New to Physics? Seeking Advice - Ask Here!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hacker4life
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around individuals seeking advice on learning physics, particularly those who are new to the subject and have faced challenges in their academic experiences. Participants share their backgrounds, motivations for learning physics, and the difficulties they have encountered, including issues with teaching quality and personal engagement with the material.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn physics despite having poor grades and not paying attention in class, seeking guidance from forum members.
  • Another participant questions the sincerity of the first poster's commitment to learning, suggesting that if they did not listen in class, it is unlikely they would listen to advice from strangers online.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of self-study and suggests that the first poster should focus on improving their grades and understanding foundational mathematics before tackling physics.
  • Some participants share their own experiences of losing interest in physics due to poor teaching and express a desire to relearn the subject from the basics, despite having some knowledge of advanced topics.
  • There is a debate about the meaning of "understanding" physics, with one participant arguing that superficial knowledge gained from popular science does not equate to a true understanding of the subject.
  • Another participant suggests that learning physics should be approached as a hobby, recommending a structured path through mathematics and physics textbooks to build a solid foundation.
  • Some participants note the importance of grades in formal education and encourage others to take their academic performance seriously.
  • One participant clarifies that they have prior exposure to advanced concepts through a science camp, countering claims that their understanding is superficial.
  • Another participant mentions their current engagement in a special mathematics class, indicating confidence in their mathematical abilities, which they believe will aid their physics learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the best approach to learning physics. While some emphasize the need for foundational knowledge and self-discipline, others focus on personal motivations and the importance of curiosity. The discussion remains unresolved on the best path forward for those new to physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of prior knowledge and experience, which influences their perspectives on learning physics. There are also differing opinions on the role of formal education versus self-study in mastering the subject.

Hacker4life
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
hello I am totally new in physics, and new to this forum, and I want to learn it. We do have physics in school and the next school year is the last. But still, I have bad grades in it and never listen to it, but I am interested in it. Please guide me.

P.S I'm not really a hacker I just use this username everywhere
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hacker4life said:
hello I am totally new in physics, and new to this forum, and I want to learn it. We do have physics in school and the next school year is the last. But still, I have bad grades in it and never listen to it, but I am interested in it. Please guide me.

P.S I'm not really a hacker I just use this username everywhere

Hum... so you "never listen" to your lessons in school, but you would listen to a bunch of strangers on an internet forum?

Zz.
 
Hacker4life said:
hello I am totally new in physics, and new to this forum, and I want to learn it. We do have physics in school and the next school year is the last. But still, I have bad grades in it and never listen to it, but I am interested in it. Please guide me.

P.S I'm not really a hacker I just use this username everywhere

You should start by paying attention in class and by getting better grades. Physics is not for slackers. Also, start self-studying mathematics and physics. Maybe start by reviewing your mathematics, because you'll need it and I guess you can use a review.

Physics is a very difficult major. You will need to work very hard. If you never listen to your professors and get bad grades then that's a big red flag.
 
I have been competing in mathematics, and programming and physics before. I lost interest and forgot everything I knew about physics. My teacher didn't explain things well and for paying attention in class is too late since I don't know even the basic things so I can't understand the more advanced things. Since everything I know I remember like a fog I decided to start all over again. I don't care about my grade in physics, I don't care about my class. I care about learning physics all over again. I also know more advanced things in physics ahead of my class but I don't know the beginning of it. For example I understand the basics of "quantum teleportation" but I don't remember acceleration
 
Hacker4life said:
I have been competing in mathematics, and programming and physics before. I lost interest and forgot everything I knew about physics. My teacher didn't explain things well and for paying attention in class is too late since I don't know even the basic things so I can't understand the more advanced things. Since everything I know I remember like a fog I decided to start all over again. I don't care about my grade in physics, I don't care about my class. I care about learning physics all over again. I also know more advanced things in physics ahead of my class but I don't know the beginning of it. For example I understand the basics of "quantum teleportation" but I don't remember acceleration

What you mean by "understand" is debatable.

You never clarify if you are learning physics just for "fun", or are you going to make a vocation out of it. The latter requires a formal education, because that is the most common way to prove that you do know such things. Just saying you know something isn't sufficient evidence.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
What you mean by "understand" is debatable.

You never clarify if you are learning physics just for "fun", or are you going to make a vocation out of it. The latter requires a formal education, because that is the most common way to prove that you do know such things. Just saying you know something isn't sufficient evidence.

Zz.

Well, let's put it this way, I plan on being a programmer, and I want to learn physics for "fun". I want to learn more than what my class learns, not because I want a good grade or impress people with what I know, but because I'm filled with curiosity and I will surely move faster than they do.
 
Hacker4life said:
I have been competing in mathematics, and programming and physics before. I lost interest and forgot everything I knew about physics. My teacher didn't explain things well and for paying attention in class is too late since I don't know even the basic things so I can't understand the more advanced things. Since everything I know I remember like a fog I decided to start all over again. I don't care about my grade in physics, I don't care about my class. I care about learning physics all over again. I also know more advanced things in physics ahead of my class but I don't know the beginning of it. For example I understand the basics of "quantum teleportation" but I don't remember acceleration

I think you should realize that you don't understand quantum teleportation. Remember: watching a pop-sci documentary has nothing to do with actual physics. Actual physics is not just musing about teleportation, black holes, time travel, etc. It is very difficult and tedious mathematics.

Blaming your teacher for not explaining things is not a good thing. In sciences, you are expected to be able to self-study a lot of things. I've had some horrible classes and very bad professors, but I managed to ace the classes nonetheless by self-studying. Don't rely on your teacher alone!

Grades are very important in college. So you better start caring about them.
 
Hacker4life said:
Well, let's put it this way, I plan on being a programmer, and I want to learn physics for "fun". I want to learn more than what my class learns, not because I want a good grade or impress people with what I know, but because I'm filled with curiosity and I will surely move faster than they do.

So it's just as a hobby? I recommend reviewing mathematics first. Get "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang and work through it. It'll be a very decent review on a level that is higher than the usual high school books.
After that, you should learn calculus I and II (calculus III can wait). After you know calculus, you should get a basic calculus-based physics book and work through that. I suppose that'll keep you busy for some time.
 
micromass said:
I think you should realize that you don't understand quantum teleportation. Remember: watching a pop-sci documentary has nothing to do with actual physics. Actual physics is not just musing about teleportation, black holes, time travel, etc. It is very difficult and tedious mathematics.

Blaming your teacher for not explaining things is not a good thing. In sciences, you are expected to be able to self-study a lot of things. I've had some horrible classes and very bad professors, but I managed to ace the classes nonetheless by self-studying. Don't rely on your teacher alone!

Grades are very important in college. So you better start caring about them.

I did not watch a movie about it, I went to a science camp here and a professor explained it to me. He explained in detail with all formulas, but first of course explain about qubits, bell states...
You are right, I can't blame the teacher, I take that back, it's my fault for not being interested in it.

Don't worry about my college, everything is already planned.

So, will you already answer the question or not?
 
  • #10
micromass said:
So it's just as a hobby? I recommend reviewing mathematics first. Get "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang and work through it. It'll be a very decent review on a level that is higher than the usual high school books.
After that, you should learn calculus I and II (calculus III can wait). After you know calculus, you should get a basic calculus-based physics book and work through that. I suppose that'll keep you busy for some time.

Mathematics isn't a problem, I'm currently in a special mathematics class so I know a lot about it. The last thing I learned is about limits and currently learning about integrals. So that isn't the problem I think.
And as "special" I mean we learn much more than other schools.
 
  • #11
Hacker4life said:
Mathematics isn't a problem, I'm currently in a special mathematics class so I know a lot about it. The last thing I learned is about limits and currently learning about integrals. So that isn't the problem I think.

OK, if you think you are comfortable with mathematics, then you should try to work through some physics book. I recommend that you first learn a bit about differential equations (not a lot, just make sure you are able to solve an equation of the form ##y^{\prime\prime} + by^\prime + cy = e^x##. The first three chapters of http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/DE/DE.aspx should be more than enough.

After you know something about DE, then you should try to tackle Kleppner & Kolenkow: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521198216/?tag=pfamazon01-20 or Morin: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521876222/?tag=pfamazon01-20
These are very challenging books but it's worth the effort! It's a lot better than garbage like Halliday and Resnick.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
micromass said:
OK, if you think you are comfortable with mathematics, then you should try to work through some physics book. I recommend that you first learn a bit about differential equations (not a lot, just make sure you are able to solve an equation of the form ##y^{\prime\prime} + by^\prime + cy = e^x##. The first three chapters of http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/DE/DE.aspx should be more than enough.

After you know something about DE, then you should try to tackle Kleppner & Kolenkow: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521198216/?tag=pfamazon01-20 or Morin: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521876222/?tag=pfamazon01-20
These are very challenging books but it's worth the effort! It's a lot better than garbage like Halliday and Resnick.

Well, first, why do I need math on such advanced level for things like th is one http://library.thinkquest.org/10796/ch2/ch2.htm ? I just want to start all over and learn math along the way.
And I already know differental equations.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
Hacker4life said:
Well, first, why do I need math on such advanced level for things like th is one http://library.thinkquest.org/10796/ch2/ch2.htm ? I just want to start all over and learn math along the way.
And I already know differental equations.

That link you posted is about algebra-based physics. Algebra-based physics is boring and stupid. If you already know calculus, then you shouldn't waste your time doing algebra-based physics, you should get a calculus-based physics book instead. This will be much more challenging and it will show you where things actually come from!
 
  • #14
micromass said:
That link you posted is about algebra-based physics. Algebra-based physics is boring and stupid. If you already know calculus, then you shouldn't waste your time doing algebra-based physics, you should get a calculus-based physics book instead. This will be much more challenging and it will show you where things actually come from!

I know what it will show and do for me, but I do not want to skip. I don't want to go on now knowing some simple things in physics. So if you could give me a list of that it would be good.
Thanks for the advice, but as you see, I'm not changing my mind.
 
  • #15
Hacker4life said:
I know what it will show and do for me, but I do not want to skip. I don't want to go on now knowing some simple things in physics. So if you could give me a list of that it would be good.
Thanks for the advice, but as you see, I'm not changing my mind.

Well, I have tried to advise you what I think is best. If you don't want to follow my advice, then that's your choice. No problem though! But I'll let somebody else answer you.
 
  • #16
micromass said:
Well, I have tried to advise you what I think is best. If you don't want to follow my advice, then that's your choice. No problem though! But I'll let somebody else answer you.

I know that you wanted to do that and I probably will start learning it a few months from now, but right now, I need the thing I mention before. I appreciate your help :D
 
  • #17
I'm confused. If your Mathematics is strong you should have no problem with algebra based physics. You can easily go to a library and pick up any introductory physics textbook, learn the concepts and start tackling problems. If that's not what you are looking for then I don't know what you mean by learning physics :P

To learn physics you have to do physics. Physics isn't about teleportation, being in two places at once, time travel, worm holes, etc. Physics is about figuring things out. It's about solving problems with your knowledge. Sure those things are cool. But if you don't understand acceleration I have I hard time believing you can understand anything past kinematics. Now I may be wrong, but after reading everything it leads me to this conclusion.

So if you want to learn physics I suggest listening to micromass' advice. You do know that you will be learning about velocity and acceleration, pretty much the same stuff for at least the first two years of your undergrad right? And you will need the higher Math. Open any intro physics book and there will be kinematics

Anyways you can use resources like khanacademy, mit ocw, etc. There are many many resources to help you learn.
 
  • #18
Hacker4life said:
I know what it will show and do for me, but I do not want to skip. I don't want to go on now knowing some simple things in physics. So if you could give me a list of that it would be good.
Thanks for the advice, but as you see, I'm not changing my mind.

Your really not skipping anything. You learn all the same stuff in calc physics plus more
 
  • #19
jimmyly said:
I'm confused. If your Mathematics is strong you should have no problem with algebra based physics. You can easily go to a library and pick up any introductory physics textbook, learn the concepts and start tackling problems. If that's not what you are looking for then I don't know what you mean by learning physics :P

Exactly, that's what I'm looking for, only one problem, I don't have the book to guide me.
 
  • #20
Hacker4life said:
Exactly, that's what I'm looking for, only one problem, I don't have the book to guide me.

Ahh okay. In that case you should take a look at the textbook forum on here, if your feeling up for it, like micromass said, then kleppner's intro to mechanics(needs calculus). I find that most intro physics books are plug and chug. You should go to a library and find a book that suites you and your learning style
 
  • #21
jimmyly said:
Ahh okay. In that case you should take a look at the textbook forum on here, if your feeling up for it, like micromass said, then kleppner's intro to classical mechanics(needs calculus). I find that most intro physics books are plug and chug. You should go to a library and find a book that suites you and your learning style

the only book I have is filled with tasks that I can't solve because I don't know the formulas and the ideas. I don't want to learn that yet because I'm pretty sure that there is a long way before I get to quantum physics.
 
  • #22
Hacker4life said:
the only book I have is filled with tasks that I can't solve because I don't know the formulas and the ideas. I don't want to learn that yet because I'm pretty sure that there is a long way before I get to quantum physics.

Here are a few textbooks to help U get going(some good some bad depending on the person. but like I said, most of them are plug and chug)

physics principles and applications - gioncoli
Conceptual physics - Hewitt
Introduction to mechanics - kleppner (the only one I really do recommend)
Btw I'm in algebra based physics class and I use kleppner. I find that my classes are too easy and slow so I decided to go ahead. Everything covered in my class is covered in kleppners book. I am bias towards the book but it's cause it's am amazing book that makes you think
 

Similar threads

Learning a new topic in graduate school classes in Physics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Admissions Need advice for Low GPA / Good Research / HEPth PhD application
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K
Why is this happening? (losing confidence in my math and science skills)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Admissions Could anyone offer some advice on my college choice for Physics/Astro?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Advice for a high school student who loves physics
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
How Can a Math-Loving Physics Student Excel in Mathematical Physics?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Any advanced physics students/academics that have failed?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
7K
My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
171K
Is this a good self-study program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K