Learn Physics: Tips & Advice for AP Students

AI Thread Summary
Struggling with AP Physics concepts and exam performance is common among students. Effective strategies for improvement include extensive practice with past exam papers to identify recurring problem types and techniques. Recognizing the underlying principles, such as conservation of energy or momentum, is crucial, as questions often require students to infer these concepts rather than stating them explicitly. Developing familiarity with problem patterns can enhance understanding and performance, making practice a key component of mastering the subject.
blayman5
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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.
 
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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.
 
So, working a lot of practice problems and observing the common trends would be an ideal way?
 
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.
 
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