How to grasp AP Physics concepts and solve problems faster

[blayman5]

Hello,

I am currently a student in AP Physics. I enjoy the subject but I can not seem to grasp concepts and work on problems in a timely manner. When I work on homework, I can understand what I do some of the time, but when exam time comes, I tend to do poorly and I remember how to solve problems after the exams. I would like some advice on learning physics. Any input is desired.

 

[mgb_phys]

Practice, practice, practice.
There are very few original questions and the same techniques come up in every exam when you learn how to spot them - so do lots of past papers.

 

[blayman5]

So, working a lot of practice problems and observing the common trends would be an ideal way?

 

[mgb_phys]

Yes - it's a bit like a crossword,you have to recognise the type of question.

The question isn't going to come out and say "use conservation of energy/momentum to find this" or "you can ignore friction/weight of the spring" etc, you have to recognise the question.