How to use these books for physics olympiad?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for utilizing specific physics textbooks, including Feynman Lectures, University Physics, and Irodov problems, in preparation for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). Participants explore the effectiveness of these resources, the balance between conceptual understanding and problem-solving practice, and the best approach to studying given time constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the reliability of Feynman Lectures due to potential outdated phrasing and errors, questioning whether they can be trusted for foundational understanding.
  • Another suggests that after using University Physics, participants should explore intermediate books and emphasizes the importance of solving quality problems for IPhO preparation.
  • There is a discussion about whether to practice questions after each chapter or to complete all chapters first, with some participants noting a lack of experience in tackling quality problems despite having knowledge.
  • Concerns are raised about the pace of study, with one participant questioning whether to prioritize conceptual knowledge over practice due to time constraints.
  • Some participants recommend solving problems from textbooks after completing chapters and tackling Irodov problems after covering sub-branches of physics.
  • One participant questions the necessity of reading proofs for equations, wondering if skipping them would lead to missing important concepts.
  • There are differing views on the amount of study time required, with some suggesting extensive hours while others argue that effective preparation can be achieved with less time.
  • One participant shares anecdotal evidence of a student who succeeded in IPhO with limited preparation time, suggesting that individual capabilities may vary significantly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the best approach to studying for the IPhO, with no clear consensus on the optimal balance between conceptual understanding and problem-solving practice. Disagreements also arise regarding the necessary study duration and the effectiveness of different resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of quality problems and the need for a structured approach to studying, but there are unresolved questions about the best methods and resources to use given individual circumstances and time limitations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students preparing for physics competitions, particularly those interested in strategies for effective study and resource utilization in a limited timeframe.

SecretSnow
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Hi guys, I have Feynman lectures, University Physics, and Irodov problems in general physics with solutions. How do I make use of these books?

Firstly, I must say that university physics textbook is rather simple to go through, but I've heard that Feynman lectures are better for physics olympiads. However, will that book be outdated (in terms of being revised for errors or wordings)? I've checked online and discovered that there may be misunderstandings while reading because of how certain words are phrased. Can I rely on Feyman's Lectures then? I'm rather new in introductory physics so I may not be able to verify the errors or concepts in this book.

Also, for practice, which book should I start first with? University Physics ones seems simpler but because of the time constraint I am not sure which one should I do (given that there's so many questions for each chapter) Because of this time constraint, is it wiser to just do Irodov's ones since it is slightly more difficult? If I have to do questions for practice, which questions in specific would it be best to maximize my time for the olympiad? Thanks!
 
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For Reading_-_If you have used University Physics then explore Intermediate books, as Mechanics-Kleppnar , Electrodynamics-Griffith , Modern Physics-Krane.And use Feynman Lectures also after reading from textbooks.

Remember IPhO is a Problem Solving Contest so do as many Quality Problems as you can.
 
Would it be good if I practice questions after studying one chapter? Or would it be better to go through all the chapters? Some times I find it difficult to tackle quality problems even though I have the knowledge because I lack experience. Also, where do I find quality problems that are not as difficult as ipho and are manageable? How do I use Feynman lectures too? Thanks!
 
Because I don't have a lot of time so do I get as much conceptual knowledge first but with little practice? If I practice the questions, my pace would be very slow. What would be the recommended pace? 1 chapter per day or 2?
 
Oh! that means you preparing for IPhO Denmark, July 2013. Please go to the Syllabus there is 11 topics/sub-branch, as Mechanics, Matter, etc.

Solve Problems from textbooks after completing a chapter, from Irodov after a sub-branch, and if all branches completed then face IPhO previous problems.
 
n10Newton said:
Oh! that means you preparing for IPhO Denmark, July 2013. Please go to the Syllabus there is 11 topics/sub-branch, as Mechanics, Matter, etc.

Solve Problems from textbooks after completing a chapter, from Irodov after a sub-branch, and if all branches completed then face IPhO previous problems.

Thanks a lot! You've been a great help!
 
Btw is it necessary that I read proofs of how an equation is derived? Sometimes I find it common sense when I look at the equation and also time consuming if I read the proofs. However, will I miss out anything important if I skip it?
 
It's require, I don't want to say but the time is very low for you.and how is your Experimental Part.IPhO requires knowledge upto undergrad.
here is an interview of a physics olympiad trainer. Read it may help you.
How many hours do the students have to study?

They study from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. But there are students who study until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.
Complete Article
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2005/11/20/yohanes-surya-physicist-many-dreams.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
n10Newton said:
It's require, I don't want to say but the time is very low for you.and how is your Experimental Part.IPhO requires knowledge upto undergrad.
here is an interview of a physics olympiad trainer. Read it may help you.

Complete Article
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2005/11/20/yohanes-surya-physicist-many-dreams.html

Wow Indonesian students are so hardworking..now I feel ashamed of myself... :( then, now I know I have to work harder! Thanks a lot!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
I'm not sure if a student has to study that long. In fact I think that it is impossible! I have met students who have win medals in IPhO and IMO and allthough they study a lot of time they never do so that long. In fact I do know a student who got a bronze in IMO 2011 with a 2 month preparation with a study of 5 hours per day.
 
  • #11
SecretSnow said:
Because I don't have a lot of time so do I get as much conceptual knowledge first but with little practice? If I practice the questions, my pace would be very slow. What would be the recommended pace? 1 chapter per day or 2?

I use University Physics (by HD Young) for praparation. I would recommend that you solve the "Problems" and the "More Advanced Problems". You may skip the exercises. Then try solving more exercises from problem books like Irodov.
 
  • #12
vthem said:
I'm not sure if a student has to study that long. In fact I think that it is impossible! I have met students who have win medals in IPhO and IMO and allthough they study a lot of time they never do so that long. In fact I do know a student who got a bronze in IMO 2011 with a 2 month preparation with a study of 5 hours per day.
Well Terence Tao Appears First Time in IMO at age of 10 that not means Anybody can go to it at age of 10.
And They Read and Taught by Yohans For doing the best at IPhO, at check the Article is of 2005-06 year and in that Session IPhO World Ranked 1 are from Indonesia.(check Wikipedia article IPhO).
China and USA both entered to IPhO in year 1986 but see the Results China in short period reached at No.1 in that.It's All about Giftedness. If you Gifted then You can do anything in Short Time Period.
 

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