How to Get Good at Physics

Some people are lucky enough to have a natural gift for physics. However, most of us have to study hard to get good grades in this subject. By learning important foundational skills and practicing a lot , anyone can be good at physics. In fact, good grades are only one part, but more importantly, knowledge of physics helps us better understand the mysterious forces that govern the way the world works.

Table of Contents

Understand basic physics concepts

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Memorize fundamental constants. In physics, some forces such as the force that produce the acceleration due to gravity are generally distributed mathematical constants. This is simply the ideal way to say that these forces usually have a constant value regardless of where and how they are applied. It’s a good idea to memorize common constants (and their units) — these values are not usually provided in the test. Here are a few of the most commonly used constants in physics:

Gravity acceleration: 9.81 m/s ²
Speed of light: 3 × 10 ⁸ m/s
Ideal Gas Constant: 8.32 J/(mp × Kelvin)
Avogadro’s constant: 6.02 × 10 ²³ /mp
Planck constant: 6.63 × 10 ^-34 J × s

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Memorize the basic equations. In physics, equations are used to describe the relationships between different forces in the universe. Some equations are very simple, while others are extremely complex. You should memorize the simplest equations and learn how to use them to be able to solve simple and complex problems. Even difficult and complex problems can be solved with many simple equations or modified to fit the problem. Learning the basic equations in physics is very easy, and when you encounter complex problems, you will at least partially understand if you have mastered these equations. Some of the most important equations are: ^{[1] X Research Source}

Speed = Distance/Time of movement (dx/dt)
Acceleration = Velocity change / Velocity change time
Current Velocity = Initial Velocity + (Acceleration × time)
Force = Mass × acceleration
Kinetic Energy = (1/2) Mass × Velocity ²
Work = Displacement × force
Power = Work/Time
Momentum = Mass × Velocity

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Learn the origin of the basic equations. Memorizing the basic equations is one thing — but understanding why these equations exist is another. If possible, you should learn how to construct each of the basic physics equations. This will help you to deeply understand the relationship between equations and be able to solve problems more flexibly. Since you know how the equations “work”, you can use them more effectively than simply memorizing strings of characters.

For example, consider the following simple equation: Acceleration = Change of Velocity/Time to Change of Velocity = Delta(v)/Delta(t). Acceleration is the force that causes the velocity of an object to change. If an object has an initial velocity of v ₀ at time t ₀ and a final velocity of v at time t, we can say that the object has accelerated from v ₀ to v. Acceleration is not an instantaneous quantity — no matter how quickly things happen, there will be a time difference from when the object starts moving at its initial velocity to when it reaches its final velocity. So a = (v – v ₀ /t – t ₀ ) = Delta(v)/Delta(t).

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Learn the math skills needed to solve physics problems. Mathematics is often referred to as “the language of physics”. Mastering the basics of math is a great way to improve your ability to solve physics problems. Some complex physics equations require special math skills to solve (like derivatives and integrals). Here are some math topics that can help you with physics (ordered by complexity):

Pre-algebra and algebra (for basic equations and “find unknown quantities”) exercises
Trigonometry (for force diagrams, rotation problems, and inclined systems)
Geometry (for exercises on areas, volumes, etc.)
Pre-calculus and calculus (to calculate derivatives and integrals of physical equations — advanced physics topic)
Linear algebra (for calculations containing vectors – usually advanced physics topics)

Use the strategy of focusing on getting points

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Focus on the important information of each problem. Physics problems often have “redundant information” — information that is not necessary for solving the problem. When reading the question, you need to distinguish the information provided, then determine what the goal you are looking for. Write down the equations to use for the exercise, then assign each piece of information provided to the appropriate variables. Ignore unnecessary information because it takes time and makes it difficult for you to realize the correct solution.

For example, suppose we need to find the acceleration of a car when its velocity changes after a time of 2 seconds. If the car weighs 1,000 kg, starts running at 9 m/s and the final speed is 22 m/s, we can say v ₀ = 9 m/s, v = 22 m/s, m = 1,000 kg, t = 2 s. As mentioned, the acceleration equation is a = (v – v ₀ /t – t ₀ ). Note that this equation has no mass, so we can ignore the information that the mass of the car is 1,000 kg.
So the equation is solved like this: a = (v – v ₀ /t – t ₀ ) = ((22 – 9)/(2 – 0)) = (13/2) = 6.5 m/s ²

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Use the correct units for each exercise. You will easily lose points if you forget to write the unit or use the wrong unit. To get enough marks for the work, you must remember to write the correct units for your answer. Here are some units of the most commonly used physical quantities — as a general rule, physics exercises almost always use the metric/SI system:

Weight: Gram or kilogram
Force: Newton
Velocity: meters/second (sometimes kilometers/hour)
Acceleration: meters/second ²
Energy/Work: Joul or kilojoul
Power: Watt

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Don’t forget the small details (like friction, traction, etc. ). Physics exercises often simulate real-life situations, but they simplify the actual workings of things to make it easier for you to understand the situation. Sometimes they oversimplify or intentionally eliminate forces that can change the outcome of the exercise (such as friction). However, not all exercises are like that. If the problem doesn’t make it clear that these small details have been removed and you have enough information to include them in your answer, consider these forces for the most accurate answer.

For example, suppose the exercise asks you to find the acceleration of a 5 kg block of wood sliding on a flat floor if it is pushed with a force of 50 newtons. Since F = m × a, it seems that you can easily solve the equation 50 = 5 × a to find the answer. However, in practice, the force of friction will counteract the motion of the object and greatly reduce the repulsive force acting on the object. Neglecting friction will result in the block accelerating slightly faster than it actually is.

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Check the answer carefully. A moderate-to-hard physics exercise may involve a lot of math. Errors at any step can lead to incorrect answers, so you must pay close attention to the math when solving. If you have time, you should double-check your answers to make sure the math is correct

Although re-solving is a way of checking math operations, you should also intuitively assess the relationship between the exercise and reality to check your answers. For example, if you were to find the momentum (mass × velocity) of an object moving forward, the answer would not be negative because mass is positive and velocity is negative only if the object is moving. move in the “negative” direction (i.e. the opposite of the “forward” direction in the reference coordinate). So if the answer is a negative number, you probably did something wrong during the solution.

Focus on studying in physics class

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Preview lessons before class. Ideally, you should be prepared to avoid getting confused with new physics concepts in class. You should preview the lesson in your textbook before going to class the next day. Avoid focusing on the math side of the physics subject — at this stage you should try to grasp the general concepts and understand what the teacher is saying. This will create a strong foundation from which you can apply the math skills you will learn in class.

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Concentrate in class. During class, the teacher will explain the concepts that you have previewed at home and explain the things you do not understand. Take notes and ask lots of questions. Maybe the teacher will go over the math of the physics subject. If they do, you should try to get the gist of “what they’re talking about” even if you don’t remember exactly how to calculate the derivative of the equation — it’s good to practice this way of “listening” to the lecture.

If you have questions lingering in your mind after class, talk to your teacher. Try to ask questions as specific as possible — this shows you’ve listened to the teacher. If the teacher isn’t busy, he or she may schedule an appointment to re-read the lesson and help you understand the problem.
You can ask if your teacher will allow you to record the lecture so you can listen to it again. Thanks to that, you can also ask the teacher to clarify if something is difficult to understand after listening to the lecture again.

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Review notes at home. To complete your studies and have a more complete understanding of physics, you should take the time to review your notes at home as soon as you get the chance. This habit will help you remember what you have learned in class. The longer you delay reviewing the material, the harder it will be for you to remember what you’ve heard, and the more “foreign” concepts will seem, so you have to actively reinforce your knowledge by reviewing your notes at home.

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Solve practice exercises. Like math, writing, or computer programming, solving physics problems is a thinking skill. The more you use this skill, the more proficient you will become. If you have difficulty with physics, you should solve a lot of exercises. Not only will this help you prepare for exams, but you’ll be able to understand concepts better as you work through assignments.

If you’re not satisfied with your physics score, don’t just practice with the homework given by your teacher. Try to solve more difficult problems that you wouldn’t normally come across — it could be exercises in textbooks that aren’t given at home, free exercises on the internet, or in physics workbooks ( sold in bookstores).

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Use available support resources. You don’t have to go through a difficult physics course alone — depending on your academic background, there are many ways you can find support. Find and use any resources you need to get a better understanding of physics. Although some learning resources require a fee, most students have at least a few options that are free and easily accessible. Here are a few suggestions for how you can find support for learning physics:

Teacher (see you after class)
Friends (group study or homework together)
Tutor (self-employed or provided by the school according to the training program)
Resources provided by third parties (like physics workbooks, websites like Khan Academy, etc.)

Advice

Focus on concepts . It is always helpful to “visualize” what the teacher is teaching.
Develop math skills . Advanced physics is mainly applied mathematics, especially calculus. You must know how to integrate and solve equations by substitution or partial solution.
When solving exercises, pay attention to every detail . Don’t forget to calculate the friction force or forget to calculate the moment of inertia about the axis.
Learn the derivative.
Discuss assignments and learning content with friends in the class. This benefits both you and them.

Steps

Understand basic physics concepts

Use the strategy of focusing on getting points

Focus on studying in physics class

Advice

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