Testing Mastering Normal Modes: Tips for Solving Physics GRE Questions Quickly

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Tips for quickly finding normal modes for the GRE include focusing on symmetric and anti-symmetric modes, utilizing limiting cases, and practicing with specific resources like "Conquering the Physics GRE." Some users found that this book provided efficient strategies for identifying normal modes compared to traditional texts like Taylor. While some experienced difficulty with the problem difficulty level in the book, others preferred practicing with Halliday and taking multiple practice tests to improve performance. The ansatz method for deriving the secular equation was highlighted as a particularly effective approach. Overall, consistent practice and familiarity with common problem types are essential for success on the exam.
Crush1986
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I'm just looking for any tips one might have for finding normal modes quickly? The GRE always seems to have a question or two on them and I have no idea how they expect someone to do a problem like that in the time given.

I know that there is normally, in the problems given, a symmetric and an anti-symmetric mode. Is it honestly just knowing how the answers usually turn out maybe coupled with testing some extremes on the given answers?

Thanks, I'm taking it on Saturday. After taking the final practice test available I realized I always skipped those problems because I just didn't feel I had the time to work them out.
 
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Do you have a copy of "Conquering the Physics GRE"? I recall that about two pages in there taught me more about normal modes (in terms of finding them, and quickly) than reading through Taylor. I also got through the pGRE by doing limiting cases on those problems.
 
Dishsoap said:
Do you have a copy of "Conquering the Physics GRE"? I recall that about two pages in there taught me more about normal modes (in terms of finding them, and quickly) than reading through Taylor. I also got through the pGRE by doing limiting cases on those problems.
Actually, I believe I do! Thanks!

I got the book but didn't really like doing the problems from it much. I used it though to make sure I covered each of the sections. All the problems I found were a bit above the PGRE level of difficulty. I could do them but it took way too long. So I mostly focused on doing problems from Halliday and trying to memorize some of the formulas that I had forgotten over the years. Also I found doing all the practice tests helpful as I improved after each time. I'd do one then hit up some books working on the type of problems I missed most.

Thanks again.
 
Your studying method sounds great. Best of luck on Saturday!
 
Dishsoap said:
Your studying method sounds great. Best of luck on Saturday!
Thank you! If I can duplicate my last practice test i'll be fine. Hopefully the pressure doesn't get to me.
 
Oh wow, I do like the method they outline to use. Using the ansatz to quickly get to the secular equation. Definitely better than what I had in mind.
 

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