AMC 10A/12A Contests (High School and Advanced Middle School Students)
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N210 - Introductory Physics Olympiad
The class focuses on an algebra approach to physics problem solving. The problem difficulties are between SAT II Physics and AP Physics B. It prepares students to take the AAPT Physics Bowl exam.
Textbook
There are many books suitable for an entry level introduction to Physics. The followings are recommended textbooks:
- Hewitt, Paul G.. 2005. Conceptual Physics, 10th ed. Addison Wesley Publishing (ISBN-10: 0805393757).
- Kaplan SAT Subject Test: Physics 2009 - 2010 Edition
Optional textbook (for advanced students who would like to take the AP Physics B exam):
- Giancoli, Douglas C. 2004. Physics: Principles with Applications, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall (ISBN-10: 0130606200).
- Cracking the AP Physics B Exam, 2009 Edition by The Preceton Review.
Schedule
Homework solutions will be posted when available.
| week | Topic | Problem set 1 | problem set 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linear Motion | 1.1. Units and Scientific Notation | 1.2. Velocity and Acceleration |
| 2 | Falling Objects | 2.1. Falling Objects | 2.2. Kinematics |
| 3 | Motion Graphical Analysis | 3.1. Graphical Analysis of Motion | 3.2. Free Falls |
| 4 | Equilibrium Rules | 4.1 The Euilibrium Rules | 4.2. Kinematics Review |
| 5 | Newton's Laws of Motion | 5.1 Newton's Law of Motion | 5.2. Motion Graphics |
| 6 | Weight and Tension | 6.1 Weight and Tension | 6.2. Newton's Law of Motion |
| 7 | Friction | 7.1 Friction | 7.2. Weight and Tension |
| 8 | Impulse & Momentum | 8.1 Impulse and Momentum | 8.2. Friction |
| 9 | Work and Energy | 9.1 Work and Energy | 9.2. Impulse and Momentum |
| 10 | Energy Conservation | 10.1 Work and Energy | 10.2 Impulse and Momentum |
Mathematics Background
This course uses an algebra approach to entry level physics. If you know how to solve the following problems, you have enough mathematics background to take this class. You are allowed to use a calculator for these problems.
- Scientific Notation: The distance between Neptune and Sun is 4,5000,000,000 km. Express the distance in scientific notation.
- Distance and Slope: An object moves from coordinate point A (2, 3) to B (5, 7). What is the distance and the slope of the movement?
- Falling Objects: A ball is thrown downward with an initial velocity of 3.00 m/s from a tower 70.0 m high. The distance of its falling is described by y = 3t + 10t2. How many seconds will take the ball to reach the ground?
- Atwood's Machine: Two masses suspended over a pulley by a cable can be described in the following two equations. If m1 is 150 kg, m2 is 100 kg, and g = 10 m/s2, find the value of tension (T) and acceleration (a).
T - m1g = -m1a
T - m2g = m2a
Important Dates
- Febuary 1, 2010: 2010 United States Physics Olympiad Preliminary Exam.
- May 1, 2010: SAT II Physics Exam
- May 10, 2010: AP Physics B Exam
- June 5, 2010: SAT II Physics Exam
- April 1 - 15: AAPT PhysicsBowl Competition
Avid Students Won Two First Places in National Math Contest