First term of foundations of physics vs the second term

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The discussion revolves around a student's concern about transitioning from a Foundations of Physics course focused on Newtonian mechanics to the next course covering electricity and magnetism. The student feels confident in their mathematical skills, as they are currently studying vector and multivariable calculus, but is unsure about retaining the physics concepts from the previous course. Responses indicate that the foundational understanding from the first course will likely resurface quickly, and the math background will be beneficial. The student plans to review the textbook shortly before the new class begins to refresh their knowledge.
andyroo
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I took the first term of a Foundations of Physics sequence (251) last year, and understood most of the material fairly well. It was calculus based Newtonian mechanics; units and vectors; one-dimensional motion; Newton’s laws; work and energy; momentum and collisions. Since it's been a year though, and I was considering taking 252, which is about electricity and magnetism; charge and electric field; electric potential; circuits; magnetic field; inductance, I wasn't sure if I would be prepared enough for the class. I'm in vector/multi-var. calculus right now, so the math involved won't be an issue, I'm just more concerned about any physics concepts from 251 that might be needed to understand the material in 252. If anyone has any suggestions or thoughts on how I might want to prepare, I would greatly appreciate it.

-Andy
 
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I don't think it will be that much of a problem.
 
Having the math background will help a lot. You may be a bit rusty after a year off, but it wouldn't worry about it too much.

If you understood most of the stuff in the first part of the course, conceptual things should come back fairly quickly when you need them.
 
G01 said:
Having the math background will help a lot. You may be a bit rusty after a year off, but it wouldn't worry about it too much.

If you understood most of the stuff in the first part of the course, conceptual things should come back fairly quickly when you need them.

Alright. I'll just go over the textbook for a few hours the week before class starts and leave it at that. Thanks!
 
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