USAPhO Basic course assumes knowledge of mechanics and teaches in-depth all other required USAPhO Semi-final topics. Subjects include thermodynamics (heat capacity, laws of thermodynamics, gaseous processes, heat transfer, entropy), electricity and magnetism (electric fields, potentials, circuitry, magnetic fields, Lorenz force law, Maxwell’s equations, nature of light, magnetic induction), waves (wave equation, intensity, sound, Doppler shift), optics (refraction, lenses, mirrors, diffraction), relativity (Einstein’s postulates, time dilation, length contraction, simultaneity, relativistic quantities).
Target Competitions
Target Grades
9-12
Who should Take This Course
- Students who can solve around 17/25 questions on the F=ma in the time given
- Students who have qualified for USAPhO Semi-final
Who should Skip This Course
- Students who can solve around 3/6 questions on the USAPhO Semi-final in the time given
A scientific calculator is required and preferred over a graphing calculator.
Exam Weeks
Practice Exams will be given/solved.
Homework
There are weekly homework sets.
Resources
Lecture/Homework problems and solutions will be available on the learning management system (LMS).
Curriculum
Fall course is not required for the spring course, nor is the spring course required for the fall course.
| Weeks | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wave Motion | Temperature |
| 2 | Superposition & Standing Waves | Heat & The First Law of Thermodynamics |
| 3 | Geometric Optics | Kinetic Theory of Gases |
| 4 | Diffraction & Interference | Heat Engines & Entropy |
| 5 | Fluids | Exam Week |
| 6 | Exam Week | Electric Fields |
| 7 | Relativity Part 1 | DC Circuit Elements |
| 8 | Relativity Part 2 | Magnetic Fields |
| 9 | Atomic & Nuclear Physics Part 1 | Inductance |
| 10 | Atomic & Nuclear Physics Part 1 | Maxwell’s Equations |
| 11 | F=ma Review | Exam Week |
| 12 | Exam Week | Exam Week |