COURSE OVERVIEW
The 2025 US Physics Olympiad Summer Prep Camp is designed to provide comprehensive preparation for the F=ma competition and USAPhO. Our 6-week intensive program covers all essential topics in mechanics with a focus on problem-solving techniques and strategies specific to physics competitions.
The curriculum is structured to build a strong foundation in the first three weeks, followed by advanced problem-solving and competition preparation in the final three weeks. Each week includes theoretical lectures, problem-solving sessions, and practice tests to ensure students develop both conceptual understanding and practical skills.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
Week 1: Kinematics & Vectors
Day 1
- Introduction to F=ma competition
- One-dimensional motion
- Position, velocity, and acceleration
- Constant acceleration equations
Day 2
- Vector operations
- Vector components
- Relative motion
- Reference frames
Day 3
- Two-dimensional motion
- Projectile motion
- Problem-solving strategies
- Week 1 assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Solve complex kinematics problems in one and two dimensions
- Apply vector analysis to motion problems
- Analyze projectile motion with and without air resistance
- Transform motion between different reference frames
Week 2: Newton's Laws & Forces
Day 1
- Newton's three laws of motion
- Free body diagrams
- Weight vs. mass
- Normal force
Day 2
- Friction (static and kinetic)
- Tension and pulleys
- Inclined planes
- Connected objects
Day 3
- Circular motion
- Centripetal force
- Banked curves
- Week 2 assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply Newton's laws to complex mechanical systems
- Create and analyze free body diagrams for various scenarios
- Solve problems involving friction, tension, and normal forces
- Analyze uniform circular motion and associated forces
Week 3: Work, Energy & Power
Day 1
- Work and the work-energy theorem
- Conservative and non-conservative forces
- Potential energy (gravitational and elastic)
- Kinetic energy
Day 2
- Conservation of energy
- Power and efficiency
- Energy in simple harmonic motion
- Energy problem-solving techniques
Day 3
- Energy in complex systems
- Variable mass systems
- Energy approach vs. force approach
- Week 3 assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply energy conservation principles to solve complex problems
- Analyze systems with both conservative and non-conservative forces
- Calculate work done by various forces in different scenarios
- Determine when to use energy methods versus force methods
Week 4: Momentum & Collisions
Day 1
- Linear momentum
- Impulse and impulse-momentum theorem
- Conservation of momentum
- Systems of particles
Day 2
- Elastic collisions in one dimension
- Inelastic collisions
- Coefficient of restitution
- Center of mass reference frame
Day 3
- Two-dimensional collisions
- Rocket propulsion
- F=ma past problems on momentum
- Week 4 assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply momentum conservation in various scenarios
- Analyze elastic and inelastic collisions in multiple dimensions
- Solve problems using the center of mass reference frame
- Apply impulse-momentum theorem to impact problems
Week 5: Rotational Dynamics
Day 1
- Angular kinematics
- Moment of inertia
- Torque
- Rotational Newton's second law
Day 2
- Rotational energy
- Angular momentum
- Conservation of angular momentum
- Rolling motion without slipping
Day 3
- Combined translation and rotation
- Gyroscopic motion
- F=ma past problems on rotation
- Week 5 assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply principles of rotational dynamics to complex systems
- Calculate moments of inertia for various objects
- Analyze problems involving rolling without slipping
- Apply angular momentum conservation to solve problems
Week 6: Competition Preparation
Day 1
- F=ma past problems review
- Problem-solving strategies
- Time management techniques
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Day 2
- Full-length mock F=ma exam
- Detailed solutions and analysis
- Personalized feedback
- Targeted practice on weak areas
Day 3
- Final review of all topics
- Advanced problem-solving techniques
- Competition mindset and preparation
- Final assessment and course wrap-up
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop effective strategies for physics competitions
- Improve speed and accuracy in solving F=ma-style problems
- Identify and address individual areas for improvement
- Build confidence for the actual F=ma competition
TRACK-SPECIFIC CONTENT
PHO1 - Advanced Track
- Comprehensive coverage of all F=ma topics
- Standard problem sets with graduated difficulty
- Group problem-solving sessions
- Weekly assessments with detailed solutions
- Two full-length mock F=ma exams
PHO2 - Elite Track
- All PHO1 content plus advanced topics
- More challenging problem sets
- Introduction to USAPhO-level problems
- Individual coaching sessions
- Advanced problem-solving techniques
- Three full-length mock exams (2 F=ma, 1 USAPhO-style)
COURSE MATERIALS
Required Materials
- Course workbook (provided)
- Scientific calculator
- Notebook for problem-solving
Online Resources
- Digital course materials
- Problem sets and solutions
- Recorded lectures for review
- Online practice platform
Recommended Reading
- Introduction to Classical Mechanics by David Morin
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Serway and Jewett
- 200 Puzzling Physics Problems by Gnadig, Honyek, and Riley