To learn physics and succeed at it, you will need to implement some strategies.
As you know, physics has a tough reputation which makes it less to memorize and it requires more critical thinking than other subjects since it includes the study of gravity, energy, fluids, energy, motion, and areas like quantum physics and thermodynamics.
But regardless of all these, it is one of the funniest subjects if you have the right tips to study it effectively which is what this article will outline for you.
So keep reading!
How To Study Physics Effectively: 5 Tips
Students often have trouble understanding physics due to its complex mathematical problems, but these five tips will help you gain a better understanding of this subject and achieve good exam results.
They are as follows:
1. Focus On The Concepts
It is an undeniable fact that Physics is one of the most challenging subjects aside from mathematics which is hard for students to understand since it comprises numerous theories, formulae, derivations, equations, and so many more.
So to be able to excel in this subject, you will need to study and try as much as possible to memorize those basic concepts which aid you to know what physics entails.
Below is an example of an overview of the basic physical concepts and their relationships:
Electromagnetism:
- Electrodynamics
- Electrostatic
Quantum Mechanics and Classical Mechanics:
Classical Mechanics has to do with;
- Newtonian Mechanics such as Newton’s law of motion are distance or displacement and force or acceleration.
- Analytical Mechanics
Thermodynamics
Statistical Mechanics which comprises of
Heat, Work, and Internal energy.
Relativity
- General Relativity
- Special Relativity has to do with time, mass, and length.
2. Learn The Basic Equations And Formulas
As earlier stated, to learn physics in a better way you need to keep your base as well as have a strong foundation.
Having this strong foundation also has to do with learning basic physics formulas and equations.
You also need to know the circumstances behind the formulation of the various formulas and equations.
Having known this, let’s take a quick look at some basic formulas such as:
- The Formula For Velocity:
v = ∆s/∆t
Where, s = displacement, t = time taken
- The Formula For Acceleration:
a= ∆v/∆t or a = vf – vi/t = ∆v/t
Where, vf = Final velocity, vi = Initial Velocity, t = Time, and ∆v = change in Velocity
- Equations Of Motion Are;
v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², and v² = u²+2as
If you learn these equations and many more, believe me when I say this, learning physics will become a piece of cake for you.
3. Strengthen Your Mathematical Skills
If you are studying physics then you will see that it involves plenty of mathematical solutions.
That is why as a physics student who wants to excel in a subject you must have a strong foundation in mathematics because, without math, you wouldn’t be able to understand the various terms used in this subject.
Some of the mathematical topics that you should familiarize yourself with which will help you in understanding physics easily are as follows:
- Calculus
- Algebra
- Derivative
- Integration
- Linear Algebra
By understanding and studying these topics, you are sure to become an expert in physics.
4. Familiarize Yourself With The SI Units:
When we talk of SI Units, we are referring to the metric system that is used universally as a standard for measurements.
So with this as a physics student, there is a need for you to have an understanding of the SI units in physics since it is an indispensable tool that mustn’t be omitted after doing a numerical calculation.
Below are the SI Units that you need to know, their qualities, and symbols.
- Meter
Quantity: Length
Symbol: m
- Kilogram
Quantity: Mass
Symbol: kg
- Seconds
Quantity: Time
Symbol: s
- Ampere
Quantity: Electric Current
Symbol: A
- Kelvin
Quantity: Temperature
Symbol: K
- Candela
Quantity: Luminous Intensity
Symbol: cd
- Mole
Quantity: Amount of Substance
Symbol: mol
5. Use Illustrations
Visual learning is always effective and works more promptly.
It can be in the form of a drawing, graph, doodle, or image.
Using any kind of illustration will help you to see a clear picture of what you are dealing with for a better understanding of physics.
In addition, learning with this can also help you to memorize more.
An example of such an illustration is a graph that shows the uniformity of velocity.
The above graph shows the distance that it will take if you are traveling from a particular location to another at a certain time.
In addition, an extra tip that I regard as the most important is studying and having a reading timetable.
Just like many subjects, but perhaps particularly those you’re having difficulty with will require extra attention physics would be excluded as it requires uninterrupted daily studying.
It is not just about studying, it is also about finding out the best place that suits your learning best.
Most people prefer an isolated place or in a library etc.
So, figure out how and where you get your best studying done and work that into your daily routine so that you can spend a little time every day.
Having said this, the best way to study effectively for better learning is by:
- Reviewing what you learned on that day and the previous days daily to help you memorize them.
- By consolidating your study notes,
- By reviewing some of the sample problem sets online or in educational materials.
- By preparing ahead of time for your next class.
Conclusion
Physics may appear to be cloaked with all kinds of complex formulae, equations, theorems, and laws that make it look difficult.
But if you implement these five tips which we have covered in this article, you’ll find yourself learning more efficiently and effectively while targeting your weaknesses and maybe even start to enjoy physics a whole lot more.
As you abide by these tips, all the best!