Calc physics vs. algebra physics

[starchild75]

Hi, all

I have never taken a physics course before, but i find it interesting, and may want to major in it. If I start with calc based physics after taking calc 1, what would I be missing from algebra physics?

 

[Pyrrhus]

Nothing, go the calculus way.

 

[Daverz]

Nothing that you couldn't pick up in a week with one of those "Physics for mystified dummies and idiots" type books (hey, I didn't come up with the titles). https://www.amazon.com/dp/0880292512/?tag=pfamazon01-20 you could probably read very quickly, and that wouldn't look embarassing on your shelf.

 

[leon1127]

if you know cal already, go to the cal base.
if you are starting simutaneously, it would be very hard to learn both

 

[CPL.Luke]

a calc based physics course usually doesn't require that you know anything about physics when you go into it, so you should be fine

 

[berkeman]

Here's a recent thread with a relevant discussion:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=130461