Competition Physics
About this free Competition Physics course
Competition Physics is a free physics olympiad preparation course for ambitious high school students aiming for a top score on the F=ma exam and a place on the United States Physics Olympiad (USAPhO) semifinalist list. It teaches the deeper problem-solving techniques contest problems require, well beyond a typical high school physics class.
The course begins with classical mechanics, the heart of the F=ma exam, and builds toward the broader USAPhO syllabus of electromagnetism, waves, and thermodynamics. Each unit ends with olympiad-style problems solved step by step. The Ultimate Study Guide video series on the STEM for Others YouTube channel walks through topics like linear motion, motion along curves, and Newton's laws.
Who this course is for
This course is designed for students in grades 9 through 12 who have taken or are taking a first physics course and want to compete. You should be comfortable with Algebra 2 and trigonometry. Some exposure to calculus helps with the later USAPhO material.
Course outline
- Unit 1: Particle kinematics. Describing motion in one and two dimensions, linear motion, and motion along curved (spatial) paths.
- Unit 1 problem sets. Olympiad-style kinematics problems with full worked solutions.
- Unit 2: Newton's laws. Forces, free-body diagrams, and applying Newton's laws to multi-object systems.
What you'll learn
- Solve advanced kinematics problems in one and two dimensions
- Analyze motion along curved paths
- Apply Newton's laws with clear free-body diagrams
- Break unfamiliar olympiad problems into solvable steps
How long it takes
Plan on about 15 hours: the video lessons are around 30 minutes, and most of your time will go into working through the olympiad problems. Serious competitors should add weekly practice with past F=ma exams.
Frequently asked questions about Competition Physics
Is Competition Physics really free?
Yes. Competition Physics is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
How is Competition Physics different from a regular physics class?
School physics usually focuses on applying formulas to familiar setups. Olympiad problems combine several ideas at once, use unfamiliar situations, and reward clever approaches like symmetry, limiting cases, and dimensional analysis. This course practices exactly that kind of thinking.
What is the F=ma exam?
The F=ma exam is a 25-question, 75-minute mechanics test run by the American Association of Physics Teachers. It's the first round of selection for the U.S. Physics Olympiad team. High scorers are invited to the USAPhO semifinal exam.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck, and use the companion video lessons on the STEM for Others YouTube channel when you want a walkthrough. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced Competition Physics materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the Competition Physics materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
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