Things you wish you knew when you started to study physics?

[Rodney182]

Hi there! I'm a new member trying to self-study physics.

I apologise if this is in the wrong place on the forum. Feel free to lock or move the thread if so.

What are some things you wish you knew when you started learning physics? Or things about the world of science/physics that you wish someone had told you?

I am just trying to connect with new people about this passion of mine and get some opinions.

 

[PeroK]

Three pieces of advice:

Forget all popular science sources.

It's up to you to change the way you think. Science is not going to change to accommodate your preferences.

Be prepared to work hard.

 

[Rodney182]

Three pieces of advice:

Forget all popular science sources.

It's up to you to change the way you think. Science is not going to change to accommodate your preferences.

Be prepared to work hard.

What would be popular science sources? Do you mean generic pop-science books/documentaries?

 

[PeroK]

What would be popular science sources? Do you mean generic pop-science books/documentaries?

Yes, everything that is not a textbook or equivalent academic source.

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to PF.

What are some things you wish you knew when you started learning physics?

One of the most useful tips that I learned early in my study of Physics and Engineering is to carry units along in the equations you are writing and solving. If you ensure that your units match between terms and across the equal sign, it goes a long way toward helping you understand what is going on and avoiding mistakes.

It also helps in unit conversions, since you can multiply anything by "1" and not change its value. So to change units between, say, cm and meters, you multiply by $1 = \frac{1m}{100cm}$ so that the units of cm cancel out and you are left with units of meters and the corresponding new number.

 

[Rodney182]

Welcome to PF.


One of the most useful tips that I learned early in my study of Physics and Engineering is to carry units along in the equations you are writing and solving. If you ensure that your units match between terms and across the equal sign, it goes a long way toward helping you understand what is going on and avoiding mistakes.

It also helps in unit conversions, since you can multiply anything by "1" and not change its value. So to change units between, say, cm and meters, you multiply by $1 = \frac{1m}{100cm}$ so that the units of cm cancel out and you are left with units of meters and the corresponding new number.

Ty! I will keep this in mind.

 

[CrysPhys]

What are some things you wish you knew when you started learning physics? Or things about the world of science/physics that you wish someone had told you?

What I'm about to say doesn't fall into the category of "what I wish I had known, or what I wish someone had told me", because it's what I actually did, what came naturally to me. Also what I'm about to say will be counter to the advice given by many here.

When you're starting out, don't drown yourself in math. Focus on observations and experiments. You've given us no background (such as age, education, and experiences). But you don't need expensive equipment to get started. Build mechanical, electrical, and electronic apparatus. Hook them up to computers. If you've got the money, buy basic instruments such as a microscope, telescope, and a balance. Don't just read physics problems in textbooks. Do actual hands-on observations and experiments. Try out a variety of fields. You'll find out what sparks your passion, and what puts you to sleep. Develop physical intuition.