Study Ahead for AP Physics B: Is Relativity Too Advanced?

[undrcvrbro]

I'm a high school senior in AP physics B, and quite frankly I'm bored to death with what were learning right now. I've gotten a little case of senioritis, and I feel less and less like trying to be interested. So with that said, would it be advisable to just read further on into my book and try learning about more modern(and possibly interesting) theories that my teacher won't be covering this year? I've really always wondered what Einstein's theory of Relativity was all about, and there is a whole chapter in my book covering it. The reason I ask is because I just don't want to get in over my head. Keep in mind that I've already practically finished all of AP Physics B and a normal physics 1 course at my high school (pre-req).

So would theories like relativity be too advanced for me to try and self study?

 

[cristo]

I read your thread title as "should I study abroad" and so was quite puzzled on reading it!

Anyway, it depends totally on the maths knowledge you have. Special relativity only has high school algebra as a prerequisite (for the most part) and so should be accessible to you. General relativity, on the other hand, require far more complex mathematics.

 

[G01]

I was in a similar situation when I was in your place in in high school. I was bored and started reading the relativity chapter for fun. Two weeks later, I called the university I was going to attend next year and asked to change my future major from chemistry to physics! By all means man, go for it. Just remember not to neglect your required studies TOO much.

 

[undrcvrbro]

I read your thread title as "should I study abroad" and so was quite puzzled on reading it!

Anyway, it depends totally on the maths knowledge you have. Special relativity only has high school algebra as a prerequisite (for the most part) and so should be accessible to you. General relativity, on the other hand, require far more complex mathematics.

I'm sure that made my post somewhat harder to comprehend! I'm in calc now(basic derivatives and integrals) so I guess I will give it a shot and see where I stand on some of the more advanced topics.

I was in a similar situation when I was in your place in in high school. I was bored and started reading the relativity chapter for fun. Two weeks later, I called the university I was going to attend next year and asked to change my future major from chemistry to physics! By all means man, go for it. Just remember not to neglect your required studies TOO much.

Of course I would never neglect my required studies. I think you were in a more similar situation then you first thought. I too will be majoring in a chemistry based field(chemE)! If this stuff moves me enough, I may find myself thinking about switching majors. I'm really clueless as to what I really want to do with my life

 

[cristo]

I'm sure that made my post somewhat harder to comprehend! I'm in calc now(basic derivatives and integrals) so I guess I will give it a shot and see where I stand on some of the more advanced topics.

Cool, well good luck. Try checking out the science book review forum if you need any book recommendations.

I'm really clueless as to what I really want to do with my life

You know, I don't think this is that uncommon, especially not just after high school. I'm a PhD student, and I don't really know what I want to do with my life! I've not regretted any of my decisions in the past and have enjoyed everything I've done, but then I don't know what I'm going to do after my PhD. I wouldn't worry about it too much; just try and find out what subject interests you more!

 

[chroot]

You should absolutely read anything and everything that interests you. In fact, your enthusiasm and interest will be your greatest allies in your future studies. Just make sure you don't spend all your time learning material that won't be on your tests!

You might also want to mention to your teacher that you are reading ahead and enjoying the material. He/she might be able to provide some additional resources for you.

- Warren

 

[undrcvrbro]

Thank you everyone for your advice. You guys are completely right. I have to find what interests me the most. I just hope that I find it sooner than later.

 

[G01]

Thank you everyone for your advice. You guys are completely right. I have to find what interests me the most. I just hope that I find it sooner than later.

You'll find it. Just keep learning and you'll eventually find what your field is. Good luck to you!

 

[mgiddy911]

There shouldn't be anything in that book that is over your head if you are in a calc class (assuming this is just a standard HS Physics book with little to no calculus at all)

The relativity chapter(s) are probably only Special Relativity which you have all the math you need for. They may touch on concepts of GR but no math as that would be well out of place for your book.

You should be fine as long as you keep up with the required homework. I'd recommend solving a lot of the problems, as many of them a you can, that will help out a lot later on should you pursue physics.