Taking the Physics Final Exam                                                       

Part A, B-1

$                    Read the question carefully.  Look for terms like Aconstant velocity,@ Aat rest,@ Africtionless.@
$                    Examine the units in the answer.  Often they give away the equation to use.  Keep your reference table in mind on every question.
$                    Not all information given is vital to solving the problem.  Be careful of useless data.
$                    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).
$                    Answer the exam=s question, not yours!

  Part B-2; Part C
$                    Carefully read the directions for each question.
$                    Keep your reference table in mind on every question.  Rearrange formulas correctly and do a unit check.
$                    Be sure you=ve answered all questions.
$                    Plot data on a graph carefully.  Check your grids for correct spacing and label the axes if required.  Is your line a Abest fit@ line if that is required?
$                    If a slope is calculated, be sure your slope has UNITS!  Also, be sure to indicate if your slope is positive or negative.
$                    When calculating, be sure to show the equation, substitute into the equation with units, then indicate your answer with the units.
$                    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.
$                    Be sure all vectors end with an arrow.
$                    Watch significant figures.  For example, if the answer must be expressed to the Anearest degree,@ then don=t use 32.6^o; use 33^o.
$                    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?).
$                    Problems with reflection and refraction usually require a normal z perpendicular to the boundary to be drawn in on the problem.
$                    Measure angles as required from true north (zero degrees), or some other reference point as asked for in the question.
$                    Use the appropriate hand rule for electromagnetism (+ right hand, - left hand).
$                    Current and E fields are based on a positive test charge.
$                    Carefully read passages and answer the questions based on the reading.