(90 minutes). This examination includes a forty-five-minute multiple-choice section and a forty-five-minute free-response section. The usual format for each free-response question is 3 questions (approximately 15 minutes each). Students are permitted to use scientific calculators, including programmable and graphing calculators, for the free-response sections of the examination only. A list of commonly used physics equations will be provided for use only on the free-response section.
The examination covers material offered in a one-semester introductory course calculus-based physics designed for students planning to major in physical science or engineering. The multiple-choice section emphasizes the breadth of a student's knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of physics: the free-response section emphasizes the application of these principles in greater depth in solving more extended problems. Knowledge of differential and integral calculus is needed for the course. Both sections of the exam test the student's understanding of those ideas that unite the major content areas: kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Exam questions are also based on the objectives of laboratory investigations which are comparable to semester-long introductory college level physics laboratories.