Gaining Physics Comprehension - High School to College

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition from high school to college-level physics comprehension. Participants share their experiences and insights on when and how physics concepts began to make sense to them, particularly in the context of pursuing engineering studies. The conversation touches on the challenges of grasping advanced physics topics and the role of mathematical understanding in this process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their high school physics background and questions when real physics understanding begins, particularly beyond basic topics like kinematics and thermodynamics.
  • Several participants mention the use of online resources, such as MIT's OpenCourseWare, as potential supplements to formal education.
  • Another participant suggests that a deeper understanding of mathematics, particularly calculus, is crucial for comprehending physics concepts.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of problem-solving in learning physics, with one participant emphasizing that solving problems helps make the material click.
  • One participant indicates they mainly read physics material rather than solving problems, which they believe may affect their understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that mathematical understanding and problem-solving are important for grasping physics concepts, but there is no consensus on the specific point at which physics begins to make sense, as experiences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of their high school education and the varying levels of resources available, which may affect their comprehension of advanced physics topics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students transitioning to college physics, educators seeking insights on student experiences, and anyone interested in the relationship between mathematics and physics understanding.

GreatEscapist
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Well, I hope this topic goes here.

When will I start to learn a lot of real physics? My high school class wasn't too advanced. We have no AP physics. (But I read the book :biggrin:) I always try to read stuff here on physics, but it never seems to click in my head. It's like I'm missing large chunks of physics...

I love physics. I'm taking it in college. (going into engineering, so duh) But when did it start to make sense to a majority of you? The higher stuff- not kinematics and electrodynamic and thermodynamics.
 
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I suppose it can be used as a supplement. I never actually took any formal physics courses, so I can't fully answer your question.
 
It started making sense to me when I started really understanding Math. Once you get used to reading poorly worded Math questions from books like Stewart you will understand Physics problems better.
 
So, like, Calc 2.
 
When you said you read the book, did you just read it or did you do the problems?

That's what makes it click for me, solving problems.
 
lisab said:
When you said you read the book, did you just read it or did you do the problems?

That's what makes it click for me, solving problems.

A bit of both, but mainly reading.
Good point. :-p
 

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