Physics I - Final Exam - In 2wks

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for preparing for a Physics I final exam, which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering various topics including vectors, motion, Newton's laws, energy, and waves. Participants share their experiences and suggest study methods to help the original poster succeed in the exam.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest solving problems from the textbook, starting with easier ones before progressing to harder problems, and seeking help from professors or tutors if needed.
  • It is proposed that understanding the basic concepts, such as vectors, kinematic equations, and Newton's laws, is crucial for success.
  • Participants emphasize the importance of reading the textbook chapters to grasp the principles behind the problems, as mere problem-solving may not suffice.
  • One participant mentions the value of reviewing solved problems in the textbook and practicing with old final exams to identify mistakes.
  • There is a shared sentiment that many students struggle with the course, with some dropping out, highlighting the challenges of Physics I.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of problem-solving and understanding fundamental concepts, but there are varying opinions on the effectiveness of different study methods, such as reading versus problem-solving.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the professor includes tricky elements in exams, such as conversions, which can lead to mistakes if not carefully considered. There is also mention of the difficulty level of the material, which may vary among students.

studyhard4life
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Hey friends from the phyics forum... I have been recently struggling with physics I all semester... and now I am already to the Final Exam which is 50 questions - multiple choice and it is worth 50 % of my grade. Which to me is like basically passing or failing the class and having to repeat it. I just want people insight and help if any on this.. I wish I knew about this site before, I am not asking for answers, just suggestions and any help you can give me to pass the course and do well! Here is what the 50 question multiple choice - 50 % final exam is on :

Vectors & Scalars
Uniform Linear Motion
Uniform Circular Motion
Newtons Laws of Motion
Linear Momentum
Energy
Statics and Equilibrium
Fluids
Waves
Oscillations

To some of you, these topics may seem very easy, and some are, but I just have trouble taking formulas and flipping them around and using them the proper way, also our professor loves throwing in conversions and little things students can miss, so I end up getting like the biggest answers and it ends being wrong. Anything will help, I have a good 2wks to prepare, I know I can do it, sample multiple choice exams, anything guys, save ME -- I WILL WORK FOR IT - I PROMISE.

Greg
 
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I think the best way to study is solving problems from your textbook. Try to solve the easy ones first and then the hardest, if you have trouble ask your professor or to a tutor.

Basic things you should know are:-Vectors (resultant forces, magnitude and direction, components of x and y...)
- Kinematic equations (how to get all equations using integration)
- Newtons Laws
- Conservation of Energy and Momentum
- Equilibrium

Physics I is hard, I know from my own experience. In my Physics I class only 9 students (including me) finish the class, the rest give up and withdraw the course.

Well..Good Luck and start studying
 
Go over the solved problems in the textbook to start with - most books have a few worked example problems distributed through the chapter. If you get stuck, it's easy to see where you went wrong.

It's also worth looking to see if there are old final exams from the course that you can practice on.
 
In my experience with physics I, the most underrated study tactic is actually reading the chapters. It took me 2 tries to pass Physics I. I don't think you will understand how to work the problems without understand the principles behind what you are trying to accomplish. Just my experience.
 
bengaltiger14 said:
In my experience with physics I, the most underrated study tactic is actually reading the chapters. It took me 2 tries to pass Physics I. I don't think you will understand how to work the problems without understand the principles behind what you are trying to accomplish. Just my experience.
true that, reading is just as important as doing the problems.

lots of ppl in my class just consult their notes ... it's funny that they think that the teacher goes every single concept that they will encounter in the homework and exams.

the material is tough, but you just have to fight it! i don't understand what i read at times, but then i do the problems it begins to make sense ... and vice versa.
 

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