What are you favorite to hated topics in Physics?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion reveals a diverse range of opinions on favorite and least favorite topics in physics among participants. Key favorites include Kinematics, Gravitation, and Fluid Dynamics, while topics such as Magnetism, Electric Fields, and Thermodynamics are commonly disliked. Participants express frustration with complex diagrams and calculations, particularly in mechanics and fluid dynamics. The Lagrangian formalism is mentioned as a preferred method over traditional force diagrams, highlighting a shift in teaching preferences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as Kinematics and Dynamics
  • Familiarity with Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics
  • Knowledge of Electric Fields and Magnetism
  • Basic mathematical skills for physics calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the Lagrangian formalism in classical mechanics
  • Study advanced topics in Thermodynamics and their applications
  • Investigate Fluid Dynamics, focusing on laminar and turbulent flow
  • Learn about the principles of Electromagnetism and their real-world implications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the varying perceptions of physics topics, particularly those struggling with complex concepts and seeking effective teaching methods.

Matt Jacques
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From favorite to hated:

1. Kinematics / Gravitation / Relativity
2. Conservation of Energy / Vectors
3. Momentum
4. Dynamics
5. Waves / Oscillations
6. Magnetism
7. Electric Fields / Optics
8. Pressure/Fluids...
9. Angular stuff...blech
 
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I'm going to say:

mechanics

Those force diagrams make me feel like Wile E. Coyote reading ACME Blueprint. For coyote an anvil drops on him, in my cases it some red ink on my exams.
 
I beg to differ

?? That is the BEST part of mechanics.. makeing stupid diagrams and having what little 'fun' this topic of physics offers.. my fav was my 1st lesson of a-level physics determining if homer was going to make the jump across the vally on bart's skateboard.. [see pic]

o
{}
LL
o-o
----
MMMM <BIG GAP>
MMMM <BIG GAP> o
MMMM <BIG GAP> {}
MMMM <BIG GAP> LL
MMMM <BIG GAP> o-o
MMMM <BIG GAP>-----------------

anyway..id say the worst is a combination of Magnetism and Electric Fields, they kinda go hand in hand

 
H-bar, you'll be happy to know that from your second year of college on you'll never have to draw a force-chart again. The whole method is archaïc, time-consuming and very unpractical. Long live the Lagrangian formalism !

I don't know if I have a favourite subjest yet, but I know what I don't like. Solid state physics and thermdynamics.

Oh right, I have an exam on the second subject today :eek:
 
blech! thermo!
 
Long live the Lagrangian formalism !

I've been in class yet with this subject but I'm famliar with the subject. I'm weird in that diagrams and geometry confuse the hell out me.

I undertand the math models better. I took a Solid State class as an Electronics Engineering Tech student its alright. Thermo looks god-awful boring.
 
My favorite topic in physics would be any I can understand (in my case, none of them), and my most hated are those that I cannot comprehend (almost all topics covered). :wink:

I'm sorry, but I've failed my physics class and have to retake it all again next semester. :frown:
 
Most hated:
"please do my homework fr me!"

Favorite:
"Hey, this is interesting but not trying to naively overturn the major established theories of physics. Just figured I'd share."

cookiemonster
 
Most hated: Creationism.

I know it's not a subject which should be in this list, but there's always some fundy whacko who thinks physics is evil because it goes against the "lord's word", and wants to splash their nonsense all over a science forum.
 
  • #10
Fluid dynamics. It's great when you start, with that miraculous incompressible ideal fluid, but as soon as you get laminar flow and viscocity and turbulence and differential equations... I guess tha't why I'm not teaching in college.
 
  • #11
Angular, Optics, Vectors.
 
  • #12
I just finished high school and everything in high school is so ideal. Like we only need to deal with ideal gas, we always assume there's no air resistance, assume the gas is incompresible, assume no stray magnetic field, etc in our calculations. Also, most of the calculations are easy and involve only little and simple calculus. So on the whole, I like every topic in physics I encountered. :wink: The topics that I like MOST are atomic physics, electromagnetism and fluid dynamics.
 
  • #13
KLscilevothma said:
I just finished high school and everything in high school is so ideal. Like we only need to deal with ideal gas, we always assume there's no air resistance, assume the gas is incompresible, assume no stray magnetic field, etc in our calculations. Also, most of the calculations are easy and involve only little and simple calculus. So on the whole, I like every topic in physics I encountered. :wink: The topics that I like MOST are atomic physics, electromagnetism and fluid dynamics.

that's because those topics are the easiest in high school physics program.
 
  • #14
PrudensOptimus said:
that's because those topics are the easiest in high school physics program.
No, most of my classmates will give you a totally different response under this thread :wink:
 

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