How can I improve at physics without relying on a solutions manual?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for improving physics skills without relying on solutions manuals. Participants explore various approaches to problem-solving, the importance of mathematics, and the nature of tackling difficult physics problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that doing a lot of problems is essential for improvement in physics, advocating for a progression from basic to more difficult problems.
  • Others emphasize the importance of mathematics, arguing that a solid mathematical foundation allows for better understanding of physics concepts.
  • One participant states that mastering analytical problem-solving requires extensive practice and familiarity with various types of problems.
  • It is proposed that working on a range of problems simultaneously, rather than only progressing to harder problems after mastering easier ones, may be beneficial for long-term learning.
  • Some participants caution against becoming accustomed to solving problems quickly, noting that real physics often involves tackling very challenging problems that may take a long time to resolve.
  • A later reply highlights the difference between academic problem-solving, where solutions can be checked, and real-world physics, which lacks such safety nets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of problem-solving in learning physics, but there are differing opinions on the best approach to tackling problems and the role of mathematics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal strategy for improvement.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the effectiveness of different problem-solving strategies are not fully explored, and there is a lack of consensus on the best methods for learning physics without a solutions manual.

cs23
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hey,

to get better at physics, do i need to do a lot of problems? Should i start from the basic problems than progress to the more difficult ones?
 
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Work on your Math, the concepts of Physics will just come to you when you do it. Most concepts are there because most people don't have the mathematics to deal with it.
 
You got it...the "secret" to doing well in physics is problems, problems, problems.

Yes the math is important, it has to be a tool you're comfortable with. But analytical problem solving just takes a lot of practice to master.
 
It is best to work on a range of problems from easy to difficult at the same time. If you work on only easy problems and only move on to more dificult problems when they become easy for you, then you may not reach that point in time.

You also have to learn to deal with difficult problems that can take many days to solve. It is not good to become used to a situation where every problem can be solved withing a short time in a straightforward way. This will dumb you down.

Note that real physics involves working on extremely hard problems in which sometimes you don't make much progress after years of hard work.
 
Count Iblis said:
It is best to work on a range of problems from easy to difficult at the same time. If you work on only easy problems and only move on to more dificult problems when they become easy for you, then you may not reach that point in time.

You also have to learn to deal with difficult problems that can take many days to solve. It is not good to become used to a situation where every problem can be solved withing a short time in a straightforward way. This will dumb you down.

Note that real physics involves working on extremely hard problems in which sometimes you don't make much progress after years of hard work.

Good advice.

Also, in the real world, there is no solutions manual. Working through long problem sets in college, I got used to checking my answers to see if I was right. It's sort of a safety net. Real world = no safety net.
 

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