F=ma & USAPhO
Masterclass.
The definitive pipeline to the U.S. Physics Team and the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). Transition from basic high school formulas to deep, calculus-based mechanical and electromagnetic intuition.
Why EduGlobal?
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We eliminate formula memorization, teaching students to derive physics equations using pure calculus and algebra.
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Intensive focus on the exact rotational dynamics and multi-body systems required for the F=ma exam.
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Strategic preparation for the notoriously difficult USAPhO Free Response Questions (FRQs).
What are the F=ma and USAPhO?
Hosted by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), the U.S. Physics Olympiad is a rigorous series of examinations designed to select the 20 students who will join the prestigious U.S. Physics Team.
The competition is split into two massive hurdles. The F=ma Exam is a brutal, time-crunched 75-minute multiple-choice test strictly limited to classical mechanics. Those who pass advance to the USAPhO, a highly advanced subjective exam encompassing electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
The Challenge & Rules
- The F=ma Barrier: 25 multiple-choice questions focusing only on kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillations, and gravity. No calculus is strictly required, but calculus-based intuition is a massive advantage.
- The USAPhO Transition: A grueling 3-hour free-response examination. Students must write comprehensive, mathematically rigorous solutions covering all domains of physics.
- Calculators: Simple scientific calculators are allowed, meaning questions are designed to be conceptually difficult rather than purely computationally taxing.
The Physics Mentorship Strategy
High school AP Physics (1, 2, or C) is notoriously insufficient for Olympiad success. Our mentors elevate students from formula plug-and-chuggers to true theoretical physicists.
Calculus-Based Intuition
Even for the algebra-based F=ma exam, understanding the calculus derivations of moment of inertia and center of mass gives students a critical speed advantage over their peers.
Multi-Body Systems Analysis
Olympiad physics rarely involves a single moving object. We drill students extensively on coupled oscillations, complex pulley systems, and center of mass reference frames.
The Elite Curriculum Matrix
We strategically compartmentalize the curriculum to ensure absolute dominance in the F=ma exam before transitioning into the heavy electromagnetic theory required for USAPhO.
Core F=ma Mechanics
F=ma Phase 1
- Kinematics & Dynamics: Projectile motion with air resistance, inclined planes, and non-inertial (accelerating) reference frames.
- Energy & Momentum: Elastic/inelastic collisions in 2D, conservative forces, and potential energy gradients.
- Fluids: Archimedes' principle, continuity equation, and hydrostatic pressure dynamics.
Rotational & Orbital Dynamics
F=ma Phase 2
- Rigid Body Mechanics: Torque, parallel-axis theorem, rolling without slipping, and gyroscopic precession.
- Oscillations: Simple harmonic motion, physical pendulums, and damped/driven oscillators.
- Gravitation: Kepler’s Laws, orbital transfers, escape velocity, and effective potential.
USAPhO Electromagnetism
USAPhO Core
- Electrostatics: Gauss's Law applications, electric potentials, and dielectric capacitance.
- Magnetostatics: Ampere's Law, Biot-Savart, and charged particle motion in magnetic fields.
- Electrodynamics: Faraday’s Law of Induction, Lenz's Law, RL/RC/RLC circuits, and Maxwell’s Equations.
Thermodynamics & Modern Physics
USAPhO Advanced
- Thermodynamics: Kinetic theory, entropy, Carnot cycles, heat engines, and statistical mechanics basics.
- Optics & Waves: Interference, diffraction gratings, Doppler effect, and thick lens systems.
- Modern Physics: Special relativity (time dilation, length contraction), Bohr model, and the photoelectric effect.
Join the 2026 Cohort
Spots for our F=ma & USAPhO Masterclass are strictly limited. Apply now for a technical evaluation.
Elite Science Results
Olympiad Champions
Witness the extraordinary cognitive achievements of our elite students dominating global science and math leaderboards.
CAMELIA CHEW YEE SUEN
Grade 12 • USA/Global
SUN XINTONG
Grade 12 • USA/Global
Isaac Ong Jun Jie
Grade 10 • USA/Global
Ziqi Na
Grade 9 • USA/Global
Gan Lih Ying
Grade 10 • USA/Global
TYLER JORDANNIO KRISANTO
Grade 12 • USA/Global
DARSHAN SRINIVASAN
Grade 11 • USA/Global
GAN RU YING
Grade 11 • USA/Global
SIA EU JIN
Grade 12 • USA/Global
AARAV SINGH
Grade 11 • USA/Global
Xinqi Fu
Grade 8 • USA/Global
ZHANG JINZHI
Grade 11 • USA/Global
CHONG YIXUAN
Grade 10 • USA/Global
CAMELIA CHEW YEE SUEN
Grade 12 • USA/Global
SUN XINTONG
Grade 12 • USA/Global
Isaac Ong Jun Jie
Grade 10 • USA/Global
Ziqi Na
Grade 9 • USA/Global
Gan Lih Ying
Grade 10 • USA/Global
TYLER JORDANNIO KRISANTO
Grade 12 • USA/Global
DARSHAN SRINIVASAN
Grade 11 • USA/Global
GAN RU YING
Grade 11 • USA/Global
SIA EU JIN
Grade 12 • USA/Global
AARAV SINGH
Grade 11 • USA/Global
Xinqi Fu
Grade 8 • USA/Global
ZHANG JINZHI
Grade 11 • USA/Global
CHONG YIXUAN
Grade 10 • USA/Global
DARYLL DHARSHAN ROY
Grade 12 • USA/Global
YUCHENG ZOU
Grade 12 • USA/Global
ZHANG WANZHI
Grade 11 • USA/Global
GAN RU YING
Grade 12 • USA/Global
CHUA YAO FENG
Grade 12 • USA/Global
RUIYING (EMILY) XU
Grade 11 • USA/Global
DORIS XU
Grade 10 • USA/Global
IVAN CHAN GUAN YU
Grade 11 • USA/Global
LI CHENXI
Grade 11 • USA/Global
LAU KAYSON
Grade 12 • USA/Global
Joohyun Ryu
Grade 9 • USA/Global
ISAAC HEW KAI SHENG
Grade 12 • USA/Global
Jung Hyun
Grade 9 • USA/Global
DARYLL DHARSHAN ROY
Grade 12 • USA/Global
YUCHENG ZOU
Grade 12 • USA/Global
ZHANG WANZHI
Grade 11 • USA/Global
GAN RU YING
Grade 12 • USA/Global
CHUA YAO FENG
Grade 12 • USA/Global
RUIYING (EMILY) XU
Grade 11 • USA/Global
DORIS XU
Grade 10 • USA/Global
IVAN CHAN GUAN YU
Grade 11 • USA/Global
LI CHENXI
Grade 11 • USA/Global
LAU KAYSON
Grade 12 • USA/Global
Joohyun Ryu
Grade 9 • USA/Global
ISAAC HEW KAI SHENG
Grade 12 • USA/Global
Jung Hyun
Grade 9 • USA/Global
The Intel Vault: Physics Prep
Download elite study plans, diagnostic tests, and strategy guides.
