Should I take physics as a sophomore?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether a high school freshman should take physics as a sophomore, given the prerequisites of trigonometry and precalculus. Participants recommend waiting until junior year to ensure a solid mathematical foundation, as the only physics class available at the school requires these math courses. The student expresses a desire to major in physics, raising concerns about potential gaps in knowledge. Taking community college physics courses in junior or senior year is suggested as a viable option to maintain continuity in physics education.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of honors algebra 2 concepts
  • Knowledge of trigonometry and precalculus
  • Familiarity with high school physics curriculum
  • Awareness of community college course offerings
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum for high school physics courses
  • Explore community college physics classes and their transferability
  • Study the relationship between mathematics and physics concepts
  • Investigate college physics programs and their prerequisites
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High school students considering a physics major, academic advisors, and parents guiding students in course selection.

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so currently, I am a freshman and I'm taking honors algebra 2. I'm also in honors chem and honors bio (idk if that makes a difference).
next year, I plan to take trig and pre-calc so I can take physics as well, which has trig & pre-calc as prerequisites/corequisites.
I really do want to take physics as soon as possible so I can get the basics down, but will I understand it all?

by the way, this is the only physics class my school offers.
 
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You're in high school, right?

Since this is the only physics class your school offers, I would wait to take it until after you have finished trig and precalc. This would mean taking physics no earlier than junior year.

Are you planning to major in physics in college/university? If so, you should probably avoid a year-long gap (or even more) in your physics studies.
 
yeah, I am in high school and I plan to major in physics.
do I really have to wait until junior year? if it's because of the math, I'll honestly have no problem. however, if it's because of the topics themselves, then that's what I was worried about.
also, if I took some physics classes at a community college as a junior/senior, that would get rid of the gap, right?
 

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