Gaining Physics Comprehension - High School to College

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The discussion centers around the challenges of grasping advanced physics concepts, particularly for those who have not taken formal advanced courses. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding mathematics as a foundation for physics, noting that proficiency in calculus significantly aids in comprehending physics problems. Engaging with problem-solving, rather than just reading textbooks, is highlighted as a crucial method for making physics concepts clearer. The MIT OpenCourseWare resource is mentioned as a potential supplement for learning, but the effectiveness of learning physics is largely tied to hands-on problem-solving experiences.
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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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planck42 said:
When I found this page
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/

Really? Did it supplement your own course's materials?
 
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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