User:Aoum/F=ma
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F=ma
What is the F=ma Contest
The F=ma is a physics contest organized by the Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). The F=ma exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions related to classical mechanics, and tests skills on how to apply fundamental principles to real-world scenarios. There is no negative marking, so remember to put an answer for every question.
The top 400 students approximately on the F=ma are invited to take the USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO). The cut-off is usually between 14-18 for the USAPhO.
There are two exams "F=ma A" and "F=ma B". Students may take both F=ma A & B exams, but they must meet or exceed the cutoff score for both exams to move on to the USAPhO exam. There is no benefit for students to take both exams.
The exams are typically held in February. The problems can be solved without the use of calculus, although knowing basic calculus can help you find quicker solution for some problems.
Who can take the F=ma
Students taking the F=ma exam must be either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or currently attending a U.S. school.
Where can you take the F=ma
Both the F=ma and USAPhO exams must be proctored. Parents or relatives of students are not acceptable proctors. It is expected that competitors will take the exam at their local school, though they may take the exam elsewhere if needed. Homeschooled students should contact nearby high schools, community colleges, or universities to ask if they can take the exam there. Parents or relatives of homeschooled students are not acceptable proctors.
How to score high on the F=ma
So, how can you score well on the F=ma? Here are four key things to focus on:
- Understanding all the content: The exams asks questions only on mechanics, so you need to understand all the topics in mechanics and learn how to apply them to complex scenarios.
- Solving the problems accurately: You need to simulate test conditions to learn how to avoid common mistakes like calculation errors, silly mistakes, misreading the questions, etc.
- Working quickly: You need to finish 25 problems in 75 minutes, and you need to learn good time management so you can attempt most of the questions without getting stuck.
