Advice for 13 y/o Entering 8th Grade: Physics Study Tips

[MadScientist 1000]

Hello, I am a 13 year old who is going to enter 8th grade soon. I would like to study physics, but I was wondering which is the best way to go. My math base is very stong (Pre-Cal) and I would like to move on to finding proofs for common physics equations.

Thanks.

 

[G01]

At this point what you should do is concentrate on doing well in all you math and science courses in high school. Once you learn some calculus you'll be able to derive many basic physics formulae.

 

[kaos]

Best way?? One step at a time.

 

[Kurdt]

I tend to agree with the one step at a time analysis. You may feel like you want to get into the heart of physics and start deriving things but its important that you learn where they come from and the thinking behind them first. Launching into the heart of subjects rarely pays off as the frustration that can sometimes occur can put many people off. I'm not saying you will get frustated and are not capable but you will learn many more valuable things by progressing steadily. I don't know the american syllabus but I suppose you could get it online and perhaps start reading what you will be doing next year to give yourself a headstart. If you find that agreeable then perhaps move on.

Either way good luck!

 

[Moonbear]

I'll just echo the sentiments of the others here. Take it one step at a time and keep your grades up in your high school math and science classes (especially the physics and chemistry classes). That'll give you the background and grades you'll need to pursue physics at the college level.

Good luck with achieving your goals. And, remember to check into our Homework Help forums when you're back in school if you start getting stuck on problems or have material you need help understanding. (Spread the word to your friends too.)

 

[fourier jr]

it's fine to do physics/math/etc so well but english & writing ability (written communication generally) is just as important, at least in high school. everyone has to be a good writer; even people who do sciences & engineering have english course requirements. once you get into university though, you'll be able to do as much physics (& as little english, etc) as you want, but in high school everything is equally important if you ask me.

 

[JamesU]

aww man, I'm no longer the youngest member :(

 

[arunbg]

Of course, you can still be the youngest contributor :D
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Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
Albert Einstein

 

[Astronuc]

Hello, I am a 13 year old who is going to enter 8th grade soon. I would like to study physics, but I was wondering which is the best way to go. My math base is very stong (Pre-Cal) and I would like to move on to finding proofs for common physics equations.

One starts learning physics with understanding the basic concepts and definitions. Start with basic mechanics (statics and dynamics) and equations of motion, then move up through conservation laws and so on.

A good resource for basic physics is Hyperphysics

Motion - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mot.html
Units - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/units.html
Motion concepts - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mi.html

Newton's Laws - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/newt.html

Conservation laws - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/conser.html

The there is gravity - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/grav.html

Electromagnetism - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/emcon.html
Start with electrostatics and magnetostatics then move on to dynamics