Shock Value B

[space scientist]

If you are given only the magnet that you need to identify the poles of and a compass, wouldn't you put the compass near the magnet and see which way the poles align. In addition, doesn't the part of the compass that points north have a north magnetic field, or am I incorrect? When my partner and I had to build a circuit, we were given a Snap Circuit set.

[Singh1997]

Wouldn't the north of the compass correspond to the south magnetic pole? Because doesn't the average compass point to Earth's south magnetic pole?

[Singh1997]

Another question. Do you think we need to have all units and constants memorized? On previous tests, have you been given things like Coulomb's constant, for use in calculation? Just wondering if I should put that on the note sheet

[space scientist]

Another question. Do you think we need to have all units and constants memorized? On previous tests, have you been given things like Coulomb's constant, for use in calculation? Just wondering if I should put that on the note sheet

I would put the constant down, but it isn't hard to memorize 6.25*10^18 (6E25 if you are using metric notation and the amount of electrons in a coulomb). I would also have the definitions of all of the units on the notes sheet, but I would also memorize the units. The reason for putting the information on the notes sheet is so that an alternate would be able to do at least somewhat well in the event if you can't go to the tournament or participate in the event.

[fleet130]

Wouldn't the north of the compass correspond to the south magnetic pole?

See: WikiPedia - Magnets: Pole Naming Conventions

[Singh1997]

Did anyone do this event at OH states last year? How advanced was the test? My book goes into depth on the evaluation of bridge circuits, formulas for magnetic field between charges and wires, and use of kirchoffs voltage/current law to find current in a multiloop circuit.

For anyone: What was the most advanced thing you have seen on a state or national test?

[Schrodingerscat]

Having been over a year, I cannot remember much but the Kansas State 2010 test included a problem or two where you had maybe a half dozen connections sticking out of a box. You were provided with some data when various leads were tested (with a light bulb if I recall) and had to draw the circuit inside the box from that data.

[kxiao]

For anyone: What was the most advanced thing you have seen on a state or national test?

Wattage (I'm serious we have really easy tests in NY.)

[Jimean716]

Jigawattz!

[JSGandora]

How hard was the test at nationals compared to your state tests?