Reading Physics Fifth Edition by James S. Walker

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for studying from the textbook "Physics Fifth Edition" by James S. Walker, particularly for a college-level Physics 101 course. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding problem-solving, study habits, and managing anxiety related to coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about effective study methods for the textbook and whether to complete every problem in the back of the chapters.
  • Another suggests checking the answer key and focusing on selected problems, such as odd or even numbered ones, and emphasizes the importance of working through example problems.
  • Concerns about performance and understanding of the material are expressed, with one participant feeling overwhelmed and unsure about their study pace.
  • Some participants advocate for doing all questions in the back of the chapters, arguing that it is essential for understanding the material, while acknowledging that study time varies for each individual.
  • There are suggestions to form study groups and to take ownership of one's studies, with a critique of a perceived defeatist attitude from one participant.
  • One participant expresses ongoing anxiety about their performance, particularly as a pre-med student, which adds to their stress regarding the course.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the importance of practice problems but differ in their views on the extent of problems to complete and the best approach to studying. Some feel that doing all problems is necessary, while others suggest a more selective approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal study strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying study paces and levels of anxiety, indicating that individual circumstances may affect their study strategies. There is no consensus on how many problems should be completed or how to manage study time effectively.

Who May Find This Useful

College students taking introductory physics courses, particularly those using the "Physics Fifth Edition" textbook, may find this discussion relevant. It may also be of interest to those seeking advice on study strategies and managing academic stress.

Turkishking
I am a college student taking Physics 101. I am currently reading Physics Fifth Edition by James S. Walker. Have any of you guys used this textbook? How should I study? Do I do every problem in the back of the chapter? And if it requires hours of consistency, do you recommend I stay up and force myself to do every problem?
 
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Check the answer key at the back and see what problems they do and then try those.

Some books do every odd problem or every even problem.

You could also try to do the example problems in the chapter and see how your solution matches up.

Also as a secondary reference check out the Openstax Physics books:

https://openstax.org/subjects/science
 
I feel worried I won't do well. I don't know what to do please help me
 
As for any class, it helps to do all of the questions in the back of the chapters. Why would you not do them, especially considering how afraid you seem to be to not understand the material? Put in the work. As per the amount of study time, everyone is different and its impossible to tell you how much you need. Give yourself some credit.
 
DS2C said:
As for any class, it helps to do all of the questions in the back of the chapters. Why would you not do them, especially considering how afraid you seem to be to not understand the material? Put in the work. As per the amount of study time, everyone is different and its impossible to tell you how much you need. Give yourself some credit.
i don't know how to give myself credit the pace is very fast and my first quiz is on monday, and I am worried i will do poorly. reading a chapter takes a very long time for me. I'm not sure if over the weekend if I should re-read chapters 1 and 2
 
Study what youve gone over in the class. Do the example problems (not sure how this was even a question). Find a study group possibly.
Dont take this the wrong way, I am not trying to insult you, but you come off as very whiny about it... almost like youre in a proverbial fetal position for the class. I say that because maybe you don't notice it, but its a terrible way to approach your difficulties. Take ownership of your studies and put your face in the book rather than asking how much you should be studying for something you can't grasp. The answer is simple- study it until you understand it.
 
DS2C said:
Study what youve gone over in the class. Do the example problems (not sure how this was even a question). Find a study group possibly.
Dont take this the wrong way, I am not trying to insult you, but you come off as very whiny about it... almost like youre in a proverbial fetal position for the class. I say that because maybe you don't notice it, but its a terrible way to approach your difficulties. Take ownership of your studies and put your face in the book rather than asking how much you should be studying for something you can't grasp. The answer is simple- study it until you understand it.
Well I'm pre-med so I'm always worried :(
 

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