Should I take calc-based physics?

[existential]

Hey, I'm a math major and wondering where I should start with physics. It is recommended that I take 'Physics for Scientists and Engineers 1' for my math major, so I do want to take it. The problem is I have never taken a physics class in my life, not even in high school. I'm afraid I won't be prepared. The only physics I pretty much know is the stuff we did in calculus as word problems, I guess just some classical mechanics. I know what Newton's laws of motion are obviously, the basic things... but other than that I'm not too familiar. I don't think the math part will be a problem though, I'm currently in calc 3 and am getting an A, I also got A's in my other calc classes. But anyway, in the description for the class it recommends that students that don't have a strong background in physics should take this algebra based class before hand. I would take that class but I don't want to waste my time if I could get my through the calc-based class without it.

Any suggestions? Should I just take the algebra-based class, or would that be too easy?(generally, I know you guys don't know what the class will be like at my school) Or should I just go ahead and take the calc-based class?

Also, if I decide to just take calc-based, what things should I 'study up on' before hand so I won't be totally clueless? I have time, I wouldn't be taking the class until the fall, so if it's possible for me just to study up on some key concepts over the summer and be alright in calc-based, I would totally do that. But if you think it's too hard for someone that has never taken a physics class to jump into something somewhat advanced, I'll just take the other class.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[cdotter]

You're learning the same physics either way.

The most important things to know are trig (identities, the unit circle, conversion between radians and degrees, maybe the power series expansion of sin and cos), derivatives, and integrals (integration by parts and u-substitution, very basic line integrals.)

Since you're doing well in calculus 3 I don't think you'll have any trouble. But even if you do, the professor will most likely review any relevant math.

 

[micromass]

Well, if you have time enough anyway, why not take a calc-based physics text and study the first few chapters of it. You'll see soon enough whether it is too difficult or not. This is the best way that you're going to find out!

 

[existential]

Well, if you have time enough anyway, why not take a calc-based physics text and study the first few chapters of it. You'll see soon enough whether it is too difficult or not. This is the best way that you're going to find out!

this is genius actually! My sister still has a physics textbook(same course basically) in her room from a couple years ago. I can't believe I didn't think to take a look at it. silly me.

 

[Vanadium 50]

I think that calculus based physics is actually easier than algebra based physics, assuming you know calculus - something that is not always true, even among students who passed it. The reason is that what look like N independent equations that must be separately memorized and understood in algebra based are often related in a way that calculus makes apparent.

This is particularly true in E&M.

 

[Duderonimous]

That is very true. I can't help to think that learning Newtonian mechanics without the calculus must make everything seem so incohesive. If Newton had to invent calculus to properly treat his theories that must be the best way to learn it.

 

[existential]

Thanks for your advice everyone! I'm just going to take the calc-based class. I think I can handle it.