Physics 298
Introductory Mechanics, Heat and Wave Motion
Dr. Chris L. Davis
Test Guidelines and Suggestions
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Each test will have 5 equally weighted questions each
with multiple parts
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Calculators will not be allowed
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No study aids of any type will be provided or allowed
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Where appropriate, start each part of a question with a
"basic" formula (usually one of those on the test summary
sheet). You will earn some credit for writing the
correct basic formula even if you are unable to do
anything else with it.
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Remember UNITS. You will lose points if you fail
to specify the units of an answer.
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Use the absence of a calculator to your advantage.
If the arithmetic gets too messy you have probably made a
mistake.
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If you are unable to perform the arithmetic calculation
necessary to obtain a final answer, so long as you have
convinced me you understand what you are doing, you will
lose at most one point.
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If you make a mistake in the first part of a question
which is then passed on through the other parts of the
question you will be penalised only once. No "double
jeopardy".
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Avoid substituting numeric values until the last
possible moment and Always
Show Your Working. Partial credit can't be
awarded if there's no basis.
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Suggestion:
Attempt
the potential test question first. If you have
studied this question you should be able to complete it
quickly, leaving more time for the other questions and
hopefully helping you relax. Often the parts of a
question get progressively harder - make sure you leave
enough time to complete all the first parts of every
question. Time is usually an issue - on the first
pass don't spend more than 15 minutes on a question.