Optics B/C

[WhatScience?]

Exactly.

Though it would be better if we still hold multiple competitions with deadlines for each.

Maybe we could have everyone do at least 1 test a week and share results.

[Froggie]

I think we should just have someone pick a target, and whenever people have time they do it, and whoever got the most points pick the next target.

[Skink]

What level of math should I really be expecting for Division B.

I have already taken Algebra I and am taking geometry this year. Do I need anything beyond that?

Minimal algebra. Tests should slant concepts, but be able to calculate speed of light in a given medium, use Snell's Law (that's new to B division this season, seems, even though it was typically assessed, anyway), calculate image properties, etc. Nothing too major...certainly none of the trig involved in some of the, ahem, challenge problems posted in last season's topic!

[jkang]

Here's the test I used for the UT Regional last season (given to both B and C division). It's probably much harder than most would expect in terms of content and math involved. I think surprisingly Beckendorff ended up beating every team (B and C) in terms of test points (aka excluding the LSS).

[cuber]

I really like that this year, the LSS has a magnetic base. Minor movements of the mirrors after letting go of them or adjusting my template were my biggest source of error last year, hopefully magnets will prevent that.

[WhatScience?]

I agree on the magnetic bottom thing because in previous year a lot of this event was left up to chance. Because if someone accident moves one mirror, your entire score is bad.

[Person]

Keep in mind that the magnetic surface is only recommended, not required, so there's still a chance that an LSS with a base like last year's may be used.

[WhatScience?]

We should start a petition to make it required.

[Person]

We should start a petition to make it required.

I think the reasoning behind not making it required is that quite a few people probably still have the older LSSs and are not able to refit them with the ferrous surface. In any case, I don't think a petition would be much use, considering the rules are already released.

[WhatScience?]

Chalker, are you reading this. I mean some people will have to spend a bit more time but it will raise the standard of competition quite a bit.