Getting high marks in Physics requires a lot of hard work. You need to spend a lot of time and effort in anchoring these concepts in your mind. However, spending a lot of time studying Physics won’t be of much help if you are not doing it right. If you want to improve your performance, you also have to work smart. Here are some tips on how to improve your performance in physics.
Memorize all the important constants
There are several constants that keep cropping up and if you can’t recall their value, then you will find yourself in trouble. So, memorize all the important constants. These include the value of Pi ( = 3.14159), acceleration due to earth’s gravitation (g = 9.81 ms-2), universal gravitational constant (G = 6.67 x 10-11 m3 kg-1 s-2), speed of light (c = 3 x 108 ms-1), Molar gas constant (R = 8.32 J.mol-1.k-1) and Planck’s constant (h = 6.63 x 10-34 Js-1) among others.
Memorize all the important equations
What would Physics be without mathematical equations? Nothing more than a bunch of theories that cannot be proved. Every physical law is supported by an equation, such as S = ut + 1/2 at2. To be really good at Physics, you have to have these equations in your mind. Some of the most important equations that you need to memorize include v = d / t, a = v / t, F = m x a, KE = 1/2 * m * v2, W = F x d, and P = (F x D) / t.
Practice deriving all the important equations
Memorizing equations is not enough. You have to know where they come from and what they actually stand for. If you don’t have a clear picture of how they are derived, then you won’t be able to apply them properly. The best way to understand equations is to learn to derive them. Practice deriving equations until you can do them without having to pause to think. If your school exercises do not provide sufficient practices, get extra learning materials from your Physics tuition for your extra practices. Being able to produce the derivation of an equation off your head is important be it for answering the question or for time management. For example, can you derive the AC circuit resonance equation?
fresonance = 1 / 2p
Memorize all the important Physics laws
Reading Physics is like reading a book of laws. There is a law for every natural phenomenon in the universe. What is Newton’s first law of motion? “An object at rest continues to remain at rest and an object in motion continues to be in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force.” Do you know the second law of thermodynamics? You should be able to recall all the laws without scratching your head if you want to be good at Physics.
Memorize all the important schematic diagrams
Drawing diagrams is a big part of Physics. You will understand each topic better if you know how to draw the associated schematic diagrams. For example, do you know how to draw the schematic diagram of looking at an object at infinity through a telescope? Or, can you draw the schematic diagram to show how domestic electric circuits work? Memorize all the important diagrams.
Acing your Physics examinations can be tough but it is not impossible. By knowing what and how to study for this subject, you can be one of those students acing your exams as well. Whether it is memorizing your concepts, getting extra practices from your Physics tuition or doing self-revision, make sure to invest your time and effort smartly!
