Having a test in classical physics after 2 two months

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for a classical physics test scheduled in two months. Participants share their experiences and strategies related to studying, memorization, and problem-solving in physics, covering topics such as electromagnetic induction, alternating current, and wave oscillations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the need to memorize a large physics textbook and seeks advice on effective study methods.
  • Another participant cautions against memorization, suggesting it may hinder problem-solving abilities.
  • A participant questions how to study effectively, expressing frustration with the difficulty of problems and a lack of foundational knowledge from previous physics courses.
  • One participant outlines a two-part approach to physics: setting up problems mathematically and solving them, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rules and conservation laws.
  • Another participant suggests that a lack of motivation or work ethic may be a barrier to learning, implying that effort is necessary for success.
  • A participant notes that while they understand problems initially, they struggle to retain that understanding over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best study approach. Some advocate for understanding concepts and problem setup, while others emphasize the challenges of memorization and retention.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention gaps in foundational knowledge, such as not having studied "pre-calculus" physics, which may affect their current understanding and ability to tackle advanced topics.

agphys
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So ye the test begins in 2 months, and i will need to memorize all the phyisc book, its like 300 pages of good ol' physics, conitaining everything everything from electromagnetic induction, alternating current, lasers, wave osscilaitons, sound, em waves etc etc.

i would like to ask about your opinion, how should i start well in matter of fact i know a little alhamdullilah, but how can i memorize all the book, containing problems etc etc.

the thing with the problem is like i don't know how to use the rules, like you need to use like 5 rules for 1 question lol, isn't there any site for formulas, for physics (A) i think.??

thanks
 
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If you try to memorize the book I fear you won't do well. Memorization does little in the way of learning to solve problems.
 
how should i study then? i want to like it but yet i do not want to read. i want to learn but i can't i guess, the problems are way to hard.

the thing is i did not read "pre calculus" physics, i did not read physics in two years then at the last year i jumped to physics A.
 
Physics is actually quite simple. The entirety of physics is composed of two parts:
1. Setting up the problem mathematically
2. Solving what you set up

As you can imagine, part 1 is the most important. However, part 2 can also be revealing, because sometimes, you can use the answer you get in part 2 to solve a more difficult problem. An example of this is using the solution found for the electric field from a circular ring to obtain the electric field from a circular disk, since a circular disk is just a superposition of circular rings.

To set up the problem, one only needs to consider:
1. Rules pertaining to the particular situation
2. Conservation laws

For classical physics, number 1 includes:
1. F=ma (obviously), p=mv, E=p2/(2m)
2. the analogs for torque
3. E = 1/(4πε₀) q/r2, the analogs for magnetic fields B
4. Laws derived from the above

The conservation laws are of mass, charge, energy, and momentum. Considering that you are being tested on "all of classical physics", I would spend most of my time learning how to set up problems. Solving them is just algebra and calculus, which you should already have under your belt. You should solve around 4-5 problems for each problem you set up just to see that it works. Don't bother plugging in numbers for any of your variables, since you can just do that at the end. During the last week, actually plug in numbers to your solutions to see what kind of numbers you get.
 
agphys said:
i want to like it but yet i do not want to read. i want to learn but i can't i guess, the problems are way to hard.

the thing is i did not read "pre calculus" physics, i did not read physics in two years then at the last year i jumped to physics A.


It sounds like you have a work ethic problem. It takes more than wanting to learn to learn...
 
well i understand the problem when I am going trough them, but after some days i forget them lol.
 

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