How Can I Improve My Understanding of Physics Questions?

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The discussion centers on the challenges of understanding high school physics, particularly the ambiguity of questions and the struggle to grasp concepts due to a lack of mathematical foundation. The individual has made progress by integrating personal interests, such as great white sharks, into their learning but still finds difficulty in interpreting complex physics questions. They express concern over their classmates' understanding, noting that many are in algebra 2 while they are in pre-calculus, which affects their confidence. Suggestions emphasize the importance of practice in physics, highlighting that mastery requires solving problems beyond homework assignments. Additionally, it's noted that a solid grasp of mathematics is crucial for success in physics, as it involves translating problems into mathematical terms. Misconceptions stemming from unclear teaching methods are also acknowledged, with a recommendation to focus on understanding fundamental concepts like work, power, and energy through both reading and problem-solving.
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I had a thread on here ( I don't understand physics ) and completely used it as a rant. Well since then I've taken precautions on losing temper and understanding physics.
Forging to play on my strengths, I combined my interest in learning about great white sharks and using physics to make it clear. I've had success but now my main problem is understanding physics questions. The ambiguity of the question really throws me off from picturing what's going on and what values am I given. What can I do to get over this last hump ? Read more often because if it's my lack of understanding of what the question says then maybe I can solve the question? How do you approach these verbose sentences?
This is high school physics and I talked to a teacher who is extremely proficient in higher maths and he told me most of physics is calculus based and I am only in pre calculus. But the problem is that most of my class is in algebra 2 and they seem to understand most of it better than I do. It also doesn't help that they form "Cliques" and so that throws out "getting classmate help" out the window.
And so I ask, what can I do in this situation?
Any help is gladly appriciated.
 
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How much do you practice for physics? I don't mean reading books and stuff. But actually sitting down and solving difficult questions. And then I'm not talking about homework, but actual questions going beyond homework.

There's no royal road to physics. Everybody has to get there by a lot of practice. If you don't understand many physics questions, then I think you might not be practising enough. Either that or you have some misconceptions about certain concepts in physics. Or maybe both.

Math is of course very important. And if your math is not good, then your physics will not be good either. Because physics IS math AND beyond. Physics requires you understand the problem, translate it into math and then using math to solve it. Those three things are vital. You need to figure out which of these three you're not good at.
 
What I am doing right now is reading about the literal meaning of "Work", Power, and Energy.
My misconception stems from a teachers who literally has his work messy on the board so it's hard understand the material when it's a juggernaut of a mess
 
Reading is good. Doing problems is better.
 

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