Physics isn't about memorizing formulas—it's about understanding fundamental principles and applying them to diverse situations.
Mechanics (Physics 1):
Bad approach: Memorize F=ma and plug numbers into formulas.
Good approach: Understand that force causes acceleration, and the relationship is proportional to mass. Be able to explain why a heavier object requires more force to accelerate at the same rate.
How to build conceptual understanding: 1. Read the textbook before lecture (even if you don't understand everything) 2. Ask "why" constantly: Why does this equation work? What does each variable represent physically? 3. Use visual aids: Diagrams, animations, and simulations (PhET simulations are excellent) 4. Teach someone else: Explaining concepts forces you to understand them deeply
Physics exams are primarily problem-solving. Here's how to approach problems systematically.
G - Given: What information does the problem provide? R - Required: What is the problem asking you to find? A - Approach: Which physics principles apply? Which equations are relevant? S - Solve: Execute the math step-by-step P - Ponder: Does your answer make physical sense?
Example Problem: "A 2kg block slides down a frictionless ramp inclined at 30°. What is its acceleration?"
G: Mass = 2kg, angle = 30°, frictionless R: Acceleration (a) A: Newton's 2nd Law (F=ma), decompose gravity into components parallel and perpendicular to ramp S: F_parallel = mg sin(θ) = (2kg)(9.8 m/s²)(sin 30°) = 9.8 N a = F/m = 9.8 N / 2 kg = 4.9 m/s² P: Makes sense—gravity's component along the ramp is less than full gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²)
Always draw a diagram—even for problems that seem purely mathematical.
Key diagram types:
Check your answer by verifying units.
Example: If calculating velocity and your answer has units of m/s², something went wrong.
Before solving, estimate the answer's magnitude (Is it ~1, ~10, ~100?).
Example: A car traveling 60 mph (~27 m/s) braking over 3 seconds should have acceleration on the order of 10 m/s², not 100 or 0.1.
Ineffective: Reading solved examples without attempting problems yourself.
Effective: Attempt problems before looking at solutions. Struggle is where learning happens.
Do all assigned problems—no shortcuts.
When stuck: 1. Re-read the relevant textbook section 2. Watch a video explanation (Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare) 3. Discuss with classmates or attend office hours 4. Look at the solution, then try the problem again without looking
Redo difficult problems 2-3 days later to ensure understanding.
Past exams are gold: Professors often reuse problem structures.
Simulate exam conditions: Time yourself, no notes (unless open-book).
Review mistakes thoroughly: Understand where your reasoning went wrong, not just the correct answer.
Physics is best learned collaboratively.
Effective study groups:
Physics labs develop experimental skills and reinforce concepts.
Read the lab manual before class: Know the procedure and theory.
Understand the goal: What physical principle are you testing?
Take careful data: Record measurements, uncertainties, and observations.
Work methodically: Rushing leads to errors and bad data.
Ask questions: TAs are there to help—use them.
Structure: 1. Introduction: What principle are you testing? 2. Procedure: Briefly describe experimental setup 3. Data: Tables, graphs, and raw measurements 4. Analysis: Calculations, error analysis, comparisons to theory 5. Conclusion: Did results match expectations? Sources of error?
Error analysis: Understand systematic vs. random errors. Quantify uncertainty using standard deviation or propagation of uncertainty.
Physics requires solid math skills.
Algebra: Solving equations, manipulating expressions Trigonometry: Sin, cos, tan for angle-based problems Calculus: Derivatives (velocity from position, acceleration from velocity), integrals (area under curves, work, flux) Vectors: Addition, dot products, cross products (critical for E&M)
If calculus is rusty, review:
1. Relying solely on formulas without understanding You'll fail when a problem requires combining multiple concepts.
2. Skipping steps in calculations Errors compound. Show your work step-by-step.
3. Ignoring units Always include units in calculations. Dimensional analysis catches mistakes.
4. Not checking if answers make physical sense If you calculate a car's speed as 10,000 m/s, something went wrong.
5. Memorizing problems instead of principles Exams test novel applications. Understand the underlying physics, not just specific problem types.
Textbooks:
Physics is hard, but it's learnable. Success comes from:
