Students’ opinions towards physics can vary drastically. Those who are fascinated with how the world works will see it as their favourite subject because they get to understand the science behind how specific objects function, such as how light refracts through a prism. However, students who fall on the other side of the spectrum may find physics a challenging subject.
No matter your opinion on the subject, there is no shame in struggling with physics because everyone learns at their own pace. If you are encountering some difficulty in mastering the subject, do not fret. With the right attitude and strategy, you can also score well in your physics examinations. Let us share four tips you should keep in mind when you are studying the subject.
1. Get to grips with the basics
There are various concepts and theories to get to grips with when you study physics. Therefore, it is advisable for you to start with the basics and work your way upwards. Even within a single topic, you may find several concepts to master. However, they tend to link back to a central theory that ties everything together.
While tackling the most challenging problems and working your way backwards can be tempting, you are more likely to find yourself hitting a wall eventually. This is because most of the concepts and theories you will be dealing with can often be traced back to an underlying principle. Therefore, your best move is to understand the basics first – doing so will help you understand the various concepts and problems in a sequential manner.
2. Equations are important
Anyone who has studied physics can attest that equations are a vital component of almost every physics topic. There are simple and complex equations in physics, and often the complex equations are an evolution of the more common equations you learnt earlier. So with that in mind, first try and get to grips with the basic equations and memorise what each symbol mean. After all, not every physics equation will be provided to you during your exam, so you need to remember those you need. Once you have a solid understanding of the basic equations, you can then move on to the more complex ones.
3. Do not underestimate drawings
Even if you are not artistically inclined, you can consider turning to drawings to help you memorise the various physics formulas and concepts. Doing so can sometimes be extremely helpful in grasping the core principles of a formula. For example, the formula used to calculate speed can be represented with a triangle, with each point representing speed, distance, and time.
Drawings can also help you better visualise physics problems. When you have a clear visual depiction of the problem you need to solve, you may find it easier to recall the equation and concept you need to solve the question. This is often why physic textbooks contain multiple visual illustrations to convey the various concepts to their readers.
4. Always take note of the units
Physics can be very particular with the units used – 5 centimetres is wholly different from 5 metres, and 5 fluid ounces is not equal to 5 millilitres. Using the wrong units can severely impact your calculations, making it impossible for you to obtain the correct answer. Therefore, when you are tackling any exam questions where units of measurement come into play, you need to be alert to achieve a high score for your physics exams.
Conclusion
Being proficient in physics is a fascinating challenge, and it would require maximum enthusiasm and self-discipline because it is a broad subject. Therefore, it is advisable to complement your self-study with the proper guidance a physics tutor can provide. At Best Physics Tuition Centre, we provide O level and JC physics tuition classes to help those struggling with the subject. If you need additional guidance on the subject, you can consider signing up for our tuition classes.