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Resources for Students > Subjects > Physics
Physics Study Skills
These physics study skills have been compiled from interviews with Physics
teachers.
- Math is at the heart of physics. So the better your math, the better
you'll do in physics. A good working knowledge of algebra, trigonometry and
calculus for Physics.
- Read your assigned chapter BEFORE attending class and again after. You
will get the most out of class if you read the material ahead of time.
Notice that each chapter in your physics text has new vocabulary, terms,
definitions, concepts, major ideas and many mathematical equations and
practice exercises to be worked out.
- Make problem-solving part of each study session. The more you work out
problems and test yourself, the better your physics will get. Devote your
time to learning how to do each problem rather than in obtaining the
numerical answer given in the solutions' manual. Even if you do not have
homework problems to do, try working out at least five new problems every
time you study.
- When working out a physics problem, determine what principal it is
illustrating or what kind of problem it is. For example, is it a momentum
problem or a force problem? This will help you to set up the problem.
- When working out a problem, try to visualize what it is asking you to
do. Draw it out and/or set up a chart, then identify the variables and set
up the equation. Remember setting up the problem is the most important thing
you can do. Next, solve your equation for the unknown, and substitute your
numbers into the problem, to see if it checks out.
- The true test for determining if you know your material is to do a
problem you have never done or seen before. So when preparing for a physics
exam, look for new problems. With each problem, ask yourself what kind of
problem is this, and how are you going to do it? Then, do lots and lots of
problems.
- Use small review cards for learning terminology and for testing yourself
on concepts. Put a difficult term or concept on one side and the meaning on
the other. Carry these cards wherever you go and review them at odd moments
- you won't even feel like you're studying.
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