Thermodynamics B/C

[pikachu4919]

I might be incorrect, but I believe the PS is already a tie breaker (either the 2nd or the 3rd TB)

All the scores evaluated except chart score are tiebreakers. They're just evaluated in different orders. See rule 5.h. for more details.

[bt03]

As I am graduating from Division B this year (bienvenue to Division C, I guess. And another state!), what would you say is different from Division B thermo compared to Division C thermo? I've looked at the practice tests and to me, they look Division D (a college division Science Olympiad? Not too shabby!).
From personal experience, Division B thermo focuses on what one would learn in their physics class in terms of heat, such as latent heat, phase change, temperature. And a huge portion on history of thermo. Definitely need to include information of history; I guess the focus was taken off the actual fundamentals of thermo such as internal energy or Carnot cycles because it may seem too difficult for a Division B regional. Obviously states is on a whole different level.

[CookiePie1]

As I am graduating from Division B this year (bienvenue to Division C, I guess. And another state!), what would you say is different from Division B thermo compared to Division C thermo? I've looked at the practice tests and to me, they look Division D (a college division Science Olympiad? Not too shabby!).
From personal experience, Division B thermo focuses on what one would learn in their physics class in terms of heat, such as latent heat, phase change, temperature. And a huge portion on history of thermo. Definitely need to include information of history; I guess the focus was taken off the actual fundamentals of thermo such as internal energy or Carnot cycles because it may seem too difficult for a Division B regional. Obviously states is on a whole different level.

I agree. When doing the C practice tests, I feel like there was a lot more emphasis on calculation-type questions, and I feel that B tests were a lot more on history.

[pikachu4919]

As I am graduating from Division B this year (bienvenue to Division C, I guess. And another state!), what would you say is different from Division B thermo compared to Division C thermo? I've looked at the practice tests and to me, they look Division D (a college division Science Olympiad? Not too shabby!).
From personal experience, Division B thermo focuses on what one would learn in their physics class in terms of heat, such as latent heat, phase change, temperature. And a huge portion on history of thermo. Definitely need to include information of history; I guess the focus was taken off the actual fundamentals of thermo such as internal energy or Carnot cycles because it may seem too difficult for a Division B regional. Obviously states is on a whole different level.

I agree. When doing the C practice tests, I feel like there was a lot more emphasis on calculation-type questions, and I feel that B tests were a lot more on history.

While you might notice these kinds of trends, just keep in mind that no two test writers are the same. Some may be more creative and may come up with unique ways to inflict exam pain.

[aniSUKSatCHEM]

Does anyone know if Troy is doing the ice water bonus? I haven't seen any school doing the ice water bonus so far, so it would be great to know what to expect for California state.

[CookiePie1]

Does anyone have an idea of what a 'good' total score is? I don't really even know what to expect, since everything is relative.

[MattChina]

Does anyone have an idea of what a 'good' total score is? I don't really even know what to expect, since everything is relative.

Well, the maximum is 100 points, so i guess maybe 70-high 80s is a 'good score'?

[bt03]

Does anyone have an idea of what a 'good' total score is? I don't really even know what to expect, since everything is relative.

Everything (from the test to the ice water) counts, so prioritize what is important to you. I would strongly suggest looking back at section 5 in the rules to determine how to maximize your PS and HS to the best possible score, because getting a high HS does not necessarily equate to a good PS, and vice versa.
Also, make your graphs pretty and properly labelled. Don't lose points because you forgot to include units!

[JoeyC]

To make a priority list,
1.) Test Score
2.) Prediction Score (Including Graphs)
3.) Heat Retention Score
4.) Ice Water Bonus

[Gr8tor]

On average, how far off are your predictions.Mine are like 4 degrees off and we won our last invy.