Having a test in classical physics after 2 two months

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around preparing for a physics test in two months, focusing on the challenge of memorizing a comprehensive 300-page physics book covering topics like electromagnetic induction, alternating current, and wave oscillations. The main concern is how to effectively study and retain information, especially given the complexity of problem-solving in physics, which often requires applying multiple rules to a single question. Participants emphasize that memorization alone is insufficient for success; understanding how to set up and solve problems is crucial. They suggest that mastering the mathematical setup of problems and familiarizing oneself with conservation laws is more beneficial than rote memorization. The importance of practice is highlighted, with recommendations to solve multiple problems to reinforce understanding. Additionally, there's acknowledgment of the difficulty faced by someone who has not studied physics recently and the need for a disciplined approach to learning, as well as the realization that consistent effort is necessary to overcome challenges in grasping the material.
agphys
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So ye the test begins in 2 months, and i will need to memorize all the phyisc book, its like 300 pages of good ol' physics, conitaining everything everything from electromagnetic induction, alternating current, lasers, wave osscilaitons, sound, em waves etc etc.

i would like to ask about your opinion, how should i start well in matter of fact i know a little alhamdullilah, but how can i memorize all the book, containing problems etc etc.

the thing with the problem is like i don't know how to use the rules, like you need to use like 5 rules for 1 question lol, isn't there any site for formulas, for physics (A) i think.??

thanks
 
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If you try to memorize the book I fear you won't do well. Memorization does little in the way of learning to solve problems.
 
how should i study then? i want to like it but yet i do not want to read. i want to learn but i can't i guess, the problems are way to hard.

the thing is i did not read "pre calculus" physics, i did not read physics in two years then at the last year i jumped to physics A.
 
Physics is actually quite simple. The entirety of physics is composed of two parts:
1. Setting up the problem mathematically
2. Solving what you set up

As you can imagine, part 1 is the most important. However, part 2 can also be revealing, because sometimes, you can use the answer you get in part 2 to solve a more difficult problem. An example of this is using the solution found for the electric field from a circular ring to obtain the electric field from a circular disk, since a circular disk is just a superposition of circular rings.

To set up the problem, one only needs to consider:
1. Rules pertaining to the particular situation
2. Conservation laws

For classical physics, number 1 includes:
1. F=ma (obviously), p=mv, E=p2/(2m)
2. the analogs for torque
3. E = 1/(4πε₀) q/r2, the analogs for magnetic fields B
4. Laws derived from the above

The conservation laws are of mass, charge, energy, and momentum. Considering that you are being tested on "all of classical physics", I would spend most of my time learning how to set up problems. Solving them is just algebra and calculus, which you should already have under your belt. You should solve around 4-5 problems for each problem you set up just to see that it works. Don't bother plugging in numbers for any of your variables, since you can just do that at the end. During the last week, actually plug in numbers to your solutions to see what kind of numbers you get.
 
agphys said:
i want to like it but yet i do not want to read. i want to learn but i can't i guess, the problems are way to hard.

the thing is i did not read "pre calculus" physics, i did not read physics in two years then at the last year i jumped to physics A.


It sounds like you have a work ethic problem. It takes more than wanting to learn to learn...
 
well i understand the problem when I am going trough them, but after some days i forget them lol.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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