Is spatial reasoning ability crucial for studying physics?

[Verex_]

Hello. I have decided to create this thread to ask you how important is the spatial reasoning ability in studying physics.

I am about to finish high school (in Poland to be specific) and in a short amount of time i will be going to have to choose my major. I am interested in particle physics, astrophysics and quantum physics so i think that majoring physics will fit into my interests.

There is only one problem. I am good at solving physics and math problems but I think that I lack spatial intelligence. I don't have problems with visualising 3d shapes, physics concepts about which i read in scientific books but i have trouble imagining for example trajectory of moving objects in various reference frames, motion of objects such as worm gears etc. It's not impossible for me but it takes a lot of time for me to visualise some situations.

Subjects that don't involve a lot of spatial reasoning such as gravity, electromagnetism, electrostatics, electricity in most of cases are not a big deal for me (at least at high school level) but solving e.g. kinematics problems poses a challenge to me.

The question is: should i carry on trying to get a major in theoretical physics or should i stop even dreaming of it and go study something else? I count on responses from people who have some experience in physics.

Thank you in advance for constructive answers :)

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to the PF.

but i have trouble imagining for example trajectory of moving objects in various reference frames, motion of objects such as worm gears etc. It's not impossible for me but it takes a lot of time for me to visualise some situations.

I think you should pursue physics, since you are interested in it and like it. I think the spatial thinking will come with time and practice, which is exactly what you will get at university.

You could also look into 3-D simulation software packages, and play with 3-D sketching software packages. It can help a lot to be able to manipulate objects in 3-D on your computer screen.

 

[Choppy]

One thing to keep in mind is that what you are referring to as your "spatial reasoning" may be more a reflection of your experience with these types of problems rather than a completely innate ability.

Struggling with something is not in a and of itself a good reason to drop it. If you struggle to the point where the subject is no longer interesting - at least on some level - or you don't enjoy it anymore, that's a big flag.

 

[berkeman]

I did a quick google search on Mental Exercises to Improve Spatial Thinking, and got lots of promising hits. Take a look through the hit list to see if anything looks interesting or useful for you. Have fun at university!

https://www.google.com/search?q=mental+exercises+to+improve+spatial+thinking&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

 

[Wminus]

It comes with time and practice mate

 

[Verex_]

Thank you very much for your answers and resolving my doubts :)