New to physics, what should I learn?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of what foundational physics concepts a newcomer should learn when starting a course titled "Amusement Park Physics" midway through the academic year. Participants explore various topics and skills that may be beneficial for understanding the upcoming material, considering the previous topics covered in the course.

Discussion Character

  • Academic guidance
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that learning Newton's laws is essential for the upcoming course.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of calculus as a foundational skill for physics.
  • There is a proposal to assess what prior knowledge or tools the newcomer has that could be useful.
  • One participant recommends consulting the teacher of the previous topics to understand what material might be necessary to study.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that basic algebra and construction and equipment maintenance knowledge could be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on what specific topics or skills are most important to learn, indicating that there is no consensus on a singular approach or set of concepts to focus on.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying assumptions about the relevance of previous topics and the mathematical requirements of the upcoming course, which remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

New students in physics or those considering a transition into physics courses, particularly those starting midway through an academic term.

jstretto
Hey everyone :), this doesn't really fit in any section so I will just put it here.

I am swapping some subjects around and as a result I am starting physics halfway through the year, while my class mates all started in the beginning. However I am not starting from the beginning, I will be doing the same work as them.

In the following term, we will undergo a course called "Amusement Park Physics". They have already undergone two topics in the previous two terms, "The Physics of Music" and "Time to hit the road (focused on cars, their safety, etc).

One of my friends has told me we really don't need much from the previous terms, but I kind of think he is setting me up to fail.

So anyway. What do you think I should learn?

Newtons laws? Or error orrr? Orrr do you need more information to tell, just ask and I will find whatever i CAN. Anyway, any help will be GREATLY appreciated :)

Thanks
 
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jstretto said:
Hey everyone :), this doesn't really fit in any section so I will just put it here.
Actually, yes it does. "Academic guidance"

I am swapping some subjects around and as a result I am starting physics halfway through the year, while my class mates all started in the beginning. However I am not starting from the beginning, I will be doing the same work as them.

In the following term, we will undergo a course called "Amusement Park Physics". They have already undergone two topics in the previous two terms, "The Physics of Music" and "Time to hit the road (focused on cars, their safety, etc).

One of my friends has told me we really don't need much from the previous terms, but I kind of think he is setting me up to fail.

So anyway. What do you think I should learn?

Newtons laws? Or error orrr? Orrr do you need more information to tell, just ask and I will find whatever i CAN.Anyway, any help will be GREATLY appreciated :)

Thanks
How much do these course use math?
 
The Physics you need to learn first is called Calculus.
 
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jstretto said:
do you need more information to tell, just ask
what have you got in your toolkit already that may come in useful ?
And yes, Newton is extremely useful
 
I would ask the teacher who taught those two classes. If you don't want to do that then ask the teacher you will have what you should study before the class starts.
 
First learn construction and equipment maintenance and basic algebra.

from title,
New to physics, what should I learn?
(NOT kidding.)
 

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