Worth self studying physics over summer?

[nlsherrill]

I'm taking Calc 1 and 2 this summer to try and catch up for the math needed in physics(which I am starting next year). I have an introductory calculus based mechanics book that's about 400 pages long, 12 chapters. Would it be worth trying to self teach myself some of this stuff before I take Univ Physics in the Fall? I have already taken algebra based physics 1 and 2, so I have some exposure to physics.

 

[ronaldor9]

Definitely! If you have the free time and it interests you, do it. It'll help tremendously, usually on the second exposure to new material, everything I'll make much more sense.

 

[sol66]

Ive self studied a number of things. All I can say is that unless your going into a class that is particularly hard, or that you currently don't have the pre-requisite for ... there really is no reason. Now unless you want to get ahead, like for instance get into research and such... its probably a good idea.

The one difference that I found with self study and a class is that a class will force you to be rigorous about your study habits, where one would not be so hard core in a self study situation.

If you want to learn the material, do the problems. If you do the problems, your self study will be just as effective as taking a class. If you plan on just reading the book without being active about the problems, don't bother ... your just wasting your time.

 

[nlsherrill]

Ive self studied a number of things. All I can say is that unless your going into a class that is particularly hard, or that you currently don't have the pre-requisite for ... there really is no reason. Now unless you want to get ahead, like for instance get into research and such... its probably a good idea.

The one difference that I found with self study and a class is that a class will force you to be rigorous about your study habits, where one would not be so hard core in a self study situation.

If you want to learn the material, do the problems. If you do the problems, your self study will be just as effective as taking a class. If you plan on just reading the book without being active about the problems, don't bother ... your just wasting your time.

Yes I agree with you here. This book Matter and Interactions has a lot of problems, and its 12 chapters long, and my summer is about 14-15 weeks long. I figured that if I worked at it about an hour a day, I could cover a chapter a week and be ahead of the game come fall.

 

[sol66]

Then you should be fine

 

[lordkelvin]

definitely do it