Spatial reasoning in physics and it's importance

[Jasim]

[soft question] Hey there, just been wanting to ask this, how important is spatial reasoning in physics or engineering?

Just some context (I am in HS), I have been wondering this due to my growing insecurity of my lack of spatial reasoning ability, this is based upon an experience namely one where I had trouble fitting objects together and putting back things together, which is usually associated with low spatial ability. Generally I can easily rotate things in my head, but how does this explain my deficiency with other spatial tasks. Though I have taken multiple online tests on spatial reasoning and have scored reasonably well, I still have a growing insecurity that I may not be able to do engineering at a higher level due to this deficiency

I maybe even just be overthinking this and may just be good at it, but I want some advice on how to interpret this.

Thanks :D

 

[ZapperZ]

[soft question] Hey there, just been wanting to ask this, how important is spatial reasoning in physics or engineering?

Just some context (I am in HS), I have been wondering this due to my growing insecurity of my lack of spatial reasoning ability, this is based upon an experience namely one where I had trouble fitting objects together and putting back things together, which is usually associated with low spatial ability. Generally I can easily rotate things in my head, but how does this explain my deficiency with other spatial tasks. Though I have taken multiple online tests on spatial reasoning and have scored reasonably well, I still have a growing insecurity that I may not be able to do engineering at a higher level due to this deficiency

I maybe even just be overthinking this and may just be good at it, but I want some advice on how to interpret this.

Thanks :D

How about the possibility that your problem is not spatial reasoning, but rather your insecurity?

You are trying to talk yourself into having a problem, when there appears to be none.

Zz.

 

[Rive]

Generally I can easily rotate things in my head, but how does this explain my deficiency with other spatial tasks.

I would say you just need more experience and practice. Pick some 3D puzzle games or such. Not necessarily on PC only - doing things with your hands will also help a lot.
Maybe you can buy a cheap motorbike to take apart (and back together).

 

[berkeman]

I maybe even just be overthinking this

I think that is the case. Just enjoy working with puzzles and problems that involve spatial reasoning, and you will continue to improve.

Generally I can easily rotate things in my head

That's a good skill to have, build on that.

I'm pretty good at spatial reasoning usually, but there was one time I was playing in an adult league softball game, and I was batting and accidentally kicked the flat home plate plastic piece out of position. I picked it up and tried to put it back correctly, but no matter how I turned it, it looked wrong. Fortunately, the patient catcher finally took home plate from me and set it down correctly. Oh! That's how it goes! We all have our moments, so don't worry about it.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Nations_Park_Home_plate.jpg

 

[Jasim]

I think that is the case. Just enjoy working with puzzles and problems that involve spatial reasoning, and you will continue to improve.

That's a good skill to have, build on that.

I'm pretty good at spatial reasoning usually, but there was one time I was playing in an adult league softball game, and I was batting and accidentally kicked the flat home plate plastic piece out of position. I picked it up and tried to put it back correctly, but no matter how I turned it, it looked wrong. Fortunately, the patient catcher finally took home plate from me and set it down correctly. Oh! That's how it goes! We all have our moments, so don't worry about it.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Nations_Park_Home_plate.jpg

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Ok looks like i was just overthinking that way too much... But thank you anyways