Mastering the Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam: Your Ultimate Guide to Excelling in Physics

Physics is more than just solving equations—it’s about understanding how the universe works, from the forces that keep planets in orbit to the motion of everyday objects around us. The Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam, hosted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Waterloo, is a unique challenge designed for students who love problem-solving and enjoy applying physics concepts in new and creative ways. Unlike standard school exams, the SIN Exam tests deep conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and real-world application of physics principles. It’s not just about memorization—it’s about knowing how to think like a physicist.

Whether you're preparing for a future in STEM, engineering, or research or simply enjoy challenging yourself with complex problem-solving, the SIN Exam offers an opportunity to push your physics skills to the next level. This guide will break down everything you need to know, from who can participate to what topics are covered, how to prepare effectively to succeed.

Who Can Participate in the SIN Exam?

One of the greatest aspects of the Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam is its open participation policy, making it accessible to all students, regardless of grade level or location. Unlike many other academic competitions that impose strict eligibility requirements, the SIN Exam welcomes anyone with a passion for physics and a willingness to challenge themselves. Whether you are an experienced physics student or simply curious about the subject, this exam provides an exciting opportunity to test your skills in a unique and intellectually stimulating way.

If you are in Grade 11 or 12, you will find that many of the exam questions align closely with the high school physics curriculum, particularly in classical mechanics. This makes the SIN Exam an excellent way to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios and experience university-level problem-solving. However, younger students are also encouraged to participate.

If you are in Grade 9 or 10 and have a strong interest in physics, this contest can serve as an early introduction to advanced physics concepts, helping you develop higher-level analytical and problem-solving skills that will benefit you in future coursework and competitions.

Additionally, because the SIN Exam changes every year, students who have taken it before are welcome to participate again and measure their improvement over time. For those who enjoy challenging themselves, retaking the exam is a great way to refine problem-solving techniques, build confidence, and push their understanding of physics even further.

The competition is also not limited to students in Canada. If you are an international student from the USA or any other country, you are welcome to register and compete alongside students from around the world. The SIN Exam is designed to test creativity and logical reasoning rather than specific curriculum content, making it a great opportunity for students from different educational backgrounds to engage with physics in a meaningful way.

Ultimately, if you enjoy thinking outside the box, applying physics principles in unconventional ways, and tackling thought-provoking problems, the SIN Exam is the perfect challenge for you. It’s not just about solving equations—it’s about learning how to think like a physicist, explore new perspectives, and push the boundaries of your problem-solving abilities.

Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam Dates & How to Register

The SIN Exam is completely free, making it an excellent opportunity for students to challenge themselves without financial barriers. However, registration must be completed by a teacher, so interested students should talk to their physics teacher or school administration.

Contest Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Registration Opens: Mid-March 2025

Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Important Registration Notes:

• Teachers will receive login details and instructions on Monday, April 28, 2025.
• Schools can choose any two-hour time frame within the contest day for students to write the exam.
• Students will take the exam online, using either a school computer or their own laptop.

What Topics Are Covered in the SIN Exam?

The SIN Exam focuses on fundamental physics principles, primarily from classical mechanics, but with a strong emphasis on problem-solving, conceptual reasoning, and real-world applications.

Core Topics in the SIN Exam:

1. Kinematics & Motion

• Equations of motion (constant acceleration, free-fall motion)
• Velocity, acceleration, displacement relationships
• Projectile motion & two-dimensional motion analysis
• Relative motion and frames of reference

2. Newton’s Laws of Motion

• Newton’s First, Second, and Third Laws in applied scenarios
• Inertia and force interactions
• Static and dynamic equilibrium
• Friction and tension forces in different conditions

3. Forces, Work, and Energy

• Work-energy theorem & energy conservation
• Power, efficiency, and energy transformations
• Potential energy (gravitational, elastic)
• Kinetic energy and total mechanical energy in closed and open systems

4. Momentum and Impulse

• Conservation of momentum in collisions
• Elastic vs. inelastic collisions
• Impulse-momentum theorem
• Center of mass and its motion

5. Gravity and Orbital Motion

• Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
• Satellite motion and Kepler’s Laws
• Centripetal acceleration and forces in circular motion

6. Rotational Motion and Torque

• Rotational kinematics and angular acceleration
• Torque, moment of inertia, and angular momentum
• Conservation of angular momentum in rotating systems
• Dynamics of rolling motion

7. Simple Harmonic Motion and Waves

• Pendulums and mass-spring oscillations
• Period, frequency, and amplitude relationships
• Energy conservation in oscillatory motion
• Wave interference, reflection, and refraction

8. Basic Electricity & Magnetism

• Coulomb’s Law and electric field concepts
• Simple circuit analysis (Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Rules)
• Magnetic fields and forces on moving charges
• Induced EMF and Lenz’s Law

What Makes SIN Exam Questions Unique?

What sets the Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam apart from traditional physics tests is its unique and unconventional approach to problem-solving. Unlike standard high school exams that often focus on direct formula application, the SIN Exam requires students to think critically, analyze complex scenarios, and apply physics principles in creative ways. It is not enough to simply memorize equations—success in this contest depends on a deep understanding of concepts and the ability to connect multiple ideas to solve intricate problems.

Many of the exam’s questions involve multiple areas of physics intertwined in a single scenario, requiring students to synthesize knowledge from different topics to find a solution. For instance, a problem may begin as a straightforward kinematics question but quickly introduce elements of forces, energy conservation, or rotational motion, forcing students to adapt their approach as they work through the problem. This ability to shift perspectives and integrate different physics principles is a key skill that separates strong problem solvers from the rest.

Another defining feature of the SIN Exam is its element of surprise. Many questions include unexpected twists, designed to challenge even the most advanced students. Problems often present real-world situations in ways that defy traditional textbook examples, requiring participants to think beyond conventional solutions. This makes the contest not only a test of physics knowledge but also an exercise in flexibility, intuition, and problem-solving under pressure. By pushing students to apply physics in unpredictable and thought-provoking ways, the SIN Exam provides a rigorous yet exciting challenge, making it a valuable experience for anyone who enjoys exploring the depths of physics and pushing their problem-solving skills to new heights.

Awards & Scholarships for SIN Participants

While the SIN Exam does not affect university admissions, students who perform well may qualify for exclusive scholarships at the University of Waterloo.

1. Sir Isaac Newton Contest Scholarship

•  Awarded to: The top-scoring incoming physics student at the University of Waterloo.
  • Scholarship Amount:
    • Up to $5,000 in the first year
    • Up to $1,000 per year for Years 2-4

2. Faculty of Science Contest Award

• Awarded to: First-year students enrolling in a science degree at Waterloo.
• Scholarship Amount: $1,000
• Qualification: Must have completed one of the following contests:
  • Sir Isaac Newton Contest
  • CHEM13 News Contest
  • Euclid Math Contest

How Myls Tutoring Helps You Master the SIN Exam

The Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam is not just another physics test—it’s a challenge that requires critical thinking, problem-solving intuition, and deep conceptual understanding. Unlike standard classroom tests, where memorizing formulas might be enough, the SIN Exam pushes students to apply multiple physics concepts creatively and solve complex, multi-step problems. Many students struggle with this transition, finding themselves stuck on tricky questions or unsure how to connect different ideas. That’s where Myls Tutoring comes in.

At Myls Tutoring, we focus on active problem-solving and strategic thinking. Our AI-powered system personalizes learning by identifying strengths and weaknesses, ensuring students focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact. For those who need extra guidance, Myls 1-on-1 expert online tutoring provides clear, step-by-step explanations of complex problems, helping students build confidence and develop a strong problem-solving mindset.

Beyond tutoring, we emphasize hands-on practice with SIN Exam-style questions and past contest problems. Through realistic exam simulations, students improve their speed, accuracy, and time management skills, preparing them to tackle even the toughest questions under pressure. Additionally, our instant feedback system ensures that mistakes are corrected in real-time, helping students refine their approach before test day.

At Myls Tutoring, we don’t just teach physics—we train students to think like physicists. Whether you're aiming for a top score or simply looking to challenge yourself, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Sign up for a free lesson today!