How can I succeed in AP Physics C?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around challenges faced by a student in an AP Physics C course, specifically focusing on mechanics and the understanding of vectors. Participants share their experiences with the course material and teaching methods, as well as resources for improving comprehension.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with their teacher's inability to effectively teach the material and finds the University Physics 9th Edition book inadequate for their learning needs.
  • Another participant suggests that the University Physics book is decent, recommending the use of worked problems and external resources like MIT online lectures to aid understanding.
  • A participant asks for clarification on specific difficulties with vectors to provide more targeted help, indicating that they do not view the University Physics book negatively.
  • One participant mentions confusion with the method of components in vector problems, particularly when their answers are slightly off from expected results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of the University Physics book, with some finding it helpful while others criticize it. The discussion reflects multiple competing views on teaching quality and resource effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding and confidence in their grasp of vectors, with some indicating a need for more specific guidance on their difficulties. The discussion does not resolve the issues raised regarding teaching methods or resource adequacy.

elpermic
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we are only doing mechanics the whole year, and my teacher sucks. He doesn't teach us, I have the book University Physics 9th Edition. The book is literally horrible. we started class a week ago and I'm trying so hard with no results. We are on vectors which I find very complicated. How can I understand it better? I'll look at the problem then have no idea what to do.
 
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I have used University Physics book (latest edition is 12th btw) and i find it decent enough. It has several worked out problems, you should definitely try those. Furthermore, there are like 100 or so end of chapter problems, take a look at them. If you can find an "Instructors Solution" use it throughout...it has solution to all those problems (i used ebook version). If doubt of concept, read the book thoroughly.

Then there are external resources you can look into. MIT online lectures are excellent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmJV8CHIqFc&feature=PlayList&p=F688ECB2FF119649&index=0 You can also use this forum to ask Physics related problem you have.

If you can't get through chapter one (vector), you are in whole lot of trouble. You'll be using vectors throughout the course and even latter in higher courses. Think of that and study till you get it right!
 
elpermic said:
we are only doing mechanics the whole year, and my teacher sucks. He doesn't teach us, I have the book University Physics 9th Edition. The book is literally horrible. we started class a week ago and I'm trying so hard with no results. We are on vectors which I find very complicated. How can I understand it better? I'll look at the problem then have no idea what to do.

What exactly about vectors are you unsure about? Maybe we can help you better if you describe specifically what your problem is.

And I don't think University Physics is a bad book at all.
 
What can I say.. EVERYTHING! My teacher will try to teach us the material and nobody will understand it. Horrible teacher who can't teach. It's like I'm trying to self study Physics by myself. I have tried it myself and I do get the method of components but it's still kind of confusing. especially when my answer is 0.2 units off of the real answer
 

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