C+ in E&M1 and C in Mechanics, should I retake Mechanics or take E&M 2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to retake a Mechanics course or to proceed to Electromagnetism 2 (E&M 2) after receiving a C+ in E&M 1 and a C in Mechanics. Participants explore the implications of these grades on the understanding of physics concepts and the necessary mathematical background for success in future courses.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether their difficulties stem from physics or math, questioning the value of retaking Mechanics versus moving on to E&M 2.
  • Another participant suggests that a solid understanding of E&M 1 is crucial before advancing to E&M 2, indicating that a C+ may reflect insufficient knowledge.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of the math curriculum at the participant's school, particularly regarding the preparation for solving second order non-linear partial differential equations.
  • Some participants recommend reviewing Mechanics for E&M 2 due to the relevance of mechanics concepts in understanding electromagnetic waves.
  • There is a suggestion that taking a Math Proofs class could be beneficial, though opinions vary on the necessity and relevance of specific proof courses.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of knowing the math well to facilitate understanding of physics.
  • Another participant notes that the decision to retake Mechanics should consider the participant's current math knowledge and the effectiveness of the course at their school.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether retaking Mechanics is advisable. Some emphasize the importance of a solid foundation in E&M 1 before proceeding, while others suggest that the participant's current math skills may allow for success in E&M 2 without retaking Mechanics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific challenges related to the curriculum, such as the lack of coverage of certain mathematical concepts in their school’s program, which may affect their preparedness for advanced physics courses.

jasontodd
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I have been learning a lot of the Math in parallel with Physics so I'm not sure how many of my issues are Physics issues or Math issues. I feel like some of my Physics issues could be Mechanics issues. Is it better to retake Mechanics or move on to EM 2.

If I do take EM 2 I'm wondering specifically about what Math concepts I can go over to prepare. I felt very unprepared for solving second order non-linear partial differential equations in EM 1 since we only go up to ordinary differential equations at my school.

Also, would taking a Math Proofs class help me in Physics? Because of all the derivations?
 
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At what stage are you now? Have you taken vector calculus yet? How did you do in single-variable calculus? Was E&M1 in parallel with mechanics?

Regardless, I recommend really getting to know the math well, so the physics comes easier for you.

A basic proof course with logic and some combinatorics could be useful in general, but more specific proof courses like real analysis will be a complete waste of time for you, you just don't need to know them for what you are learning.
 
I think you're missing something. A course in E&M 2 will generally assume that you have a good knowledge of E&M 1. If you had a C+ in E&M 1, then this indicates to me that your knowledge of the course isn't very sound.

So the question is, do you know enough of E&M 1 to be capable of doing well in E&M 2?
 
I'm a junior. I got a C in vector calculus and a B- in single variable. Mechanics was last fall and EM was last spring.

Would it be more valuable to retake mechanics or study for EM2.

In EM 1 I would usually have trouble starting problems.

should I review mechanics for EM 2 as well because of em waves?

I'm really wondering if I should retake Mechanics or just study up on it.
 
I got news for you. Solving second order non-linear PDEs is not something you can do at the drop of a hat. There seems to be something off with your school. It seems like the Physics department is running rings around the Math department.
 
2nd order nonlinear PDEs in EM1? What?
 
jasontodd said:
I'm a junior. I got a C in vector calculus and a B- in single variable. Mechanics was last fall and EM was last spring.

Would it be more valuable to retake mechanics or study for EM2.

In EM 1 I would usually have trouble starting problems.

should I review mechanics for EM 2 as well because of em waves?

I'm really wondering if I should retake Mechanics or just study up on it.

It's up to you if you think doing mechanics again will help. On the one hand, you know more math now, so it should sink in better this time. On the other hand, perhaps your school doesn't teach it that well and doing it a second time would leave you where you are now, I don't know.

If it was me, I would buy the best book I could, find out what there is that I don't know, what there is that I could learn taking the course a second time, and then decide, or weigh it against some catching up in private. You have brilliant forums here to help you if you want to do some catching up.

Ask for book recommendations if you need them.
 

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