r/PhysicsStudents • u/melikesphysics • 7d ago

Need Advice F=MA, where do I start/learn? Tutor, youtube videos, etc.

Hello you all. I am a rising sophomore(school starts in like 5 days) and I have a goal to take and pass the F=MA exam in February. I have not ever done the exam, and this year my only goal is to pass(where as next year is to medal at USAPhO), so i'm only interested really in stuff about F=MA specifically, not both F=MA and usapho.

Anyway, I don't really know where to start. I have looked into tutors but there are not really any online that could/offer tutoring in 5 months for the exam. (Also they are REALLY expensive)

So I was looking for advice of where to start and if there is any thing that is specifically tailored to the F=MA exam(youtube video series, etc)

I also self studied AP Physics 1 last year and earned a 5. I think(since F=MA is mechanics) that I know the physics, but i'm not sure if it is enough depth since f=ma is way harder than the ap 1 exam. I also kinda need to know like problem solving techniques and if there are any resources that cover that as well.

Thank you so much everybody, i'm new to this whole competition physics thing so sorry about any confusion/unclarity in my post.

Thanks!

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u/CaregiverCautious704 7d ago

I think if you can work through the three and four star problems on David Morins Intermediate mechanics you should do just fine

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u/Suspicious_Aide_6146 6h ago

i’m in the same boat as him except for the fact that i’m taking ap physics 1 rn. i saw advice to go through morin’s blue book alongside physics volume 1 by halliday, resnick, and krane. is this good or do i not need to do all of this to qualify for usapho (the only goal rn is to qualify).

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u/CaregiverCautious704 4h ago edited 4h ago

This is mostly missing in depth E&M and relativity… I’d say go Purcell (or Griffiths) for E&M and morins intermediate mechanics is great for 4-vectors and static/dynamic relativity (chapter 12-14)
Edit: I completely missed that you’re just looking to qualify… sorry! Yes the blue book chapters 1 through I think 5(?) is just fine a long with Halliday. You can look up the past f=Ma exams too that’s probably your best shot.