Taking the Regents Physics
Final Exam Brockport High School NY USA
Part A, B-1
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Read the question carefully. Look for
terms like constant velocity, at rest, frictionless.
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Examine the units in the answer. Often they give away the equation to
use. Keep your reference table in mind
on every question.
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Not all information given is vital to
solving the problem. Be careful of
useless data.
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Read the y and x axes carefully on
questions with graphs. The slope and
area may have meanings, such as finding a constant k (slope) or a magnitude of
a vector or scalar (area).
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Answer the exam’s question, not yours!
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Carefully read the directions for each
question.
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Keep your reference table in mind on
every question. Rearrange formulas
correctly and do a unit check.
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Be sure you have answered all questions.
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Plot data on a graph carefully. Check your grids for correct spacing and
label the axes if required. Is your line
a best fit line if that is required?
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If a slope is calculated, be sure your
slope has UNITS! Also, be sure to
indicate if your slope is positive or negative.
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When calculating, be sure to show the
equation, substitute into the equation with units, then indicate your answer
with the units.
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If a sentence is required for an answer,
it must begin with a capital letter and end with a period. Failure to do so is an automatic deduction,
even if the physics is correct.
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Be sure all vectors end with an arrow.
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Watch significant figures. For example, if the answer must be expressed to
the nearest degree, then don’t use 32.6o; use 33o.
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When drawing forces or other vectors, be
sure to end them with an arrow. Common
mistakes are not including the normal force, ignoring the scale required by the
question, and not drawing the vectors correctly (are they concurrent, did you
include arrows?).
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Problems with reflection and refraction
usually require a normal line drawn
perpendicular to the boundary.
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Measure angles as required from true
north (zero degrees), or some other reference point as asked for in the
question.
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Use the appropriate hand rule for
electromagnetism (+ right hand, - left hand).
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Current and E fields are based on a
positive test charge.
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Carefully read passages and answer the
questions based on the reading.
> Check your work carefully! You only
take this exam once in your life!
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