is proper for a student to start to prepare for the F=ma exam?

Normally I suggest starting at 9th grade. Therefore, the student must take the AP Physics 1 course and some calculus course in the 8th grade. Calculus is not required, but usually most of the students in my class have some calculus background, so I will not avoid using calculus when teaching physics or solving physics problems. Physics is a complicated subject to learn. It requires both the prerequisite knowledge and mental maturity, like patience, curiosity and perseverance.

Are there any extra concepts required by the F=ma exam but not taught in AP Physics 1?

It depends on the AP Physics 1 teacher. The official scope of AP Physics 1 is actually very broad and it should cover 90% of the concepts required by F=ma, but many schools may not cover all topics. Mechanics wave is a topic that is required by F=ma, but it has been in and out of the AP Physics 1 scope many times. Dimensionally analysis and experiment methods are also topics that many schools or training classes may skip.

If a student has already taken AP Physics C course, does he need to take the F=ma training?

For most of students, Yes, except for those talents that can self-learn everything. Problems in F=ma exams are usually complicated that requires advanced analysis skills and familiarity with many physics models that are not the emphasis of AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C. The F=ma training course focuses on these physics models and problem-solving skills.

Do we need to save all problems of past-exams for mock-up exams in the end?

No. Just leave 1 or 2 exams to warm up. Use the past exam problems to practice and realize what you need to improve. Once your skill level is higher than the exam, the exam will become an easy one.

How to make the transition from F=ma preparation to USAPHO preparation?

The USAPHO exam is 10 times more difficult than F=ma. The scope of physics knowledge is larger and it is much more complex. Because after the result of F=ma, there are only 2 to 3 weeks until the USAPHO exam. Not enough time to prepare. My USAPHO class lasts for almost a whole year. Here is what I recommend. If a student prepares for F=ma exam in the autumn of the previous year and pass the exam in the current year, follow my USAPHO class from April and set the goal to get a bronze or silver medal in the next year. Gold medal really depends on the gift of a student and how mature a student is.