Mnemonics for Math, Chemistry and Physics

  • Thread starter Thread starter BogMonkey
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chemistry Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the use of mnemonics to enhance memory retention in subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Participants share various mnemonics, such as "SOH CAH TOA" for trigonometric functions and "Oh Be A Fine Girl (Kiss Me Now)" for stellar spectral classes. The effectiveness of these memory aids is highlighted, with users reporting significant improvements in recalling complex information. Additionally, unique mnemonics like "PMAT" for cell division stages are introduced, showcasing the creativity involved in memory techniques.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometric functions and their relationships.
  • Familiarity with the periodic table and transition metals.
  • Knowledge of stellar classification in astrophysics.
  • Basic concepts of cell division in biology.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced mnemonic techniques for complex scientific concepts.
  • Explore the application of mnemonics in learning languages.
  • Investigate the effectiveness of visual mnemonics in education.
  • Learn about memory palaces and their use in memorization strategies.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in STEM fields, particularly those seeking effective methods to memorize complex information in mathematics, chemistry, and physics.

BogMonkey
Messages
76
Reaction score
0
I often have trouble remembering little details of things and using mnemonics solved that problem completely. I only started using these tricks recently and its resulted in me permanently remembering details which I used to have to look up every time. Heres the ones I use
SOH CAH TOA - You probably all know that one
CHO SHA CAO - The same as the one above but for csc, sec and cot.
NOD - Numerator over denominator. I forgot that one about a thousand times before I decided to just remember the word NOD.

Can you list any highly useful mnemonics you use for remembering details in maths, physics, chemistry etc.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Can't say I've encountered more than a couple mnemonics in my academic history, one of which you've already mentioned.

If you study Astrophysics, chances are you might already be familiar with "Oh Be A Fine Girl (Kiss Me Now)" -> OBAFGKMN, which orders stellar spectral classes from highest energy to lowest.
 


My Personal favorite would be "Fluorinasaurus Rex and Francium always surrenders," referring to electro negativity trends.

One of my professors said he had to memorize "Sc-Ti-V-Cr-Mn-F-Co-Ni-Cu-Zn" for the transition metals while attending graduate school. He pronounces it very quickly, as if it were a single word.
 


Well for remembering which trigonometric functions were positive in the unit circle, I made up, Andy Sucks Tiny Cock, when I was 14.. But I suppose that one will never have mass appeal..
 


thayes93 said:
Well for remembering which trigonometric functions were positive in the unit circle, I made up, Andy Sucks Tiny Cock, when I was 14.. But I suppose that one will never have mass appeal..

Haha its easy to remember I suppose. Another one I came up with for biology is PMAT - Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. Interphase and prometaphase I remember naturally.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
10K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K