How to prepare for Calculus Based Physics 2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around preparing for Calculus Based Physics 2, particularly focusing on the foundational topics from Physics 1 that are relevant for success in Physics 2. Participants share their academic backgrounds and seek advice on what to review in light of their previous experiences in physics and calculus courses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific topics from Physics 1 that will be relevant in Physics 2, expressing a desire to understand the connections between the two courses.
  • Another participant suggests that knowledge of energy, work, and force will be important, noting that while the focus will shift to electricity and magnetism, the fundamental principles like F=ma will still apply.
  • There is an emphasis on the importance of vectors in Physics 2, with one participant expressing enthusiasm for this aspect based on their experience in Calculus 3.
  • Some participants share their academic backgrounds, including grades from previous courses, which may influence their confidence and preparation for Physics 2.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that foundational concepts from Physics 1 will be important in Physics 2, particularly regarding energy, work, and force. However, there is no consensus on the specific details of the syllabi or the exact topics that will be emphasized.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the syllabi for Physics 1 and Physics 2, indicating a lack of clarity on the specific content covered in their courses.

Geo_Zegarra2018
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hello,

Some background
I transfer to SUNY Albany in Fall 2017 and took the following courses
Organic chemistry 1: C+
Calculus 2: B-
A PHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3): E (like F)
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: Classical Mechanics. Topics include the concepts of force, energy and work applied to the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies and an introduction to special relativity
Physics lab 1: B-

Now, This Fall I’ll be taking
Air Pollution Air quality
Linear Algebra
Quantitative analysis w/lab
A PHY 150 Physics II: Electromagnetism (3)
An introduction to the fundamentals of physics: electrostatics and magnetism, including the concepts of the electric and magnetic fields, electric potential and basic circuits; the laws of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday; Maxwell’s equations; geometrical optics.
Introduction to Biochemistry

Now my question is:
I retook General Physics 1 (Algebra based) in summer and will be taking calc based physics 2 in Fall. Is there anything I need to know for Physics 2? I completed calc 3 last semester. In December, I changed my major to biology, but now I’m a chemistry major. My advisor let me take physics 1 over the summer and said it will be substituted in for Physics 1 calc based.

What topics from physics 1 comes back in physics 2? When I retook it it made more sense for me and the topics I struggle with in Fall 2017 made a lot more sense.
 
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Geo_Zegarra2018 said:
Organic chemistry 1: C+
Calculus 2: B-
A PHY 140 Physics I: Mechanics (3): E (like F)

I like your honesty. Not many are brave enough to publicly declare their grades.

But I am not familiar with your Phy 1, 2 Calc 3 syllabus. I ama not from US. Could you please briefly describe or link the syllabi?

Thanks.
 
Geo_Zegarra2018 said:
What topics from physics 1 comes back in physics 2?

Well, physics is like a compounding thing, where all previous knowledge applies. But, to try to answer your question, I think there certainly will be a focus on energy, work, and force. This time the forces will be due to electricity and magnetism, but F=ma still rules the day.

Also, expect lots of vectors.
 
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plasmon_shmasmon said:
Well, physics is like a compounding thing, where all previous knowledge applies. But, to try to answer your question, I think there certainly will be a focus on energy, work, and force. This time the forces will be due to electricity and magnetism, but F=ma still rules the day.

Also, expect lots of vectors.

Ah perfect! I love vectors (Calc 3 was my favorite class). Thanks, I will review the work and energy.
 
e-pie said:
I like your honesty. Not many are brave enough to publicly declare their grades.

But I am not familiar with your Phy 1, 2 Calc 3 syllabus. I ama not from US. Could you please briefly describe or link the syllabi?

Thanks.

Well, I actually deserved that F grade. If my professor used a curved I would have failed both physics 1 and 2. I already took Calculus 3

I don't have the syllabi right now.
 

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